One Dark Window (Deluxe Limited Hardcover Edition) (The Shepherd King, 1) Hardcover – Special Edition, September 23, 2025

I have to thank social media for this one. It was not originally on my list of books to read, but I kept seeing so much hype over it and figured it was a good spooky season read and 20 pages in I knew it was going to be a five star read.The eerie gothic vibes of this book are so perfect for an October read. I’m not a horror reader, and this was a perfect fit to stay in the fantasy realm but still enjoy something spooky and seasonal.The magic system in this book is so cool. I was initially drawn to it because someone online compared it to tarot — (while I can somewhat understand the comparison because of the cards and their meaning, after reading it, I respectfully disagree with that comparison). But regardless it’s one of the coolest magic systems I’ve ever read.Elspeth is such an easy character to relate to. She’s real and she’s raw and she’s sarcastic and witty, but she’s not a brute with an unending pool of confidence and strength (that’s where the Nightmare comes in)I also love Ravyn, and the relationship he has with Elspeth. While this book wasn’t really a romance book and there isn’t much spice, there’s just enough that adds to the plot and character development that also keeps you hooked and wanting more.I would absolutely say this book is a literary work of art. It’s beautifully written, and the addition of the card poems at the beginning of each chapter is so well done. 10000/10 would recommend

4-⭐⭐⭐⭐One Dark Window is the first novel in the NA Dark Gothic Fantasy Romance Duology following Elspeth Spindle, a young woman with with a monster that lurks in her mind.Elspeth is a fascinating character that immediately grabbed my attention. She is independent and strong, especially given the secrets she must keep. To save herself and Blunder she joins force with a highwayman and his compatriots to gather the clues and solve the mystery of the infamous Shepherd King and Spirit of the Wood, the two beings at the centre of the lore around what mysterious plagues lurks in the mist around the community.I don't want to spoil much about my male main protagonist but he was dark and gruff and I lived for it. He is a man of many secrets but he draws you in from the moment you meet him.And then there is the monster. I have no words other than just have fun with him. He's like a dark and twisted Cheshire Cat meets Rumpelstiltskin.This book is low spice. I would say 1 spicy pepper out of 5 spicy peppers. This a slow burn romance that really built well. There is tension and angst between the characters but as truth are revealed we see vulnerability that gives way to a heartstring pulling romance. Spice is not detailed but you know it is happening."Is this you pretending, Elspeth?" he said, the tip of his nose grazing mine. "Because of it is...You're very good at it."The world building in this novel is massive. The magic system with the cards was fascinating, but it takes time to wrap your head around. I have never experienced a world like this and I want to keep exploring. The lore of the Shepherd King and the deals he made for Blunder helped add to the atmosphere and theme. I love the mystery unraveling here and where it is going.The story itself keeps your engaged with political intrigue, tension with the fear of being caught, and also secrets. It takes time to build but once we get into the quest to uncover the truth I was drawn in. I enjoyed the action, the monster, and the character development we see.This is definitely a book I recommend if you enjoy fresh new fantasy worlds with an effortless slow burn and a mystery that holds you tight.Enjoy!

"Nothing is free. Nothing is safe. Magic is love, but also, it’s hate."i'm so lucky to have dodged any and all spoilers since this book has blown up and went into it almost completely blind. i was completely enthralled from the beginning and enchanted by rachel gillig's phenomenal story."That’s how the best lies are told—with just enough truth to be convincing."firstly, the poems and magic system. very unique, the use of the stanzas to reveal information throughout the story as well as the lore within the book and to explain the magic system. i've always loved when magic comes with a cost in fantasy, and this system does so in poetically creative ways counterpointing the gifts the magic gives. there is little more satisfying than when an author gives me a few stanzas of rhyme and the tempo is obvious and consistent. it just itches a scratch in my brain. it was very intriguing to have the nightmare basically only speak in his riddle-esque rhyme. he also surprisingly provided some excellent comedic relief."Now we must play at tea with Blunder’s bottom-feeders? You said joining these fools would be dangerous. You said nothing of torture.""I could have died!Don’t be dramatic, the Nightmare said. People fall off horses every day."the cast of characters is distinct and layered. ione was very intriguing to me with her journey, i never quite knew where to stand 100% with elm or ravyn. the precariousness of trust heightens the tension throughout the story and keeps the stakes raised. i've probably read too many betrayal tropes LOL so i won't go on too much about it BUT the chemistry between elspeth and ravyn was organic, well-developed, and simmering.“What about you, Captain? Are you too nice for your own good?”He watched me, something I could not read flashing in his gray eyes.“No, Miss Spindle,” he said. “I’m not nice at all.”it's quite a unique premise and the gothic setting with its fairy tale lore creates a creepy vibe that wonderfully helps drive the story and paint a vivid picture. the motifs of the mist, the trees, the salt, ravens, and crowns incorporate your senses as a reader to help immerse you into the book. the providence cards are easy to liken to a deck of tarot cards, which further encourage both mystical and medieval tones and imagery."The Hawthorn tree carries few seeds. Its branches are weary, it’s lost all its leaves. Be wary the man who bargains and thieves. He’ll offer your soul to get what he needs.""The stone chamber—enveloped by moss and vines—stood tall at the edge of the mist. How strange it looked, alone in the ruins, unmarked but for one dark window situated on its southernmost wall."overall, i was very impressed (and enraptured) with elspeth and the nightmare's story. i can't wait to see where book two takes me.“The girl, the King… and the monster they became.”