Twin Crowns

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Overall, this was an entertaining young adult romance book. The dual POVs are beautifully narrated by Ann Marie Gideon and Ell Potter. The audiobook even included an interview with the authors, which was a nice touch. I am looking forward to listening to the sequel, Cursed Crowns, as well. The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own. More information I think the high from originally finishing this book has faded now, so I think instead of 5 stars I'd give it 4.5 (just because of those little issues) but it's not much of a difference.

make an effort to connect with your fiancé to avoid suspicion, then plot his downfall and get rid of him in a quiet mannerNot only that, witch culture (realistically enough) is incredibly toxic. Their goal is to take over the kingdom for the benefit of themselves, and they talk loudly and often about how the rivers will run red with the blood of anyone who stands in their way. They are one step away from a Master Race theory of why they deserve to rule and no one else matters, and that step consists entirely of vocabulary. Ideologically and emotionally, they’re already there. I actually loved this so much more than I thought I would based off of people saying that it was all right. Yes I realize that this book comes with its flaws, but I honestly did not care one bit because I was having such a blast reading it. It was so freaking fun and I didn't want it to end It was reminiscent of early YA, but not in any of the ways that would have made me feel affection or nostalgia. There were so many moments that I wanted to put the book down just because I was cringing so terribly at the dialogue or plot conveniences. This somehow read like a younger YA written for adults, and I don't know how to explain it. (The best examples are pieces of dialogue like, "I must have misinterpreted your moans." vs. very ridiculous, juvenile moments that feel jarring.) Unpopular opinion coming in. It’s not a bad book, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary or memorable, and nothing we haven’t seen before in YA. It’s just overall okay.

I was hoping to enjoy this as silly, tropey fun, and initially it met those expectations: it’s the written equivalent of a Disney movie, complete with spunky adventuring princesses, cute romances, and a paper-thin setting. Unfortunately, the fun wore off as the book insisted upon good-vs-evil morality while the actual portrayal is anything but. Pro tip: it’s helpful in a goofy fantasy novel if the “good” guys value human life beyond their own, and aren’t simply out to crush the rest of society under their thumb. As for the journeys that the two main characters were on, I actually preferred Rose's chapters to Wren's. I was surprised because everyone kept saying they liked Wren's better, but I loved reading through Rose's journey to discover who she is, what she is, her history, and let's not forget her banter with Shen, and honestly, their romance was the main reason I liked Rose's chapters better. This book is written in alternating points of view, which I think helped keep things interesting for me. The pacing did slow down a little in the middle, but I wasn’t bored because there were twists and betrayals. Also, I can't resist a book with lovely animal companions.Wren resides with the witches, in hiding from the crown and his soldiers, who would kill her people and abolish their practises. Rose lives inside the palace walls, believing herself in training to one day wear this crown but, in reality, as a pawn unwittingly involved in a game she didn't know she was playing. Romance flourished as blood bloomed. The couples I thought were obviously constructed ones, from the first moment they interacted, and whilst I did root for all I also found that my interests lay more in other areas. This did not impact my overall enjoyment and does have me yearning to return to all characters in the sequel, very soon. Aaand now the romances. I actually loved the romances in this, but I definitely preferred one over the other. Once this was established I could focus on the mechanics of the world. A political focus was presented with the magical one throughout and I loved garnering an understanding for the kingdom through the eyes of both those in power and those they feared and sought the demise of the most. It became a bleak and bloody read as it progressed due to this.

But now as Wren’s plan is finally in motion, the twins are going to know each other’s lives a lot better...This book was disappointing. Both main characters felt very juvenile, and the plot was very simple, convenient, and predictable. Both romances were predictable, the politics and the villains’ scheming were predictable, and honestly, I felt that not much happened for the first 60% of the story, and then everything was rushed and the ending was just messy and over-the-top cheesy at the same time. The book mostly focuses on romance instead of the plot, and even if there are two romances developing, they both felt overly simple and predictable. The world-building was also simple and your usual YA fantasy book, nothing memorable or original. Wren and Rose are twins, separated at birth when their parents, King and Queen were murdered. Rose has been raised in the palace as princess, betrothed to a neighbouring kingdom’s prince. Wren was raised with the witches. They hide in fear for their lives and plot to reclaim their land and power. This plot hinges on Wren taking Rose’s place in the palace and kidnapping Rose away. Things get complicated when Rose learns the truth about her parents’ murders and Wren learns she many not have been prepared for the challenges she will find in the royal castle. Yes, the book had flaws, like some things were very convenient, some things didn't really make much sense, but as I said, I overlooked everything. She cleared her throat. "I found a new vocation." "Stalking me?" "Wanting you." Wren's cheeks flared. Damn. She looked away sharply.” Maybe that’s why I like Rose more now, as I had the chance to just read instead of trying to figure out all the plotlines.