I had such a good time with all of these characters. Trust me when I say you're going to struggle to pick a favorite.

I can't say much without spoiling, but I can tell you this. These books are beautiful and such an amazing journey. You definitely will not regret reading these two!

I wish that the reunion between Ravyn and Elspeth would've felt more climactic, but I was glad we got to see the parting between Nightmare and Eslepth. Their bond was absolutely amazing to see. Especially after all that you find out.

Content Warnings

savshanae's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This book confirms for me that duologies are the superior story telling format, and THIS is the best I’ve read to date, hands down! I wish I could rate this book higher than than five stars.

The world building is exquisite, the story is captivating, and the character development sent me over the edge. By the last page I was crying (not for the first time) and was left feeling more satisfied by a book than I have in a long time.

This is my book of the year & I’ll be recommending it to all my bookish friends!

Content Warnings

yourbookishbff's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this sequel and the transition to multiple POVs! I enjoyed One Dark Window, but the deeper world-building, evolved magic system, and the shift to Elm and Ione as our primary romance made this follow-up a stand-out for me. I particularly enjoy when an author can pull off a tight story arc in a duology, and this nailed it - the ending felt appropriately hard-won and resisted easy heroics. I adore the Nightmare, and the complexity in his characterization, and I appreciated the sharp humor he brings to character interactions. This is a dark and atmospheric story with two affirming and compelling romance arcs, and I highly recommend to fantasy romance lovers!

Content Warnings

takarakei's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

This unfortunately had some pacing issues that proved difficult for me to get through, which was a disappointment because I enjoyed the world building and magic of One Dark Window. I also struggled with not getting ODW spoiler:

Elspeth's pov for most of the book

and instead getting only male POVs. While I understand why it was done this way it did feel like there was some spark to the book missing. I really powered through this and at about 70% in things finally got interesting plot-wise. However, I still felt the conclusion of the story to be a bit predictable and overall lackluster.

Content Warnings

maregred's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

theresahaf's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

katievallin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

imcourtneymarie's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m speechless. In awe of Rachel Gillig and The Shepherd King duology.

This is how you do a duology and do it well. I was gripped by the world of Blunder from the very first word of One Dark Window to the final Epilogue page in Two Twisted Crowns.

I don’t think this book needs any words beyond: go. Read it. Cry with me.

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