The Two Twisted Crowns spice level is best described as 2/5. Rachel Gillig’s gothic fantasy sequel does include open-door intimacy, but it is brief and not explicit in the way high-spice romantasy is. Reader guides point to Chapters 20 and 38 as the main intimate chapters, both centered on Elm Rowan and Ione Hawthorn, and some guides also flag Chapters 25 and 36. Reported spice ratings run from 1/5 to 3/5 depending on the reviewer. Compared with One Dark Window, the sequel has more romance on the page but is about as spicy overall.
How this guide was built: it draws on reader-written spice guides, content guides, StoryGraph and Goodreads reviews, and publisher listings. It is not an official rating from Rachel Gillig, Orbit Books or Hachette Book Group, and chapter details come from other readers. Where sources disagree, that is stated.
How Spicy Is Two Twisted Crowns?
Two Twisted Crowns is a mild-to-moderate book for spice, which is why this guide rates it 2/5. Here is the scale used throughout:
- 0/5: No meaningful romantic or sexual content.
- 1/5: Minimal romantic content, mostly kissing.
- 2/5: Mild spice, brief or limited open-door content.
- 3/5: Moderate spice, more noticeable open-door scenes.
- 4/5: Explicit and frequent intimate content.
- 5/5: Very high explicit sexual content.
Published ratings do not agree. One book blog gives it 1/5 and says there are two relatively mild scenes that are not gratuitous or explicit. TV Insider’s romance-focused feature rates it 2 of 5. A reader-run blog and a spice-guide site both land on 3/5. One reviewer who tracked the content closely said the book has noticeably more sexual content and cursing than the first one, and found the extra material unnecessary.
That spread has a simple explanation. The intimate moments are few, and most of the book is quest, mystery and gothic horror. Readers who count each scene tend to rate it higher, and readers who weigh the scenes against the rest of the book tend to rate it lower. The 2/5 recommendation sits in the middle, and a reader who is sensitive to any on-page intimacy should plan for 3/5. Read the spicy level of Two Twisted Crowns Spice Level: Spicy Chapters.
Does Two Twisted Crowns Have Explicit Scenes?
Yes, there is some open-door content, but it is not erotica. At least one scene, in Chapter 38, is described by a content reviewer as fairly descriptive and open-door. A romance-focused guide labels the same chapter moderate spice. Other reported moments are described as suggestive talk, touching, or foreplay rather than extended sex.
The writing leans on emotional intimacy. The scenes are tied to what Elm and Ione are going through, and several reviewers talk about the emotional payoff rather than the physical detail. Open-door means the scene happens on the page instead of fading to black. It does not mean frequent or graphic. A reader who wants the heat of a high-spice romantasy will probably find this book too mild, while a reader who wants closed-door romance will find a few chapters they would want to skip.
Two Twisted Crowns Spicy Chapters Guide
Spoiler warning: this section names chapters and the couple involved. It does not describe plot events, and it does not quote the book.
Four chapters appear across reader guides. They are not equally intimate, and sources disagree on two of them, so the table separates what is widely reported from what is not.
| Chapter | Couple | Content classification | Spice level | Spoiler-free context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Elm and Ione | Sensual and charged, with sources split on how far it goes | Mild to moderate (1–3/5) | One guide calls it a heavy steamy scene but says it describes what could happen rather than what does. Another says the act is interrupted. A third lists it as a scene to skip near the chapter’s end. |
| 25 | Not confirmed in the sources reviewed | Reported foreplay and sex, described as vivid but not graphic | Mild to moderate (2/5) | Appears in two guides, but the couple is not named in what could be verified, and no source reviewed calls it hypothetical. |
| 36 | Not confirmed in the sources reviewed | Suggestive talk and touching, or a steamy scene, depending on the guide | Mild (1–2/5) | A reader skip guide labels it steamy, and an audiobook content reviewer describes only suggestive talk and touching. Treat it as a lead-up, not a confirmed full scene. |
| 38 | Elm and Ione | Open-door scene | Moderate (2–3/5) | The most consistently reported on-page scene. One reviewer says it runs from partway through the chapter to the end. |
What the sources agree on. Chapters 20 and 38 are the two chapters nearly every guide flags, and both involve Elm and Ione. A content guide that suggests skipping the sexual content lists the end of Chapter 20, the middle of Chapter 25, the end of Chapter 36, and parts of Chapter 38.
Where they disagree. The starting research for this article assumed Chapter 20 was a clearly completed intimate scene and Chapter 25 a hypothetical one. The sources reviewed point more the other way. Two guides describe Chapter 20 as interrupted or hypothetical, and two describe Chapter 25 as containing foreplay and sex. Because the guides are written by different readers with different thresholds, a safe reading is that Chapters 20 and 38 carry the main intimacy, and 25 and 36 are worth checking if you want to avoid everything.
What could not be verified. The couple in Chapters 25 and 36 was not named in the sources reviewed. One short-video list also names Chapter 40, but that came from a single creator and is not corroborated by the written guides, so it is not in the table. Page numbers differ by edition, which is why this guide uses chapters rather than pages. This guide also does not reproduce competitor skip instructions or passages from the book.
