One Dark Window

OlafvonSnowman

Great read!

"I read a lot of books, all genres, and have for a long time. This book I could tell was different than its counterparts at the start. It's still magic and fantasy with a dash (tiny) of romance. The spice level is half a pepper at best. Magic has always been something I've loved I'm 39 now but I've always loved the idea of it. And Rachel writes it by using what we know of magic but making it her own. In this case the magic is stored in cards and even those who are infected with magic, all of it comes at a price. And you slowly get fed the story of what happened through the voice that lived in the main characters head. The main character is female and a badass in her own right, but with words and not fighting. That alone was a nice change since every book Ive read for the last 20 years, if the lead is female, she's also capable of everything. And tho I am a solo human and enjoy my own company more often than not and am also a runner, I am not at all going to win a fight. So Elspeth, the main character, was more relatable rather than a true fantasy. And neither is wrong, I enjoy both tropes, but it was every nice to have a change of pace. Gillig does a good job of character development, it's probably why I kept reading. The story was very slow at first. I almost put it down and I'm really glad I didn't. I am tired of authors alluding to things but never giving you the full story. And that did get old quick. Fortunately as the story develops, Rachel stopped "hiding" things from the reader and the story started moving quicker, giving you more detail to help you stay invested. She is pretty detailed, but not overly so, which may be why the first part dragged until the action kicked in. Obviously you need to hide somethings, you have a plot to build. It was more of that foreshadowing or just not fully detailing it out or alluding to something more that would get in the way of my enjoyment. Rachel isn't alone in this, it's an overly used writing technique right now, which may be why I noticed it more. All in all, the writing was beautiful, different from anything I've read lately, took me a minute to get used to and I thoroughly enjoyed a shift from my normal pace. I loved that the story was familiar but also so different. And I am left ready to dive into book 2 and cannot wait. If that's what you're looking for, and are also a fan of magical fantasy, try out One Dark Window, I don't think youll regret it. If you are looking for that, ["

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August 1, 2024 Verified Purchase

Ruby

gothic romance and sassy monsters

"m going to finish this review after i sleep on it for a while because I think, after reading knight and the moth, i had such different expectations and im honestly not totally sure how i felt about the book. I LIKED it, but the entire time i just kept waiting for there to be.. something more? like it was good but it felt like something was missing and i can't put my finger on it. --- okay, at this point it's been a few months and I'm still not sure how I felt. I still haven't read book two but these are my thoughts—the underlying story was really, really good. I guessed the plot twist almost immediately and im not sure if it was really meant to be secret or not, but it didn't affect my enjoyment any. I absolutely loved the nightmare, I loved the way, as a reader, we are constantly questioning motives and whether or not someone can be trusted because it kept me on my toes. I loved the MMC and his yearning devotion and I loved the FMC, though I sometimes felt she was a little wishy washy and weak—and after thinking about it, I think that was on purpose, because she does get her moment of "holy, okay, heck yeah" eventually and I loved that for her. the world was really interesting, and I loved the magic system though it wasn't what I was expecting it to be. this isn't a magic system where there are tons of cards to hand out, there are only a handful and the king gives them to his most trusted. the people who protect him, his closest nobles etc. I was expecting the magic to be more prevalent in the world and it's really just about ten or so people. again, this didn't make me not enjoy the book, but it did vastly narrow down the world from what I had thought it was. anyway i did very much enjoy it. I have every intention of reading book two. ["

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January 13, 2026 Verified Purchase

