Book Review: Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
I dove into Two Twisted Crowns with an eagerness that only a well-crafted cliffhanger can awaken. Rachel Gillig’s The Shepherd King series has wrapped its imaginative fingers around my heart, and I simply couldn’t resist the pull to uncover what awaited Ravyn, Elm, Elspeth, and the enigmatic Nightmare in this final installment. This dark, gothic fantasy promises a whirlwind of magic, tension, and emotional stakes—and it delivers in spades.
From the get-go, the story leaps right where One Dark Window left us, plunging headfirst into the chaos of Blunder. The seamless blending of three perspectives—Ravyn, Elm, and Elspeth—creates a tapestry that’s rich and engaging, making it easy for me to immerse myself in their intertwined fates. I devoured the dual storylines with relish, finding myself both laughing at the banter and on the edge of my seat during the action.
Nightmare has always captivated me with his snarky wit, and his character development in this book is nothing short of exquisite. Through his interactions with Ravyn, Elspeth, and Jespyr, we peel back layers of his past, exposing a tender side shielded by humor and bravado. His protective nature, disguised behind sarcastic comments, tugged at my heartstrings. “Elspeth says if you do not get up, she’ll never kiss you again,” he quips, encapsulating his recurring role as both protector and comic relief. There’s a depth to him that emerges as he reveals his vulnerabilities, and I found myself shedding tears when the weight of his sacrifices culminated.
Ravyn, our resilient hero, embodies strength and protectiveness that had me swooning throughout. His journey to find the remaining providence card encapsulates not just a quest for magic, but also a desperate bid to shield those he loves. “You and I are Blunder’s reckoning, Ravyn Yew. Not its peace,” he learns, and it resonated deeply with me, exploring ideas of destiny and sacrifice.
Elm and Ione take center stage as the primary romance, and I confess I was initially hesitant about not having more of Ravyn and Elspeth. Yet, Gillig’s portrayal of Elm transformed my doubts into excitement. His love for Ione is tender and healing, each interaction a balm for their fragmented pasts. “I’d be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper,” he tells her, and it created an emotional bond that felt both genuine and profound.
Supporting characters like Jespyr add delightful levity, while the Ivy brothers introduce humor that balances the weight of darker themes. As I read, I couldn’t help but appreciate the thought Gillig put into each character, even those I found myself loathing, like Hauth.
The writing style is refreshingly crisp, punctuated by lines that stopped me in my tracks, urging me to reflect. Notable moments filled with emotional stakes and sharp wit echo in my mind long after finishing the book: “A hundred years,” he said to her, as if she were the only one in the room. “I’ll love you for a hundred years—and an eternity after.” Such sentiments stay with readers, illustrating Gillig’s craft in evoking emotions.
As I closed the final pages, I was left yearning for just a little more—more time with these characters who had become like old friends. If you’re drawn to dark fantasy rich with emotional resonance and character-driven narratives, Two Twisted Crowns is a must-read, especially with spooky season looming. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of intricate world-building, layers of magic, and heartfelt connections.
This journey with Ravyn, Elm, Elspeth, and Nightmare has been a truly captivating experience, and I can’t wait to see what Rachel Gillig conjures up next.
Discover more about Two Twisted Crowns (The Shepherd King, #2) on GoodReads >>