Related Books :
- One Dark Window Spice Level: Spicy Chapters, Romance & Content Warnings
- Fourth Wing Books in Order: Complete Empyrean Series Reading Guide
- Onyx Storm Map Explained: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame & Isle Kingdoms
Which Couples Have Romance in Two Twisted Crowns?
The sequel follows two relationships, and they feel very different on the page.
Elm Rowan and Ione Hawthorn
Elm is Prince Renelm Rowan, the heir to the throne of Blunder. Ione is a noblewoman whose life has been tangled up with the card magic of the series. Their romance is new in this book, and reviewers describe it as one of the two main romantic arcs. The Goodreads and StoryGraph reviews reward it with the most enthusiasm, and one reader specifically says they wanted more of Elm and Ione once they began.
This storyline gets more attention than many readers expect because the book adds Elm as a narrator. A new point of view gives the pair a lot of space, and it is also where most of the reported intimate chapters come from. In short, if you are looking for the spiciest content in Two Twisted Crowns, it is mostly in Elm and Ione’s chapters.
Elspeth Spindle and Ravyn Yew
Elspeth and Ravyn are the central couple from One Dark Window, and their bond carries into the sequel. The difference is circumstance. Elspeth shares her mind with the Nightmare, and in this book the Shepherd King’s presence takes center stage, which keeps the two apart for much of the story. One reviewer notes that their relationship continues but does not make up much of the storyline, and a StoryGraph reviewer points out that the strongest romance belongs to two secondary characters rather than the original leads.
Readers who loved the slow-burn tension in the first book should go in expecting longing and emotional stakes rather than a lot of scenes together.
Is Two Twisted Crowns Spicier Than One Dark Window?
No, not meaningfully. Both books fit a mild-spice rating, but the sequel has more on-page romance because it follows a second couple.
| Feature | One Dark Window | Two Twisted Crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Overall spice level | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Romantic focus | Elspeth and Ravyn | Elm and Ione, alongside Elspeth and Ravyn |
| Intimate content | Limited | Limited, with reported open-door scenes |
| Romance pacing | Slow burn | Multiple relationship arcs |
| Overall focus | Gothic fantasy and romance | Gothic fantasy, character development, and romance |
The sequel can feel more romance-heavy because two relationships share the page, even though the heat level is similar. Reader ratings vary for both books. One blog that reviewed both gave each of them 3/5, while others place them lower, so a reader’s personal threshold matters more than any single number. A reviewer who read both thought the second book had noticeably more sexual content and cursing.
Two Twisted Crowns Trigger Warnings and Content Warnings
Official warnings. Rachel Gillig’s own content-warning post for the book, published on her Goodreads author blog, lists: adult language and profanity, possession, sexual content, alcohol consumption, violence, gore and body horror, self-harm for magic, vomiting, mention of violence against children, parental neglect, and mention of suicidal ideation. I could not open her personal website directly, so this list comes from that author-blog post. It has not been expanded here.
Reader-generated warnings. StoryGraph reviewers flag more than the official list, and the flags vary by reader. They include domestic abuse (marked graphic by some), physical and emotional abuse, child abuse, torture, death, murder, injury detail and blood. A small number of reviewers also tag sexual violence or sexual assault. These are individual reader judgments, not verified facts about the book, so readers sensitive to those themes should check a few recent reviews before starting.
The topics in the brief that have no official or consistent reader support in what was reviewed, such as coercion as a standalone warning, are not listed here. Possession and loss of control over one’s body are part of the central premise, though, so readers who find that theme hard should treat the book with care.
Is Two Twisted Crowns Suitable for Younger Readers?
There is no verified universal age rating for Two Twisted Crowns. Library catalogs list it as an adult title, and one reviewer’s age category is adult. Other sites, including a study-guide publisher, label it YA, so the labels are mixed. Any age recommendation here is guidance, not a classification.
Spice level and age suitability are different questions. A 2/5 spice rating does not mean the book is gentle. Reviewers report graphic violence, abuse, death, strong language, and body horror. The open-door scenes are limited, but the dark themes are the bigger consideration for younger or sensitive readers. Parents and teens should look at the content warnings above and decide together.
What Is Two Twisted Crowns About?
Two Twisted Crowns is the second and final book in The Shepherd King duology, published by Orbit Books, part of Hachette Book Group. By the opening of the sequel, Elspeth Spindle and Ravyn Yew have collected most of the twelve Providence Cards, the tarot-like objects that hold the kingdom of Blunder’s magic. The last card, the Twin Alders, is the hardest to find and the most dangerous. It is hidden in a mist-cloaked forest, and the only guide to it is the Nightmare, the monster that lives in Elspeth’s head.
The story is a race against time. Dark magic is eating away at the kingdom, the Solstice is approaching, and the people who hold the answers are not trustworthy. New viewpoints widen the story beyond the first book. Without giving anything away, the book shifts the balance of the relationship between Elspeth and the Nightmare and puts Blunder’s royal family at the center of the conflict.
