Rachel GilligFantasy · Romantasy·b. 1989
One Dark Window
Synopsis
In the kingdom of Blunder, magic seeps from twelve mysterious Providence Cards — and from an infection of the mind that can twist those who carry too much of it. Elspeth Spindle learned to hide her own affliction years ago: a second voice in her head, an ancient, cunning spirit she calls the Nightmare, who lends her power in exchange for a slowly tightening hold on her mind.
When a chance meeting with a highwayman drags Elspeth into a secret circle risking everything to collect the Cards and lift the curse blighting their kingdom, she is pulled into a world of court intrigue, dangerous magic, and a slow-burning romance she never expected. But the more she leans on the Nightmare's strength, the harder it becomes to tell where she ends and the monster begins.
Gothic, lush, and laced with menace, One Dark Window is the spellbinding first book in Rachel Gillig's Shepherd King duology — a dark fantasy of monsters, bargains, and the cost of borrowed power.
How it reads
Prose complexity 4/10
Content warnings (2)
ViolenceSexual Content
- I almost have no words for how much I loved this book. The story telling is so lush, and even though I was confused in the beginning with the magic system, as the story unfolded I found myself so drawn in. I loved Elspeth, despite the Nightmare that was in her head, she was so smart and kept her wits to her. Especially when it came to the banter between her and Ravyn. I almost wanted to learn more about the Nightmare, and you get a lot of more of him at the end. One thing about this book that I really appreciated was that I’m invested in ALL the characters. I wanna know more about Elm, Ione, and Emory. I feel like Elm and Ione are going to play a bigger roll in the next book. I was so sad when Ravyn realized that Elspeth was degenerating - I was so nervous he was going to reject her, but he surprised me by the lack of a third act breakup - but definitely appreciated. Instead, he just wanted to help her. So so so excited to see how the Nightmare takes over in the next book.
- An interesting premise with a typical overly handsome and broody male romance interest who hasn't been interested in anyone else apart from the main character (hence the half point knock off). The plot and the writing is very well done though, keeping interest and providing characters with their own little oddities. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
- A hauntingly beautiful gothic book. I LOVE SOFT FMCs ❤️😭 The magic system is unique and kept me so invested in whats happening. Solid read 🫶🏻
- Hear me out.. the nightmare