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A review by boba_nbooks
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Spice Rating: 🌶️ / 5
WOW. Before I even started this book, I knew I was going to like it. But I didn't expect it to pull me in as fully as it did.
Elspeth lives in a world where a magical mist can infect children and gift them with strange magic that slowly degenerates them, even causing them to lose their mind. But Elspeth has been infected for 11 years and has yet to experience that kind of degeneration. Just as her family has hidden her infection, Elspeth has hidden the monster in her head, leading people to believe she was infected but was not gifted the magic that causes the king to execute the infected children. Elspeth has spent these past 11 years denying her magic and the nightmare inside her head, but when she meets a mysterious highwayman, everything changes. She's pulled into a treasonous quest that could change everything and cure her, as well as other infected people, of the magical curse. Elspeth uses the monster in her head to help the highwayman and his family find the Providence Cards that could cure her and hopefully dispel the mist, but this requires her to face the nightmare and become more acquainted with him than she would like. The more they talk, the stronger he becomes, and there might come a point where Elspeth can't stop him anymore. There are so many morally gray decisions Elspeth has to make, and she has to find her limit even as the nightmare in her head has his own agenda.
The magic system in this novel is absolutely fascinating. I love the idea of the magical cards that give people the power of both magic and status within the kingdom. The chemistry between Ravyn and Elspeth isn't quite electric but more of an invisible string that slowly pulls them together. I love how much they understand each other and are, thankfully, more forgiving about secrets than any fantasy couple I've ever read about. Because in a world where everything is out to get both of them, it makes sense that they want to keep their cards (pun intended) close to their chest.
One Dark Window has a film of horror overlaying the plot with gothic vibes that are unmatched. The author made it easy to keenly feel the urgency with Elspeth as the nightmare slowly gained strength inside her head. Rachel Gillig definitely has a way with words. The way she can create such a beautiful yet creepy world that I just want to learn more about. I can't wait to read Two Twisted Crowns and even more stories created by this author.
WOW. Before I even started this book, I knew I was going to like it. But I didn't expect it to pull me in as fully as it did.
Elspeth lives in a world where a magical mist can infect children and gift them with strange magic that slowly degenerates them, even causing them to lose their mind. But Elspeth has been infected for 11 years and has yet to experience that kind of degeneration. Just as her family has hidden her infection, Elspeth has hidden the monster in her head, leading people to believe she was infected but was not gifted the magic that causes the king to execute the infected children. Elspeth has spent these past 11 years denying her magic and the nightmare inside her head, but when she meets a mysterious highwayman, everything changes. She's pulled into a treasonous quest that could change everything and cure her, as well as other infected people, of the magical curse. Elspeth uses the monster in her head to help the highwayman and his family find the Providence Cards that could cure her and hopefully dispel the mist, but this requires her to face the nightmare and become more acquainted with him than she would like. The more they talk, the stronger he becomes, and there might come a point where Elspeth can't stop him anymore. There are so many morally gray decisions Elspeth has to make, and she has to find her limit even as the nightmare in her head has his own agenda.
The magic system in this novel is absolutely fascinating. I love the idea of the magical cards that give people the power of both magic and status within the kingdom. The chemistry between Ravyn and Elspeth isn't quite electric but more of an invisible string that slowly pulls them together. I love how much they understand each other and are, thankfully, more forgiving about secrets than any fantasy couple I've ever read about. Because in a world where everything is out to get both of them, it makes sense that they want to keep their cards (pun intended) close to their chest.
One Dark Window has a film of horror overlaying the plot with gothic vibes that are unmatched. The author made it easy to keenly feel the urgency with Elspeth as the nightmare slowly gained strength inside her head. Rachel Gillig definitely has a way with words. The way she can create such a beautiful yet creepy world that I just want to learn more about. I can't wait to read Two Twisted Crowns and even more stories created by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, and Abandonment