Cursed crowns by Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber

In this exciting sequel to Twin crowns, twin queens Rose and Wren have been crowned but all is not well in the kingdom. Wren is determined to rescue her grandmother, Banba, who has been taken captive to Gevra, that icy realm ruled over by King Alarek, while Rose is not happy with the people of Eana, many of whom want to get rid of the witches. Rose plans a tour of the kingdom, but Wren in her usual impetuous way, rushes off to Gevra, leaving Rose to face a rising rebellion.

Told in alternate short chapters by real-life sisters-in-law Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber, Wren and Rose come to life on the pages. Both have a distinct voice and are easy to relate to, and each character has both strengths and flaws. Wren’s  loyalty to her grandmother commits her to attempting to rescue her, but she often doesn’t think about the consequences of her actions. Rose is the steadier of the twins and must do her best to keep the kingdom safe.

The action is fast paced and exciting, each twin facing trials and danger. The icy realm of Gevra and its ruler test Wren, who makes a magical bargain that is hazardous to everyone. Rose meanwhile travels to the Sunless Kingdom where unexpected secrets are revealed. The romance between Rose and Shen Lo also is tested, while Wren’s feelings for Tor are put on a back burner. The authors explore the power of propaganda as the rebellious Arrows chant OUT WITH THE WITCHES and ignite fear of the witches’ power throughout the kingdom.

Readers are left knowing that future books will explore the prophesy:
Break the ice to free the curse,
Kill one twin to save another . . .

And they wil look forward to Rose and Wren uniting to save their world.

Themes: Fantasy, Princesses, Witches, Revenge, Romance, Curses.

Pat Pledger