Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The story of Elspeth and Rayvn, the monster and the kingdom of Blunder comes to life with mystery, magic and a battle to see whether the infection affecting some can be conquered. These characters live within is quite fascinating world as I finally delve into the One Dark Window book of Ms. Gillig. The romance is a slow build as the two characters are forced to act as if they care for one another and from there, it grows. The ending makes you want to run to book two to continue the adventure.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Violence
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the storyline - it is unique in that I haven't read about a world like it before. There is mystery, adventure and some romance (although I feel like the romance could have been developed a lot more). I liked that I couldn't have guessed the ending - I feel I can typically guess the storyline quite quickly so I was happy that it wasn't so predictable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was my year to read The Shepherd King duology and I enjoyed every bit of it! This is a story of dark magic, revenge, and a terrifying illness brutal enough to kill. Rachel Gillig’s writing is incredible and absolutely captivating. It is very descriptive, and captures a dark atmosphere ridden with magic. She smoothly laid out the world-building and the folklore that controls this story. She tells an amazing tale of retribution, balanced with a beautiful, slowburn romance in the background (and more :D). Elspeth and Ravyn are amazing characters, and their chemistry was through the roof! The tidbits of affection that they shared in this novel was perfect. Lastly, for fans of found family, we also have a prickly brute and an ice princess roaming the pages (this is a sign telling you to read it).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment
Minor: Sexual assault
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, Grief, Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Murder, War
dark
emotional
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 is incredibly atmospheric, with a magic system that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, and a romance that, while not the focus of the book, was deeply emotional to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Gore, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Terminal illness
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Interesting premise and worldbuilding. Loved the dark misty magical forest vibes. Vengeful Spirit of the Woods? Salty magic? Yes, please!
Everything else was a little underwhelming (plot, characters, writing) but it was an entertaining read.
Everything else was a little underwhelming (plot, characters, writing) but it was an entertaining read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Murder, Abandonment
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, Death of parent
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
I cannot wait to read the second book in this duology. From how this book ended I have so many questions as to how the story is told next. Is it from Raven’s point of view or the Nightmare/ Shepard King?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail