I was excited for this after reading book one. I did enjoy the first book more than this, but still thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved getting to know the characters more and learn more about the world that this book is set in.

This is going to be a difficult review to write without giving away a lot of the plot, so I'lll start with this - once I started this book, I literally could not put it down. Starting basically right after the events of TWIN CROWNs ends, we're thrust into the aftermath of Ansel's untimely death and the beginning of the Twin Queens reign.

But nothing is as it seems. Wren sneaks off in the night to save her grandmother across the sea. Rose attempts to find a lost kingdom of witches to have allies in her fight against the rebellion. You're unsure who to trust and who to become attached to (much like an SJM novel).

While Book #1 did not give me ACOTAR vibes, this book definitely did. I'll just say one word - Tamlin. IYKYK.

Between the dual POV and short chapters, it was easy to lose myself in the kingdom of Eana. And when both POVs are action packed and you don't know what's coming next, "one more chapter" turns into "Well, there's only 20% of the book left, might as well finish."

rating: 4.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
genre: young adult fantasy, ya romance
spice: lots of pining and kissing, closed door

Read if you like:
Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Twin Heroines
The hand flex scene in Pride & Prejudice

Thank you so much to Balzer & Bray and Netgalley for letting me read an eARC of Cursed Crowns. I really liked book one, so I was the most excited to read this one and it didn’t disappoint!
Cursed Crowns 4/5 Stars
Summary from Goodreads: 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 . . .
It was so good to be back in Eana with Rose and Wren! I love how different the two of them are, yet how willing they are to work together for the betterment of their kingdom, and how much they like each other, even though historically they were supposed to hate each other and parts of book one really should have made them hate/resent each other. I also liked how relatively quickly Wren ran off for the north- and we got to see King Alarik and Tor again, and they’re for sure my favorites. Rose going on her own side quest with Shen was super cool too and I love all of the secrets and things that were discovered there. The final battle scene was great and the way that the big evil for book 3 was introduced and shown was great and I cannot wait to read on in this series. Overall, this was a quick, fun YA fantasy and I cannot wait to read more in this world!

I absolutely loved the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to pick this one up! I read through this book so fast and didn’t want to put it down. It was such a fun, action packed second book in the series.

The multiple POVs in this book is one of my favorite things. It is so well done, while not getting confusing at all. I love so much about it. The romance, the sisterhood, the character growth, the plot. After reading this one, I’m so so excited for book 3 to come out.

I’ll always recommend this series to everyone!!

Twin Crowns was one of my favorite reads from last year so I was extremely excited to get to dive into this second book! I love that this one picked right up where the first left off. I love this story and I'm really pleased with the journey that Wren and Rose experienced. So much action and adventure was packed into this book and it made for a really good time! I loved the new areas that we got to visit, the Sunkissed kingdom was a lot of fun and I was pleasantly surprised by the twist that came with that. Wrens adventure to the north was equally enchanting and full of a few things that I definitely did not see coming. I cannot wait to see wait to see what is going to happen in book 3!!

Rating: 4.5 / 5

I am always so worried about reading the sequel of books I really enjoy because I am afraid I will be disappointed. If you are like me.. fear not! This was an amazing sequel to Twin Crowns. I actually think I liked this book even more than the first one!

The story picks up right where we left off and we jump straight into an action packed story. I had so much fun reading this book and the authors did an amazing job at keeping me engaged. I thought it was amazing that the story is being told through two different POVs from two completely different world and I never felt lost. The authors were incredible at world building and character development. Not only that but there were so many swoon worthy moments that I cannot stop thinking about. I cannot wait to continue the story. Actually, if the authors are seeing this.. can you please let me know when the next book comes out? I’m dying here!

Overall, this was just a very fun, entertaining, and enjoyable book. I would definitely recommend giving this series a try if you have not already. This is one of those series that need more hype!!

Thank you @netgalley & @harpercollins for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was lovely!!

This is the second book of the Twin Crowns series and if you haven't read book one yet, definitely go pick this one up. I was looking forward to this book from the moment I turned the last page of the first book and I'm happy to report that I am happy with how this one went. Admittedly I had to go back and read the last few chapters because I couldn't remember everything after so much time but I'm actually happy I did it. It truly helped get me back up to speed with ALL the things.

This book dives right into the story and keeps things moving well. I thought Doyle and Webber did a good job of balancing out the characters' stories and keeping the momentum for both Wren and Rose as well as all the other characters involved.

If you're looking for a YA fantasy to pick up and haven't yet read this series, consider doing so and if you have read book one, definitely pick up this book so you can read what happens!

Cursed Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber is the anticipated sequel to Twin Crowns. This book continues on with the story of our favorite witch queens.

I was very excited to read this novel and I did mostly enjoy it! I think the first one is still my favorite but this book added more to the story that I was glad to read about. I had a great time reading about Wren and Rose trying to rule their kingdom.

I think I enjoyed reading about Wren more than Rose. The latter seemed a little childish, but I suppose that is probably from her sheltered upbringing. Wren's story in this sequel was exciting to read about and although it contained one of my most hated tropes I can't say it wasn't done well.

