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Twin Crowns #2

Cursed Crowns

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Bestselling authors and real-life sisters-in-law Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber join forces on a compelling YA fantasy bursting with high-stakes adventure, romance and humour. Two queens, one throne. What can possibly go wrong . . .?

Twin queens Wren and Rose have claimed their crowns . . . but not everyone is happy about witches sitting on Eana's throne.

Cool-headed Rose sets off on a Royal Tour to win over the doubters, but soon finds herself drawn to the Sunless Kingdom. Here secrets are revealed about those closest to her, and Rose finds her loyalties divided.

Meanwhile rebellious Wren steals away to the icy north to rescue their beloved grandmother, Banba. But when she accepts King Alarik's deadly magical bargain in exchange for Banba's freedom, the spell has unexpected - and far-reaching - consequences . . .

As an ancient curse begins to arise from the darkness, the sisters must come together and unite the crown. Their lives - and the future of Eana - depend on it.

Break the ice to free the curse,
Kill one twin to save another . . .

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2023

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About the author

Catherine Doyle

27 books2,272 followers
Catherine Doyle grew up in the West of Ireland. She holds a first-class BA in Psychology and a first-class MA in Publishing. She is the author of the Young Adult Blood for Blood trilogy (Vendetta, Inferno and Mafiosa), which is often described as Romeo and Juliet meets the Godfather. It was inspired by her love of modern cinema. Her debut Middle Grade novel, The Storm Keeper's Island (Bloomsbury, 2018), is an adventure story about family, bravery and self-discovery. It is set on the magical island of Arranmore, where her grandparents grew up, and is inspired by her ancestors' real life daring sea rescues.

​Aside from more conventional interests in movies, running and travelling, Catherine also enjoys writing about herself in the third-person.

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5 stars
3,092 (31%)
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3 stars
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58 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,645 reviews
Profile Image for Marquise.
1,892 reviews1,110 followers
January 30, 2023
Cute, and at times funny . . . and utterly not for me. Really, I think this was a clear case of me not being anywhere near the target audience, but even so this is a story that mostly reads a bit cloying for how "cutesy" it is. The girls are better when in one place together, too, which doesn't help the plot in this book as they are separated here (not permanently, of course, but for a good while), and it becomes a bit tedious when they're not together.

Maybe I'd have liked it more if it were a purely sisterly-focused and didn't have the romance so prominently? it had nice Snow White & Rose Red vibes, which was what attracted me in the first place. The sisterly chemistry could've been exploited better, it's not often we get this kind of familial, non-toxic bonds in YA after all.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maeghan &#x1f98b; HIATUS on & off.
343 reviews309 followers
March 24, 2024
If King Alarik told me to be a puddle - I would find a way to become a puddle 🤭

Until page 260 - it was going to be a 3🌟 as a lot of things were bugging me (the inconsistent pacing, the fact that Wren abandoned Rose in a time of war crisis, Rose leaving the kingdom in time of unrest, etc.) but it picked up from there and I couldn’t stop reading.

Page 419 was the DEATH OF ME. This is what true ENEMIES TO LOVERS is. 🫠 This saved the book for me. I was so invested 😂
« I liked it better when I didn’t know anything about you.
- I liked it better when you were a speck of nothing back in Ortha » 🤭🫠

Queen Valeska & grand-mother Lu were amazing additions. I loved reading about them.
« Why are the most odious men always the most ambitious? »

———•
Pre read ; Considering the first book was a 5🌟 for me, if this suffers 2nd book syndrome… I’ll be so sad 🫠
Profile Image for Southern Lady Reads.
785 reviews1,153 followers
April 19, 2023
One of my favorite New Adult romantasy novels to be published this year! I can't wait for everyone to get to read this! Rose and Wren's sisterly bond and love stories while ruling their kingdom have captured my heart in a way no new adult fantasy novel has been able to in a long time.

A SHORT PREVIEW: Follow Rose and Wren as they try to navigate ruling their beloved Kingdom together. They find love and make mistakes in this moving installment of the Twin Crowns Series. Hidden kingdoms, shifting loyalties and challenging personal beliefs are the basis for Cursed Crowns.

Find 28 Summer Ready Book Releases in May 2023 here!