Main Characters in Two Twisted Crowns
| Character | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elspeth Spindle | Protagonist | The young woman who carries the Nightmare and the Shepherd King’s legacy, and the heart of the quest for the final card. |
| Ravyn Yew | Co-lead | Captain of the Hawthorn Guard and Elspeth’s partner, driven by loyalty to her and to his family. |
| Elm Rowan | New viewpoint character | Prince Renelm Rowan, heir to Blunder, and the center of the book’s second romance. |
| Ione Hawthorn | Elm’s love interest | A noblewoman tied to the card magic, and a key figure in the sequel. |
| The Nightmare | Antagonist and ally | The monster inside Elspeth’s mind, whose motives drive much of the story. |
| The Shepherd King | Historical figure | The ancient king whose legend and magic shaped the Providence Cards and the old book. |
| Jespyr Yew | Ravyn’s sister | A member of the Yew family, close to Ravyn. |
| Emory Yew | Ravyn’s brother | A younger Yew sibling whose loyalty matters to the family. |
| Hauth Rowan | Prince | Elm’s brother, tied to the royal power struggle. |
Is Two Twisted Crowns Worth Reading?
For most readers who liked One Dark Window, yes. The duology is complete, and the sequel resolves the story it started. Reviewers praise the gothic atmosphere, the lush prose, the card-based magic system, and the character development, and several say the expanded point-of-view structure is a highlight. A common complaint is that the shift between viewpoints slows down momentum in the middle, and a few readers wished the book were longer. Reader scores run from about 2.5 to 4.75 stars, which suggests it splits opinion more than the first book did.
Who will enjoy it: readers of gothic romantasy and dark fairytales, readers who prefer plot and atmosphere over heavy spice, and anyone who wants a finished duology.
Who may not: readers who want a high-spice romance, anyone who hoped for a lot of Elspeth and Ravyn scenes together, and readers sensitive to violence, abuse, or possession themes.
FAQs About Two Twisted Crowns Spice Level
Is Two Twisted Crowns spicy?
It is mildly spicy. The book has a few open-door or steamy moments, mostly between Elm and Ione, but it is far from a high-spice romantasy.
What is the spice level of Two Twisted Crowns?
This guide rates it 2/5. Published ratings range from 1/5 to 3/5, and none are official.
What chapters are spicy in Two Twisted Crowns?
Chapters 20 and 38 are the most consistently flagged. Some guides also list Chapters 25 and 36. Reports disagree on how far Chapter 20 goes.
How many spicy scenes are in Two Twisted Crowns?
Readers count between two and four, depending on whether suggestive or interrupted scenes are included. Chapter 38 is the clearest on-page scene.
Does Two Twisted Crowns have open-door scenes?
Yes, at least one. Chapter 38 is described as open-door, and one guide lists Chapter 25 the same way. They are brief, not graphic.
Can you skip the spicy scenes in Two Twisted Crowns?
Yes. The intimate moments are short and self-contained, and one content guide suggests skipping the end of Chapter 20, the middle of Chapter 25, the end of Chapter 36, and parts of Chapter 38. Page numbers vary by edition, so skim ahead to the next chapter break.
Is there romance in Two Twisted Crowns?
Yes. Elm and Ione have a new romance, and Elspeth and Ravyn’s relationship continues.
Who are the main romantic couples in Two Twisted Crowns?
Elm Rowan and Ione Hawthorn, and Elspeth Spindle and Ravyn Yew.
Is Two Twisted Crowns spicier than One Dark Window?
Not by much. It has more romance on the page, but both books sit around 2/5, and some readers rate the sequel a bit higher.
Is Two Twisted Crowns suitable for low-spice romance readers?
Usually, yes. If you are fine with a few brief open-door moments, the book is a good fit. If you want a fully closed-door book, plan to skip a few sections.
Is Two Twisted Crowns YA or adult?
There is no verified universal classification. Library catalogs list it as adult, while some review sites label it YA. Its violence and themes lean adult.
What are the trigger warnings for Two Twisted Crowns?
The author’s own list includes profanity, possession, sexual content, alcohol, violence and gore, self-harm for magic, mention of violence against children, parental neglect, and mention of suicidal ideation. Readers add abuse and other flags.
Is Two Twisted Crowns part of a series?
Yes. It is book two of The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig.
What is the correct Shepherd King reading order?
Read One Dark Window first, then Two Twisted Crowns. The story picks up directly where the first book ends.
Does Two Twisted Crowns have a happy ending?
Reviewers describe it as a fitting conclusion that is hopeful, though some say it is also sad. The central curse is resolved. To avoid spoilers, specifics are left out.
Hi, I’m Nisbah – a blogger with over 2 years of experience creating content and a fantasy enthusiast who loves exploring magical worlds, fantasy books, captivating stories, and unforgettable characters. I share book recommendations, reviews, fantasy insights, and story discussions and creating guides to help readers discover their next great adventure.
