Review of 'Twin Crowns'

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.

Wren Greenrock has always known that one day she’d steal her sister’s place on the throne. Trained from birth to return to the palace and avenge her parents’ murder, she’ll do anything to become queen and protect the community of witches who raised her. Or she would, if only a certain guard wasn’t quite so distractingly attractive, and if her reckless magic would stop causing trouble. . . .

Princess Rose Valhart knows that with power comes responsibility—and she won’t let a small matter like waking up in the desert with an extremely impertinent (and very handsome) kidnapper get in the way of her duty. But life outside the palace is wilder and more beautiful than she ever imagined, and the witches she has long feared might turn out to be the family she never had.

But as coronation day looms and each sister strives to claim her birthright, an old enemy becomes increasingly determined that neither will succeed. Who will ultimately rise to power and wear the crown?

Review

Twin Crowns is a delightful read that surprised me, offering laughs and sisterly love amongst the romance and adventure.

Storytelling

I absolutely adored Twin Crowns. I’m somewhat impartial, loving a few select rom-coms (Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, and The Family Stone). But rom-coms are not generally what I go for. However, I’m so happy I picked up this book.

Twin Crowns follows twins Wren and Rose, who were separated at birth. Rose was born into the palace, knowing nothing of her sister, thinking both of her parents were murdered the night she was born by villainous witches.

Wren was lucky enough to be whisked away and saved by her grandmother, a witch as treachery stole into the castle. She was raised to take her sister’s place and bring witches back from exile.

Of course, this means kidnapping her sister and sending her across the desert while she steals her place.

Split between both characters, the story unfolds masterfully.

Wren and Rose couldn’t be more different, capturing their namesakes perfectly. But they balance the story, building up the romance and humor in different ways.

I loved how Wren sneaks into the palace and works to make the plan come to life. Her sly cleverness, fumbles, and recoveries make for some laugh-out-loud moments. Not to mention the budding romance between her and Tor Iversen. They challenge one another. They are not quite enemies to lovers but are definitely on the cusp of it.

Rose, for her part, also has some great moments. More than that, she goes on an incredible journey. Rose goes from a pampered princess to a rebel fighter. She’s still as polite as formal, but she grows thorns. Rose becomes a fighter. She is the coolheaded princess of Wren’s rashness.

And the romance between her and Shen, well, it is simply adorable. Whereas Wren’s has more fire, Rose’s is more wholesome and sweeter.

Final Thoughts

The authors did a fantastic job with Twin Crowns. This novel was sweet. It was fun and action-packed and didn’t lack for fantasy. There is excitement and so many laugh-out-loud moments on top of the perfectly balanced characterization that make this a delight to read. This reader is excited for the sequel.

• Writing Quality : 9/10
• Character Development : 9/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 10/10
• Intellectual Depth: 9/10
• Originality: 9/10
• Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, son and daughter and their two cats.