Two Twisted Crowns is a wonderful follow-up to One Dark Window and one of my most anticipated reads of the year! 

We pick up right off where the events ended in the previous book. Elspeth is now completely taken over by the Nightmare which uses her body as his own. Ravyn now must travel to retrieve the Twin Alders card with his lover turned monster. Elm is within the King's halls as the new heir with his brother still recovering from his wounds, and Ione is still using the Maiden card and trapped with its side effects. 

We have more POVs in this book, with Elm and Ravyn taking center stage. I did really like Ravyn's character and how much more smarter and determined he was compared to the first book. I also LOVE the Nightmare's relationship with Elspeth and Ravyn. You can tell he truly cares for Elspeth and then also has a such a bantery relationship with Ravyn. Even though we missed out with Elspeth, I genuinely enjoyed reading about his character. Elm is a complete surprise and we see a completely separate perspective outside the journey for the Twin Alders card, which is important because it moves the plot and we see what's happening to our other characters. However, I do wish more time was spent from Elspeth's POV, she has very small time from her perspective and a lot of it is spent learning about history and the Nightmare's past. 

The plot moved very quickly, which kept me engaged in the story and always wanting to read the next chapter. We also FINALLY learn so much more about the creation of the cards and the Nightmare's past as the Sheperd King. It provides so much more needed context and wraps up all the areas I had questions. The author also continued with the dark and gothic atmosphere. I truly really liked how this issn't exactly a retelling, but it has such a unique dark fairy tale setting. The world that this setting has established was truly unique and the magic system was so perfect explained. We do also learn more about the cards, and the true effects of using them. 

The romance was amazing, but I really wanted more Elspeth and Ravyn! I will say the pining and just slow attraction between Ione and Elm was great and I'm glad there was that element in this book. Ione's story was very heartfelt and she goes through so so much, so I'm so happy to see them together.  I will say the romance definitely stays more YA, despite the book being designated as adult. 

The ending was amazing, and I felt like each character really developed and filled into their role. It was a bittersweet ending that I really enjoyed. Definitely pick this up if you want a more YA, dark fantasy duology! 

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!