Two Twisted Crowns

4.5 stars.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.

This book was a perfect wrap-up to The Shepherd Duology. The magic system in this duology is super unique, I love the dark gothic fantasy setting, and the plot is so well written and captivating. I love the direction book 2 went and how the plot played out. The introduction of Ravyn's and Elm's POVs gave the story more complexity and allowed us to see deeper inside the two important characters, their backstories and struggles as well as their relationships with other people, especially between Elm and Ione. We also get more insight into the Nightmares backstory and his relationship with Elspeth which I loved seeing.

My only complaint is that I wish there was more of an emotional impact at the end of the story. It felt like there was too big of a time skip between the end of climax and the epilogue without all of the feels you get from emotional reunions and reconciliations and I desperately wished for that.

Other than that, this was a great book and I will definitely be rereading the series at least once a year.