Twin Crowns is such a terrific read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the journeys of Rose and Wren. Each protagonist was developed well, forming both virtues and flaws, becoming relatable in unique ways. I found myself easily caring for both, and hoping their journeys would eventually find common ground. The plot is easily immersive, as one instantly finds themselves intrigued by its start and exhilarated by its continuous unfolding of action, comedy, political and magical mystery, and romance. Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber make an excellent team, and I simply cannot wait for the sequel! Until then, I’m eagerly awaiting the official publication of this book so I can have the hardcopy in my hands and onto the shelf.

While my enjoyment of this book did not cease, I also must admit to lamenting some unevenness within it. While the chapters evenly trade off between sisters, it seems Wren’s chapters hold more page time. Even by the end of the story, Wren held more knowledge about the main plot story, than Rose, creating somewhat of a power imbalance. I do think that could very well be done with intent to expand in the next sequel, but in this book, it further highlighted an imbalance between the twins.

I have no doubt Wren will be the readership’s favorite. She is very much a traditional YA heroine; we meet her with all her virtues: she is courageous, strong, witty, and we instantly feel her plight for revenge. It’s easy to like her because we meet her at her most likable, which for the most part doesn’t cease, if anything it increases. She is driving force for the plot, and through her story we learn much about the political and witch related plots. She is easy to love and root for from start to finish. A character I happily embraced.

Then there is Rose who awakens on the page as spoiled, vain, and prejudiced. She is anything but the typical YA heroine who sharpens steel, instead we see a character who sharpens her mind, and develops beautifully within the book. To me, Rose is the most intriguing protagonist— the one I felt my sympathy and loyalty tied the most to.

I’ve seen plenty of Wrens in YAs (and I love them all), but Roses are a rarer breed, and perhaps that is why I felt so fiercely protective of her as the story went on.

For all her conceit and judgement, Rose is also kind, gentle, loving, and so witty. She is not to be underestimated, yet constantly is.
If you judge her for her prejudice towards witches, then you miss the fact she has spent her entire 18 years living in deceit and fear, assuming witches are the reason her parents were murdered and her entire life derailed. She grew up unloved by all except her closest companion. She grew under the abusive thumb of a man who would shove her face into dirt as a child to “thoroughly” ensure she possessed no witch magic. She grew up isolated from the world, thus making it impossible to arm herself with the tools necessary to dismantle the lies that crippled her with such fear and misinformation.

I found her evolution in character the most interesting to watch. Wren is a strong character, she, more than Rose, pushes the plot positively forward. Rose, on the other hand, is far more character driven. She has to dismantle lies, embrace truth, and determine future. When taken from her home, in which she is already isolated, she finds more of the same in a new place. She finds family, but remains (mostly) alone. Surrounding her are mentions of “Our Wren,” constant comparison, and talk of how her twin sister is meant for the throne, the only place that holds any sort of power for Rose, something she desired greatly to possess- power and agency. Rose is basically shown she has no place in this story. No place in the palace that isolated her, and no place amongst the witches she grew to fear.

She has major personal choices to make, and I found myself cheering her on, hoping she would eventually take the reins of her own life, rather than living like a puppet.

While Wren carried the main plot, Rose carried the romance. Both girls receive a romantic love interest, but it was the romance between Rose and her love interest that captured my attention. Wren’s romance felt underdeveloped by the time it reached its peak on page, whereas the romantic plot for Rose evolved more naturally and evenly throughout.
That said, I am intrigued more with how we leave the book on the subject of Wren’s romance. That will definitely have my attention in the next book. I'm so eager to see its potential explored!

In all, both protagonists bring much to the table-- and it's effortless to love them, because they're easy to get to know and root for.

I felt quite a lot throughout this book, many emotions were grasped from me. There were moments of frustrations but also moments of glee, and there was always excitement. I felt a lot, and to me that, that makes a book a winner. I didn’t just read through, I felt through out it all.

I leave this book wanting to recommend it to all looking for adventure, belonging, and a bit of romance too.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Balzer + Bray for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.