1. About the Author: Rachel Gillig
Rachel Gillig is a rising star in the dark fantasy genre, best known for her captivating duology The Shepherd King. With a poetic and haunting writing style, she crafts richly layered worlds and deeply tormented characters who wrestle with fate, curses, and inner demons.
Her debut novel, One Dark Window, quickly gained popularity for its originality and atmospheric world-building. The follow-up, Two Twisted Crowns, elevates everything: more danger, more emotional depth, and a satisfying conclusion that solidifies Gillig as a compelling voice in modern fantasy.
2. About the Narrator: Lisa Cordileone
Lisa Cordileone is a seasoned audiobook narrator with a reputation for delivering nuanced and emotionally resonant performances. Her ability to shift effortlessly between characters and capture the tone of each scene makes her a favorite among audiobook fans.
In Two Twisted Crowns, Cordileone brings a brooding, gothic intensity to the story, perfectly complementing Gillig’s dark prose. Her reading style is expressive, well-paced, and atmospheric—earning praise for enhancing the immersive experience of the audiobook.
3. About the Book: Two Twisted Crowns
Two Twisted Crowns is the thrilling conclusion to The Shepherd King duology. Set in the cursed kingdom of Blunder, the story follows the aftermath of the magical chaos unleashed in the first book. As secrets unravel, characters must confront the shadows of their past and face impossible choices that will decide the fate of their world.
The novel blends dark fantasy with romantic tension, all wrapped in a lush, gothic setting. With its poetic language and emotionally charged plot, it stands out among other fantasy novels for its originality and mood-driven storytelling.
Two Twisted Crowns holds a strong 4.26/5 average rating on Goodreads from over 14,000 readers, reflecting its widespread acclaim. Though not formally awarded, its devoted following and critical praise speak volumes about its impact in the genre.
4. Book Review: Two Twisted Crowns
Review: Two Twisted Crowns is a dark fantasy gem that delivers on nearly every front.
Strengths:
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Rich, layered plot: Gillig expands the world of Blunder with deeper lore, darker threats, and tighter tension.
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Complex characters: The emotional growth of the main characters is deeply moving, with arcs that feel earned and resonant.
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Beautifully gothic prose: The language is lyrical and atmospheric, heightening the eerie, fairy tale-like quality of the narrative.
Weaknesses:
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The pacing may feel slow at the beginning for some readers.
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Prior knowledge of One Dark Window is essential to fully grasp the stakes and character dynamics.
Overall, this is a masterfully written fantasy novel that blends emotion, suspense, and mythic themes. It’s an unforgettable reading experience and a powerful finale to the duology.
5. Audiobook Review: Two Twisted Crowns
Audiobook Review: Lisa Cordileone’s performance in Two Twisted Crowns elevates the story to new heights.
Highlights:
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Emotionally immersive narration: Cordileone’s voice perfectly captures the gothic atmosphere and emotional weight of the story.
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Distinct character voices: Her ability to differentiate characters adds clarity and depth to complex scenes.
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Natural pacing: She allows the story’s tension to build without rushing or dragging.
Critique:
Some listeners found it harder to emotionally connect through audio alone, particularly if they weren’t already familiar with the series. However, the majority of audiobook fans praised her narration as “hauntingly beautiful” and “intensely compelling.”
The audiobook currently averages 4.3/5 stars across major platforms like Apple Books and Audible.
6. Who Should Read This Book?
Two Twisted Crowns is ideal for:
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Fans of dark fantasy and gothic romance looking for emotional storytelling and richly built worlds.
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Readers who enjoyed One Dark Window and want a satisfying conclusion.
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Audiobook lovers who appreciate powerful, emotive narration.
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Fantasy readers seeking morally gray characters, complex magic systems, and poetic prose.
If you enjoy stories that blend beauty and darkness, tragedy and triumph, this is the book for you.
7. Conclusion
Two Twisted Crowns is a haunting, emotionally rich, and deeply satisfying conclusion to Rachel Gillig’s fantasy duology. With its lyrical writing and a standout audiobook performance by Lisa Cordileone, this is more than just a book—it’s an experience.
Whether you read or listen, Two Twisted Crowns is a must-have for fans of fantasy fiction. Dive in and prepare to lose yourself in the cursed world of Blunder one last time.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
You can listen to the Two Twisted Crowns Audiobook on:
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Audible (with a 30-day free trial for new members)
Subscribe to these platforms to enjoy seamless listening anytime, anywhere—with Lisa Cordileone’s stunning narration, you won’t want to pause.
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