One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Reviewed by Susie Rivera, Adult Services Specialist
Genre: Fantasy
Suggested age: Adult
What is this book about? One Dark Window is a dark fantasy novel set in a kingdom plagued by a magical infection. The only lawful way to use magic is through the Providence Cards which are typically owned by members of the gentry. The cards are ancient, forbidden relics that grant supernatural powers at a cost if used too long. The story follows Elspeth Spindle, a young woman with a secret. She has a monstrous entity that lives within her mind, granting her strange abilities. Only she can hear and speak to it. Ravyn, a handsome member of the Yew family, discovers Elspeth's unique abilities and recruits her to help him find all the cards and break the curse.
My review: This novel has a very unique magic system that grabs you right away. I started making a list of the Providence Cards and their powers as I was reading. Books that actively engage the reader are the best in my option. I enjoyed Rachel Gillig's gothic and atmospheric descriptions. The romance was a bonus that made this novel even better. I read the sequel, Two Twisted Crowns, right after I finished this one. I honestly think I liked that one even better. This duology definitely lives up to the Tiktok hype it's gotten for the past couple years. Check it out if you enjoy gothic fantasies!
Three words that describe this book: Gothic, atmospheric, immersive
Give this a try if you like: Mistborn, Ocean's Eleven, Spark of the Everflame, Monstress
Rating: 5/5
Check it out at FDL, or find it in digital formats on Boundless, hoopla, or Libby!
