You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a mesmerizing mix of dark fantasy, mystery, and rich character development.
The novel immerses you in a world where magic isn’t just a force of power—it’s something that can haunt, consume, and sometimes even take over your mind. The pacing of the story is gripping, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the mystery surrounding Elspeth, her dangerous connection to a cursed magic, and the strange world she inhabits.
Elspeth is an intriguing protagonist, balancing her vulnerability and strength in a way that feels real and relatable. Her relationship with Rayven, a mysterious and tortured character, provides an emotional depth to the story. There's undeniable chemistry between them, though their dynamic is far from simple, and I loved how the author took time to develop it slowly and deliberately.
The world-building is atmospheric, with detailed descriptions that set a haunting tone, yet Gillig never overwhelms the reader with unnecessary exposition. You feel fully immersed in the setting without feeling bogged down.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the way it explores themes of trust, power, and the cost of magic. Elspeth’s journey is as much about discovering her own inner strength as it is about the dangers lurking in the shadows.
Quote:
"I had never felt so alive, and yet so close to the edge of darkness."
The novel immerses you in a world where magic isn’t just a force of power—it’s something that can haunt, consume, and sometimes even take over your mind. The pacing of the story is gripping, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the mystery surrounding Elspeth, her dangerous connection to a cursed magic, and the strange world she inhabits.
Elspeth is an intriguing protagonist, balancing her vulnerability and strength in a way that feels real and relatable. Her relationship with Rayven, a mysterious and tortured character, provides an emotional depth to the story. There's undeniable chemistry between them, though their dynamic is far from simple, and I loved how the author took time to develop it slowly and deliberately.
The world-building is atmospheric, with detailed descriptions that set a haunting tone, yet Gillig never overwhelms the reader with unnecessary exposition. You feel fully immersed in the setting without feeling bogged down.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the way it explores themes of trust, power, and the cost of magic. Elspeth’s journey is as much about discovering her own inner strength as it is about the dangers lurking in the shadows.
Quote:
"I had never felt so alive, and yet so close to the edge of darkness."
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
GREAT tree lore in this
I really don’t understand the hype. The concept of the tarot cards/magic system is interesting, but I just didn’t vibe with the writing style. If I had gone into this knowing it read like a YA novel, then maybe my expectations could’ve been better managed.
Alas…I couldn’t get past Chapter 2. DNF’d.
Alas…I couldn’t get past Chapter 2. DNF’d.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I. loved. this. book. I'm mad at myself that I waited so long to read it. Elspeth and Rayven were so sweet with each other. The vibes were dark and perfect. The Nightmare was by far my favorite character. The sassiest mean best friend you could ever have. It wasn't a 5 star because some of my questions weren't answered by the end. I assume the second book will have the answers, so maybe my rating will change.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
“To the quiet girls with stories in their heads. To their dreams—and their nightmares.” -Dedication
Beware magic always comes with a price. Oh this was deliciously dark and oh so good. This was a perfect book to put me in the mood for fall. It’s full of monsters, magic, dangerous highwaymen, intrigue & treason. I love a good atmospheric read with dark forests, a magical mist that can drive you mad, riddles, rhymes & ancient prophecies. It’s a unique magic system where those who own prophecy cards can wield magic but all magic comes at a price.
Elspeth needs a monster but the monster might just be her. “She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.” But the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind…
“I'm just the wind in the trees, the shadow, and the fright. The echo in the leaves...the nightmare in the night.”
I loved every minute of this deliciously dark fantasy & that ending has me immediately picking up the next book.
"Nothing is free. Nothing is safe. Magic is love, but, also it's hate."
“There once was a girl,” he murmured, “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.”
Heads up for a cliffhanger, one mild open door scene & some swears.