Book Review: One Dark Window (The Shepherd King Book 1) by Rachel Gillig
Author: Rachel Gillig
Publisher: Orbit Books
Genre: Gothic Fantasy
Tropes: Forbidden Magic, Fake Courting, Slow-Burn Romance, Found Family
Spice Level: ⭐ (1/5)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
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The Plot in Four Sentences:
Elspeth Spindle lives in a kingdom where mist hides dark secrets, and forbidden magic is channeled through tarot-like cards. Cursed by a Nightmare, she must strike a balance between its cunning power and her own humanity. When Elspeth becomes entangled in a rebellion, she discovers that sacrifice is the keys to survival. As alliances break, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect the people she loves—and whether she can control the Nightmare before it consumes her.
“There once was a girl,” he murmured, “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.”
What I Loved about One Dark Window:
The riddles throughout the story are fun. Piecing together their meanings added a whole new dimension to the reading experience.
Elspeth’s dual identity and her relationship with the Nightmare provides tension and depth.
Subtle and slow, the relationship between Elspeth and Ravyn adds a slight romance to the story without overshadowing the plot.
The unique use of magic cards adds an interesting twist to traditional fantasy plots.
Considerations Before You Read One Dark Window:
Some readers might find the pacing a bit slow, as Gillig takes her time weaving the world and its magic system.
The slow-burn romance works well for fantasy lovers who aren’t looking for much spice, but it might leave readers craving more heat. Aside from one semi-spicy scene, the story has a tone and style reminiscent of YA.
The story ends on a cliffhanger. If you’re someone who hates waiting for resolutions, be prepared. But you can dive right into book two of the series: Two Twisted Crowns.
“Nothing is free. Nothing is safe. Magic is love, but also, it’s hate. It comes at a cost. You’re found, and you’re lost. Magic is love, but also, it’s hate.”
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
I was in a bit of a reading slump and looking for an easy, engaging story to pull me back in, and One Dark Window delivered. The riddles woven throughout the story were interesting, adding a whole new dimension to the reading experience as I pieced together their meanings. Elspeth’s dual identity and her relationship with the Nightmare provided tension and depth. The romance between Elspeth and Ravyn created an emotional undercurrent that complemented the plot without overpowering it. And the magic system, with its unique use of enchanted cards, offered a fresh twist on traditional fantasy plots. One Dark Window was exactly the kind of satisfying read I needed to escape my slump.