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One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
The Shepherd King #1
If I had to summarize my experience with One Dark Window in one phrase, it’s this: “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me” as the Taylor Swift lyrics would say. This is a fantasy romance book I would say has nothing wrong with it, I just didn’t jive with it.
Elspeth Spindle, the protagonist, constantly walks the tightrope of self-doubt and decisions that ripple through the eerie, magical world of Blunder. Her internal struggles and the eerie bond she shares with the Nightmare, a sentient spirit trapped in her mind, are the heart of this haunting gothic fantasy.
Rachel Gillig weaves a story where the greatest threat to Elspeth’s survival isn’t just the tyrannical royals or the dark forces surrounding her but the power growing within her. The Nightmare offers her strength and abilities, but at a cost: every decision Elspeth makes tightens its grip on disintegration. As her choices lead her deeper into rebellion, secrets, and unexpected alliances, you can’t help but think, “Girl, you are your own worst enemy.” And yet, that’s what makes her journey so captivating.
This book doesn’t shy away from dark, atmospheric storytelling, filled with chilling landscapes, an oppressive system, and a romance that’s just as precarious as Elspeth’s inner turmoil. The found family trope plays beautifully alongside the gothic setting, grounding the story amidst its many twists and betrayals.
That said, this wasn’t the book for me, and not because it’s poorly written, it’s far from that. For starters, the pacing felt uneven, with sections dragging in the middle, which made it hard for me to stay engaged. The gothic atmosphere, while beautifully described, felt overwhelming at times, making the story feel heavy rather than immersive. I also struggled with the instant romance, which felt out of place and lacked the build-up needed for me to feel fully invested in Elspeth’s connection with her love interest. Additionally, Elspeth’s indecision and inner turmoil, while realistic, didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped, and I found myself craving more action and clarity in the plot.
Ultimately, One Dark Window is a solid, well crafted book that will appeal to many fans of dark fantsy and morally complex characters. Unfortunately, it simply didn’t click with me, but that doesn’t mean it won’t enchant someone else.
2 Responses
I totally disagree! I liked the characters and did not want the story to end! I liked the way she described the way the forest, you really felt like you were there! Turmoil between families were the way real life is. I like the history that took you back to how it all started!
I thought about giving the second book a try since I did like the plot. Maybe the second book who pull me in more than the first.