One Dark Window was absolutely spectacular. It reminded me a lot of Asperfell by Jamie Thomas mixed with For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten and a little bit of T. Kingfisher. The writing is so intricate and detailed, and despite the world being incredibly complex, everything was explained perfectly without the story feeling dragged down by too much exposition. The setting is so creepy, and the characters are amazing - Elspeth, Ravyn, Elm, and even the Nightmare. This was definitely one of the best books I've read this year. I am so excited for the second book, especially after that cliffhanger!

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a stunning Gothic fantasy and fiction novel that had me enthralled throughout.

I just loved this book! It was eerie, hazy, dark, mysterious, and beautifully Gothic…yet it had fantasy, a historical fiction-type feel and element to it, a thread of romance, mystery, and suspense also present. All of these things blended together to make a truly gripping, addictive, and entertaining read. Yes, it is labeled “sci-fi/ fantasy”, nut I think it really would appeal to readers that normally do not gravitate towards this genre because it has so many more elements present that would entertain those who like a good atmospheric mystery and a good old-fashioned fiction.

The pacing, plot, and ending were right on and superb. I cannot recommend this enough.

5/5 stars


Thank you NG and Orbit Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my NG account only and will post it to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/27/22 per publisher request.

Oh now this is my kind of fantasy novel, one that leaves you anxious for the sequel and near tears to find out what will become of your favorite characters.

Elspeth and Ravyn are already an iconic fantasy couple, evenly matched in how their darkness finds and complements each other. The love story develops slowly and naturally, without a false note played between the two of them, and the others who populate their world are all super compelling characters on their own. I have a soft spot especially for the relationships between Elspeth and Ione, and Ravyn and Elm, each cousins who are more like siblings to them, and yet while Ravyn and Elm remain strong despite their obstacles, Elspeth and Ione start to fracture at the seams.

The world building of the novel is a real high point, as well, though it does take a little while to fully understand how the world works. Every chapter begins with a poem that helps to shed more light on the mythology of the world though, which I really enjoyed. I can't wait to see where things go next and how the world will continue to evolve.

The strongest point of the book though is the tragedy that is built into so many of the characters. Elspeth routinely feels like an outsider to the world, but unlike a lot of fantasy heroines, she has a very valid reason for feeling that way, and as she discovers that her time is running out, this is especially poignant. One of the highlights of her journey is her strained relationship with her father and how that relationship is complex for both of them. Emory will break your heart, especially in the last scene of his, and Nightmare... better to be unspoiled, but the complexity of the dynamic between Elspeth and Nightmare is fascinating.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gillig does an excellent job of showing the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped inside your head with another entity. Though it was a little bit of a slow start, the story shines as it gets going, with characters that make it hard to know who to trust, and the ending left me frantically turning pages hoping for more. Elspeth is such a complex character and I was pulled right in like I was living it beside her. Wishing the next book was out already.

Absolutely loved every moment. Enemies to lovers. Slow burn romance. Dark and engaging. Couldn’t put it down. Fell in love with all the main characters. I’m invested and need book two!

"Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her." That's a great opening description it did what it was suppose to as I was interested in reading this book. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a great scifi novel with a great plot going on. The plot was what I was looking for in this type of book, the characters were great and I enjoyed getting to go on this journey with them. Rachel Gillig has a great writing style and I enjoyed reading this.

"Fine then,” Hauth said, opening his hands—as if to show he had nothing to hide. “I’ll go first. You can only ask one question each, so make it count. Try to lie too much...” His lips curled. “Well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Jespyr. Go first.”

Excellent fantasy! It is a great start to what looks to be an epic story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this novel. #OneDarkWindow #NetGalley