THOUGHTS:
- This was by far the book I was most excited about on my May 2023 book releases list, mostly due to the authors’ dual point-of-view writing perfection. I flipped through these pages quickly, and there was never a dull moment!
- Throughout this series I've connected with Wren's character on many levels, but never more so than when she starts to realize that people she thought were her enemies are no more. It's an awesome story of growth and really realizing what's important. I'm also obsessed with the way her romance life is progressing and I can't wait to read book three!!
- Rose's emotional maturity has always been a sticking point for me in this book and I feel like we really got to see her grow in necessary ways for the series to continue in the right direction. I don't want to say too much or reveal anything, but Shen's character is still around, and his plotline has a fun twist I definitely didn't see coming!

NOTES:
- Definitely new adult with the way some romantic relationships are portrayed.
**Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books, Balzer + Bray, & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Profile Image for AbbysBooks.
127 reviews3,025 followers
May 12, 2023
I adore this series. So accessible and addictive.
Profile Image for scarlett.
13 reviews8 followers
May 11, 2023
rose had as much personality as bella swan
Profile Image for Stephanie.
445 reviews38 followers
February 16, 2023
The adventure is back as Rose and Wren continue on their individual and joint journeys to unite their kingdom, working to bring peace and freedom to all, while the past of their ancestors looms behind them. And all the while, looking to tune into the inner workings of their hearts.

This was a sweet, fun, mostly light-hearted ride. There were somber moments, and angst along the way; both of which added a welcome level of high stakes to the narrative. Through and through— this is an adventure of delight and smiles. This series has truly become a comfort read for me, and I am so pleased that the sequel is just as enjoyable as the first, but this time ending with an extra level of exhilaration that has me clamoring for more and more.

Rose

Rose, my soft, sweet, strong flower girl. It’s so interesting to have her POV, without it one may easily view her differently. In the beginning of the book we are in Wren’s head and it’s easy to write Rose off as haughty and spoiled, but the second we have her POV we see this wonderfully dynamic protagonist who is trying her hardest to keep firmly on her mask of expected wise queen and calm leader, while privately working through her fears, doubts, and worries. She cares so deeply. She genuinely loves her people and country, and now, with her understanding the truth of witches, wants more than anything for all to unite and to be free to be just as they are. Together. The love she possesses is truly her greatest strength.


Wren

Wren has a really intriguing arc. I loved Wren since Twin Crowns, but I didn’t always like her. I am so glad to say I both loved and liked her in Cursed Crowns. Her arc was a very strong one: just as in the first book, it propelled the plot forward, but along with it, I found her romantic arc much stronger than the first book. And it leaves me incredibly excited for what’s to come for her.


The Twins

I was greatly anticipating seeing how the twins' dynamic would be like in this book. There's immediately a sense of closeness, affection, family-- and that traditional sibling ribbing of one another.
My heart did go out to Rose at times, because it felt she cared more about her sister, about sticking together, than Wren did. However, it is clear these girls love each other infinitely. They are sisters. And although they spent much time apart, the moments we get between the sisters are so lovely. There is true camaraderie and trust between them.

That said, I am eager to spend more time on the page together, to face what is coming next. As a team, in full trust and heart. What’s coming for them will be their grandest test, and I will be there cheering for them the whole way through.


The Romance Part I

I was very curious to see how the romance would continue to evolve with Rose and Shen. Obstacles are placed in front them throughout the journey, at times I grew frustrated with both, especially at Shen during a very specific scene, and I’m glad for that frustration— because their romance was allowed space to see if it could stand the test of hardship. It doesn’t stay static.

Do they stay together or crumble? You’ll have to read to find out!

All I will say is that I adore them together, and will always root for them to make it through.

I also consider Shen to be part of the main cast, along with the twins. While we don’t get his POV we do get a lot of story from him this go around, Rose’s arc in many ways circles around Shen learning who he is and what his future may (and may not) hold. A surprising reveal about Shen is made, and it’s a bold move by the authors. There’s enough foreshadowing to see it coming, but it still presents surprise and curiosity, while unequivocally changing the course of Shen’s story.


The Romance Part II

One of the facets I can’t say I was wholly immersed in during the first book was Wren’s romantic arc with Tor. Now I wonder if that was on purpose. I won’t say too much, but let’s just say there is potential for Wren’s heart to open to another. Will it happen? Only time will tell. But if it does, I am surprising myself by saying I wholly welcome it.

