One Dark Window

Cover looked like something I wouldn’t read, possibly too freaky/horror. It was a good, slow, and enticing read. More of a story and some love on the side. Good book if you’re not into too much smut but like a good side romance.

I really like this book though I’m not a book connoisseur, or a heavy analyzer when it comes to fantasy books, I have never seen this type of fantasy. The world in this book is something I’ve never seen before. It’s a concept that to me was very original, and very unique. The main character was enjoyable, and unlike other fantasy novels wasn’t annoying, which I appreciate.

I started reading One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig with cautious enthusiasm and am disappointed it took so long for me to get to it. First, the magic system is solid, and it has consequences—real, painful, horrible ones. Every character that wields it pays a price. If this weren’t YA, that price would be The Exorcist levels of horror instead of “OMG cursed with spooky vibes.” Our protagonist, Elspeth, had a magical fever as a child, but instead of being executed (which was the vibe at the time), she ends up with the Nightmare living in her cabeza. Their dynamic is one of the most interesting parts of the book. It’s a “spooky voice in my head gives me powers,” paired with a “What We Do in the Shadows” snark where the Nightmare inside her has opinions, and commentary, and takes general enjoyment in messing with her. Their interactions range from fascinating to frustrating, and sometimes, the Nightmare comes off as the overdramatic town gossip. I don’t hate the romance, but I also wasn’t sitting here getting the vapors because of the sexual tension. Yeah, yeah, it’s slow-burn. I’m ok with that. I don’t always need an Amelia Hutchins “tie me up in a dungeon so I can fall in love with you” boom-shakalaka. Her main man in the book (who from the start was pretty obvious) is Ravyn. He’s a-ahight. Not super exciting. I’m hoping he grows into it in the next book. Overall, One Dark Window has a solid magic system, characters with depth, and a world that feels dangerous. It’s not a flawless debut, but it’s far better than a lot of YA first books out there, especially ones that rely more on hype than substance. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, no question about it. I’ve already got the the next book Two Twisted Crowns in my hands.

I didn’t have high expectations of this book but it was actually very good once you grasp the explanation of the cards in the first few chapters. Go ahead and get the second book also because it does end mid story

Read it now !! Such a good book !

Plain language romantasy. The magic was a little interesting and that kept me reading, but the rest was pretty boring. I started rolling my eyes every time I had read about how someone’s eyes went glassy. Like, learn a few more descriptive phrases, please.

Really enjoyed this book. The further you get into it, the better it gets.

Fun story, a good read .

This definitely delivers the full deck. I’m impressed by the author’s ingenuity while still maintaining the balance between tension and complexity, subtlety and nuance.

Absolutely engaging and sincere. Each page delighted, each twist sent me careening. These characters are intriguing. Written with so much love you feel it through the pages. Of family born and family found. Of lovers. Friends. And enemies. Magic twining through every page, setting the world alight. I deeply love this world and story.