I think all fans of the first novel need to give this sequel a try!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Children's Books (Balzer + Bray) for an eARC of this novel!

The book was amazing. The romance was so cute and amazing. I love their writing. The first book was one of the best books I have read.

This book was a lot of fun just like book 1. This Young Adult fantasy is fast paced, full of action with double the romance!

Rose and Wren are now ruling their kingdom together but not everyone is happy to have the witch queens in charge. Tensions are high as the sisters try to bring peace but so many obstacles stand in their way.

I love the bond between Rose and Wren. Even though they are fighting separate battles, they sisters rely on each other. I felt like both girls showed growth in this book. I was so infested with each POV. Both girls have adventurous stories paired with sizzling (spice free) romance! I did find myself very conflicted on one of the romance and the love triangle. Maybe it’s because I don’t like change, but I’m having a hard time accepting it. The tension and chemistry were there but I just love the other guy so much! Maybe book 3 will change my mind.

I’ve enjoyed both books in this trilogy so far and I’m excited to read book 3 one day. The world building is great and the plot twist will keep you guessing till the end!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eART. All opinions are my own.

A Fun sequel to last years twin crowns. I was super excited to read this book and finally get to spend more time with the twins Rose and Wren and see how they interact with one another. In some ways I found this to be a satisfying sequel and in other I didn't, as I said I was hoping for more interactions between rose and wren which honestly felt kind of lacking. I feel like there is the beginnings of a love triangle being setup for wren and i really am not a huge fan of love triangles. honestly I was just kind of disappointed by this one, I plan on sticking with the series but this book did cause me some investment.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Harpercollins.

I honestly enjoyed this so much more than twin crowns and I really didn’t think I was going to at first because I found the first quarter of the book to be starting off so slow, but once each of the twins own journey’s started developing I became so much more enchanted by this story.

I know I am not supposed to pick favorites but oh my gosh everything about Wren is just so absolutely perfect. I loved every minute I was reading her story and her point of view. It lit a fire within me that I didn’t realize I needed. I learned to love so many new things and it got so much better than I ever thought it would. If you know, you know, if not then you better read to find out.

Rose on the other hand is so sweet and I really admire how caring she is and how she rules as a leader. I more or so identify myself with Rose. At times I would love reading about her journey and other times I just found myself wishing for Wren’s pov. Everything I loved about Rose and Shen Lo all was very heavy and it almost made me lose interest in their pairing because of Shen Lo’s characterization in this book. Overall though I really adore the two and how complimentary they are for each other.

Unlike the last book. I absolutely adored the ending for this one. I love seeing the power of these sisters together and how they balance eachother out perfectly. It really was such a good ending in my opinion and I am so excited for the next book. Love the magic. Love the twins. Love the romance.

Cursed Crowns takes everything I loved about Twin Crowns, and turns it up a notch.

I absolutely loved Twin Crowns when I read it last year so was excited to get to read the sequel, and I was not disappointed.

Wren and Rose take to ruling in exactly the manor you would expect from each of them, and unsurprisingly some amount of chaos ensues when they disagree on the best course of action for themselves and their people.

I particularly enjoyed getting to see some different parts of the world in this book, as well as the twists and turns in the plot, and getting to explore more of the magic system - which I love!

I thoroughly enjoyed this somewhat darker sequel, and I’m intrigued to see where the story goes in the next book in the series!

Cursed Crowns picks up right where Twin Crowns leaves off.
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We get a dual POV fantasy story with Rose and her twin sister Wren. This book is FULL of adventure, magic, and romance, with a sprinkle of humor. Rose and Wren each take on their own feats and challenges.
What I loved:
👑YA fantasy
👑Dual POV
👑Romance
👑So much excitement
👑Plot twist
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I can’t wait for book 3!
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Thank you Netgalley and Harperteen for the opportunity to read this sequel.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book picks up right where book one left off and it will take you on an adventure. One that is filled with mystery, romance, magic, politics, betrayal and so much more.

In this book you get to see the two sisters trying to unite their kingdom with one half that does not want to accept the witches back in and the other half that do not mind the witches at all. Both of the sisters have their different ways that they see how this can go down and you can see how both of the sisters deal with the choices that they make to handle it.

Wren, she is still impulsive, a little rebellious and sometimes does not think things through all the way. Rose is still prim and proper, but she has her moments where you can see that she is still young and naïve. Wren was easier to connect with in this series only because I know at times, I have acted that way but at the same time it was easy to connect with Rose as well. I thought the romantic side of the book was done well for it being a young adult and with a plot twist of another maybe suiter for Wren… That part had me thinking “What! Wren what are you doing and at the same time saying, “oh maybe the villain isn’t a villain anymore.” Overall, I really enjoyed that the author had the sisters being two different personalities but how well they can work together.

