Two Twisted Crowns Review (The Shepherd King, #2)
Hello, all!
I really enjoyed One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (review here), so I was highly anticipating the follow-up, Two Twisted Crowns.
Pub Date: 10-17-23 Adult - Fantasy |
The land of Blunder is in peril. The rightful king was usurped hundreds of years ago, leaving the land cloaked in a dangerous mist. Now, it's ruled by a tyrant who seeks to rid the population infected by magic using whatever means necessary. Elspeth Spindle had hidden her affliction for most of her life until she met Ravyn. The pair have gathered most of the Providence Cards needed to heal their world, but the last and most important--the Twin Alders card-- is still missing. The only being that knows its whereabouts is the Nightmare living inside Elspeth's head, and she has no choice but to let it loose.
Ravyn is devastated he couldn't protect Elspeth and knows the only way to get her back is to continue with their plan. Uniting the deck of Providence Cards is their only hope, so Ravyn and the Nightmare set out on a treacherous journey. Meanwhile, at the castle, Prince Elm finds himself stuck navigating a court he never wanted to be a part of. Elspeth and Elm have pivotal parts to play in healing the kingdom, but with the days to their Solstice due date dwindling, will they make it?What a great ending to this duology. I loved the Gothic atmosphere in the first book, and Gillig expanded it beautifully here. We got to learn more about the land and its history and more insight into the Nightmare and how it all tied together. There were so many aspects to this I enjoyed. The pacing was fast-paced and kept me engaged the whole time. I read it all in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down. I liked the character dynamics and how we got multiple POVs (Elm's was my fave). But the highlight of this series lies in the romance. It's angsty without being too over-the-top, and the new one we got? I'm obsessed. I'm so impressed with how Gillig managed to wrap this story up in such a satisfying way, and I'm looking forward to picking up whatever else she comes out with.
Yesss! I loved this duology closer, and Elm's perspective was my favorite too! I can't wait to read more from Rachel!
ReplyDeleteI have not read the second book but am looking forward to reading it. I agree with everything you say about the book but I believe it is a 5/5 anyways by nerds of nature
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