Have you been searching for a unique new magic system to discover? Then look no further. One Dark Window has one of my favorite new discoveries – a magical deck of tarot like cards. I could not stop thinking about this magic even days after finishing. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Okay, I know I talked a bit already about the card magic, but I can’t get over it. I loved the ways Gillig examines and creates this magic. The cards and the magical world. Because in One Dark Window not only are there these magic cards any one can use, there’s also magical powers you get from a magical sickness. And these powers are our own. That would be all well and good, except because of the current King, anyone who has been afflicted is basically given a death sentence. So enter Elspeth who has been ‘gifted’ magic but is in hiding her whole life.
And she’s escaped notice so far, even if it’s terrifying, but when she visits court she will be thrown into an atmosphere of barbed gifts and poisoned words. Of people listening to each of our words searching for missteps to exploit. Elspeth suddenly finds herself in even more danger as she becomes embroiled in a risky scheme and new family power dynamics. One Dark Window has a great balance of action, romance, and intrigue. There are secrets hidden up sleeves and Elspeth must discover if it will be her ruin.
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While there’s a very abrupt ending, I am 100% going to be reading the sequel. I need to see how the magic system develops and also that ending?! Another theme I enjoyed which is more of a later in the book development, is this discussion of human and monster. This line of those with monsters lurking beneath versus monstrous actions. What does it mean for us to toy with the line? Protection often has a price. And One Dark Window is dedicated to exploring the true value of choice and agency. Find One Dark Window on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.