It felt like they’re being stupid on purpose 

I found the start of this book a tiny bit boring, but as soon as it got going I fell back in love with all the characters.

Ansel 😭

It’s pacy and plot twisty, and I’m soo glad I decided to wait until closer to Burning Crowns’ release to read. As I don’t think I could’ve handled the wait after THAT ending or the rollercoaster-esque events that took place. 

Suffice to say I absolutely loved it! Though I am still processing everything that happened (and there’s a lot, so do pick a comfy seat as you’ll be on the edge of it a good long while.)

I really enjoyed delving into the character development of the ensemble cast that we haven’t had much time with, particularly our frosty king of Gevra, Alaric, who I was not expecting to like at all after the events of Twin Crowns. However, like Wren he hides behind a guarded exterior (preferring to be seen as as callous and cruel), in order to protect the people he loves most. But the small glimpse of humanity (and his love of painting) that we briefly see has me all kinds of intrigued as to what his journey will entail next.

Though, I admit it was the sisterly bond between our witchy Twin Queens and their very different methods of ruling (and general problem solving) that I found myself most interested in. Separated for quite a large chunk of the book, and with very limited means of communication it was fascinating to see how they coped with troubleshooting without each other to lean on quite as much. 

Wren, unsurprisingly is still the sarcastic, impulsive and chaos inclined twin that I’ve adored from the beginning. But I was most impressed with Rose, whose emotional journey (and maturity) has seen her thrive in her new role as Queen. Which given how unsure and self conscious she was previously is a significant achievement. She definitely came off as more at ease in this position than Wren (who still thinks like a rebel witch than a Queen governing her kingdom) and I look forward to seeing how they both they progress in the third and final instalment. 

There’s plenty of swoon worthy moments (Shen and Rose had some particularly cute ones) however, I was a little disappointed we didn’t get much time with Tor, who was wuite possibly my fave love interest in book one. 

Wren does have some surprisingly intense scenes with a different character that did take me by surprise—the beginnings of a love triangle, perhaps?  I can’t really explain further without spoilers, but just know it’s deliciously good. 

Overall, a fun and fabulously witchy, YA fantasy that grumpy/ sunshine and enemies to lovers fans don’t want to miss! 

Representation: Implied Asian characters
Score: Seven points out of ten.

At last. I wanted to read this book for so long after reading and enjoying the first instalment in the series, Twin Crowns so when I heard that one of the two libraries I go to now has this I immediately picked it up and finally read it. When I finished it, I only thought it was okay and unfortunately not as good as the first one but the third one which will be published in 2024 could be an improvement. It starts (more like continues) with the main characters, Wren and Rose, who I know already and I pick up right after the events of the first book with both of them being queens of Eana to mixed reactions. After that the story's pace slows with Wren going off alone to the ice kingdom in the north and Rose going to the Sunkissed Kingdom to meet more characters I've never seen before up until that point. Here is where the flaws surface, of which there are few: the writing of the characters wasn't outstanding as I couldn't connect or relate to them but I somewhat liked some of them. But not all. At least the worldbuilding is intriguing enough to keep me reading with examples including how the Sunkissed Kingdom and Eana came to be and even a myth about a bear but it leaves unanswered questions like where did the north ice country come from and how can the Sunkissed Kingdom hide in desert with its population intact? The only explanation is an eternal water source but I didn't find that realistic. The pacing is as slow as the first part of the series (that doesn't bother me usually but it does here) which left me reading a few hundred pages with not much action. The conclusion has more action though finishing the narrative swiftly on a cliffhanger. 

This sequel falls squarely into the “middle book” slump. Rose and Wren are starting their rule as twin queens but Wren cannot shake her worry for their grandmother who was captured and taken to Gevra at the end of the previous book. Wren escapes during the night to attempt a rescue, leaving Rose to deal with the mounting threat of anti-magic rebels. 

A few writing conventions made themselves more apparent here than in the first book and made me want to start a drinking game every time I noticed them. For one- people always show up just in time before something catastrophic happens and thanks to the alternating perspectives, we never see the lead up to the rescues. Second- if I had a dollar for every time one of these girls passes out, I could’ve paid for the book twice over. Third- side characters change personalities at the drop of a hat. I really dislike the arc of the Sunkissed Kingdom for how much Shen Lo changes and then the conflict resolves in about fifteen minutes because it was a cheap plot device. 

On the flip side, I did enjoy most of Wren’s time in Gevra. Her flirtation with the dark side of magic was the most interesting plotline even if I had to tolerate the “Beauty and the Beast” side plot of her complicated relationship with Alarick. 

The twists are generally predictable and the ending was dissatisfying to me. I hope the third book will explore the growing darkness Wren is facing more so there can be a proper resolution. 

Content warnings:
Violence:

general war like violence, battle between witches and non-witches, etc.

Murder:

attempted murder of Shen Lo by his cousin and uncle, murder of Banba by Oonagh Starcrest after she is freed by Wren

Death:

general death as would be seen in battles and in revolutions, see Murder for a specific death

Grief:

Wren witnesses the grief of the Gevran royal family for Ansel, leads them to extreme acts. Wren deals with her own grief, see Murder for details

Blood:

Wren dabbles in blood magic to fulfill her agreement with Alarick, leading to several instances of injury and blood description.

Body horror:

As a result of Wren’s deal with Alarick, Ansel is brought back to life but his body is falling apart, losing fingers, toes and teeth until he is laid to rest once more

Animal cruelty:

As Rose escapes the Sunkissed Kingdom, Kai follows to attack and he deliberately injures her horse. During the attack on the castle, animals are injured as the Arrows attempt to breach the gates. No animal death is ever mentioned.

Alcohol:

Some mentions of an alcoholic beverage in Gevra. There is one scene where Celeste seems to be deliberately getting Anika drunk so she can secretly speak with Wren.

Outstanding sequel to Twin Crowns. 

This book was filled with just the right amount of romance, mystery, murder and magic and I loved every moment of it. It was amazing to return to this well established world and see these loved characters really delve into their new worlds separately and together. Both authors have a beautiful way of telling two separate stories whilst finding moments to intertwine and link creating a flawless and engaging plot that really keeps your mind wondering. 

Not only did they continue and deepen previous relationships, but they introduced new characters flawlessly and I came to love them as quickly as turning the page. Personally i’m flabbergasted that they could make me ship

Wren with anyone other than Tor

but it was done flawlessly and so well it had me giggling and kicking my feet at every interaction. 

This book made me laugh out loud, shed a few tears and made my heart ache for a love written like this. If i could give this book more than 5 stars I would. And that’s not even including the cover and the sprayed edges!! 

Safe to say it did not disappoint and I will be preordering book 3 when it’s released!