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! 

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

It's always a pleasure to return to the world of one of your favourite books.

When I read Twin Crowns last year I absolutely loved it. It gave me both Frozen and Barbie Princess and the Pauper vibes and I loved how light-hearted and magical the book felt. With Cursed Crowns we returned back to the world of Eana with twin princesses Rose and Wren having to deal with a new challenge of changing public perceptions about witches now that they ascended the throne. When insurrection grows within the kingdom, Rose seeks out the help of the long lost Sunkissed Kingdom while Wren tries to get help from her grandmother, currently trapped in a Gevran jail cell.

This book definitely had a darker tone than Twin Crowns but I really enjoyed the surprising direction this book took. Where in the first book I preferred Rose's POV more than Wren's, in this book it was the complete opposite. I was sucked into the world of frosty Gevra and the challenges Wren had to face along the way. I was also surprised about the direction the romance went, creating a love triangle that I didn't see coming. I am so excited to see where that goes in book three.

With Rose, I felt like her character took a bit of a dip. She sometimes came off as jealous and arrogant especially when everything happened with Shen. I think she redeemed herself at the end of the book but it took me a while to find my footing with her. 

I also felt like the first part of the book was a little slow but it definitely made up for it in the book's middle and end. I am eagerly anticipating the series's conclusion and finale in April!

ACTUAL RATING: 4.8 STARS

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!