I enjoyed that we had a clear point to the plot and at the same time we had little side plots that weaved well together in the end. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the love interest in this book and seeing more about them other than just the side of how the girls felt about them, but to learn their histories and to see where this might take them in books to come. The book was a little slow for me in the beginning, then about 40% in. That is where it took off and the pace was perfect. I loved that I couldn’t put this book down because I knew that something interesting was going to happen on the next page and I didn’t want to miss out on knowing.

I cannot wait until book three comes out so I can see the rest of the adventure that these two sisters and their friends/family will have to deal with next. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes YA fantasy, with a magical world, great plot and side plots, action, and adventure, all with a little romance.

I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the opportunity to review this book.

I really enjoyed stepping back into Eana and the kingdoms surrounding it in this sequel. I liked getting to see new characters and more backstory- I especially liked the twists with Alarik and Shen’s pasts and presents. I liked seeing Rose and Wren’s paths weave away from each other as they grow as individuals in their roles as dual queens and how they handled the same situations so differently to how they would have before they met. You can really sense the push and pull and the way they encourage each other even when they are apart. The bond they’ve created is special and it shows in many ways in Cursed Crowns. Some twists that occurred I didn’t see coming til they were right there on page so that was fun. I am looking forward to the third and final book. The Cliffhanger left me wanting more!

After reading twin crowns and absolutely devouring it, I needed to get the sequel. And this was magical. Wren and Rose are so dear to me. Being able to read their different journeys made me so incredibly happy. I love both sisters so much and I cannot wait to see where the romance goes in the next book.

4.25/5 Stars

This book was a cute continuation for the Twin Crown series filled with romance, political plotting and magic. In this second book, we get to learn more of this magical fantasy world, learn more about the side characters and continue to follow these twin princesses on their magical journey. I would say that I enjoyed this book slightly more than the first book of the series as the plot was more interesting and we got to explore more of the world. I am definitely looking forward to reading the final book when it is released!

This book still follows our two main characters Rose and Wren in an alternating third person point of view. I found the characters to feel young and very naive but it made the book feel like a romantic comedy. Our two main characters are still fairly polar opposites - each going through their own journey as they embark on a new adventure to learn how to rule. Wren is rebellious and snarky while Rose is prim and proper. I was not able to relate to the characters but I think younger readers will.

I will say that the synopsis for this read matched the book a lot better than the first one, there definitely is a lot that goes on with the plot rather than focusing on the romance. There are still romance aspects but mostly heated glances and passionate kisses. I would say the romance also feels a lot younger, think Jenny Han.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Twin Crowns or anyone looking for a lighter cute fantasy read with some comedic moments. I would not recommend this to anyone who does not enjoy young feeling young adult reads or anyone who doesn’t enjoy light romance in their reads. I think if you like Stephanie Garbers writing style you will enjoy this book - the voice that narrates the story was very similar to the one that narrates for Caravel in my head.

Thank you to the publisher (Balzar and Bray) and Netgalley for providing me with a free eARC for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Electric Monkey books for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cursed Crowns is the sequel to Twin Crowns and it starts right where we left off with Wren and Rose agreeing to rule together as Queens. While Rose is all for it and is trying to keep the peace among witches and humans, Wren is more worried about their grandmother being in the hands of their enemy.

Twin Crowns was one of my favorite reads of 2022 but I think my expectations were a little too high while reading Cursed Crowns.

I had a hard time staying focused and the pacing felt off to me. Wren was frustrating to follow as all her decisions were almost always bad and impulsive. Rose was okay and I preferred her chapters to Wren's.

I did like the romance and the unexpected love triangle. There was tension and some steamy moments that were entertaining to read.

I think a lot of readers will enjoy the sequel with its twists and intriguing new characters.

Sadly, my expectations were too high and Cursed Crowns fell a little short for me.

4 stars

I was so excited to be approved for this ARC. I fell in love with Wren and Shen in Twin Crowns and couldn't wait to read their next adventure. I think Cursed Crowns was a very good second book in a series. I often find there are two outcomes for second books: 1. the second book is just a place filler to move the story along and all of the action happens in the third book; 2. the second book actually has action and an interesting plot. I was very pleased to see that Cursed Crowns falls into the second category. It was nonstop action from beginning to end. Wren goes off to Gevra to rescue Banba and Rose and Shen travel to find the Sunkissed Kingdom for help defeating the witch hating revolution cropping up in Eana. As you can imagine if you read Twin Crowns, there is drama at every turn. Shen reconnects with long lost family who dredge up his past in ways he couldn't have imagined. Wren discovers that her freedom is going to come at a cost she didn't bargain for. Laced throughout all of the drama is a undercurrent of romantic tension between Shen and Rose and Wren, Tor, and Alarik. Yes you read that write, there is a love triangle forming with the KING OF FREAKING GEVRA. I'm telling you, you need to read this book to find out how the heck that happens. I'm serious you are not ready for that side of the story! The only gripe I had was with Rose's character. I didn't care for her in Twin Crowns and she didn't improve all that much in Cursed Crowns, She just became more whiny and rigid. Although, I will say she absolutely made up for her behavior at the very end. Again you'll just have to read it to find out :)