“There once was a girl,” he murmured, “clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood.” – Rachel Gillig, One Dark Window

One Dark Window is the first book in The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig. This gothic fantasy takes place in the eerie, misty kingdom of Blunder, where magic is powerful but comes at a cost.

The story follows Elspeth Spindle, a young woman who carries a dark secret—a magical spirit called the Nightmare lives inside her mind.

In Blunder, people use magical Providence Cards to gain special powers, but every card has a price. After getting sick from magic as a child, Elspeth has kept the Nightmare hidden for years. When she meets Ravyn Yew, the king’s nephew, she joins his quest to gather all twelve cards to break a curse on the kingdom.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at One Dark Window—its plot, characters, themes, and what makes it a must-read for gothic fantasy fans.

Plot Summary

Elspeth Spindle is a complex protagonist, grappling with the duality of her existence.The Nightmare, a cunning and ancient spirit, offers her protection and power but threatens to consume her identity.

Ravyn Yew, a loyal yet enigmatic figure, seeks to end the kingdom’s curse, even if it means committing treason.Their alliance is fraught with tension, secrets, and a slow-burning romance that adds depth to the narrative.

Supporting characters like Jespyr, Ravyn’s spirited sister; Emory, his steadfast brother; and Elm, the King’s second son, enrich the story with their unique perspectives and personal stakes in the kingdom’s fate.The ensemble cast contributes to the novel’s exploration of themes such as trust, sacrifice, and the nature of power.

The narrative unfolds as Elspeth and Ravyn embark on a perilous quest to gather the Providence Cards, each guarded by formidable challenges.The journey tests their resolve, unearths buried secrets, and forces Elspeth to confront the growing influence of the Nightmare.

As the Solstice approaches, the deadline to lift the curse looms, intensifying the stakes and propelling the story toward a climactic confrontation that leaves readers eager for the sequel.

My Review

One Dark Window captivated me with its atmospheric setting and intricate magic system.The concept of Providence Cards as a means of channeling magic, each with its own cost, added a layer of complexity that kept me engaged.

Elspeth’s internal struggle with the Nightmare provided a compelling exploration of identity and control.The slow-burn romance between Elspeth and Ravyn was well-developed, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the central plot.

Things I Liked and Disliked

Liked:

• The unique and well-structured magic system involves Providence Cards.
• The rich, gothic atmosphere that permeates the kingdom of Blunder.
• The nuanced portrayal of Elspeth’s internal conflict with the Nightmare.

Disliked:

• Some pacing issues in the middle sections of the book.
• Certain plot developments were predictable.

EXPLICIT SPOILER WARNING

Spoiler Alert

The revelation of the Nightmare’s true identity as part of the ancient Shepherd King adds depth to the narrative, challenging Elspeth’s perception of herself and her mission.This twist redefines the stakes and sets the stage for the sequel.

Ratings and Reviews from Readers

“Be wary. Be clever. Be good.” – Rachel Gillig, One Dark Window

One Dark Window holds a 4.28-star rating on Goodreads, based on over 62,000 reviews.

Reviews

• “A haunting tale of magic and identity. Elspeth’s journey is both thrilling and introspective.”
• “The Providence Cards concept is fascinating, adding layers to the magical elements.”
• “An atmospheric read that keeps you hooked. The blend of romance and dark fantasy is well-executed.”
• “Gillig’s writing immerses you in a world where every choice has weight.”

The integration of a sentient spirit within the protagonist, coupled with a unique magic system based on cards, distinguishes One Dark Window from typical fantasy novels.Its blend of gothic elements, psychological depth, and a richly constructed world offers a fresh perspective in the fantasy genre.

Is Reading One Dark Window Worth It?

“To the quiet girls with stories in their heads. To their dreams—and their nightmares.”- Rachel Gillig, One Dark Window

If you like a moody, gothic atmosphere, One Dark Window delivers on all fronts. The world of Blunder feels shadowy and real, with its constant mist, secret forests, and cursed magic. Readers who enjoy internal conflict, creepy folklore, and slow-burning fantasy plots will find plenty to like. Elspeth’s voice is strong, and her internal conversations with the Nightmare add something rare and creative.

The Providence Card system is one of the most original magic systems in recent fantasy. It’s easy to understand but holds a lot of mystery, and the consequences tied to using the cards make for interesting stakes. Plus, the story builds toward a strong cliffhanger that sets up the sequel perfectly.

The story starts slowly. If you prefer fast-moving plots from the first page, this one might take a little patience. Also, while the romance subplot grows over time, it remains a background element for much of the story, which may disappoint readers expecting a central love story.

If you enjoy:

• Dark, lyrical fantasy
• Gothic settings
• Stories with cursed magic and ancient history
• Main characters dealing with inner monsters (literally)

Then One Dark Window is worth picking up.

Similar Books If You Enjoyed One Dark Window

If One Dark Window caught your attention, here are some other books with similar vibes, themes, or magic systems:

1. For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten: Another dark forest tale with sacrifice, curses, and quiet power.

2. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden: Slavic folklore, magical realism, and a female lead misunderstood by her world.

3. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon: magical systems and a strong protagonist with secrets to keep.

4. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson: Lush writing and fae magic, with danger lurking in beauty.

5. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert: Dark fairy tale energy with a mysterious and eerie atmosphere.

Conclusion

One Dark Window stands out as a dark fantasy full of whispers, shadows, and things unseen. It’s a book about power—who has it, who wants it, and what you’re willing to lose to get it. With Elspeth’s inner turmoil, a unique take on magic through the Providence Cards, and a misty, haunted setting, it keeps readers guessing until the end.

Rachel Gillig has created a tale that feels both quiet and intense, perfect for fans of gothic fantasy who like tension to simmer beneath the surface. The Nightmare inside Elspeth is both terrifying and strangely helpful, and that balance between protection and danger keeps the story fresh.

It’s not just a story about magic—it’s a story about knowing who you are when part of you is something else entirely. If you’re in the mood for something dark, thoughtful, and beautifully written, One Dark Window is well worth the read.

About the Author

Rachel Gillig is a fantasy author whose writing focuses on lyrical prose, gothic settings, and emotionally complex characters. She holds a Master’s degree in literature and has a background in academic writing, which adds depth and structure to her storytelling. One Dark Window is her debut novel and the first in The Shepherd King duology.

Gillig’s work draws inspiration from folklore, fairy tales, and the natural world. Her love for fantasy shines through in her use of vivid imagery, slow-burn tension, and layered plots that explore identity, fear, and inner strength. She has quickly gained a strong reader following for her poetic style and fresh voice in dark fantasy.

When she’s not writing, Rachel enjoys reading moody books, drinking tea, and spending time in cozy, quiet places—many of which inspire the worlds she creates on the page.