raverzay's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Livre vraiment classique, je l'ai apprécié sans m'y être vraiment attaché.... Toujours livre de fantasy ado un peu concon et très typique mais j'ai apprécié certains détails et j'ai facilement réussi à m'imaginer le monde et les personnages. Vraiment, mon avis est très neutre car je n'ai pas eu d'étincelles avec ce livre mais il n'était pas mauvais non plus. Il y avait de bonnes idées mais sans plus quoi. En fait, ça faisait vraiment Disney!
bringmeadream's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
spinebreaker_101's review against another edition
5.0
Okay bumping this up to 5 stars because I cannot stop thinking about this incomplete trilogy and, honestly, it’s driving me insane.
It was clearly quite YA, had simple world-building, at least one slightly annoying character, and yet I wish this was extended into a full series with at least 3 more additional books. Why? Because I loved the forbidden romance, Wren’s character, the simple world building and magic system, the relationships between all the characters involved, and most prominently, the storyline. I would even go as far as to say it is quite unique and great for purging from incessantly regurgitated fantasy plots.
Prefacing this by saying this was by no means a bad book. However, I did enjoy the first 3/4 way more than that last quarter just because I wanted more - more chaos, more stress, more tension/suspense. If I’m not tearing my hair out by the last 10 chapters I don’t want it. Oddly enough, I think this is exactly what keeps my thoughts wandering back to Twin Crowns and wishing for more of it. It definitely has the potential to be more complex both in its storyline and its writing.
I also think this book would’ve been even better if it wasn’t YA, it’s not absolutely necessary but the romance/tension did play a significant storyline here. Though I did like the contrast between the two fmc’s and their love interests - especially wren (and her personality overall, the confidence and boldness she shows towards her love interest had me gagged I ate that shit up)
I did think that this book was going to be more about rivalry for the crown between the twin sisters but either way I do like the sisterhood aspect and I’m intrigued to see what comes next.
It was clearly quite YA, had simple world-building, at least one slightly annoying character, and yet I wish this was extended into a full series with at least 3 more additional books. Why? Because I loved the forbidden romance, Wren’s character, the simple world building and magic system, the relationships between all the characters involved, and most prominently, the storyline. I would even go as far as to say it is quite unique and great for purging from incessantly regurgitated fantasy plots.
Prefacing this by saying this was by no means a bad book. However, I did enjoy the first 3/4 way more than that last quarter just because I wanted more - more chaos, more stress, more tension/suspense. If I’m not tearing my hair out by the last 10 chapters I don’t want it. Oddly enough, I think this is exactly what keeps my thoughts wandering back to Twin Crowns and wishing for more of it. It definitely has the potential to be more complex both in its storyline and its writing.
I also think this book would’ve been even better if it wasn’t YA, it’s not absolutely necessary but the romance/tension did play a significant storyline here. Though I did like the contrast between the two fmc’s and their love interests - especially wren (and her personality overall, the confidence and boldness she shows towards her love interest had me gagged I ate that shit up)
I did think that this book was going to be more about rivalry for the crown between the twin sisters but either way I do like the sisterhood aspect and I’m intrigued to see what comes next.
cynsworkshop's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
An exciting rom-com fantasy, Twin Crowns is filled to the brim with adventure, subterfuge, and humor.
Twin Crowns is a delightful read that surprised me, offering laughs and sisterly love amongst the romance and adventure.
Storytelling
I absolutely adored Twin Crowns. I’m somewhat impartial, loving a few select rom-coms (Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, and The Family Stone). But rom-coms are not generally what I go for. However, I’m so happy I picked up this book.
Twin Crowns follows twins Wren and Rose, who were separated at birth. Rose was born into the palace, knowing nothing of her sister, thinking both of her parents were murdered the night she was born by villainous witches.
Wren was lucky enough to be whisked away and saved by her grandmother, a witch as treachery stole into the castle. She was raised to take her sister’s place and bring witches back from exile.
Of course, this means kidnapping her sister and sending her across the desert while she steals her place.
Split between both characters, the story unfolds masterfully.
Wren and Rose couldn’t be more different, capturing their namesakes perfectly. But they balance the story, building up the romance and humor in different ways.
I loved how Wren sneaks into the palace and works to make the plan come to life. Her sly cleverness, fumbles, and recoveries make for some laugh-out-loud moments. Not to mention the budding romance between her and Tor Iversen. They challenge one another. They are not quite enemies to lovers but are definitely on the cusp of it.
Rose, for her part, also has some great moments. More than that, she goes on an incredible journey. Rose goes from a pampered princess to a rebel fighter. She’s still as polite as formal, but she grows thorns. Rose becomes a fighter. She is the coolheaded princess of Wren’s rashness.
And the romance between her and Shen, well, it is simply adorable. Whereas Wren’s has more fire, Rose’s is more wholesome and sweeter.
Final Thoughts
The authors did a fantastic job with Twin Crowns. This novel was sweet. It was fun and action-packed and didn’t lack for fantasy. There is excitement and so many laugh-out-loud moments on top of the perfectly balanced characterization that make this a delight to read. This reader is excited for the sequel.
alexar291100's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
oatsandtotes's review against another edition
4.0
As an identical twin myself, I immediately knew I had to read this book. I liked that there were shown, obvious differences between the twins, and how *certain* people felt towards them! They were different and you knew why they were. I liked the appreciation for feminine things and a lack of 'not like other girls' which always gets on my nerves.
The plot is nicely paced and kept me interested, I hated characters I was meant to hate and rooted for characters I was meant to root for. I even liked the relationships, not just romantic, but friendships too.
My only *minor* issue was that Wren was trained her whole life to take her sister's place, but didn't seem the best at it lol. It was also slightly predictable, especially with the romance lol, but honestly I didn't mind.
Aside from that, I loved it. I'm excited to see where it goes next
The plot is nicely paced and kept me interested, I hated characters I was meant to hate and rooted for characters I was meant to root for. I even liked the relationships, not just romantic, but friendships too.
My only *minor* issue was that Wren was trained her whole life to take her sister's place, but didn't seem the best at it lol.
Spoiler
How did they not know Rose played the pianoforte? Why did Wren not know how to dance? Why was her bag of sand easily knocked away? Why on Earth did she get drunk when she was somewhere she shouldn't be? Lol.Aside from that, I loved it. I'm excited to see where it goes next
effie_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Best fantasy book I read so far in 2023 !
Loved the pace, the characters, the different love interests, the twist and the writing.
I put this book down for nearly one year, thinking I will not enjoyed it , few days ago taking it with no expectation and *boom* it enter the list of my best book of 2023
Loved the pace, the characters, the different love interests, the twist and the writing.
I put this book down for nearly one year, thinking I will not enjoyed it , few days ago taking it with no expectation and *boom* it enter the list of my best book of 2023
elisa0ldx's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.75
alekss's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5