A review by sarai0410
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Gods this was almost perfect and - depending on how long the story and characters linger in my head - it might just get bumped up to a 5 ⭐ despite one tiny thing I would have liked more of.

The atmosphere and vibes of One Dark Window are exquisite - gothic and historical, fantastical and darkly romantic - I couldn't get enough of the world Gillig created. The magic system is utterly unique and I would love a reference book of the Old Book of Alders just to absorb more of the world.

Our main characters, Elspeth and Ravyn (yes, I will admit that their names are a little bit ridiculous), both contain bits of surprises within their personalities, and the only thing I would have wanted more of from the story was more relationship build-up as it did seem a little insta-lovey (but not so much that I didn't like them still).

Now the real star of the show in my opinion - The Nightmare. Poetic, dark, protective in his own ways - I love him your honor. 
While the reveal behind who he is is rather predictable, I loved his interactions with Elspeth and his almost paternal nature towards her.


I have some theories going into the sequel and I'm excited to see if they are true.

"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.”