Love triangles are one of my most disliked tropes and yet here I am wanting it. Just the tease of it has strengthened Wren’s romantic arc. This new addition was unexpected, but I so quickly embraced it, especially the person this is due to. The chemistry between this person and Wren was instant, electric, and most importantly— meaningful. Tor, for me, always felt surface level. There’s something potentially deeper with the third party. I think it’s noteworthy we, in Wren’s POV, spend more time learning backstory on this person than we do Tor. I really think if the authors go for it, and leave Tor behind for this surprising character, it will continue to strengthen Wren’s arc. I welcome it. I want it. And now I’ll be wishing for it until the next book comes. I didn’t think Wren’s (potential) love story could rival the love I have for Rose/Shen, but suddenly I see her having one that will easily match it.

Fingers crossed!


The Supporting Cast

I do enjoy how friendship continues to be important in this series. That said, I selfishly wish we had a bit more Celeste. I love how she is so brave and will put herself on the line to protect others— she is wonderful. But considering she is Rose's best friend, I would love to see more of that dynamic explored.

Also Elske! That wild pup has a rather prominent role, but not in the storyline expected! I absolutely adored her role though, and thought she fit brilliantly in the arc she featured.

Then we have the newbies— the new supporting cast that brought forth formidability, danger, laughs, and surprise. Some feature more than others, but all helped to lift and move the narrative in a very positive direction.

Run Around the World

For whatever reason, I tend to find my attention waning during the middle of fantasy reads, with plot pacing to drag and/or be riddled with an info dump that loses me. So it’s to my pleasant surprise that when the middle arrived in Cursed Crowns, the narrative went full throttle ahead and I felt like a giddy, excited passenger along for the ride.

The entire book is wonderful, but that second half was especially perfect.

And the world-building was gorgeous. It brilliantly expanded upon the first book wonderfully. The new settings brought a new richness in storytelling, as well as new layers to characters. We see different sides to certain character, which can lead to new perspectives. And I find that fantastic!

The excellent run on pacing and the carefully crafting of the world are harmoniously brought together in this sequel.


Growing Pains

If there’s any facet of this story that gave me pause, and I do consider this simply a slight nitpick, it was in feeling the twins’ slightly regressed in the growth they accumulated over the first book. Rose went back to frequent feet stomping with her spoiled, judgmental attitude; and Wren isolated herself with her misguided stubbornness, and know-it-all stance. It didn’t overly bother me, but more so perplexed me. I expected more maturity on their part, rather than a retread of what I assumed they already learned in their first arc of growth. Rose should know now not to judge a book by its cover, and Wren should know to slow down and think, rather than to impulsively act.

Nevertheless, I do feel they each, especially Rose, has wonderful growth in this sequel and I hope it sticks this time. And the way things ended, with the main plot looming, I do think it absolutely will. At the end of the day, they're young girls who have taken up leadership roles, so I think leniency should be allowed. Growing up hurts, but I know these girls have what it takes to pull through.


Ready for the Next Adventure

Without a doubt, this was another happily worthwhile tale, it brought the same delightful fun from its predecessor, but added a layer of angst and exhilaration that leaves you at the edge of your seat. It left me needing to know what will happen next, and desperately hoping for a happily ever after to be found at the end of it all.

Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc as a member of the street team.
Profile Image for Ali Mohebianfar.
229 reviews157 followers
October 1, 2023
داستان این جلد کمی بعد از پایان جلد اول شروع می شه. عده ای از بازگشت ساحره ها ناراضی ان و همین زمینه چینی یسری شورش ها شده. ملکه ها باید کشور رو کنترل کنن تا دوباره همه چی در صلح و آرامش قرار بگیره. با این حال مشکلات برون مرزی هم هست، شاه آلاریک از رن خواسته ای داره تا در ازای اون بانبا رو آزاد کنه. رز هم به همراه شِن باید راهی سفری به کویر بشه. دو خواهر، دو ملکه و یک سرزم��ن غرق در آشوب. سفر یک ملکه به سرزمین یخ، و سفر دیگری به کویر سوزان.
به نظرم این جلد منسجم تر، قوی تر و جذاب تر از جلد پیشین بود. لوکیشن های قصه متنوع تر شد و شخصیت های بیشتری به قصه ر��ه یافتن. چالش هایی برای رن و رز ایجاد شده که داستان رو به سمت و سوی متفاوتی می برن.
همچنان یسری مشکلات وجود داره. بعضی جاها سرسری رد می شه یا مشکلاتی به وجود میاد که به راحتی حل می شن، اما با این حال، اگه به عنوان یه اثر یانگ ادالت فانتزی بهش نگاه کنیم، می شه چند روزی رو باهاش مشغول باشیم و حس و حال جذابی رو تجربه کنیم.
هرچند اندک، اما همچنان وایبی از Three Dark Crowns بهم می ده و همین باعث می شه بیشتر دوستش داشته باشم.
رن و آلاریک رو از این مجموعه واقعا دوست دارم🔥

