Rachel Gillig's Two Twisted Crowns is praised for its immersive world-building and complex character dynamics, offering a rich fantasy experience. Some readers found pacing issues and minor plot predictability as drawbacks. Overall, it's a strong follow-up that satisfies series fans with its depth and lore.

Readers who enjoy dark fantasy with intricate political intrigue and lush world-building, akin to Naomi Novik's Uprooted or Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale, will find Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig captivating. This novel appeals to those who appreciate strong, morally complex characters and atmospheric storytelling.

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig follows Elspeth, who is possessed by the soul of the dead Shepherd King, and Ravyn, who seeks answers from the Shepherd King’s grave. As political and magical forces collide in the kingdom of Blunder, alliances are tested, sacrifices are made, and a final battle ensues to determine the kingdom's fate. Themes of justice, sacrifice, and historical cycles are explored throughout this fantasy romance. Contains sensitive topics such as trauma, violence, and self-harm.

Mysterious / Dark / Fantastical / Suspenseful

**Ravyn Yew**  
Ravyn is one of the novel's leading protagonists, serving as both a main narrative voice and Elspeth's love interest. He is the Captain of the Destriers and the son of Fenir Yew and Morette Rowan, and he struggles with the degeneration of his unique magical abilities.

**Renelm “Elm” Rowan**  
Elm, the Second Prince of Blunder and Ione's love interest, plays a key role as a leading protagonist and Ravyn's right-hand man. He shares a chosen family bond with the Yews and has a complex relationship with the Rowans, particularly with his antagonistic brother Hauth.

**The Nightmare, or Aemmory Percyval Taxus, the Shepherd King**  
The Nightmare is a critical character who occupies Elspeth's body and serves as an anti-hero in the narrative. He is the soul of the former Shepherd King and maintains a parasitic yet fatherly relationship with Elspeth.

**Elspeth Spindle**  
Elspeth is a main protagonist and narrative voice whose body is controlled by the Nightmare for much of the story. She eventually reclaims autonomy and is intricately connected to the magic and events surrounding the Providence Cards.

**Hauth Rowan**  
Hauth is portrayed as the novel's main antagonist, a former Crown Prince broken in the aftermath of an encounter with the Nightmare. His cruel nature and ambition drive him to harm those around him to achieve power.

**Ione Hawthorn**  
Ione is a secondary character, Elspeth's cousin, and Elm's love interest who becomes entangled in the Rowan family’s plots. Her complex engagement to Hauth is central to her story, as she seeks freedom and safety for those she cares about.

**Quercus Rowan**  
Quercus is one of the story's main antagonists as the father of Hauth and Elm, pushing for a brutal family legacy. His kingship is marked by a focus on power and freedom from the mist, resulting in strained familial relationships.

**Erik Spindle**  
Erik, Elspeth's father and former Captain of the Destriers, appears as a secondary character in the narrative. His stoic nature and protective instincts play a significant role in his relationship with Elspeth and the unfolding events.

**Tyrn Hawthorn**  
As a secondary character, Tyrn is Ione's father and Elspeth's uncle who looks after her while grappling with his own past decisions. His motivations are driven by family ties and the goal of survival in a complicated political landscape.

**The Spirit of the Wood**  
The Spirit is a secondary character, a powerful deity figure associated with the alderwood and creator of the mist. She plays a pivotal role in the creation and control of magical elements in the narrative landscape.

**Destriers**  
Destriers serve as secondary characters and antagonists, functioning as the King’s royal police force. Under Hauth's command, they enforce his will, challenging Ravyn and Elm in their quest.

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