Two Twisted Crowns, Rachel Gillig

Story Blurb

Gripped by a tyrant king and in the thrall of dark magic, the kingdom is in peril. Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last—and most important—one remains to be found: the Twin Alders. If they’re going to find the card before Solstice and set free the kingdom, they will need to journey through the dangerous mist-cloaked forest. The only one who can lead them through is the monster that shares Elspeth’s head: the Nightmare.

And he’s not eager to share any longer.

My Thoughts/Opinion

I was so invested after One Dark Window in Elspeth and the Nightmare, I immediately jumped to this second book in the duology. And the story just got richer and deeper and more amazing. I loved the sacrifice offered by so many, and the truth of treachery at the center of this story. So so good. I don't even really have to encourage you to read this one. If you read and enjoyed One Dark Window, there's no way you don't see this story to its conclusion.

Favorite Quote:

“I'll tell you a story, I whispered. It always helped me sleep as a child.

He nodded, folding his hands over his lap, and closed his eyes.

There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King, a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two-

I couldn't go on.

Elspeth.

No. I'm not ready. Not yet.

Finish the story, dear one.

My voice shook. The two were together-

Together.

So the two were the same.

The girl, he whispered, honey and oil and silk.

The King...

We said the final words together, our voices echoing, listless, through the dark. A final note. An eternal farewell. And the monster they became.”