Twin Crowns

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The plot in this was actually so much fun. I will be using the word "fun" many times throughout this review. There was a lot going on, but it never really felt like there was high-stakes, despite the fact that Wren was in some very difficult situations. It just felt really lighthearted and cozy which is exactly what I wanted.

trigger warnings: Violence, Kidnapping, Loss of Parents, Murder, Death, Attempted Murder, Poison, etc. I actually had to force myself to stop reading so that I could sleep because it is literally so addicting. And I actually put off finishing the book because I didn't want it to end, which never happens to me 🤨 A high-stakes fantasy rom-com about twin princesses separated at birth—one raised as the crown princess, and the other taken as an infant and raised to kidnap her sister, steal the crown, and avenge the parents' murders—the first novel in a new YA duology from bestselling UK authors Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber. Perfect for fans of The Selection, My Lady Jane, and Caraval. I’ve heard them compared to the Duarte sisters, and while that may be a little true...it’s also not. Switching places was a new experience for both sisters and fun for me! They got to know each other slowly in amusing ways.

Even the secondary characters were bland (except maybe Celeste), and seemed to have no purpose besides supporting the main characters, or being introduced as obvious love interests that we are supposed to like I guess, even though we know nothing about them, and they don’t have much personality. One of the two love interests was SO BLAND, he literally has no personality traits, not one, but that’s okay because he’s handsome and strong. 🙄 This was a super fun read!! 🤩🤩 I went in with high expectations bc of the stunning cover and interesting synopsis, and it was just as light and entertaining as I hoped it would be! 🥰🥰

I got to enjoy the relationship more as well, and while Wren and Tor will always be my favourites...Rose and Shen are sweet together. 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.) The first read, I’m always concentrating on the plot, the storyline—but while rereading I focus on the characters and details.

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Now, I certainly don’t oppose including a dysfunctional group of fascists in a book, and exploring how to reintegrate the witches into society could be fruitful ground for storytelling. I assumed the twins would have parallels arcs in which Rose realized that witches are still human and not 100% evil and need to be incorporated into the kingdom somehow, while Wren realized the dangers of revenge and witch supremacy and that other people matter too. And that while Rose realized that the regent has manipulated her and raised her as a tool for his own ends, Wren would realize that the same is true of her grandmother.

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. 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. Because the book is told though their alternating POVs, you end up jumping from one parallel plotline to the other. 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

For example, Wren’s kinder side is akin to Rose, while Rose’s more dangerous side is close to Wren...