One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig: A Dark and Magical Quest with a Gothic Twist

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a dark, gothic fantasy set in the mist-locked kingdom of Blunder, where magic comes at a terrible price. The story follows Elspeth Spindle, who carries a monster called the Nightmare within her mind – a spirit that protects her and grants her power, but at a dangerous cost. When Elspeth meets Ravyn, the king’s nephew and a wanted traitor, she is pulled into a quest to collect twelve Providence Cards that hold the key to curing the kingdom of its cursed magic. But as Elspeth’s connection to the Nightmare grows stronger, she must confront the terrifying possibility that the real monster might be herself.

(Affiliate Links)

Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her.

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason.

Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

Elspeth is a fascinating protagonist whose struggle with the Nightmare inside her adds depth and tension to the story. She’s brave, determined, and constantly battling the darkness within her. Her relationship with the Nightmare is complex, filled with fear, defiance, and an uneasy alliance that makes for some of the book’s most compelling moments. I appreciated how Elspeth’s character isn’t perfect – she’s impulsive, often scared, and makes mistakes, which makes her journey feel real and relatable.

Ravyn, the king’s nephew and a fugitive, is a strong and loyal character who brings a sense of honour and determination to the story. His interactions with Elspeth range from tense to tender, and their slow-burn romance is filled with stolen glances and charged moments. I loved his fierce protectiveness of Elspeth and his unwavering commitment to their dangerous mission. Ravyn’s character complements Elspeth well, although their chemistry sometimes feels more like a partnership than a fiery romance.

The Nightmare is perhaps the most intriguing character in the book – a mysterious, ancient spirit with a dark sense of humour and a penchant for manipulation. His presence in Elspeth’s mind adds an ever-present layer of tension and unpredictability, as he constantly teeters between ally and threat. The Nightmare’s backstory and motivations are shrouded in mystery, making me eager to learn more about him in the sequels. His dynamic with Elspeth is central to the plot, and their interactions are both fascinating and fraught with danger.

Set in the eerie kingdom of Blunder, the plot revolves around a quest to collect the twelve Providence Cards, which are needed to lift a curse that has plunged the land into a toxic mist and infected its people with dangerous magic. The story’s mix of magic, intrigue, and romance reminded me of classic gothic tales, with a unique twist involving the deck of magical cards that grant powers at a significant cost.

The magic system, inspired by Tarot, adds an element of unpredictability and risk that kept me hooked. While the narrative has its predictable moments, the stakes are high and the quest compelling enough to maintain tension throughout. However, the ending cliffhanger left me with many unanswered questions, making it clear that this book is just the beginning of a larger series.

Rachel Gillig’s writing is richly atmospheric, capturing the dark and misty world of Blunder with vivid descriptions and a sense of foreboding that permeates the entire book. The prose is accessible yet evocative, and the pacing, while occasionally slow, suits the story’s gothic tone. There are moments where the writing feels a bit unpolished, with some rookie mistakes typical of debut novels, but overall, the world-building and character dynamics kept me engaged. I appreciated the balance of action, intrigue, and quieter moments of introspection, particularly those involving Elspeth’s inner struggles with the Nightmare.

One Dark Window explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the cost of magic. It delves into the idea that nothing comes for free, especially when dealing with dark forces, and examines the moral ambiguities of using such powers. Elspeth’s journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as she grapples with the monster inside her and the consequences of her actions. The book also touches on themes of loyalty, trust, and the complexities of human (and inhuman) relationships, making it more than just a straightforward fantasy quest.

The novel fits well within the gothic fantasy genre, with its dark atmosphere, complex characters, and elements of magic and horror. While it has a YA feel due to the age of the characters and some of the romantic elements, the themes and tone also appeal to an adult audience looking for a darker, more nuanced fantasy story. Fans of books like Vespertine and For the Wolf will find familiar elements here, but Gillig’s unique magic system and eerie setting give the story its own distinct flavour.

Positives of One Dark Window

• Compelling Protagonist: Elspeth’s struggle with the Nightmare inside her adds depth and tension to her character, making her journey engaging.
• Unique Magic System: The use of Providence Cards inspired by Tarot, with magic that comes at a cost, adds a fresh and intriguing twist to the story.
• Atmospheric Setting: The dark, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder provides a richly gothic backdrop that enhances the narrative’s tone.
• Intriguing Dynamic with the Nightmare: The constant tension between Elspeth and the Nightmare in her mind is one of the book’s standout elements.

Negatives of One Dark Window

• Rookie Writing Mistakes: Some aspects of the writing feel unpolished, with moments of telling rather than showing that can break immersion.
• Predictable Plot Elements: While the story is compelling, certain plot points and character arcs feel familiar and could benefit from more originality.
• Cliffhanger Ending: The book ends on a cliffhanger with many unresolved questions, making it feel more like a setup for the series than a complete standalone story.
• Underdeveloped Secondary Characters: While the main characters are well-crafted, some secondary characters and their dynamics could use more depth and development.

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a dark and atmospheric debut that combines gothic fantasy with a unique magic system and a compelling protagonist. While the writing has some rough edges typical of a first novel, the story’s strengths lie in its complex characters, eerie setting, and the intriguing relationship between Elspeth and the Nightmare within her.

With a plot that promises danger, romance, and high stakes, this book is a promising start to what looks to be an engaging series. I’d rate it 3 out of 5 stars for its imaginative world-building and the dark allure of its magic, with hope that the sequel will delve even deeper into the mysteries of Blunder and the fates of its characters. If you enjoy gothic fantasies with a twist, One Dark Window is definitely worth adding to your reading list.

I received One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

If you enjoy content on Uptown Oracle consider supporting us:
 Ko-fi  | PayPal