One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, 1)

I read a lot of books, all genres, and have for a long time. This book I could tell was different than its counterparts at the start. It's still magic and fantasy with a dash (tiny) of romance. The spice level is half a pepper at best. Magic has always been something I've loved I'm 39 now but I've always loved the idea of it. And Rachel writes it by using what we know of magic but making it her own. In this case the magic is stored in cards and even those who are infected with magic, all of it comes at a price. And you slowly get fed the story of what happened through the voice that lived in the main characters head. The main character is female and a badass in her own right, but with words and not fighting. That alone was a nice change since every book Ive read for the last 20 years, if the lead is female, she's also capable of everything. And tho I am a solo human and enjoy my own company more often than not and am also a runner, I am not at all going to win a fight. So Elspeth, the main character, was more relatable rather than a true fantasy. And neither is wrong, I enjoy both tropes, but it was every nice to have a change of pace. Gillig does a good job of character development, it's probably why I kept reading. The story was very slow at first. I almost put it down and I'm really glad I didn't. I am tired of authors alluding to things but never giving you the full story. And that did get old quick. Fortunately as the story develops, Rachel stopped "hiding" things from the reader and the story started moving quicker, giving you more detail to help you stay invested. She is pretty detailed, but not overly so, which may be why the first part dragged until the action kicked in. Obviously you need to hide somethings, you have a plot to build. It was more of that foreshadowing or just not fully detailing it out or alluding to something more that would get in the way of my enjoyment. Rachel isn't alone in this, it's an overly used writing technique right now, which may be why I noticed it more. All in all, the writing was beautiful, different from anything I've read lately, took me a minute to get used to and I thoroughly enjoyed a shift from my normal pace. I loved that the story was familiar but also so different. And I am left ready to dive into book 2 and cannot wait. If that's what you're looking for, and are also a fan of magical fantasy, try out One Dark Window, I don't think youll regret it. If you are looking for that,

m going to finish this review after i sleep on it for a while because I think, after reading knight and the moth, i had such different expectations and im honestly not totally sure how i felt about the book. I LIKED it, but the entire time i just kept waiting for there to be.. something more? like it was good but it felt like something was missing and i can't put my finger on it. --- okay, at this point it's been a few months and I'm still not sure how I felt. I still haven't read book two but these are my thoughts—the underlying story was really, really good. I guessed the plot twist almost immediately and im not sure if it was really meant to be secret or not, but it didn't affect my enjoyment any. I absolutely loved the nightmare, I loved the way, as a reader, we are constantly questioning motives and whether or not someone can be trusted because it kept me on my toes. I loved the MMC and his yearning devotion and I loved the FMC, though I sometimes felt she was a little wishy washy and weak—and after thinking about it, I think that was on purpose, because she does get her moment of "holy, okay, heck yeah" eventually and I loved that for her. the world was really interesting, and I loved the magic system though it wasn't what I was expecting it to be. this isn't a magic system where there are tons of cards to hand out, there are only a handful and the king gives them to his most trusted. the people who protect him, his closest nobles etc. I was expecting the magic to be more prevalent in the world and it's really just about ten or so people. again, this didn't make me not enjoy the book, but it did vastly narrow down the world from what I had thought it was. anyway i did very much enjoy it. I have every intention of reading book two.

One of the best YA books I’ve read in a long time! Although this book does not read like a young adult novel because her writing style is so lyrical and haunting it makes the tone and feel of her characters extremely unique. It’s still YA because it’s suitable for younger readers and I personally appreciate that the spice level is low which allows for a real story to unfold (I despise when authors use spice as a crutch to sell a book that doesn’t have much of a plot). The actual concept of the book feels very unique and interesting (think tarot cards with a twist along with dark ancient magic). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it! Hopefully the second book will be just as good!

