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Availability:
In Stock.
Arrives
Friday, Nov 6
At a glance
- Condition
- New
- Dimensions
- 5.55 x 1.35 x 8.3 in
- Weight
- 2.31 lb
- Publisher
- Orbit
- Publication date
- September 27, 2022
- Language
- English
- Print length
- 432 pages
Description
New York Times bestseller • USA Today bestseller • Booktok sensation • Amazon Charts bestseller • Over 3 million copies sold of The Shepherd King DuologyFrom the queen of gothic romantasy, Rachel Gillig, One Dark Window is the dark, mist-cloaked tale of a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom―but the monster in her head isn't the only threat lurking. Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her. 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. Read more
Specs 9
| Publisher | Orbit |
|---|---|
| Publication date | September 27, 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 432 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0316312487 |
| ISBN-13 | 86 |
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
| Dimensions | 5.55 x 1.35 x 8.3 inches |
| Book 1 of 2 | The Shepherd King |
No specs match.
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Top Amazon Reviews
I absolutely loved this book! 🖤
Format: Kindle
It took me a little while to fully understand the world and the magic system, but once everything started clicking, I was completely hooked. The Providence Cards were such a unique concept, and I loved slowly learning how the magic worked as the story unfolded. The dark, gothic atmosphere was incredible, and the characters completely pulled me in. Elspeth and Ravyn had me invested from the beginning. The chemistry, tension, secrets, and slow build between them were so well done. I also loved the Nightmare and the mysterious, eerie element he added to the story. The second half of this book was impossible to put down. The pacing picked up, everything started coming together, and I went from casually reading to needing to know what happened next. And that ending?! I immediately needed the second book. Such a unique, atmospheric fantasy with romance, mystery, and a magic system unlike anything I’ve read before. I’m officially obsessed with this world and cannot wait to start Two Twisted Crowns!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2026 by Mandy-Jo Rodrigues
gothic romance and sassy monsters
m going to finish this review after i sleep on it for a while because I think, after reading knight and the moth, i had such different expectations and im honestly not totally sure how i felt about the book. I LIKED it, but the entire time i just kept waiting for there to be.. something more? like it was good but it felt like something was missing and i can't put my finger on it. --- okay, at this point it's been a few months and I'm still not sure how I felt. I still haven't read book two but these are my thoughts—the underlying story was really, really good. I guessed the plot twist almost immediately and im not sure if it was really meant to be secret or not, but it didn't affect my enjoyment any. I absolutely loved the nightmare, I loved the way, as a reader, we are constantly questioning motives and whether or not someone can be trusted because it kept me on my toes. I loved the MMC and his yearning devotion and I loved the FMC, though I sometimes felt she was a little wishy washy and weak—and after thinking about it, I think that was on purpose, because she does get her moment of "holy, okay, heck yeah" eventually and I loved that for her. the world was really interesting, and I loved the magic system though it wasn't what I was expecting it to be. this isn't a magic system where there are tons of cards to hand out, there are only a handful and the king gives them to his most trusted. the people who protect him, his closest nobles etc. I was expecting the magic to be more prevalent in the world and it's really just about ten or so people. again, this didn't make me not enjoy the book, but it did vastly narrow down the world from what I had thought it was. anyway i did very much enjoy it. I have every intention of reading book two.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2026 by Ruby
Not Over Hyped!
Definitely not over-hyped! I absolutely loved this book! This book kept me hooked from the beginning. I was constantly over analyzing every little detail, every riddle, and everything the protagonist said, to try to figure out clues and decipher what was going to happen next. Elspeth: She is a strong FMC emotionally and somewhat physically. I will not say more due to spoilers. From being shipped off as a child too her Aunt's family, having to hide who she really is, and mostly living her life alone, Elspeth stands up for herself and still continues to fight for what she thinks is right. She has accepted who she is, and is determined to find a way to better her life and circumstances. Ravyn: Our brooding MMC has a lot of secrets. He struggles with being who he really is, versus who he has to pretend to be. We get to see the inner Ravyn, but sometimes it is questionable on what decision he will make. Will he let his persona drive him, or his heart. This struggle is most evident when it comes to his feelings for Elspeth. This is a man who is brave, deadly, strong, and so sure of himself; yet we see that all disappear as he struggles with how to deal with his situation with Elspeth. Together: I will say, their relationship is not a slow burn, and more of an instant love. I know that will sometimes bother people. However, I get the inkling that there is something more to their instant draw to each other. Through there journey, I feel that there is a hidden secret that connects them together that will eventually be revealed. I'm hoping the second book addresses this. The Protagonist: The Nightmare. An ancient creature that taunts and uses whoever he can. He is the one that knows all the secrets, and has many, many of his own. There is so much to unpack with this character, and I enjoyed watching his story line unfold. I wont say more because I don't want to spoil anything. Overall: The world building in this was minimal but detailed. You have to understand the history that is addressed, in order to see it all come together in the end. The magic was brilliant. I am a fan of the Disney show Once Upon A Time, and there is a concept in that show that is shared in this world. "Magic comes at a price." There are so many fantasy books that have magic or powers, yet we never see the repercussions of using too much from the heroes of the stories. In this story, we see what price magic takes from it's users. It is a great display of those in power receiving justice for their overuse of it on the innocent, and those who seek it out to gain that power realize too late their mistake. It is a careful game of using just enough to get what you want, but not too much where you loose control and potentially more than you bargained for. I thoroughly enjoyed getting into this magic world, and learning how everything works, and watching each character and how they used it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark worlds, magic, instant love, secrets unfolding, and a story line that just melds together so well throughout the book.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2026 by Livin in Starlight
Excuse me while I collect my jaw from the floor...
