“Secrets are worth their weight in gold here, but knowledge is worth far more. Knowledge will keep you alive.” – Rachel Gillig, One Dark Window

Looking for your next dark fantasy read? In this review, I’ll tell you everything about Rachel Gillig’s One Dark Window. You’ll learn about the plot, characters, and what makes this book special. I’ve read dozens of fantasy novels this year, and this one stands out.

If you’re tired of the same old magic systems and predictable plots, this book solves that problem. The unique Providence Cards and a protagonist who shares her mind with a monster create a fresh experience.

As someone who’s reviewed fantasy books for five years, I can tell you when something different comes along. This is it.

Ready to find out if this gothic fantasy is your next read? Let’s dive in.

Plot Summary

Elspeth Spindle lives in Blunder, a kingdom trapped by a dangerous mist that no one can pass through. When she was young, she caught a deadly fever. To save her life, a spirit called the Nightmare merged with her mind.

Now, she keeps this secret hidden from everyone, including her adoptive family. If anyone found out, she’d be executed as a witch.

In this world, magic comes from special cards called Providence Cards. Each card grants unique powers to its holder. The royal family has banned these cards, calling them dangerous and unholy. Despite this, Elspeth secretly works with her cousin’s rebel group to find and collect these magical cards.

The Quest Begins

Elspeth’s life changes when she meets Ravyn Yew, a mysterious man with ties to nobility. He’s also hunting for Providence Cards, but for different reasons. He believes that bringing together twelve specific cards—the Major Arcana—could dispel the mist that traps everyone in Blunder. Against her better judgment, Elspeth agrees to help him.

Dangerous Alliances

As they work together, Elspeth and Ravyn grow closer. But their quest becomes more dangerous as the king’s men hunt for card collectors. Meanwhile, the Nightmare in Elspeth’s head grows stronger with each passing day. It wants to take control, and Elspeth fears she may lose herself completely.

A Race Against Time

With time running out, Elspeth must balance her growing feelings for Ravyn, the dangerous power of the Nightmare within her, and their mission to collect all twelve cards. The fate of the kingdom rests on their success, but the biggest threat might be the monster living inside Elspeth’s mind.

What Genre Does It Focus On?

This book sits firmly in the gothic fantasy genre. It has:

• A dark, brooding atmosphere
• A magic system with costs and consequences
• Forbidden romance elements
• A heroine with hidden powers
• Political intrigue
• A “monster” who isn’t what they seem

If you like books where the setting feels like a character itself, you’ll enjoy how the misty, dangerous world of Blunder comes to life. The trope of sharing your body with another being is handled in a fresh way here.

Writing Style and Pacing

Gillig’s writing style is rich without being hard to read. She creates a dark, moody setting that feels real. Her descriptions of the mist and the eerie Providence Cards are so vivid that I could see them clearly.

The pacing worked well for me. The first few chapters set up the world and Elspeth’s condition. Then, the action picks up when she meets Ravyn. The last third of the book moves quickly as secrets come to light.

What I liked most was how Gillig balanced world-building with character moments. She doesn’t info dump but lets us learn about this world as the story unfolds.

Reviews and Ratings

“I am not the hero of this story. I am the monster.” – – Rachel Gillig, One Dark Window

Ratings

• Goodreads: 4.1/5 stars from over 19,000 ratings
• Amazon: 4.4/5 stars with hundreds of positive reviews

Reviews

Readers praise the book for its unique magic system and the complex relationship between Elspeth and the Nightmare. Many mention getting “Ninth House” and “Caraval” vibes but with its distinct feel.

“I couldn’t put this book down! The Providence Cards are such a cool magic system, and Elspeth’s relationship with the Nightmare kept me on edge throughout.”

“The gothic atmosphere is perfect. Feels like you’re walking through that misty forest yourself. And the slow-burn romance? Chef’s kiss.”

“It starts a bit slow but builds to an incredible ending. Totally worth it for the unique world-building alone.”

What makes this book stand out is how it blends gothic elements with fantasy. The Providence Cards system is unlike other magic systems I’ve read about. Plus, having a protagonist who shares her mind with a monster creates interesting moral questions.

Who Should Read One Dark Window?

One Dark Window is perfect for readers who love dark fantasy with gothic elements and unique magic systems.

If you enjoy stories with morally gray characters and don’t mind a touch of romance mixed with your fantasy, you’ll likely connect with this book. Fans of Leigh Bardugo or Erin Morgenstern will find familiar elements here but with Gillig’s fresh take.

This isn’t a light read—it tackles themes of identity, power, and sacrifice. But if you’re in the mood for something atmospheric that blends danger with intrigue, this book delivers a compelling experience that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

The Complete Shepherd King Series

If you find yourself hooked on Elspeth’s story after reading “One Dark Window,” the good news is that the duology is complete. Book 2, “Two Twisted Crowns,” picks up where the first book ends and delves deeper into the politics of Blunder and the growing power of the Nightmare within Elspeth.

The stakes get higher as Elspeth and Ravyn face new challenges and discover more secrets about the Providence Cards.

In this concluding installment, Gillig brings the story to its climactic resolution. The character arcs reach their full potential, and all the mystery surrounding the mist and the cards is finally revealed.

Fans report that both books maintain the same quality, with the atmospheric writing and compelling character development that makes the first book stand out.

Book Recommendations If You Liked One Dark Window

If you enjoy this book, try these next:

• The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
• For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
• The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
• House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
• Uprooted by Naomi Novik

These all have similar vibes with dark fantasy elements and strong female leads.

Conclusion

One Dark Window brings something fresh to the fantasy genre. The Providence Cards create a new and exciting magic system, while Elspeth’s internal struggle with the Nightmare adds depth to her character.

What won me over was the perfect blend of gothic atmosphere and character development. The misty kingdom of Blunder feels like a character itself, and Elspeth’s journey kept me invested from start to finish.

Is it flawless? No. Some middle sections move slower than I’d like. But the payoff is worth the patience.

This book is for readers who want their fantasy with a dark edge and emotional weight. The unique magic, complex characters, and atmospheric setting combine to create something special.

I’m already counting down to the sequel!

More From This Author

Rachel Gillig has written the complete Shepherd King duology, which includes:

• “One Dark Window” (Book 1)
• “Two Twisted Crowns” (Book 2)

If you fall in love with Blunder and its magic system, you can continue the journey with Elspeth in the concluding book.