Two twisted crowns

“Two of swords, a tangled fate, two of swords, a royal mate. Of maiden and of king, a monstrous thing.” Elspeth Spindle's fate seems sealed. Not only has she committed high treason by hiding her infection, but she now faces charges of attempting to murder the king's beloved son, Hauth. And no one, it seems, cares that she wasn't herself at the time of the bestial attack that nearly cost the crown prince his life. However, her execution has been postponed indefinitely, because the monarch needs the monster dwelling within her to achieve his ultimate goal – to find the last of the Providence Cards and finally banish the deadly mist that has plagued his land for five hundred years. The Nightmare possessing the girl's body is none other than the Shepherd King himself, to whom the Lady of the Forest once entrusted the set of magical artefacts and who promised them he would help find the legendary Two of Alders card. But can they trust the spectre of a man who despises the ruling Rowan family and, after half a millennium spent in darkness, walks among the living once more? A thrilling conclusion to the captivating Shepherd King fantasy duology with elements of dark romance, set in a world steeped in ancient myths, courtly intrigue, and dark magic. “Darker and even more atmospheric. A more than satisfying end to the duology.” – Paste Magazine “In this compelling duology, Rachel Gillig has created a distinctive kind of magic, explored how humanity would abuse it, and shown the possibilities of redemption.” – Booklist “Amazing fantasy – both the first and second volumes. Elaborate, thoughtful. Beautiful language, I also appreciate the verses.” – from reader reviews on Databazeknih.cz “A great series that I can only recommend. An original magic system, a captivating, fast-paced story, interesting characters you will love (and some you will hate), with intertwined fates.” – from reader reviews on Databazeknih.cz There was no one to hear their conversation, yet Ravyn pulled his Nightmare card from his pocket and tapped it three times. The salt burned its way up his throat and into his nose. He closed his eyes and allowed it to consume him whole. Then he pushed it out and entered the Shepherd King's mind. He combed through the darkness, searching for any trace of Elspeth. But he did not find her. When he opened his eyes, the Shepherd King was studying him. A sly and venomous male voice echoed in his mind. What do you want, Ravyn of the House of Yew? Ravyn ran the back of his hand over his mouth to hide his shock. He kept looking at Elspeth's body. It was her skin, her lips, her hands. Her tangled, long black hair that fell to her shoulders. Her chest, which rose and fell with each breath. Yet, as with her voice, there was something undeniably wrong with Elspeth's body. Her fingers were stiff and curled like a bird's talons, and she stood hunched over, her head between her shoulders and her back too arched. “The king wishes to see you,” Ravyn said. – excerpt from the book