Two Twisted Crowns (The Shepherd King, 2) Paperback – October 17, 2023

I can't get enough. I'm screaming and crying; “Two twisted crowns” have me, and I can't get enough. I want it all—an avalanche of emotions! 😭 Love it!Just imagine me kneeling in the middle of a battle, both hands wide open, waiting for the shot. I know it feels painful, but it also brings a sense of relief—not regret.🥹 It is perfect and is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. That I’m being dramatic, intense, or too much, maybe a little lol 😆✨ Everything Has a Purpose: My thoughts from Two Twisted CrownsIn Two Twisted Crowns, Rachel Gillig reminds us that the most powerful magic is not the kind found in ancient cards or cursed forests—but in patience, purpose, and perspective. Through the haunting journey of the Nightmare and Elspeth’s quiet courage, we’re invited to reflect not just on the story’s stakes, but on our own.One of the most striking truths comes from the Nightmare himself. After centuries of torment and unfinished purpose, he learns what many of us resist: “Nothing comes free.”Every choice leaves a mark. The Nightmare’s decision to bargain with the spirit of the wood rippled across 500 years. He became trapped not just by magic, but by his own impatience—his refusal to wait, to trust, to let time do its work. His redemption doesn’t come through power, but through completion—through facing what he left undone. And in that, Gillig shows us:Everything has a purpose. Everything happens for a reason.This story encourages us not to rush what we want, but to let it come when it’s meant to. To appreciate what we have now, rather than mourn what we lack. Sometimes the smallest things—an unexpected kindness, a quiet morning, a long walk in the mist—hold the seeds of our greatest joy.Elspeth’s journey teaches us that healing isn’t loud. It’s slow. It’s hard. It’s sacred. And happiness? It isn’t a destination we arrive at once we “win. ”It’s a journey, measured in the courage to keep going and the grace to look around as we walk. The Nightmare realized that after losing everything, his family and himself.Gillig doesn’t just tell a fantasy tale—she hands us a mirror. Through Blunder’s cursed woods and ancient riddles, we’re reminded that purpose takes time, “Don’t rush fate. It unfolds when it’s ready.” Wholeness often requires loss, and sometimes, the most magical thing we can do… is simply wait.

Finished it because I had to, not because I was obsessed. Like when you start a show and it's fine, but you’ve come too far to quit now. That was me-committed & slightly annoyed.BUT--The ending did fit the story. It wrapped things up in a way that made sense and gave closure, even if it didn’t blow my mind. Definitely worth it to complete the duology.

I hardly ever like a second book better than the first, but this was phenomenal!In One Dark Window, I expressed how I felt like I personally wanted a little more spice to add. I didn’t feel it lacking for this book, even though it was still very PG. Elm is a top tier book boyfriend and I like him even more than Ravyn.This world building was so immersive and still held up for the duration of the duology, even with the new locations. And the storytelling where we learn more about the Nightmare and what led him to that path was creative genius!I loved this story and am certain I’ll be chasing this high for a while!

Rachel Gillig is a genius. She brings a whole new magic into the world. This book is unique in the way that she portrays fantasy.. it’s like nothing I’ve read before. It is an absolutely beautiful story!

Goes to show you don’t need 500 books in a series to tell a compelling story! Bravo! I look forward to reading more of this authors work

Loved this unique and dark twisty story. It has a brothers Grimm vibe with a fresh look. Everything has a price

This book. These characters. Just...yes. Elspeth. Nightmare. Ravyn. Elm. Ione. The heroes. The villians. The Monster. I didn't think i could have such a great time and yet here we are.

LOVED this book and the characters!!! This duo has the kind of story you just keep imagining as a movie… It has SO much potential! (Hello, Hollywood?!!)I loved the spooky undertones and all of the riddles and rhymes.. The characters all were interwoven in such a great way.Im not a crier- but the ending had me shedding tears!!!!Not a lot of spice- Id give it 1 🌶️ .. But the love stories were heart wrenching!I would absolutely love someone to come up with the deck of cards for customers to purchase! Honestly, honestly, I’m surprised that no companies have yet!Looking forward to her upcoming book this summer! Pre-order if you haven’t!