Recensioni
Una piacevole sorpresa. Non sapevo cosa aspettarmi da questa lettura, un po’ condizionata dai pareri contrastanti che questo libro ha suscitato, sono contenta invece che mi sia piaciuto molto. La scrittura è fruibile e semplice condita da un’atmosfera gotica, ed un sistema magico molto accattivante ed un finale, che ti fa immediatamente venire voglia del sequel.
This is definitely a slower, somber atmospheric read- not the fast, action packed plot of a lot of other fantasy books… which is great in its own right, if you go in expecting that. It has gothic fairytale vibes, which I really enjoyed. Ravyn and Elspeth definitely had some sweet moments but I’m not sold on their romance yet. It just had some weird pacing. It seemed to go from barely anything flirtation to in love desperation out of nowhere. The Nightmare was probably my favorite character with his sarcastic humor and riddles. I really loved the unique magic system with the cards and the lore of the world. It did feel like the entire book was more the world-building and set up for all the main plot… except then it ends as soon as it really begins. Since this is part of a duology, I’m optimistic that the second book will give “more” and that as a whole the entire story will be rated higher.
This took me a day to read more time to figure out my rating.I loved the premise of the magic system and the lore behind it, however I wish we got to see more of that in action and less of the romance.I don't know if it is because I'm not a big romantasy reader or what, but I probably would of loved this more if the romance was more on the back burner and spread out over 2 books.However the magic, the atmosphere and the plot (without the romance) carried this book for me. I also love the monster.Starting book 2 straight away
One Dark Window (Book 1 The Shepard King) by Rachel Gillig, published 2022
Fantasy/Romance/Secrets/Curse/Rebellion
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tears: 💧💧
Pages: 411
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Such a unique world! Loved that the powers were mainly based on cursed cards.
I was absolutely swept away by this book. From the moment I stepped into the misty, cursed kingdom of Blunder, I couldn’t tear myself away. Elspeth’s story is haunting, beautiful, and brimming with tension—especially since she’s sharing her mind with a monster, the Nightmare. The concept felt so unique, and I loved how dark and atmospheric it all was, like the setting itself was a living, breathing character.Elspeth’s inner struggle with the Nightmare hooked me right away. The way it whispers to her, teetering between dangerous and intriguing, had me on edge the whole time. And then there’s Ravyn, the broody captain who steals just a bit of my heart with his loyalty and complexity. Their slow-burn romance? Perfection. It was subtle, filled with yearning, and never took over the plot—but I lived for every moment they shared.The magic system, tied to tarot-like cards, was one of my favourite parts. It felt fresh and so intricately tied to the kingdom’s curse. Add in the eerie forests, dark secrets, and plot twists I didn’t see coming, and this book gave me everything I crave in a gothic fantasy.By the time I hit the ending, I was reeling. I needed the sequel immediately. If you love atmospheric, dark fantasy with morally grey characters and a slow-burn romance, One Dark Window is an absolute must-read. I already can’t stop thinking about it.
Omg I was hooked. Everything from the card to elspeth. I loved it so much
Rating: 4 stars.“To the quiet girls with stories in their heads. To their dreams— and their nightmares.”Okay bestie, let me tell you about this book because WOW, Rachel Gillig really did something with this one. Her writing style? It’s like stepping straight into a gothic fairytal, lush, eerie, and atmospheric without ever feeling overdone. Every sentence feels like it’s dripping with mist and secrets, and I swear you can almost hear the branches creaking and the fog whispering. It’s lyrical but super easy to follow, so you’re swept right into this dark, magical world without getting lost.'The two were together, so the two were the same:“The girl, the King… and themonster they became.”One Dark Window is one of those books that hooks you instantly with its haunting aesthetic, dark forests, cursed magic, whispers in the shadows, it’s basically Gothic candy for the soul. And the magic system with the Providence Cards?? So clever, so unique, it really sets the story apart.But yeah, once the initial mist clears, you do start to notice a few places where it feels like the story could’ve gone deeper. The atmosphere and mystery are stunning, but sometimes the plot pacing or character development leaves you wanting just a little more bite. Like you’re feasting on this gorgeous banquet and then realize one of the main dishes didn’t quite fill you up.It’s still an incredible read, definitely worth the hype in terms of mood and originality, but if you peel back the layers of fog, there are some missed opportunities that keep it from absolute perfection.“Still, it was the first time I stopped fearing the Nightmare—the voice in my head, the creature with strange yellow eyes and an eerie, smooth voice. Eleven years later, and I don’t fear him at all. Even if I should.”One Dark Window follows Elspeth Spindle, who’s been carrying a literal monster in her head ‘the Nightmare’ ever since she was infected by magical corruption as a child. She spends her life trying to stay unnoticed (because anyone touched by magic is put to death), but of course, fate drags her right into a dangerous conspiracy against the king. The stakes? Freeing the world from magic once and for all. But here’s the haunting twist the closer Elspeth gets to a cure, the more she risks losing herself to the Nightmare she depends on.“Nothing is free. Nothing is safe. Magic is love, but also, it’s hate. It comes at a cost. You’re found, and you’re lost. Magic is love, but also, it’s hate.”The entire idea of a magical infection instantly pulled me in, it’s eerie, unique, and gave the story such a chilling foundation. Layered onto that is one of the most intriguing aspects of the world building: the Providence Cards. These tarot-like cards grant magical abilities, but always at a cost, and the lore behind their creation is fascinating. I loved how dark and clever the concept was, but I have to admit, I often found myself struggling to fully grasp their role and importance within the story. They add so much potential and atmosphere, yet at times their function in the bigger picture felt under explored, leaving me wanting more clarity.“I’m just the wind in the trees, the shadow, and the fright. The echo in the leaves… the nightmare in the night.”
The beginning was a bit boring but Damn, the storyline got me invested. I couldn't put it down, The Nightmare taking over Elspeth really made the book interesting. Literally need the next book!
Me ha gustado mucho este inicio de bilogía, con una ambientación interesante y un sistema de magia con cartas que me ha llamado mucho la atención, aunque al principio cuesta entenderlo todo.No obstante, no hubo sorpresa alguna conmigo. Todo fue bastante predecible, al menos por mi parte, así que por eso le he bajado la nota. ¡A ver qué tal la segunda parte!
Honestly, I was expecting this book to be a good five star read that was basically a gothic romantasy book where the MMC was a morally grey character that you instantly fell in love with and rooted for. Like Aaron Warner, Rhysand, Roman, etc. A character you just…constantly think about. I was also expecting the plot line to be a lot more action packed than it was. It wasn’t.It was a bit slow and I don’t really think there was much to it that makes it worth the hype on TikTok but I do like the ending and how Elspeth gives into the nightmare, which is what carries the weight of the rating to be honest. That and the mystery that I’m hoping will improve in the second book.