پ.ن همراه اسپویل:
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صحنه ی مرگِ دوباره انسل در پایان واقعا دردآور بود. مخصوصا دیالوگ هایی که می گفت💔بعد مدت ها اشکم درومد پای یه کتاب...
Profile Image for Luce.
588 reviews277 followers
June 27, 2023
Overall Score: 3.5/5

Character Development: 3/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Readability: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5

What I Liked:
◉ Wren's storyline - she's definitely my favourite twin and I think a big part of that is her storyline is just so much more interesting, and she feels like such a full character compared to Rose who comes across as quite flat at times.
◉ The love triangle - I'm usually not a fan of a love triangles, but Wren's relationship with Tor and King Alarik was one of the most interesting things in this book. I can't wait to see how this is developed further in book 3.
◉ Rose & Shen - I enjoyed the development of their relationship, although their fights are very YA and silly at times.

What I Disliked:
◉ This book felt a lot younger compared to book 1 - and some of the situations and conversations had me rolling my eyes a little. If you're not a fan of the YA fantasy genre, this probably isn't the series for you.
◉ Rose's storyline - for the most part, her storyline felt pointless. I would love to see more character development for her, because it's definitely a weak area in this series.
◉ Rose & Wren being separated for the majority of the book - would love to have seen some development between the twins, but we were told a lot rather than shown so when they were separated it didn't hit as hard.

I'm impressed that this book didn't fall into the sequel/filler book trap and I'm intrigued to see how the series progresses.
Profile Image for Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}.
1,115 reviews1,666 followers
Want to read
July 19, 2023
A friend of mine gifted me this book as a birthday present, and she said: ''I know you love books and I know you loved watching Barbie movies when you were little, and when I saw this book I thought this would be perfect for you, because it looks like a high fantasy version of 'The Princess and the Pauper'.

Hearing that instantly made my day 10x better. :D
Profile Image for isabel.
304 reviews
Want to read
October 15, 2022
Okay cool a sequel but why the changed font and aesthetic…ahhhh this bothers me
Profile Image for B. Magnusdottir.
97 reviews
May 17, 2023
sigh 2.5 stars, and i loved the first book.

I was so disappointed, i wanted to love it. But all of the characters acted so dumb throughout the book. The plot was not the best, the established character traits from book 1 did not appear in book 2.
Tor had zero personality in this book, Shen was just plain dumb, and Wren and Rose abandoned their kingdom when it was at its weakest.

Just so disappointing.
Profile Image for ✨Julie✨.
570 reviews432 followers
April 4, 2024
My biggest issue with this series is that I’m really not a fan or either Queen. Rose was slightly less annoying and entitled in this one, but Wren was even more infuriating. She is so reckless and impulsive, and her decision impact their entire world. She has proven time and again that she is not worthy of a crown. I will say that I was happy with the change up in the romantic interest the author made. It was a bit obvious, but I am pretty done with Tor since he continually chooses duty over Wren. I may not be her biggest fan, but come on girl, know your worth.

It’s pretty obnoxious that they seem hell bent on repeating all the same mistakes as the first two Queens knowing what they know, but hopefully they’ll get their sh** together in book three. I did find this plot to be more entertaining than book one. Switching POV’s really took me out of the narrative when I read Twin Crown’s but I felt that this book flowed much more seemlessly. I’m hopeful that the next book will be even better.
Profile Image for Maggie ☘.
577 reviews748 followers
November 8, 2023
*3.75/5 stars*

Not quite as amazing as the first one overall imo, but the story was very immersive and gripping nonetheless.

I enjoyed Rose's part of the story about as much as in the first book. Rose and Shen as a pair were, despite some bumps on the road along the way, just as likeable in the sequel. The part of the story with the seers was especially fun to read about and I liked the whole setting of it and, of course, Elske, the wolf. Rose's POV was, once again, one part filled with adventure and, this time, the other with her trying to be a fair ruler.

