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brennabeani 's review for:
One Dark Window
by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One Dark Window is a surprisingly good romantasy debut with a unique magic system and enough mystery, magic, and romance to keep you entertained until the end.
I loved the Providence Cards. This is such a fun idea for how to control and wield magic, almost like pokemon cards for powers. Linking all of the names, swear words, magic, etc. to trees? So fun and I didn't catch all of it for a little bit! Also, magic coming with a price is such a great way to keep from having one super overpowered hero/villain so I love the degeneration that came into play.
Despite this, I had quite a few issues with this book. For one, despite the really cool magic system, you really don't learn enough about it and what you do is mostly info-dumped right at the beginning with some sprinkles throughout the rest of the story. And, what you do learn of it is really only seen through the eyes of the rich and the royal, with no mention of the common folk/servants except when they serve to further the plot. Not to mention, the FMC is just way too trusting and couldn't ask a clarifying question to save her life. Then, there's my worst enemy in a book: repetitive phrases/writing. Please. I get it. Magic comes at a cost. Nothing is free. My sanity most definitely is not.
Otherwise, I think the writing really picked up toward the middle/end of the book so I'm glad I stuck it out and I may continue on to the second book or pick up her new series. I'm curious to see how she continues to develop as a writer.
Definitely grab this book if you're looking for a unique romantasy series with just a little spice that only spans a duology instead of a massive unending series. Also, definitely a great starting place for people new to the fantasy/romantasy genre as the world building/magic is fairly easy to understand.
I loved the Providence Cards. This is such a fun idea for how to control and wield magic, almost like pokemon cards for powers. Linking all of the names, swear words, magic, etc. to trees? So fun and I didn't catch all of it for a little bit! Also, magic coming with a price is such a great way to keep from having one super overpowered hero/villain so I love the degeneration that came into play.
Despite this, I had quite a few issues with this book. For one, despite the really cool magic system, you really don't learn enough about it and what you do is mostly info-dumped right at the beginning with some sprinkles throughout the rest of the story. And, what you do learn of it is really only seen through the eyes of the rich and the royal, with no mention of the common folk/servants except when they serve to further the plot. Not to mention, the FMC is just way too trusting and couldn't ask a clarifying question to save her life. Then, there's my worst enemy in a book: repetitive phrases/writing. Please. I get it. Magic comes at a cost. Nothing is free. My sanity most definitely is not.
Otherwise, I think the writing really picked up toward the middle/end of the book so I'm glad I stuck it out and I may continue on to the second book or pick up her new series. I'm curious to see how she continues to develop as a writer.
Definitely grab this book if you're looking for a unique romantasy series with just a little spice that only spans a duology instead of a massive unending series. Also, definitely a great starting place for people new to the fantasy/romantasy genre as the world building/magic is fairly easy to understand.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Blood, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent