You know that feeling when you finish a book and your first instinct isn't to start the next one, but to stare at a wall for twenty minutes? That was me with One Dark Window. So, when Rachel Gillig’s sequel started popping up everywhere, the search for the Two Twisted Crowns special edition basically became a full-time hobby for a lot of us. It’s not just about the sprayed edges, although let's be real, those look incredible on a shelf. It’s about how the physical object matches the vibe of the Shepherd King duology—dark, misty, and slightly dangerous.
Rachel Gillig managed to capture a very specific Gothic atmosphere that feels like a damp forest at midnight. If you've spent any time on BookTok or Bookstagram lately, you've seen the various versions floating around. But honestly, trying to track down which one has the "good" hidden cover or the specific endpapers is a headache. People are paying triple the retail price on secondary markets, which is wild, but also tells you something about the staying power of this series.
What makes the Two Twisted Crowns special edition different?
Most readers are familiar with the standard trade paperback or the basic hardcover you’d grab at a local shop. But for the collectors? It’s a whole different game. The Two Twisted Crowns special edition usually refers to one of three major players: FairyLoot, Owlcrate, or the Waterstones exclusive.
FairyLoot’s version is arguably the most famous. It features an exclusive cover that usually strips away the standard marketing fluff for something more "artistic." They often include digitally sprayed edges with patterns—think rowan berries, misty forests, or the cards from the Providence Deck. The stenciled edges on these are crisp. It's not just a flat color; it’s a full-on illustration that wraps around the pages.
The Waterstones edition is a bit more accessible if you're in the UK, often featuring a different colorway for the boards under the dust jacket. Sometimes they include an extra chapter or a signed tip-in page. This is where things get tricky for US fans. Shipping a heavy hardcover across the Atlantic is basically the cost of the book itself. Yet, the demand remains high because Gillig’s magic system—based on cursed cards and the heavy price of using them—lends itself so well to physical art.
The allure of the Providence Deck art
One of the coolest things about any Two Twisted Crowns special edition is how the publishers integrate the Providence Deck. In the world of Blunder, these cards give you power but slowly rot your mind or body. The special editions often feature these card designs on the endpapers or even as hidden foil designs on the hardback casing.
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Seeing the Nightmare or the Maiden on the inside of your book cover isn't just "cool packaging." It bridges the gap between the story and the reader. It makes the book feel like a cursed object itself. Most fans agree that the "Naked Hardback" (the book without its dust jacket) is the real star here. Often, you’ll find intricate gold or silver foiling that depicts the rowan tree or the Spirit of the Wood.
Why people are still hunting for these in 2026
You might think the hype would die down after a year or two. Nope. The Shepherd King duology has become a "staple" read for anyone into romantic fantasy or "gothic-core." Because it's a finished duology, there's no "waiting for the next book" fatigue. You can dive in, get your heart broken, and move on.
This leads to a constant influx of new readers who realize they missed the initial preorder windows for the Two Twisted Crowns special edition. Then they hit eBay. It’s a mess.
- FairyLoot versions are holding their value at nearly double the original cost.
- Signed copies are becoming rarer as Gillig moves on to new projects.
- The "matching set" problem: If you have the special edition of One Dark Window, you have to find the matching sequel. It’s a psychological requirement at this point.
Honestly, the "FOMO" (fear of missing out) is real. But there’s also a genuine appreciation for the craft. In an era where Kindle sales are dominant, the special edition market is the only thing keeping many physical bookstores thriving. These aren't just books; they are decor. They are "trophy" books.
Dealing with the "Scarcity" Problem
Let's talk about the secondary market. If you are looking for a Two Twisted Crowns special edition today, you’re likely looking at resellers. This is where you have to be careful. Scalpers have realized that "Bookish" items are high-margin.
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Always check for the "Special Edition" hallmarks. Look for the sprayed edges. Check if the edges are "stenciled" (patterned) or just solid color. Solid color is usually a standard "exclusive" version, whereas the stenciled ones are the premium subscription box versions.
Also, look at the signature. Is it a "tip-in" page (a separate page glued in by the binder) or a "stamped" signature? A hand-signed tip-in is always more valuable. If you see a "Digital Signature," that’s just printed on the page. It’s fine for a personal collection, but don't pay "signed book" prices for it.
The Orbit "Red" Edition and other variants
Orbit, the publisher, has also released various "Special" iterations that aren't tied to subscription boxes. These are often easier to find but still feature the upgraded aesthetics. Some have the red-tinted edges that look like spilled wine or blood, which fits the "Twisted Crowns" theme perfectly.
The story itself follows Elspeth and Ravyn as they try to break the mist-veil over Blunder. Without spoiling much, the stakes in the second book are significantly higher. The physical design of the special editions often reflects this shift toward a darker, more regal tone. The use of deep purples, blacks, and golds is very intentional.
How to actually get your hands on one without getting scammed
If you’re desperate for a Two Twisted Crowns special edition, don’t just hit "Buy It Now" on the first $200 listing you see. There are better ways.
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- Join "Bookish" Buy/Sell/Trade Groups: Facebook has massive communities dedicated to this. Prices are often more reasonable than eBay because the community self-polices against scalpers.
- Check International Sites: Sometimes a Canadian or Australian bookstore still has "Exclusive" stock that doesn't show up in US Google searches.
- Wait for the "Remainder" sales: Occasionally, subscription boxes like Owlcrate have "shop drops" where they sell leftover stock from previous months.
It’s also worth noting that some independent artists create "aftermarket" special editions. They take a standard copy and hand-paint the edges or create custom dust jackets. While not "official," these are often more beautiful and unique than the mass-produced versions.
Final thoughts on the collection value
Is the Two Twisted Crowns special edition a good investment? As an expert in the book market, I'd say "maybe." If you're buying it to flip it, you're late to the party. But if you're buying it because you love the world of Blunder and want a version that feels as magical as the prose, it's a 10/10 purchase.
The Shepherd King duology is one of those rare series where the sequel actually lives up to the debut. The ending is satisfying, the romance is "chef's kiss," and the lore is deep enough to warrant a re-read. Having a beautiful physical copy makes that re-read much more tactile.
Next Steps for Collectors:
First, identify which specific aesthetic you prefer. Do you want the "dark and moody" FairyLoot look, or the "classic and elegant" Waterstones style? Once you've decided, set up "Saved Search" alerts on platforms like Mercari or Pangobooks. Use specific keywords like "Gillig Stenciled Edges" or "Twisted Crowns Signed" to filter out the noise. If you find a listing, always ask for "timestamped" photos—this is a photo of the book next to a piece of paper with the seller's name and today's date. It’s the only way to prove they actually own the book and aren't using a stolen photo. Finally, check the "Sold" listings to see what people are actually paying, not just what sellers are asking. This keeps you from overpaying in a moment of hype-induced panic.
The market for these books moves fast, but with a little patience, you can find a copy that doesn't require selling a literal piece of your soul—unlike the characters in the book.