Book review 🤪

Picking up 'Two Twisted Crowns' after the first book, I was really excited to dive back into Rachel Gillig's world. What strikes me immediately about this series, and especially this sequel, is its commitment to being a dark fantasy. It’s not just a label; the atmosphere truly reflects it. I remember seeing the cover – that lone figure in a red dress against a backdrop of a distant, foreboding castle, framed by those gnarled, bare trees, all shrouded in a misty, dark air. It perfectly sets the tone for the kingdom of Blunder, where danger lurks and nothing is quite as it seems. This visual really stuck with me and perfectly represents the fantasy atmosphere that Rachel Gillig builds. One of the strongest points for me was the continued character development, though I have to admit, I felt a particular pull towards Elm. The original review touched on this, and I wanted to expand on it. While Elspeth and Ravyn are undoubtedly central, Elm's journey throughout this book felt incredibly compelling. His personal struggles, his rise to power, and the complex relationships he navigates gave him a depth that, for me, sometimes overshadowed the main couple. I found myself rooting for him, invested in his arc, and honestly, a little more engaged with his story than with Elspeth and Ravyn's dynamic in this particular installment. It's not that their story wasn't good; it just felt like Elm's narrative had a bit more weight and personal impact this time around. The political intrigue in 'Two Twisted Crowns' also kept me hooked. It’s not just about grand battles; it’s about whispers, alliances, and the constant balancing act of power within Blunder. This layer added so much richness, making the stakes feel incredibly high for every character, not just the protagonists. The world-building remains exceptional, painting a vivid picture of a kingdom under threat, where ancient magic and dangerous creatures are just part of the everyday reality. The way Gillig weaves in lore and history makes the world feel incredibly lived-in and real. And speaking of dangerous creatures, let's talk about the nightmare. Without giving away too much, the resolution of that particular plotline was bittersweet for me. Part of me missed the constant internal struggle and the unique dynamic it created for Elspeth, but another part was glad for the outcome and the emotional payoff it brought. It’s a testament to the creativity of the author that a non-human entity could evoke such strong feelings! So, why a 4/5 and not a perfect 5? For me, a 5-star read is something I'd immediately want to pick up again, savoring every word. While I thoroughly enjoyed 'Two Twisted Crowns,' and I'm genuinely glad I finished the series, it didn't quite hit that "reread" mark. Perhaps it was a pacing issue in certain sections, or maybe some character decisions didn't quite resonate with me enough to make it an all-time favorite. It's a fantastic dark fantasy, definitely a must-read for fans of the genre looking for rich world-building and complex characters, but for me, that tiny spark for a second journey wasn't quite there. Still, I highly recommend it if you're looking for a captivating and well-written conclusion to a compelling story.