Wren's POV, which was undeniably a favourite of mine in Twin Crowns, was sometimes slightly aggravating for me, but at the same time the one that made me glued to the pages, intrigued to know what happens next. I really loved the romance in book 1, but here, I was very disappointed with the addition of a love triangle. Filled with court (ice castle) intrigue, old magic, darkness and mystery, this side of the story, nonetheless, kept me on my toes and guessing.

All in all, the plot was very intiguing and grabbing; main characters largely likeable (but sometimes aggravating), the world and history of the witches was explored more and the book had overall darker and more serious tone than the first one (which was at times laugh-out-loud funny and lighthearted). I preferred Twin Crowns to Cursed Crowns, I thought the first book had more heart to it, but this one is a solid continuation nonetheless, just not 100% in the direction I was hoping for.
Profile Image for AboutEstelle.
231 reviews1,100 followers
August 2, 2023
La seule chose cool de ce livre c’était Alarik 😂😂😂
Wren, les deux étoiles elles sont pour le blizzard.
Shen t’en con, oh lala qu’est-ce que t’es con. T’es tellement con que ta petite crise là elle a durée 2 pages. Je pleure de rire. 2 pages. La résolution était SI SIMPLE genre on est au CP des conflits.
Bref, ça aurait dû être un one shot
Profile Image for Laura Díaz.
Author 0 books959 followers
December 6, 2023
El principio me hizo pensar que estaba leyendo algo repleto de demasiadas coincidencias y juvenil, pues hay muchísimos diálogos sin real valor en la historia.
Pero después empecé a disfrutarlo mucho más, pues la trama se enreda y hace unos giros bastante buenos. Es cierto que hay un cliché que no soporto:
"el malo que no es tan malo", pero es una historia que realmente recomiendo. Tiene todos los ingredientes para un cuento de hadas fantástico y protagonistas con personalidades diferentes. Muy guay.
Profile Image for Alice Waby.
61 reviews18 followers
March 13, 2023
When a book has a build up and scene that has you screaming at the page, you know it’s gonna get a good review 😍

Thankyou for the advanced copy of this book for being on the Cursed Crowns street team 👑

One thing I’ll always say when someone asks me about twin/cursed crowns is that it’s such an easy and magical read that you can get lost in! There’s definitely angst and character development and all that good stuff too.

I loved the way the plot developed in this second book, the dual POV has you hanging on to each chapter particularly in the middle of the book where I couldn’t stop reading!

As always I will highly recommend this book 📚
Profile Image for Medisa.
184 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2024
امتیازم بین ۳ و ۴ متغیره، جلد اول متوسط رو به پایین بود اما این جلد رو به بالا رفت و به نوعی حدس می‌زنم که اوج این مجموعه‌ست.
رن به خاطر مادربزرگش به شدت احمقانه رفتار می‌کرد و باعث شد علاقه‌ام بهش کمتر شه اما از اون طرف رز که توی جلد اول چیز خاصی نداشت پیشرفت داشت~
تفاوت دیدگاه خواهرا خیلی خیلی زیاد بود و یه جورایی اعصابم رو خورد کرد!تا می‌رسیدم به بهترین جا فصل تموم می‌شد.
توی این جلد بیشتر به شن و الریک پرداخته بودن و تور گم شد اون وسط..هر چند از الریک هم خوشم اومد.(کل‌کل‌هاش با رن>>)
کلا فانتزی‌هایی که جنگ و شورش دارن رو بیشتر دوست دارم هر چند بگذریم که کلا فانتزیش خیلی آش دهن سوزی نیست.
دیگه چی بگم؟ فضای پادشاهی آفتاب رو خیلی دوست داشتم، راستی یه چیز جالب: نویسنده‌ها خواهرشوهر و زن داداش هم‌دیگه‌ن :)
Profile Image for Quill&Queer.
1,078 reviews521 followers
October 1, 2024
This sequel to Twin Crowns managed to hit all three points of my second book checklist to make it great - new settings, new characters, and new dangers to face, as Rose finds herself in the long lost Sunkissed Kingdom and Wren travels to the icy realm of Gevra to rescue Banba.

This story took so many turns I wasn't expecting, from the vivid new characters introduced in the Sunkissed Kingdom, to returning characters and a surprise new romance. These new challenges really moved Wren and Rose's story forward and set up the building blocks for the next book.

