One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Title: One Dark Window

Series: The Shepherd King

Author: Rachel Gillig

Release Date: September 27, 2022

Publisher: Orbit Books

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Source: digital, Kindle

TW: violence, blood, injury/injury detail, moderate sexual content, death, death of parent, child abuse, abandonment, child death

Synopsis

Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her.

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason.

Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

Thoughts

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is an enchanting book that captivates readers with its amazing world-building and unique magic system. The author skillfully weaves a tale filled with twists and turns that keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

The slow-burn romance between Ravyn and Elspeth adds an extra layer of depth to the story, while the side character Elm brings additional intrigue and anticipation for his interactions with Ione. The mysterious Shepherd King and the Providence Cards hold secrets that leave readers eager to uncover the history behind them.

Gillig's writing style is mesmerizing, drawing readers in and immersing them in the eerie kingdom of Blunder. The author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions make the story come alive, allowing readers to fully experience the magic and darkness that permeate the pages.

Overall, One Dark Window is a truly captivating read that combines elements of romance, fantasy, and horror seamlessly. It is a must-read for fans of intricate world-building, engaging plots, and well-developed characters. Rachel Gillig has crafted a compelling story that will leave readers eagerly awaiting her future works.