One Dark Window is a dark fantasy debut that delivers a richly atmospheric tale brimming with gothic undertones, forbidden magic, and a slow-burn romance that smolders beneath layers of secrecy. Set in the eerie, mist-shrouded kingdom of Blunder, Rachel Gillig crafts a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse — and those who wield it are marked as dangerous. The novel follows Elspeth, a young woman harboring a sinister secret: a monster resides inside her mind, known only as the Nightmare. This inner voice gives her power and protection, but also threatens her sanity, creating a constant internal struggle that sets the tone for the novel’s dark and intoxicating atmosphere. At the beginning of the novel, Elspeth appears to be a quiet and cautious woman, living a life of concealment in a world where magic is feared and outlawed. But as the story progresses, she transforms into a more confident and courageous figure — not because she conquers her fear, but because she learns to act despite it. Her internal growth is deeply tied to her relationship with the Nightmare, the ancient, powerful entity that shares her mind. This voice, which could have easily served as a simple plot device, is instead an integral part of her character arc — a manifestation of both trauma and hidden strength. Elspeth's development is also shaped by her growing bond with Ravyn Yew. Initially distant and mistrustful of others, Elspeth gradually opens up as she finds people who treat her with respect and care. The romance between her and Ravyn doesn’t rush or overshadow the plot; rather, it becomes a quiet but powerful part of her journey toward trust, intimacy, and self-acceptance. She begins to see herself as more than just the vessel for a monster — she becomes a protector, a rebel, and someone willing to fight for the people she loves. Ravyn, on the other hand, develops from a cold, dutiful soldier into a man grappling with his own past mistakes and family obligations. His initial rigidity softens as he works with Elspeth, and his vulnerability slowly emerges, particularly in scenes with his younger brother. His growth is subtle but emotionally significant, showing how he learns to allow others into his carefully guarded world. The Nightmare, though not a traditional character, is also given unexpected emotional depth. What starts as a terrifying presence reveals itself to be full of loneliness, sarcasm, and even a touch of protectiveness. This layered portrayal challenges the reader's initial judgment and adds complexity to the relationship between monster and host. One of Gillig’s strengths is her ability to evoke mood and setting with just a few vivid lines. The mist-covered forests, the Gothic architecture, and the ever-present sense of secrecy and dread are painted in a way that feels immersive but never overwhelming. Her style leans into sensory details — the feel of damp stone, the flicker of candlelight, the hush of unspoken thoughts — all of which add to the book’s haunting ambiance. The narrative voice is intimate and introspective, reflecting Elspeth’s inner turmoil and growth. Gillig doesn’t rely heavily on exposition; instead, she trusts readers to infer emotion through dialogue, small gestures, and tone. This subtlety makes the emotional shifts feel organic, and it allows space for the characters' internal conflicts to breathe. Dialogue is another area where Gillig excels. It’s natural yet polished, often laced with tension or quiet wit, especially in the exchanges between Elspeth and the Nightmare. The way she integrates the Nightmare’s voice — often italicized, always intrusive — adds a psychological layer to the narrative that’s both unsettling and compelling, a clever stylistic choice that mirrors Elspeth’s fractured sense of self. Moreover, Gillig's use of folklore and prophecy through poetic interludes, old songs, and whispered legends adds depth to the world-building and enriches the novel's themes of fate, identity, and sacrifice. These mythic fragments are woven seamlessly into the story, giving the impression of a world long haunted by forgotten magic. At its heart, One Dark Window explores the tension between identity and power, particularly the price one pays for both. Elspeth’s struggle with the Nightmare inside her is not just a fantasy device—it’s a powerful metaphor for internal battles, mental health, and the fear of becoming something unrecognizable. The novel delves deeply into duality: light and dark, sanity and madness, control and surrender. Gillig also weaves in themes of secrecy and truth, especially how entire societies can be built upon silence, fear, and the distortion of history. The use of Providence Cards raises compelling questions about fate versus free will—can people choose their path, or are they forever trapped by the powers they've inherited? There’s also a strong undercurrent of sacrifice and trust, shown in the growing bonds between characters who must risk everything, not only for freedom but for each other. Ultimately, One Dark Window is a story about finding strength in vulnerability and uncovering the truth—both in the world and within oneself—even when it’s terrifying. One Dark Window is a hauntingly beautiful debut that stands out in the fantasy genre with its gothic atmosphere, imaginative magic system, and emotionally resonant storytelling. It’s a slow-burn journey into a world where every choice has a cost, and no one is free of shadows. Perfect for fans of For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten or The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon, this book promises an unforgettable blend of mystery, magic, and madness. With an ending that leaves you yearning for more, Rachel Gillig has cast a spell that lingers long after the final page.

4-⭐⭐⭐⭐ One Dark Window is the first novel in the NA Dark Gothic Fantasy Romance Duology following Elspeth Spindle, a young woman with with a monster that lurks in her mind. Elspeth is a fascinating character that immediately grabbed my attention. She is independent and strong, especially given the secrets she must keep. To save herself and Blunder she joins force with a highwayman and his compatriots to gather the clues and solve the mystery of the infamous Shepherd King and Spirit of the Wood, the two beings at the centre of the lore around what mysterious plagues lurks in the mist around the community. I don't want to spoil much about my male main protagonist but he was dark and gruff and I lived for it. He is a man of many secrets but he draws you in from the moment you meet him. And then there is the monster. I have no words other than just have fun with him. He's like a dark and twisted Cheshire Cat meets Rumpelstiltskin. This book is low spice. I would say 1 spicy pepper out of 5 spicy peppers. This a slow burn romance that really built well. There is tension and angst between the characters but as truth are revealed we see vulnerability that gives way to a heartstring pulling romance. Spice is not detailed but you know it is happening. "Is this you pretending, Elspeth?" he said, the tip of his nose grazing mine. "Because of it is...You're very good at it." The world building in this novel is massive. The magic system with the cards was fascinating, but it takes time to wrap your head around. I have never experienced a world like this and I want to keep exploring. The lore of the Shepherd King and the deals he made for Blunder helped add to the atmosphere and theme. I love the mystery unraveling here and where it is going. The story itself keeps your engaged with political intrigue, tension with the fear of being caught, and also secrets. It takes time to build but once we get into the quest to uncover the truth I was drawn in. I enjoyed the action, the monster, and the character development we see. This is definitely a book I recommend if you enjoy fresh new fantasy worlds with an effortless slow burn and a mystery that holds you tight. Enjoy!

“There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King—a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: “The girl, the King… and the monster they became.” Wow. Absolutely enthralling. The fact that this is Rachel's debut is astounding to me. I don't even know precisely where to start. The world-building was superb and seamless with little-to-no data dumping. The magic system was among the more unique I've encountered with magic being relegated to the use of cards (akin to tarot cards) and those infected by the mist. The pacing was absolutely perfect, not a sluggish section to be found. Add to that, Rachel's beautiful, atmospheric writing and you get a really satisfying gothic fantasy sprinkled with romance and monsters. The Characters: Elspeth is a realistic FMC. She comes across as a normal girl who isn't trying to become something she just isn't for the sake of the story. She isn't interested in learning to fight by physical means to save herself. Instead, despite the strangeness of her circumstances, she relies on her wit and her adherence to doing the right thing compels her efforts to make right the unfairness of her world. She doubts herself like any sane person would. There were several instances while reading where I could feel her fear and the urgency of her actions as if they were my own. I loved that I felt like I really got to know her without ever feeling like I was being "told". Obviously, Ravyn Yew is freaking fantastic. He ticks all my MMC boxes. He's tall, dark haired, and handsome and willing to crush the bones of anyone who harms his girl. His characterization is a no brainer and is spot on for those who gravitate towards this type of male lead in a F/M story. I do feel that there's a lot more to him than we got to see in book 1 and I'm curious to see if book 2 gives more with regards to the inner workings of his mind. Not one of the side characters in this book fell short for me. They were all intriguing and I found myself wanting to get to know each of them because their inclusion in the story felt truly compelling and not at all like any of them were there as mere plot devices. However, I loathed Prince Hauth almost immediately. I am rooting with every fiber of my existence for him to meet a very grisly end in book 2. The Romance: The progression of things between Elspeth and Ravyn felt so natural and not at all sluggish or forced. I adored the fact that there is very little conflict between Elspeth and Ravyn. Too often, I find that although they can be great fun, some stories are bogged down by poorly executed adherence to certain tropes. That did not happen in One Dark Window. Here, it was clear pretty early on that Elspeth and Ravyn are drawn to one another and neither of them put up contrived barriers that prevent them from being honest about how they feel. It was so satisfying to read a story with so much depth that played out the romance in this manner. There was also a dash of smut, but it was so well written. See quote below as evidence: "Can I kiss you?" "A bit late to ask, isn't it?" "Not on your mouth, Elspeth."