It's so refreshing to read a second book in a series that doesn't feel like filler, that has stories to tell in it's own right. The ending made me so excited for the third book, but I'm worried not all my favourite characters will make it to the final pages.
Profile Image for kate.
1,525 reviews966 followers
May 24, 2023
4.5* This series truly offers (and delivered) one of the most fun and enjoyable reading experiences. It's just an absolute delight. It plays into every trope imaginable in a self aware and almost nostalgic way that just does something great to my soul. This book knows what it's doing and it does it so well. I for one am very excited to hear there's going to be another book to look forward to because I love the way Catherine and Katherine's brains work together.
Profile Image for Lucy'sLilLibrary.
474 reviews
September 19, 2024
This is one of those rare books where I know it isn't a four star book but the enjoyment level outweighed it's shortfalls. I can help but enjoy this series, it's so fun and light-hearted. It does read quite young, possibly even younger than the first book. I still have a soft spot for Shen but it's faded a little.

Shen and Kia were like two naughty children and Rose was like their babysitter which was a sweet dynamic. There is a lot of silly humour in this book and it's so cute. I never really feared for the main characters it felt quite low stakes. Wren's inner monologue was interesting in this one, she's constantly trying to convince herself what she's doing isn't wrong, that she has no other choice. There are some decent additional characters in this book but they are pretty one-dimensional.

I was glad that there was more magic in this one, we delve much deeper into the magic system and the power the queens and witches have. It's a magic system everyone has seen before, witches, spells, incantations and magical objects, but it works and it's a lot of fun. Although the plot was mostly predictable it did have moments that had me gasping out loud. I think the main reason I can't help but give this such a high rating because it made laugh out loud so many times and gave me so much happiness.

I didn't enjoy the new love triangle it felt out of place. I will admit this isn't as good as the first book, but it isn't a whole star worse. I am still looking forward to continuing the series and I want to read more by Catherine Doyle.
Profile Image for Caitlinvt.
58 reviews13 followers
March 25, 2023
My rating: 4.5/5

I was lucky to get an arc for Cursed Crowns!

They did it again! I loved this book so much.
What I really liked about Cursed Crowns is that we see more of the world and meet new characters.
Wren and Rose are mostly separated in the story, but I didn’t mind at all, because we had more stories and interactions between different characters.
That doesn’t mean I don’t like Wren and Rose together, I just loved how they went their own way and had their own storyline in this book.

Now let’s talk about the ships. I still love Shen and Rose together, But I’m a little conflicted about Wren haha. I don’t know who she should be with!! I Don’t want to spoil anything, but I adored Alarik and Wren toward the end. Their interactions developed through the story and I’m obsessed. But I still love Tor too, so aaah.
The world-building was great and I loved that something interesting was always happening.
I was never bored and wanted to keep reading.
I’m also glad I chose team frozen court (King Alarik ;))

Overall, I enjoyed Cursed Crowns and I can’t wait for book 3!!!
Profile Image for Christina.
51 reviews
May 5, 2023
3,5⭐ with the first book this series really had potential, but the pace of this book feels a bit off. The authors seemed to want too much to happen at once, with every idea crammed into one book. But despite this I still enjoyed the read and storyline.
Profile Image for nela.reading.
193 reviews93 followers
November 16, 2024
"Przeklęte korony" to kontynuacja historii królowych bliźniaczek - Wren i Rose. Jest to również książka, której nie dosięgnęła tzw. "klątwa drugiego tomu" i pod każdym względem przebiła tom pierwszy. "Bliźniacze korony" w mojej ocenie wypadły dość przeciętnie, natomiast tutaj absolutnie nie ma mowy o przeciętności.

Akcja zaczyna bezpośrednio po zakończeniu z tomu pierwszego i od początku autorki stawiają na bardzo dużą dynamikę. Nie było momentu, kiedy stwierdziłabym, że fabuła jest nudna i mimo, że perspektywa Wren była dla mnie znacznie bardziej interesująca, a Rose mnie irytowała, wątki obu tych postaci sprawiały, że ciężko było się oderwać od lektury.

W "Przeklętych koronach" podobnie jak w "Bliźniaczych koronach" fabuła podzielona jest na dwie historie, które dzieją się w tym samym czasie i przenikają się ze sobą. Podobał mi się ten zabieg, ponieważ siostry znalazły się w bardzo skrajnych od siebie sytuacjach i miało się czasem uczucie czytania jednocześnie dwóch zupełnie różnych książek.

