Where to start, where to start. This book was on my TBR for some time, sitting downloaded in my Kindle just waiting to be read. I can’t remember what specifically made me finally read it, but it left me both mad for not reading it sooner and devastated that I did read it because I knew I wouldn’t come across another book like this for a while. Dramatic to say but I truly believe this book altered my brain chemistry in some sense.

One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns is a completed duology where both books are equally fantastic. This series without a doubt has made it into my top 3 of all time. It took me a few chapters to fully grasp what was going on but that’s more of a me issue than anything.

What first hooked me was the magic system, completely unique and utterly captivating. Generally, I find it quite difficult to follow along with complicated magic systems, like when a book has to define the terminology before you start reading, I already know I’m going to have to go off vibes. But the Providence Cards! Not overly complicated, but still rich with depth and easily carries the story. They are eerie, a deck of cautionary tales almost, and they linger in my brain. I really don’t think I’ve been as hung up on a magic system from any other book I’ve read.

While not anything particularly outstanding, I also really enjoyed the prevalence of trees throughout the novel. Elspeth Spindle, Ravyn Yew, Ione Hawthorne. The idea of family names and crests being tied to something as ancient and powerful as trees just sat right with me. It was also a nostalgic hit from when I used to live in Vancouver, as many of the streets where I lived were also named after trees.

The hook, line and sinker though, was the main relationship that the story rests upon (and without giving spoilers, I am not talking about the romance). From the get go, this particular character pairing was intriguing and you’re left wanting to know more. As the storyline progresses, you start to realise all the layers to this particular dynamic and I personally just found it incredibly well done. When I say I am not talking about romance, I mean it. That was another win for me with this book, the romance is secondary to the plot and I think it makes the story all the more powerful.

Now, I am not a well versed critic by any means as I can’t always explain what I like in detail about a book, a movie or a film – sometimes I just like things. However, with this duology, there are a lot of things that I could go on and on about. Alas, I want this to be spoiler free for anyone who hasn’t yet read it, so please, absolutely add it to your list and discover all the captivating secrets of Blunder. Ms Gillig, many many thanks for these books.