Introduction
The girl, the King…and the monster they became. One Dark Window is a dark romantasy told from Elspeth’s point of view. The fever took Elspeth at a young age but she survived and so did the monster she calls the Nightmare. Elspeth joins a quest to cure her home in Blunder from the dark magic that is affecting everyone through the Providence cards.
“To the quiet girls with stories in their heads.
To their dreams—and their nightmares.”
About the book
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a dark romantasy released in 2022. You can purchase it by clicking the link on the title above where I will receive a small commission for your purchase or you can find it at your local library.
Summary (Spolier-free)
Follow Elspeth who took the fever on at a young age and unlike most others, she survived but she did not survive alone. She is accompanied by the one she calls the Nightmare. In Blunder, her home, there is a dark magic that gives people abilities through the use of Providence cards. When she chooses to join a quest to cure her home from the darkness, she must learn that the Nightmare is more than just someone in her mind. Can she save her home, her family and bring together all the Providence cards before it is too late.
“Except, in this fairy tale, the maiden has blood on her hands.”
What I loved
One Dark Window has one of the most incredible and thought out magic systems in fantasy writing. This duology perfectly encapsulates the characters through the magic system. Minor characters are just as intriguing and lovable as the main characters that you are sure to root for and fall in love with them.
Who should read this book
For fans of When the Moon Hatched or Fourth Wing, this is a fantasy that you cannot afford to miss.
“Tell them. Tell them the truth. When your children ask, do not lie- do not hide the risk of magic. Children are strongest when their eyes are clear. Only then can they make their own choices. Only then are they truly free. Tell them. Tell them the truth.”
Final thoughts and rating
I gave One Dark Window a Five Star Rating. This will always be ranked as one of my favorite fantasy books of all time.
Related books & Further Reading
Read my review of The Poppy War HERE.
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Purchase the Providence Cards From the Series on Etsy From Teds Creative by clicking the image above.
