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

Sometimes, you know exactly why an author got their book deal. Gillig knocks her debut out of the park. You should 100% read One Dark Window this fall. The world she creates is rich, spooky, unsettling, and filled with monsters. But the monstrous might just be the humans, and not the beasts. The characters are richly developed. The plotting strikes that perfect balance of taking time to build out a meticulous fantasy world and keep you flipping pages with giddy anticipation. If you were on the fence from the dust jacket, don't be, pick this up, buy it, read it, devour it. Sit in anxious anticipation for the sequal.

One Dark Window is the first book in a young adult fantasy duology by Rachel Gillig.

In a world where magic is outlawed, Elspeth Spindle must hide her power from government inquisitors who search out and kill magic children and their families. Magic comes in two forms: legal magic cards owned by the rich and powerful, and people who obtain magic after a childhood illness. Elspeth had the magic-giving illness but was not killed, even though her father is leader of the inquisitors. Instead, she touched one of the magic cards and obtained a voice in her head that she calls the Nightmare.

I was very excited by the premise of this book since having a magic demon in your head is one of my favorite tropes.

This book has a unique magic system. Magic is not genetic, but instead comes from an illness derived from the magic miasma found in the forest. Children with this illness get dark lines up their arms.

Unfortunately, Elspeth is a very a passive character. She spends the book hiding herself and her powers. Although she's had the Nightmare for years, she hasn't talked to it in all that time and knows nothing about it. She travels to the capitol grudgingly and is directed to become involved with her love interest by others. She has no goals for herself.

This book is quite long, but even with its length is lacking in plot. Very few things happen for such a thick book. The big events at the end definitely feel like the middle of the story, and it's too bad the duology couldn't have been edited into one book.

Random note: I would think sleeveless styles or even short sleeves would be the fashion in court since it's easy to identify anyone with magic by the lines on their arms, but instead the lines are easily covered.

A story with a lot of potential that mostly fell flat.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit books for access to a copy of this ebook for review.

Elspeth Spindle lives in a kingdom surrounded by mist. Anyone who enters the mist without a charm will die. The mist is spreading. Elspeth must find 12 Providence cards to save everyone. She might need to unleash the monster within if she is to succeed.

I absolutely loved this book! I'm not a romance fan, but there wasn't very much in this and the little bit was well done. I loved the Gothic vibe. Perfect for this time of year. I loved the magic of the cards. Very unique. And the characters are fantastic! Elspeth and Ravyn are my faves, but I loved Elm's attitude as well. Let's not forget the spooky forest either!

I'm really excited for the next one!

Haunting with the perfect autumn atmosphere this book was such a pleasant surprise! I didn't know too much about the Highwayman but the story just brought to life the eerie nighttime setting as our characters explore their world.

*4.5 stars
I spent a long time putting off this book because I was in somewhat of a fantasy slump, but I'm beyond happy I got to it! This is the story of Elspeth, a girl who has the power to absorb the magic from Providence Cards, which is how she ended up with an evil spirit acting as the devil on her shoulder for close to a decade. She's recruited to find other Providence Cards, but how can she get rid of the influence of the power she already has before it overcomes her?
I enjoyed this book so much. First of all, I really loved all of the characters! I lost track of how some people were related sometimes, but it didn't dampen how I felt about the book as a whole. Elspeth was such an amazing character, and I loved her journey in terms of with other people and her fight against the Nightmare's influence. She was such a girlboss.
Next up, relationships. I really loved all of the relationships here, platonic and romantic. The familial relationships were especially interesting with the princes and Elspeth and her family. I don't have a lot to say right now besides that I really enjoyed them.
The worldbuilding and plot were both favorite parts and points of confusion. As a whole, I thought this book was super innovative and intriguing, and I loved the spooky dark fantasy aspects. The Providence Cards were really cool, but I did lose track of the worldbuilding surrounding them and their creation a lot. Overall though, this was so amazing and unpredictable.
I'd recommend One Dark Window to fans of dark fantasy and magic! I don't have many specifics beyond that, but I loved reading this book.

I don’t think Uprooted was the right book comparison for the blurb. Loved Uprooted, didn’t see much of it in this book. One Dark Window leaned very YA, from the romance to the characters and it was just not what I was looking for.

This was easily one of my favorite YA reads this year. One Dark Window was the eerie, atmospheric read I needed this spooky season. The vibes were *chefs kiss* but this book never got so spooky that I worried about my ability to sleep - which is the perfect level of spook for me.

One Dark Window was beautifully written, with lush prose that keeps the reader desperate for more. One of my favorite lines in the entire book is: "The two were together, so the two were the same: The girl, the king… and the monster they became." Without even having any context, this line sent a shiver up my spine and made me desperate to keep reading in order to fill in that context.

I would absolutely recommend this book to fans of upper YA fantasy who enjoy an eerie setting, a budding romance and a compelling villain.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an incredible story. The take
on Magic in this world was definitely different.
The world building steadily moves along, and
the character development was pretty great.
I'm really trying not to say too much, would
hate to spoil it for someone. So there's this
sort of magical fog/plague blanketing this
land and it's slowly killing people. A long
time ago, the magic in the woods and the
people of the land were turned on each
other. At times I thought that the first Shepherd
King was to blame, but then you find there's soooo
much more to everything. The relationship between
Elspeth and The Nightmare is interesting and intriguing.
You never know what you're going to get. Can't wait to
see what happens next, especially after that cliffy.

“There once was a girl,” I said, “clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King—a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same... The girl, the King...and the monster they became.”

What a fantastic gothic YA fantasy! I requested an ARC from NetGalley after this one was rumored to be in a bookish subscription box I subscribe to and was really curious about the premise. I was so pleasantly surprised by this first time author!! The magic system of Providence Cards was so unique, and as someone who has always been intrigued by tarot — I thought this was a a really cool twist on it. Elspeth is a really fascinating MFC and her transformation throughout the story was great. The side characters and the love interest in the story add so much to the overall plot and dialogue as well. I can say I didn’t expect the ending and was pleasantly surprised for once to see a cliffhanger because that confirms a second book from Rachel! I highly recommend!