Okay. Here's my quick thoughts on this TikTok obsessed book. It's overhyped. 😬 And it has made me come to the conclusion that I think most BookTok recs are just that: overhyped. Every one has let me down and I am no longer using that platform to navigate my reads any longer. Sorry, not sorry. Quite frankly, how anyone can say it's their favorite book of the year/month, or for people who loved Fourth Wing and need a book like it is beyond me. Even taking Fourth Wing out of the equation, this book was so below my standard for fantasy or writing in general. And gah. That sounds so harsh. I can barely string together two sentences at times, much less write an entire book or series, so I feel awful being overly critical here and if you loved this book, I am sorry. Clearly it is well loved. Because when you have a book with that Goodreads overall rating you have to sit here and be perplexed. I don't know... maybe it's me. But here are my main takeaways and the issues I had: My main issue with this book for me is it all fell flat. The story, the characters, the plot all felt one dimensional. It is like we had all the ingredients to make this extravagant fantasy book and it got botched right out the gate. We are introduced to the female main character and I felt nothing from her. The characters were so bland. I didn't care for anyone at all. Not the main characters (I don't even remember their names, nor do I care enough to look them up). The side characters were an improvement. Nightmare, Elm, and even Ione (See I remembered their names? 😅) give us the most personality to make the story palatable. Except Ione may have the worst name in history of books, because I kept reading her name as lone with a "L" and not Ione with an I. It was so disruptive to my flow while reading. 😆 And that romance?? Are we seriously supposed to feel like that was real? Even as an enemies to lovers that was a stretch for me to get behind. Where was the angst? Where was the build up? Where was the getting to know each other part to make me feel like they were actually in love?? It felt so rushed and so inauthentic. I couldn't get behind it and it sure did not make me wanna swoon. It saddens me to not love this book because the story, the magical elements, and the plot had such potential. But it was the writing that made it all so one dimensional. The 50% mark and on did improve for me. We get that fighting scene that was keeping my attention and I did finish the book. But overall, I don't know guys. I just don't get the hype. I will continue the series because I bought book 2 recently when it was on sale, and I am holding out that it will be better, because it did seem to improve as we continued on in the first book so I am holding out a *little* hope that I will enjoy it but who knows. I did go in with high expectations thinking I had a slam dunk winner on my hands but honestly, even if I had went in with low hopes of this being a good book I would have been disappointed.