Format: Paperback
“There once was a girl, 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.” Wow. Absolutely enthralling. The fact that this is Rachel's debut is astounding to me. I don't even know precisely where to start. The world-building was superb and seamless with little-to-no data dumping. The magic system was among the more unique I've encountered with magic being relegated to the use of cards (akin to tarot cards) and those infected by the mist. The pacing was absolutely perfect, not a sluggish section to be found. Add to that, Rachel's beautiful, atmospheric writing and you get a really satisfying gothic fantasy sprinkled with romance and monsters. The Characters: Elspeth is a realistic FMC. She comes across as a normal girl who isn't trying to become something she just isn't for the sake of the story. She isn't interested in learning to fight by physical means to save herself. Instead, despite the strangeness of her circumstances, she relies on her wit and her adherence to doing the right thing compels her efforts to make right the unfairness of her world. She doubts herself like any sane person would. There were several instances while reading where I could feel her fear and the urgency of her actions as if they were my own. I loved that I felt like I really got to know her without ever feeling like I was being "told". Obviously, Ravyn Yew is freaking fantastic. He ticks all my MMC boxes. He's tall, dark haired, and handsome and willing to crush the bones of anyone who harms his girl. His characterization is a no brainer and is spot on for those who gravitate towards this type of male lead in a F/M story. I do feel that there's a lot more to him than we got to see in book 1 and I'm curious to see if book 2 gives more with regards to the inner workings of his mind. Not one of the side characters in this book fell short for me. They were all intriguing and I found myself wanting to get to know each of them because their inclusion in the story felt truly compelling and not at all like any of them were there as mere plot devices. However, I loathed Prince Hauth almost immediately. I am rooting with every fiber of my existence for him to meet a very grisly end in book 2. The Romance: The progression of things between Elspeth and Ravyn felt so natural and not at all sluggish or forced. I adored the fact that there is very little conflict between Elspeth and Ravyn. Too often, I find that although they can be great fun, some stories are bogged down by poorly executed adherence to certain tropes. That did not happen in One Dark Window. Here, it was clear pretty early on that Elspeth and Ravyn are drawn to one another and neither of them put up contrived barriers that prevent them from being honest about how they feel. It was so satisfying to read a story with so much depth that played out the romance in this manner. There was also a dash of smut, but it was so well written. See quote below as evidence: "Can I kiss you?" "A bit late to ask, isn't it?" "Not on your mouth, Elspeth."
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024 by Samantha Lynne
Enjoyable & entertaining.
Format: Paperback
There’s a lot to love about this book. The magic system is intriguing, the world feels rich with potential, and the characters are genuinely interesting. The Nightmare, in particular, was a standout character for me and easily one of the highlights of the story. That said, I couldn’t help feeling like many of the book’s strongest ideas were only explored at a surface level. I found myself wanting a deeper dive into the magic system and the lore behind the world. There was so much potential there that I wished the author had spent more time developing it. I’ll also be a little controversial and say that I think the romance was the weakest part of the book. For me, it didn’t add much to the story and, at times, felt like it distracted from the elements that were far more compelling. Even with those criticisms, I still had a great time reading it. It’s an enjoyable, entertaining book with memorable characters and plenty of creative ideas, and I’d gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun fantasy read.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026 by Christian Orellana
One Dark Window
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One Dark Window completely exceeded my expectations. From the very first chapter, Rachel Gillig creates a dark, atmospheric world filled with mystery, magic, and danger. The unique card-based magic system was unlike anything I've read before and added an intriguing layer to the story. Elspeth is a compelling protagonist, and her connection to the Nightmare makes for one of the most fascinating character dynamics I've encountered in fantasy. The tension between them, combined with the looming threats surrounding the kingdom, kept me turning pages late into the night. The gothic setting is beautifully crafted, with eerie forests, ancient secrets, and a constant sense of unease that perfectly complements the story. The romance develops naturally and never overshadows the larger plot, which I appreciated. What really stood out was the writing. Gillig's prose is lyrical without being overly flowery, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after finishing the book. The ending left me eager to dive straight into the next installment. If you enjoy gothic fantasy, unique magic systems, slow-burn romance, and morally complex characters, One Dark Window is absolutely worth reading. It's one of the most memorable fantasy novels I've picked up in a long time.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026 by Lindsey Davis
One dark window 3.5 ⭐️
Format: Kindle
