The Shepherd King Duology
The Shepherd King Duology
Author: Rachel Gillig
Published: September 27, 2022, October 17, 2023
Elspeth Spindle, living in the misty kingdom of Blunder, relies on a powerful, ancient spirit called the Nightmare that resides in her mind for protection. Her life changes drastically when she encounters a mysterious highwayman, who turns out to be the treasonous Captain and the King’s nephew. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to collect twelve Providence Cards needed to cure Blunder of dark magic. As their attraction grows and the stakes rise, Elspeth faces the terrifying possibility that the Nightmare might completely consume her mind.
One Dark Window had some intriguing elements, particularly the unique magic system, but overall, it felt a bit overrated. The story seemed underdeveloped given its length. The tension between Elspeth and Ravyn was minimal, and when they finally moved forward in their relationship, it felt abrupt and out of place. The potential was there, but the execution didn’t quite hit the mark.
Two Twisted Crowns continues with the fascinating magic system introduced in the first book, but my engagement with the story waned. I struggled to connect with Ravyn and Elspeth, finding myself more invested in the secondary characters, Ione and Elm. I found myself wishing Ione had been the central character instead. Given the book’s popularity and widespread acclaim, it’s clear others enjoyed it more, but it didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped.