Mimo wszystko dużo bardziej czekałam na rozdziały, w których główną bohaterką była Wren. Podobała mi się wizja niebezpiecznego królestwa, zimowej krainy, bestii, pewnego okrutnego króla i członka rodziny, którego musi ocalić za wszelką cenę. Okropnie żałuję, że nie mogę się bardziej rozpisać na temat relacji Wren z poszczególnymi postaciami z "Przeklętych koron"... Jednakże naprawdę miło zaskoczyłam się wątkiem romantycznym, który ma OGROMNY potencjał i mam nadzieję, że nie zostanie zmarnowany, bo ekscytowałam się tą relacją i ich chemią bardzo mocno.

Druga czarownica, Rose, wzięła na swoje barki odpowiedzialność za rosnący w królestwie bunt oraz zdecydowała się wyruszyć na poszukiwania zaginionego królestwa razem z Shenem. I o ile sama wyprawa bardzo mi przypadła do gustu i byłam ciekawa jak potoczą się losy jednej z bliźniaczek i Wojownika, o tyle Rose i Shen okropnie irytowali mnie swoim zachowaniem. Zwłaszcza Rose przyjęła tutaj rolę rozpieszczonej, egoistycznej arystokratki, przez którą często przemawia zazdrość oraz poczucie wyższości nad innymi. Nie polubiłyśmy się w tym tomie. Nie polubiłam się również z wątkiem romantycznym. Rose i Shen byli dla mnie nijacy. Cieszę się więc, że chociaż ich podróż stanowiła dla mnie świetną rozrywkę.

Jest jeszcze jeden element, który zdobył moje serce i szczerze mnie zaskoczył: pradawna klątwa. Ten wątek jest tak ciekawy! Co prawda w "Przeklętych koronach" mamy zaledwie jego początek, ale mam wielką nadzieję, że w trzecim tomie autorki zaplanowały coś naprawdę spektakularnego.

Podsumowując: postać Rose była najsłabszym ogniwem książki, ale cała reszta to dla mnie cudowna przygoda. Bardzo pozytywnie się zaskoczyłam i nie sądziłam, że aż tak pokocham "Przeklęte korony". Zachwyt, zachwyt i jeszcze raz zachwyt. Nawet jeśli komuś nie przypadł do gustu tom pierwszy, to warto dać szansę kontynuacji. Ogromnie polecam!

[Współpraca reklamowa z wydawnictwem WeNeedYA, WydajeNamSie]
Profile Image for Emily G.
296 reviews22 followers
August 9, 2024
3.75 rounded up

This was a good follow up to an explosive first book. I found the pacing to work a little better for me in this book and it the authors retained their ability to keep you reading through those between chapter cliff hangers!

I was apprehensive about continuing this series as I had heard mutterings about a love triangle (a very disliked trope for myself) but I found this to be almost non-existent. Some people may disagree but in my mind Wren is very much single I would have actually liked to see a bit more romance and bad-assery from Wrens side, but I expect this to come in the finale.

In this series the twins are separated again, which was fine, but got slightly frustrating after a while. They work better together in my opinion. I found a lot of points to be very predictable (especially the betrayals) and am still hoping to be swept off my feet. I would have liked some more action in this book, rather than it being saved mostly for the end.

I will finish this series but am not in a rush.

In my opinion, this is very much a YA series, so if that is your jam alongside exploring new worlds with witches and betrayal - check it out!

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The cliff-hangers between these chapters should be illegal.
Also so far no love triangle so we are good (minor stuff at the end, but my girl is single who can blame her - i'm scared for book 3)
Profile Image for Sam (FallingBooks).
744 reviews395 followers
May 12, 2023
4.5 Stars

Just as much fun as the first book Twin Crowns. YA fantasy rom-com that is close as you can get to that feeling of falling in love with your first YA book. The magic system is easy to follow making it a good entry into fantasy. The characters and their relationships keep you invested throughout. I loved being back with Wren, Rose and Shen.

People always ask me if this book has spice and to that I say THIS IS A CHILDREN'S BOOK WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SPICE HERE. The love stories are swoon-worthy for sure and features some popular tropes e.g. friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, only one bed, etc. But their story arcs are fleshed out and they have to deal with ever rising challenges.

I enjoyed that this book is a little darker. It takes the magic we learn about from the first book and shows us how that magic can be abused as well as the consequences of using it.

Another cliffhanger ending (AHH) but I am very much looking forward to book 3 and how the storylines will wrap up.
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