Tropes/ Key Points: ✨Unique Magic System ✨Dark Secret ✨Political Subterfuge ✨Fake Dating ✨Slow Burn ✨(Slight) Enemies to Lovers ✨Gothic Fairytale Vibes (Grimm Brothers) ✨YA Fantasy/Romance Spice:🌶️ Twelve Cards of Magic, gifted by the elusive Spirit of the Wood to the Shepherd King. The Black Horse for mastering combat. The Golden Egg for great wealth. The Prophet to see the future. The White Eagle for courage. The Maiden for great beauty. The Chalice for truth. The Well to see one’s enemies. The Iron Gate for peace, no matter the situation. The Scythe for power over others actions. The Mirror for invisibility. The Nightmare for speaking into others minds. The Twin Alders to speak to the Spirit. But all magic comes with a cost, even these cards. Elspeth caught the fever as a child. It gave her magic, but all magic comes with a price. Those who catch this disease are put to death, but Elspeth was hidden by her family and secretly allowed to live. She has a monster living in her head and he is growing stronger. Blessed with the ability to see the cards of power, Elspeth is pulled into a treasonous plot against the king to gather all the cards to undo a blight on her kingdom. What happens when she is a bigger monster than the threat they face? This book turned about to be such a great read. I was a little hesitant going into it, kind of felt like it wasn’t going to be my thing. It seemed like I was going to be proven right as the first bit of this book is very slow to get into. This story is more mid-high fantasy so the author has to do a bit of info dump at the beginning to set up the world and fill us in on what’s going on. Once you read around chapter six though, prepare for it to take off. Once I got into it I didn’t really want to put it down. It gives off strong political vibes but the romance comes into play later. I wouldn’t say this book is spicy by any means but it definitely gets steamy. It’s marketed as Adult but it feels more YA, and that’s not a reason to pass on this story. The magic system is so unique, I honestly don’t know of another book that I can compare it to. I think it’s one of my favorite parts of the entire story. The author did such a great job at filling us in on how everything works, despite some of the gaps in logic. This applies more to the people within the world than a flaw in the magic system. Part of the issue with the magic system again does not fall on the magic itself, but more on the people of this world. They talk about how you need to reunite one of each of the cards into a solid deck in order to cure the curse that this world is kind of facing. And yet all these people have these cards, and they know their king needs them, but none of them are turning over the cards willingly. They barter with the king, especially if the cards are more rare to get better statue for themselves, but instead of just giving him the cards to stop the curse, they hold onto them which is ultimately making things worse for them. That is a little bit of a plot hole that is introduced in the story, but I don’t feel personally that it takes away from it. The Nightmare in Elspeth’s head is my favorite character in the book. He is so dark and blasé about things that it’s honestly hilarious. He comes in often to help Elspeth only to find out he could have earlier but didn’t cause she didn’t ask. I laughed so many times when he “came out to play.” One of my complaints is with the main female character, Elspeth. She has had this magic for 11 years and had to hide and not really engage with people outside of her family because she felt they might discover that she is infected. It doesn’t make her interactions with other people are somewhat stilted and awkward, but personally, that part doesn’t bother me. The part that bothers me is how Naïve she really was and how she went back on what she said she was going to do repeatedly. As I mentioned above all magic comes with a price even the natural magic that she has and once she realizes her cost, she makes this vowel that she’s not going to engage with the magic so the cost. At least until the slightest bit of danger shows up and then she starts using it. Every single time. One of my biggest applauds for this book, is the big twist and the ending. Don’t get me wrong. some of the twists throughout the book are so in your face that you can’t not see them coming. But there was one that I was 100% not expecting, and it was such a great moment in the story. I think that the ending of the book absolutely overwrites the few flaws that are present within the novel. I absolutely love the cliffhanger, and I am so eager for book 2. I read this with my book club and we are so frustrated that we have to wait a few months for the second one to come out. I would recommend this book to anybody.

I’ve seen so many good things about this book, so when I finally got to it recently, I completely understood the hype. This was also my first read by the author, and I can confidently say that it definitely won’t be the last. The atmosphere and the writing pulled me in from the very start. The story is set in the kingdom of Blunder, which is shrouded in a dangerous mist, delivering a dark and atmospheric fantasy filled with danger and secrets. The magic system in this kingdom is powerful, unpredictable, and always comes with a price. The fog-filled forests along with its long hidden secrets also added the right amount of eeriness to the story. The worldbuilding is so vivid, and the magic system built around the Providence Cards felt mysterious and unsettling in the best way. The entire atmosphere of the book gives off such a rich and dark vibe that it had me completely hooked. The FMC’s connection with the Nightmare was the highlight for me. Their dynamic is full of tension and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself rooting for the Nightmare at times, yet also despising him for all the things he’s done and how he continues to do so. The slow-burn romance between the MCs added so much warmth and comfort to the story, and I loved that it never overshadowed the main plot. Overall, I had an amazing time reading this, and it’s definitely become one of my all-time favourite reads. If you’re looking for a book filled with dark, gothic vibes, a magic system that feels both enigmatic and dangerous, and a slow-burn tension between the MCs, then this one is absolutely worth diving into.

The paper quality was good and the pages were crisp. Absolutely worth the purchase, would definitely recommend from this seller.

Llego súper rápido, bien protegidos y buena calidad son para una sobrina.

This book is a window into a charming place and time; featuring gothic romance, a unique concept of magic, and a captivating plot. This duology reads like a short story in its completeness and will leave you feeling full in a way that you didn’t know you needed. The writing is vibrant and poetic. The character development and movement of the plot brings pace and joy. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

Super mooie cover! Ook het boek zelf was zo goed dat ik meteen het tweede boek in de serie heb besteld.