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A review by jaz_apples
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a very interesting book. It had possibly one of the most unique magic systems I’ve read so far as well as well written characters and interesting world building. It had several turns that I was not expecting but still fit the story nicely.
It was a bit simpler in terms of writing style than what I prefer but I don’t think it detracted from the story being told in anyway worth mentioning besides as an offhand comment (such as this one).
I only have a two complaints: one being the character of Ione and her place in the story. It was difficult to understand her motives and reasoning behind her actions. I felt she was important to the story but in what way, I’m not sure. Something I am willing to overlook at the moment as it may resolve in the sequel. Nevertheless, I thought she was an interesting and complex character and would enjoy seeing things from her point of view. Another complaint I had was the romance in the book. It felt very rush and like there were scenes that we were missing. I was very excited for a fake dating troupe but was ultimately disappointed by the lack of development of the relationship between the main characters. Unfortunately I don’t know what the author could have done to remedy that, except for splitting the book in two in order to provide that content. While decently disappointing, I don’t believe that it detracted from the story severely, at least not enough for me to dnf the book.
It was a bit simpler in terms of writing style than what I prefer but I don’t think it detracted from the story being told in anyway worth mentioning besides as an offhand comment (such as this one).
I only have a two complaints: one being the character of Ione and her place in the story. It was difficult to understand her motives and reasoning behind her actions. I felt she was important to the story but in what way, I’m not sure. Something I am willing to overlook at the moment as it may resolve in the sequel. Nevertheless, I thought she was an interesting and complex character and would enjoy seeing things from her point of view. Another complaint I had was the romance in the book. It felt very rush and like there were scenes that we were missing. I was very excited for a fake dating troupe but was ultimately disappointed by the lack of development of the relationship between the main characters. Unfortunately I don’t know what the author could have done to remedy that, except for splitting the book in two in order to provide that content. While decently disappointing, I don’t believe that it detracted from the story severely, at least not enough for me to dnf the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content