Jennie_reader

A Lush and Lyrical Descent into Shadows

"One Dark Window is a dark fantasy debut that delivers a richly atmospheric tale brimming with gothic undertones, forbidden magic, and a slow-burn romance that smolders beneath layers of secrecy. Set in the eerie, mist-shrouded kingdom of Blunder, Rachel Gillig crafts a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse — and those who wield it are marked as dangerous. The novel follows Elspeth, a young woman harboring a sinister secret: a monster resides inside her mind, known only as the Nightmare. This inner voice gives her power and protection, but also threatens her sanity, creating a constant internal struggle that sets the tone for the novel’s dark and intoxicating atmosphere. At the beginning of the novel, Elspeth appears to be a quiet and cautious woman, living a life of concealment in a world where magic is feared and outlawed. But as the story progresses, she transforms into a more confident and courageous figure — not because she conquers her fear, but because she learns to act despite it. Her internal growth is deeply tied to her relationship with the Nightmare, the ancient, powerful entity that shares her mind. This voice, which could have easily served as a simple plot device, is instead an integral part of her character arc — a manifestation of both trauma and hidden strength. Elspeth's development is also shaped by her growing bond with Ravyn Yew. Initially distant and mistrustful of others, Elspeth gradually opens up as she finds people who treat her with respect and care. The romance between her and Ravyn doesn’t rush or overshadow the plot; rather, it becomes a quiet but powerful part of her journey toward trust, intimacy, and self-acceptance. She begins to see herself as more than just the vessel for a monster — she becomes a protector, a rebel, and someone willing to fight for the people she loves. Ravyn, on the other hand, develops from a cold, dutiful soldier into a man grappling with his own past mistakes and family obligations. His initial rigidity softens as he works with Elspeth, and his vulnerability slowly emerges, particularly in scenes with his younger brother. His growth is subtle but emotionally significant, showing how he learns to allow others into his carefully guarded world. The Nightmare, though not a traditional character, is also given unexpected emotional depth. What starts as a terrifying presence reveals itself to be full of loneliness, sarcasm, and even a touch of protectiveness. This layered portrayal challenges the reader's initial judgment and adds complexity to the relationship between monster and host. One of Gillig’s strengths is her ability to evoke mood and setting with just a few vivid lines. The mist-covered forests, the Gothic architecture, and the ever-present sense of secrecy and dread are painted in a way that feels immersive but never overwhelming. Her style leans into sensory details — the feel of damp stone, the flicker of candlelight, the hush of unspoken thoughts — all of which add to the book’s haunting ambiance. The narrative voice is intimate and introspective, reflecting Elspeth’s inner turmoil and growth. Gillig doesn’t rely heavily on exposition; instead, she trusts readers to infer emotion through dialogue, small gestures, and tone. This subtlety makes the emotional shifts feel organic, and it allows space for the characters' internal conflicts to breathe. Dialogue is another area where Gillig excels. It’s natural yet polished, often laced with tension or quiet wit, especially in the exchanges between Elspeth and the Nightmare. The way she integrates the Nightmare’s voice — often italicized, always intrusive — adds a psychological layer to the narrative that’s both unsettling and compelling, a clever stylistic choice that mirrors Elspeth’s fractured sense of self. Moreover, Gillig's use of folklore and prophecy through poetic interludes, old songs, and whispered legends adds depth to the world-building and enriches the novel's themes of fate, identity, and sacrifice. These mythic fragments are woven seamlessly into the story, giving the impression of a world long haunted by forgotten magic. At its heart, One Dark Window explores the tension between identity and power, particularly the price one pays for both. Elspeth’s struggle with the Nightmare inside her is not just a fantasy device—it’s a powerful metaphor for internal battles, mental health, and the fear of becoming something unrecognizable. The novel delves deeply into duality: light and dark, sanity and madness, control and surrender. Gillig also weaves in themes of secrecy and truth, especially how entire societies can be built upon silence, fear, and the distortion of history. The use of Providence Cards raises compelling questions about fate versus free will—can people choose their path, or are they forever trapped by the powers they've inherited? There’s also a strong undercurrent of sacrifice and trust, shown in the growing bonds between characters who must risk everything, not only for freedom but for each other. Ultimately, One Dark Window is a story about finding strength in vulnerability and uncovering the truth—both in the world and within oneself—even when it’s terrifying. One Dark Window is a hauntingly beautiful debut that stands out in the fantasy genre with its gothic atmosphere, imaginative magic system, and emotionally resonant storytelling. It’s a slow-burn journey into a world where every choice has a cost, and no one is free of shadows. Perfect for fans of For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten or The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon, this book promises an unforgettable blend of mystery, magic, and madness. With an ending that leaves you yearning for more, Rachel Gillig has cast a spell that lingers long after the final page. ["

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May 5, 2025 Verified Purchase

Alena Cooper

Amazing!

"One of the best YA books I’ve read in a long time! Although this book does not read like a young adult novel because her writing style is so lyrical and haunting it makes the tone and feel of her characters extremely unique. It’s still YA because it’s suitable for younger readers and I personally appreciate that the spice level is low which allows for a real story to unfold (I despise when authors use spice as a crutch to sell a book that doesn’t have much of a plot). The actual concept of the book feels very unique and interesting (think tarot cards with a twist along with dark ancient magic). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it! Hopefully the second book will be just as good! ["

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December 10, 2025 Verified Purchase