It's rare that the second book in a series surpasses the first, but Two Twisted Crowns was an amazing ride and I'm glad that I savored it. The audiobook was not my cup of tea, like the first, but reading with my eyes was a treat since I was able to digest the scenes. This book is even more twisted than the first and the romance was amazing. The second book in a romance heavy series is always a little nerve racking because happily ever afters need to stay that way, you know? However, we knew this was going to happen and it was realistic in the world Gillig created. It didn't feel contrived or orchestrated just for plotting. Aside from Ravyn and Elspeth's story, we got to see new POVs and a brand new romance that I fucking adored. The tension was incredible and I highly recommend this series. Possibly the best books I've read this year.

Can we talk about Elm and Ione for a second???? Like they're the cutest damn couple ever and the tension created with the Maiden was incredible. I hated it from a reader standpoint because it killed me that she was hurting for so long, but it was genius writing. When the Maiden finally released her... like damn. I was giddy and kicking my feet, which is not a response that I was expecting from a book this dark.