Dark, suspenseful, lushly gothic, and achingly romantic, ‘One Dark Window’ is everything I hoped it would be and then some!

Gillig crafts an incredible story, rife with twists and dark edges. This dark fantasy debut has incredibly detailed and delivered lore entangled with one of the most intricate and unique magic systems I’ve read in a long, long time. The characters are all so well defined and engaging, each with their own secrets and motivations; Gillig makes it impossible not to want to know everything about every single one of them. And with a cliffhanger ending that will leave you wrestling with whether to applaud or throw your book across the room, you will be dying for the sequel.

It’s difficult to sing too many praises about ‘One Dark Window’ without getting into spoilers because, truly, I loved it that much, but suffice to say that if dark fantasy, medieval gothic, and/or cottagegore are your vibe, this is an absolute must!

Is it crazy to say that the best part of this book was the villain?Well for me it was. I really really loved this book. I read each chapter of the arc before reading the one from the published book and let me tell you that I loved the experience. I loved the world building and the idea of a virus affecting people in a magical way.
I loved the slow burn between our MC, and although it is not a healthy one, the relationship between Elspeth and the nightmare. I really enjoyed the writing style, the story was so easy to read that at moments I forgot that I was reading.

I really loved the changes that were made and how the published book turned out but it was really fun to read the arc.
Something I really enjoyed was the begging of the chapters with the cards. It was giving a sense of mystery that I didn’t know I needed.
I hope the next book is already in process ‘cause I need more of this story.

I highly recommend this book

I want to thank NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review

I finished this book in one sitting, so I obviously enjoyed it. This gothic fantasy has an intriguing magical system, and the The world building was beautifully atmospheric and left me wanting more. Elspeth was an interesting, badass, and intriguing MC. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her character growth throughout the book. My only complaint is that there's is an absolutely brutal cliff hanger ending in this book. I need the sequel in my hands immediately.

4 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC

WOW, what a spooky, gothic read! It was definitely a good one to pick up for the Halloween season. The cover is gorgeous and I cannot wait for my special edition to come!

I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It flowed easily and I found myself deeply immersed in the story. I also like the enemies-to lovers trope. I am a sucker for those.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you enjoy YA Gothic stories.

!No spoiler!
5 stars! The moment I finished this book, I wished I could read it all over again for the first time. The story telling was phenomenal, and had so many secrets, twists, and so much excitement. I finished this book in a day because I could not put it down.

Usually while reading a book, you can start to predict some events that will happen by the end… The ending was so unpredictable that I could have never even imagined it. I feel so blind sided in the best way possible.

The world that Rachel Gillig created was just indescribable. She created magic that I have never seen in any other book, and it was such a nice breath of fresh air.

This is a dark and captivating fantasy that I will be recommending to everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was atmospheric, and dark. A perfect gothic fantasy to read during fall.

I loved so much of this. The magic system is so unique and I loved that there were consequences for using too much magic too often, which is something that isn’t really discussed or explored in other fantasy books. Each card has a negative effect that is the opposite of its power. The characters have to be intentional with their use of the powers afforded them, and I think that adds a layer to the book that I find missing in some fantasy.

There is a light enemies-to-lovers romance, but it is balanced so well with the overarching plot and doesn’t overshadow the central conflict. I am very excited for the sequel and cannot wait to continue on with this series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit, and Rachel Gillig for an e-arc of One Dark Window in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at not even a whole chapter in
I dont think this book is BAD. I just wasn't into the tone or the emotional feel. I've heard good things about it, its gothic, its creepy, its intriguing... But! Its not for me!

I devoured this story. Gothic atmosphere, strong female character, enemies to lovers romance, fantasy, mystery, and a fast-paced plot are a recipe for a five star read from me, and not only did this novel contain these, but it did it extraordinarily well. I was so impressed to discover this is the author's debut novel. The writing style was easy to get captured in when no words were wasted either propelling the plot, delving into characterization, or providing unique description that helped set the dark atmosphere. I appreciated the unique plot of monsters, murderous fables, and a creative magic system based on tarot-like cards. The only negative was that there was a bit of a cliffhanger, but it was a fantastic ending that also tells me there will be another book to look forward to, so I'll forgive the author:) I can rave about this book for a long time and highly recommend for any gothic literature/dark fantasy romance fans.

**Link to goodreads review posted below**

I loved this book! A morally grey love interest? Fantasy with some horror sprinkled in? Fake dating turned into touch her and you die tropes? Hell 👏🏼 yes 👏🏼 please👏🏼!

Rachel Gillig’s magic system was simple to follow, yet deep and intricate in the ways she was able to weave it throughout this book. I have a ton of shits about Elspeth’s character and that had a LOT to do with the way Gillig built her character through the warring of who she was as a person and who she was with the Nightmare inside of her. I loved her and Ravyn’s love and the slow burn was beautifully written.

