Book Review: The Shepard King duo by Rachel Gillig (One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns)

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"There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King- a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same. The girl, the King... and the monster they became." 

This story reads like a spell scrawled in blood and fog- dark, lyrical, and bound by cursed cards.

Reading The Shepherd King duology felt like surfacing from deep water and finally being able to breathe again. Rachel Gilling's writing style is absolutely spellbinding- the lyrical prose, the haunting vocabulary, and the vivid phrasing pull you into a world where magic, madness, and destiny intertwine. 

What truly sets this series apart is its uniqueness- from the eerie allure of the mist-shrouded kingdom to the Providence Cards and the unsettling magic they bestow. The magic system felt ancient and arcane, yet fresh and imaginative, rooted deeply in nature and the supernatural. Each creature, every card, and all the shadows in between felt deliberate and evocative.

The world-building is lush and eerie, yet deeply grounded. Gilling doesn't just paint a world-she breathes life into it on these pages, crafting a realm soaked in folklore and dripping in tension.

Character-wise, I fell hard and fast for Ravyn and Elspeth in One Dark Window, their chemistry full of tension, secrets, and slow-burning yearning. Then Two Twisted Crowns brought us Renelm and Ione- a different dynamic but just as compelling, adding depth and softness to an otherwise harsh and cursed world. I adored how each book centered around a separate romantic arc while still weaving into one overarching tale. It gave each book its own heart while keeping the soul of the story alive and intact. 

And the ending? A satisfying blend of justice and redemption. The Old Shepherd King finally facing the weight of his centuries-old sins... and those who wronged the kingdom meeting the end they deserved? Chef's kiss.

This dology is gothic, immersive, romantic, and a bit tragic- but in the most beautiful way. For fans of dark fairy tales, morally gray magic, and characters who grow like wild things in the dark... The Shepherd King is a must-read.

Drink Pairing: Black lavender tea with a dash of honey- mysterious, floral, and a little bitter

Tarot Pull: The Moon- illusions, hidden truths, and the journey through the unknown.

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