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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
2.5 ⭐️ I was very underwhelmed. I would've been less disappointed had it not been so hyped online, but I don't think I would've enjoyed it any more.
The writing, the characters, plot, setting, the magic...everything was just okay. Actually, I don't think I liked the magic system very much. I didn't really find myself caring for Elspeth or her doomed fight against the Nightmare--he's more interesting than she is. I liked Elm and Emory as characters but we barely got to interact with them.
The writing actually got really annoying at times. The overuse of certain descriptions...like okay we get it the Nightmare's voice is OILY. Oh and take a shot every time Ravyn is referred to as "Captain of the Destriers."
Overall I don't think this book was bad, so I will be reading the second book...eventually. I heard it's better than this one but now I have trust issues so I'll have to see for my self!
The writing, the characters, plot, setting, the magic...everything was just okay. Actually, I don't think I liked the magic system very much. I didn't really find myself caring for Elspeth or her doomed fight against the Nightmare--he's more interesting than she is. I liked Elm and Emory as characters but we barely got to interact with them.
The writing actually got really annoying at times. The overuse of certain descriptions...like okay we get it the Nightmare's voice is OILY. Oh and take a shot every time Ravyn is referred to as "Captain of the Destriers."
Overall I don't think this book was bad, so I will be reading the second book...eventually. I heard it's better than this one but now I have trust issues so I'll have to see for my self!
an easy read, predictable plots but enjoyable nonetheless
One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, #1) by Rachel Gillig
Our author, Rachel Gillig, surpassed my expectations in writing a novel drenched with dark undertones and a superb atmosphere. I was invited into the mind of a young woman named Elspeth Spindle, who navigates cautiously through the social complexities imposed by the King of Blunder. Elspeth has a dire secret, one which sees her cast away into the household of her aunt and uncle for safekeeping. A fortuitous meeting with some highwaymen looking to steal one of the twelve magical cards catalyzes a new beginning. An idea hatched by her uncle to climb the ranks of the social hierarchy becomes the focus, with Elspeth's power becoming a crucial piece in a plot against King Rowan.
"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." A poignant passage written by the author, one that describes the yin and yang balance within the powerful twelve cards. I found the magic system to be unique and compelling. An arrangement that allows a character power only if they are willing to pay a price allows for much intrigue and suspense.
Perhaps this is what it feels like to drink absinthe in a dark room with minimal light coming from a candelabra flickering in the corner. That strong licorice flavor tantalizes the tastebuds searching within for a reaction. Darkness sets in and the words on the paper come into focus as the black ink hits the reader's eyes. This book adheres to the senses, deriving from the light brushstrokes of emptiness and occasional wisps of glow emanating from the cards. I was touched by the beauty that lay within its pages and look forward to reading the next installment in the series. I can recommend this to those who love a gothically charged ethereal experience. I am giving this 4 of 5 stars.
Our author, Rachel Gillig, surpassed my expectations in writing a novel drenched with dark undertones and a superb atmosphere. I was invited into the mind of a young woman named Elspeth Spindle, who navigates cautiously through the social complexities imposed by the King of Blunder. Elspeth has a dire secret, one which sees her cast away into the household of her aunt and uncle for safekeeping. A fortuitous meeting with some highwaymen looking to steal one of the twelve magical cards catalyzes a new beginning. An idea hatched by her uncle to climb the ranks of the social hierarchy becomes the focus, with Elspeth's power becoming a crucial piece in a plot against King Rowan.
"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." A poignant passage written by the author, one that describes the yin and yang balance within the powerful twelve cards. I found the magic system to be unique and compelling. An arrangement that allows a character power only if they are willing to pay a price allows for much intrigue and suspense.
Perhaps this is what it feels like to drink absinthe in a dark room with minimal light coming from a candelabra flickering in the corner. That strong licorice flavor tantalizes the tastebuds searching within for a reaction. Darkness sets in and the words on the paper come into focus as the black ink hits the reader's eyes. This book adheres to the senses, deriving from the light brushstrokes of emptiness and occasional wisps of glow emanating from the cards. I was touched by the beauty that lay within its pages and look forward to reading the next installment in the series. I can recommend this to those who love a gothically charged ethereal experience. I am giving this 4 of 5 stars.
One Dark Window is set in the isolated town of Blunder, a place surrounded by dark magic. The use of magic is limited to those who posses a valuable providence card. Anyone who can use magic without a providence card is deemed to be infected and sentenced to death. Elspeth has hidden her infection from everyone for years but after an encounter with a group of highwaymen she learns of a way to break the curse on her and the people of Blunder.
I absolutely loved this! Such a unique magic system and a great atmospheric read. The plot reminded me a bit of Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson which I also loved. The whole idea of another being living inside a character's head is so interesting and makes for so many good scenes. I really liked how the Nightmare got stronger and more present through the book too. The relationship between him and Elspeth was fascinating. I loved Ravyn too and really sympathised with him.
The ending of this book was insane and I cannot wait for the next book! I'm so intrigued to see how things progress from here.
I absolutely loved this! Such a unique magic system and a great atmospheric read. The plot reminded me a bit of Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson which I also loved. The whole idea of another being living inside a character's head is so interesting and makes for so many good scenes. I really liked how the Nightmare got stronger and more present through the book too. The relationship between him and Elspeth was fascinating. I loved Ravyn too and really sympathised with him.
The ending of this book was insane and I cannot wait for the next book! I'm so intrigued to see how things progress from here.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
Oh, Elspeth Spindle 🙊😢
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