Speaking of writing - I normally hate poetry, but I loved it here. The way Gillig used it was simplistic but also pretty haunting at times. The ending, while it left me on a cliffhanger was stunning and heartbreaking all at once (Ravyn, I love you. You can call out to me on the void anytime.).

My only gripe was that scenes with the Nightmare were getting darker, and I think Gillig could have amped up the gore in her writing in the later scenes to match the brutality and protectiveness the Nightmare was clearly escalating to when it came to Elspeth.

Thank you so much, Orbit for the ARC! I am doubly sorry that life got in the way of me reading this prior to its official publication date.

one dark window is a dark, eerie gothic fantasy about a girl with a monster in her head and a kingdom infected by the magic that once protected it.

it’s apparent that odw is a debut novel, as it definitely has an unpolished feel. the pacing drags and while the concept is very intriguing, the execution leaves something to be desired. i was also thrown off by the marketing—it’s supposedly an adult fantasy, but it definitely reads as more ya/na.

however, i still very much enjoyed a lot of aspects of the story. the magic system was a highlight, as was elspeth’s dynamic with the nightmare in her head. the entire novel has a bewitching gothic fairytale vibe that i loved—that, more than anything, has me eagerly anticipating the sequel.

DNF at 92 pages

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2022/11/17/one-dark-window-by-rachel-gillig/

As is usual for my DNFs, this will be a fairly quick review. If I don’t like something—unless it annoys or offends me on a truly rant-worthy level—my thoughts on it are typically pretty succinct. In this case, I just didn’t meld well with it. It never claimed my attention in the first place and then just couldn’t hold it as the pages began to turn.

I mean…

Well, this was an absolutely frustrating book. Strange, uneven pacing. A plot told in starts and stops. I never understood the cards, which were such a big part of the plot (in the beginning at least). I didn’t like the romance—which had barely even begun by the time I DNFed it.

I’ve seen an incredible variation in the ratings for One Dark Window among people that I know (and whose opinions I really, actually, somewhat care about). Among the rest of everyone—it’s a hit. Overwhelmingly praised, albeit with quite a few non-rating DNFs. If you read this to the end, odds are you’ll like it. Love it, even. But if you don’t love it, it probably won’t hold your attention.

I’m actually tempted to believe that there’s a decent read here, if you can find it. But I didn’t, and it wasn’t for me. And if I’m not enjoying something, I won’t push through it in search of what everyone else can see. I don’t see it—and that’s enough for me.

This book is it! This is my favorite read of the year! I am absolutely hooked! That ending! I can not express how much I loved this book! The magic system, the Forrest, the politics! All of it was just perfection! I can’t wait for the next one!

The moment I started this book I couldn't put it down. It was just that good. Not only is the cover beautiful, the writing itself is just fantastic. It has everything I love, enemies to lovers, horror, and unique magic systems.
The magic system in this book is unique and interesting. There are tmagic cards called ‘ Providence cards’ that grant the user different powers depending on which of the 12 cards they are in possession of. There is also an infection that has granted some users magical powers. Our main character Elspeth has her own form of magic in a way, she has someone stuck in her head called the ‘ Nightmare’. The Nightmare and Elspeth truly have an interesting storyline and I don’t know how she can deal with someone else in her head. I feel I’d go insane so props to her. Elspeth also meets a mysterious highwayman who turns out to be the captain of the guard. There starts an amazing enemies to lovers storyline.
Each character in this story had good character development and I ended up loving how they progressed throughout the story. The description of the world was beautiful also, with the way the author described certain places in the book I found myself imagining it in my head. The storyline was super easy to follow and captivating. I never wanted to put this book down and when I reached the last few chapters I found myself getting super sad because it was ending. I can’t wait to read book two once it releases!
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A enthralling read that will check almost if not all of your boxes: characters to root for, characters to hate, an interesting plot, romance and most importantly writing that keeps you intrigued. And the ending?! The best part of the book for me, and has hooked me in for the second one.

Elspeth Spindle lives in a kingdom surrounded by mist and stalked by a blood plague which leaves children touched by magic and hunted by the crown. She’s survived eleven years since her own infection, with her family assuming she’s escaped any cursed after-effects. Little do they know that she carries another creature inside her head- the Nightmare, a mysterious being of shadows and malice, whispers in her mind and can grant Elspeth intense power but magic never comes without cost.

When Ravyn Yew, captain of the royal guard responsible for hunting the infected, discovers her secret, Elspeth is drawn into a conspiracy to end the mists and with it the plague. However, to reach their goal, she’ll need to confront the truth about the creature inside her head.

Solid fantasy with an interesting magic system and enough darkness to elevate it above feeling standard YA. I loved the spooky nursery rhyme feeling of the Book of Alders, which has quotes at the start of every chapter.

Lots of books talk about magic having a price, but often it feels nebulous and thus less impactful in increasing tension. The clear way this price was delineated in the story- each card having specific effects- added to the stakes.

I liked both Elspeth and Ravyn. Their attraction built quickly but based on their backgrounds, it made sense. They had solid chemistry and were easy to root for.

I found some of the side characters more interesting than the main pair- Ione and Elm particularly- so I’m hoping we’ll get to see more of them.

I for some reason thought this was a standalone, so the cliffhanger ending was infuriating, but I was invested enough in the story that I am looking forward to the sequel!

ONE DARK WINDOW was the dark fantasy of my dreams. Everything about it was perfect: the plot, the characters, the romance, the magic, all of it so unique and unlike anything I've read before. I really enjoyed Elspeth as a main character. The tension between Elspeth and the creature inside of her head was just delicious to me, and I loved watching Elspeth navigate a world that would destroy her for what she is. There's always a sense of anticipation in Gillig's writing and it just keeps you reading. The atmosphere to this book feels like fantastically gothic fairytale in large part to the worldbuilding, which effortlessly transports you into the world of Blunder. The main romance has a wonderful slow-burn, enemies to lovers quality for it, and I just thought Revyn was so swoony. I also really enjoyed all of the supporting characters and the banter between them. And that ending? Not only is the cliffhanger something else, but it's the type of character development that leaves me reeling and craving a sequel pronto!

Great atmosphere. Gloomy, dark and perfect for fall. Did not love the characters. Just didn’t feel anything, for the main and side characters. Couldn’t get a read on who they were.

Wow! Atmosphere is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about this novel. This story was so unique and a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. I loved learning and discovering about the world as the story unfolded and the dark atmospheric prose really set the scene. The unlikely band of characters that team up was another succeessful element of this story. I found myself constantly wanting to know more about the characters and their backstories. The ending was shocking and made me hurt that I couldn't immediately continue reading the 2nd book. I'm so excited to see where this story goes and what happens to these characters!

In One Dark Window, by Rachel Gillig, the magic is in the cards. But not only in the cards. And all magic comes with a price.

Within the kingdom of Blunder, there is a series of Providence Cards, infused with magic by the Shepherd King and the Spirit of the Wood. There are twelve different cards, each providing its owner with a specific magical ability. The cards are held by the kingdom’s nobles, often passed down through generations.

But the nobles aren’t the only ones with magic. The fever strikes nobles and commoners alike, leaving them with magic of their own. This unsanctioned magic is considered a threat by the reigning king, and those found to be infected are removed from their homes and sentenced to death.

Elspeth Spindle, we learn from the start, contracted the fever as a child and now shares her mind with a powerful monster. A nightmare. She carries this secret, even as she gains allies and joins a treasonous fellowship.

The novel, Gillig’s debut, feels a bit rough at the start. I would have liked the full description of the Providence Cards to be presented earlier. As it is, we learn bits and pieces resulting in some repetition of information.

And this is a bit nit-picky, but “Blunder” is a terrible name for a magical kingdom. It makes me think of a cartoon kingdom with a buffoon of a king.

Once Elspeth meets Raven Yew, Captain of the king’s elite soldiers, the Destriers, the plot picks up pace, and I fell fully into this original fantasy. I loved the banter and loyalty shown between the characters. Now I impatiently wait for the sequel.

I recommend this book for readers who enjoy the tropes of court intrigue, found family, and enemies to lovers. Those new to fantasy may get a bit bogged down in the initial world building, but after those first few chapters every reader will be racing toward the finish.

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

AHHHHHHH THIS BOOK- how do you say cozy autumn dark fantasy with all the feels and the best vibes… because this was it and I loved every single word *a montage of heart eyes*

It’s Romantasy at its finest but make it GOTHIC- just *swoons*- with a creepy, misty forest, mysterious being/creature, an intricate magic system (cursed magic/ magical providence cards), fake dating trope (for all my ‘heavy on the romance please’ readers), a broody male love interest (who says things like “because I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that first night on the forest road. And I realized at Equinox that the closer I let myself get to you, the less I’d want to be the King’s Captain—the less I’d want to pretend.” 😮‍💨), treason 👀, and RIDDLES- yes darkly, enchanting riddles that had me guessing until the very end

Elspeth Spindle and her Nightmare quite literally consumed me mind body and soul, enamored my heart and then utterly devastated me with that ending. But that’s not all, the cleverness and depth in which this novel leads is truly such a unique experience. And one I can’t recommend enough. If all the mentioned above doesn’t immediately make you want to pick up this book then maybe these quotes will:

“We’re the very things the book warns against, Miss Spindle.”

“What creature is he, with mask made of stone? the Nightmare said once more. A Captain? A highwayman? Or beast yet unknown?”

“Call me Elspeth,” I said. “We’re about to commit treason together, after all.”

“He drew me out of my Nightmare-infested mind into myself.”

And like so much more but if I keep going I’d probably quote half the book SO SO GOOD