I don’t think I started reading this book with my full, undivided attention, so maybe, if I had, I would have rated higher. The most important thing to say about the book is that the magic system is unique and really interesting; I would like to see more stories set in this world. The story itself is also well thought out and written, however, I did not like the romance. I felt it very superficial and too insta-love-y for my liking. I really wish it had dragged on more because I really didn’t care about them together. I was actually hoping Elm would be like the final love interest :(. I really like the nightmare though, but I was mad that he did not give Elspeth better advice because she did some really stupid things that I was mad about, but I’ll keep this spoiler-free. It was a fun read but I do think it is a little overhyped, I would recommend it because of the magic system and the nightmare though ❤️🩹
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2026 by isaa
Grimm-Like Dark Fantasy / Fairytale
Format: Kindle
Tropes/ Key Points: ✨Unique Magic System ✨Dark Secret ✨Political Subterfuge ✨Fake Dating ✨Slow Burn ✨(Slight) Enemies to Lovers ✨Gothic Fairytale Vibes (Grimm Brothers) ✨YA Fantasy/Romance Spice:🌶️ Twelve Cards of Magic, gifted by the elusive Spirit of the Wood to the Shepherd King. The Black Horse for mastering combat. The Golden Egg for great wealth. The Prophet to see the future. The White Eagle for courage. The Maiden for great beauty. The Chalice for truth. The Well to see one’s enemies. The Iron Gate for peace, no matter the situation. The Scythe for power over others actions. The Mirror for invisibility. The Nightmare for speaking into others minds. The Twin Alders to speak to the Spirit. But all magic comes with a cost, even these cards. Elspeth caught the fever as a child. It gave her magic, but all magic comes with a price. Those who catch this disease are put to death, but Elspeth was hidden by her family and secretly allowed to live. She has a monster living in her head and he is growing stronger. Blessed with the ability to see the cards of power, Elspeth is pulled into a treasonous plot against the king to gather all the cards to undo a blight on her kingdom. What happens when she is a bigger monster than the threat they face? This book turned about to be such a great read. I was a little hesitant going into it, kind of felt like it wasn’t going to be my thing. It seemed like I was going to be proven right as the first bit of this book is very slow to get into. This story is more mid-high fantasy so the author has to do a bit of info dump at the beginning to set up the world and fill us in on what’s going on. Once you read around chapter six though, prepare for it to take off. Once I got into it I didn’t really want to put it down. It gives off strong political vibes but the romance comes into play later. I wouldn’t say this book is spicy by any means but it definitely gets steamy. It’s marketed as Adult but it feels more YA, and that’s not a reason to pass on this story. The magic system is so unique, I honestly don’t know of another book that I can compare it to. I think it’s one of my favorite parts of the entire story. The author did such a great job at filling us in on how everything works, despite some of the gaps in logic. This applies more to the people within the world than a flaw in the magic system. Part of the issue with the magic system again does not fall on the magic itself, but more on the people of this world. They talk about how you need to reunite one of each of the cards into a solid deck in order to cure the curse that this world is kind of facing. And yet all these people have these cards, and they know their king needs them, but none of them are turning over the cards willingly. They barter with the king, especially if the cards are more rare to get better statue for themselves, but instead of just giving him the cards to stop the curse, they hold onto them which is ultimately making things worse for them. That is a little bit of a plot hole that is introduced in the story, but I don’t feel personally that it takes away from it. The Nightmare in Elspeth’s head is my favorite character in the book. He is so dark and blasé about things that it’s honestly hilarious. He comes in often to help Elspeth only to find out he could have earlier but didn’t cause she didn’t ask. I laughed so many times when he “came out to play.” One of my complaints is with the main female character, Elspeth. She has had this magic for 11 years and had to hide and not really engage with people outside of her family because she felt they might discover that she is infected. It doesn’t make her interactions with other people are somewhat stilted and awkward, but personally, that part doesn’t bother me. The part that bothers me is how Naïve she really was and how she went back on what she said she was going to do repeatedly. As I mentioned above all magic comes with a price even the natural magic that she has and once she realizes her cost, she makes this vowel that she’s not going to engage with the magic so the cost. At least until the slightest bit of danger shows up and then she starts using it. Every single time. One of my biggest applauds for this book, is the big twist and the ending. Don’t get me wrong. some of the twists throughout the book are so in your face that you can’t not see them coming. But there was one that I was 100% not expecting, and it was such a great moment in the story. I think that the ending of the book absolutely overwrites the few flaws that are present within the novel. I absolutely love the cliffhanger, and I am so eager for book 2. I read this with my book club and we are so frustrated that we have to wait a few months for the second one to come out. I would recommend this book to anybody.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2023 by Riniya