Two twisted crowns

Trees! In Gillig's latest (sequel to One Dark Window, 2022), magic comes from the Spirit of the Wood, and each family name relates to a type of tree. The woods are openly worshiped, while the mist that curls among them, infecting people with forbidden magic, is feared. Five hundred years earlier, the Shepherd King gave away every part of himself to create the magical Providence Cards, falling short before securing the Twin Alders card that would free Blunder from the mist. Now his soul, named Nightmare, has taken over the body of Elspeth Spindle, who is working with her romantic interest, Ravyn, in a rebellion against the abusive king of Blunder, Quercus Rowan, and his eldest son, Hauth. The brutish Hauth was left comatose by Nightmare, forcing Prince Elm to step up in unexpected ways. The revelations are unpredictable, and point of view characters are intriguing as they struggle through the challenges set before them. In this engaging duology, Gillig has created a distinctive form of magic, explored how humanity would abuse it, and offered a chance of redemption. Characters are painfully aware of their flaws as this page-turner keeps readers guessing at the outcome.