Book Review: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Title: One Dark Window
Author: Rachel Gillig
Publisher: Orbit Fantasy
Publication Date: September 27, 2022
ISBN: 9780316312486

Synopsis:
Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom she calls home—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 the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it. Except the highwayman just so happens to be the King’s own nephew, Captain of the Destriers…and guilty of high treason. 

He and Elspeth have until Solstice to 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, darkly, taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

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This is the fantasy read I was looking for. Easy to read, a mysterious setting, cut-throat action, and a romance that doesn’t take centre stage, One Dark Window, is the perfect first book in a duology that has been enjoyable to pick up in the evenings and get lost in. This is a world packed full of secrets and mysteries unknown. Not just for our protagonist, but for all of the characters in the book, human or otherwise. Answers are given to the questions that are asked, but if you don’t ask, you won’t know. And knowing to ask the right questions is key.

The magic is in this world in two forms: through the Providence Cards that grant magic to the owner so long as the card is engaged, and through the infection that takes over as a price for the use of magic in this world. To be infected is a death sentence and those who are ill are rooted out and killed. Through Elspeth’s journey, we realize that not all those who are infected are caught, and some continue to live in hiding and in fear of discovery.

I honestly can say I haven’t encountered a magical world this unique in a while and it was so refreshing. It is edged with danger at every turn, so there’s not a moment where your heart isn’t caught in your throat. Every character is living on the brink of death and destruction. I can’t even begin to imagine how the intense conflicts will be resolved in the second book. There is so much at stake and so much sacrifice to be had still. My heart aches just thinking about it.

I can’t wait to continue this series and to see where it goes. Stay tuned for a review of book 2 in the near future.

Happy reading!