4.5⭐️

K this book was a solid 4 stars for me until the last 50 pages BECAUSE THAT ENDING (WOWZA!) easily bumped it up to 4.5. I love it when authors aren’t afraid of switching up the dynamics of the characters. 

The reason it wasn’t a solid 5 stars is cause I felt the romance plot was a little rushed. I didn’t dislike it, but at the same time it was a smidge forced in my opinion. Needed a little more banter and build up rather than just obviously already secretly being in love with each other pretty much the whole time. Like even when he has a right to be mad at her for her keeping a rather big secret from him, he forgives her almost immediately before he’s even upset. There’s no fight for it. Idk, it was just too easy!!! 

But I kind of liked that the romance wasn’t the main focus of the book, there was way more important shit to focus on. 

As for stand out characters, man, I love “the Nightmare”. He’s just a crazy lil guy who loves word play. Go off, king! What an icon. Excited for more from this lil psychopath. 

Also, I truly love Elm. Why did Elm and Elspeth have more chemistry than her and Ravyn? Like, I felt like they even had more scenes together?! Ravyn trusted and loved her from the start, so I felt like the relationship didn’t build, BUT Elm is super wary of her and RIGHTFULLY SO and they have a fun bantery dynamic! IDK, I FEEL LIKE THERES POTENTIAL THERE. NO? JUST ME?! ok whatever. Anyways. Loved him. He’s great. 

Ione, I’m interested in seeing more from her. I feel like she’s a part of some grand sub plot. Excited for her potential. 

In conclusion… The world building, magic system, overall badassery and concept of this book is outstanding. It was so friggin cool. Loved it. If the author took a smidge more time building the relationships between the characters it would’ve been an easy 5 stars for me. 

Excited for BOOK 2! LETS GO GIRLS!

Spice Rating: 🌶️ / 5

WOW. Before I even started this book, I knew I was going to like it. But I didn't expect it to pull me in as fully as it did.

Elspeth lives in a world where a magical mist can infect children and gift them with strange magic that slowly degenerates them, even causing them to lose their mind. But Elspeth has been infected for 11 years and has yet to experience that kind of degeneration. Just as her family has hidden her infection, Elspeth has hidden the monster in her head, leading people to believe she was infected but was not gifted the magic that causes the king to execute the infected children. Elspeth has spent these past 11 years denying her magic and the nightmare inside her head, but when she meets a mysterious highwayman, everything changes. She's pulled into a treasonous quest that could change everything and cure her, as well as other infected people, of the magical curse. Elspeth uses the monster in her head to help the highwayman and his family find the Providence Cards that could cure her and hopefully dispel the mist, but this requires her to face the nightmare and become more acquainted with him than she would like. The more they talk, the stronger he becomes, and there might come a point where Elspeth can't stop him anymore. There are so many morally gray decisions Elspeth has to make, and she has to find her limit even as the nightmare in her head has his own agenda.

The magic system in this novel is absolutely fascinating. I love the idea of the magical cards that give people the power of both magic and status within the kingdom. The chemistry between Ravyn and Elspeth isn't quite electric but more of an invisible string that slowly pulls them together. I love how much they understand each other and are, thankfully, more forgiving about secrets than any fantasy couple I've ever read about. Because in a world where everything is out to get both of them, it makes sense that they want to keep their cards (pun intended) close to their chest.

One Dark Window has a film of horror overlaying the plot with gothic vibes that are unmatched. The author made it easy to keenly feel the urgency with Elspeth as the nightmare slowly gained strength inside her head. Rachel Gillig definitely has a way with words. The way she can create such a beautiful yet creepy world that I just want to learn more about. I can't wait to read Two Twisted Crowns and even more stories created by this author.

it’s okay. there was a lot of plot holes and the actually store line seemed shallow to me. the reason i kept reading was cuz there was a good romance going on. however there is sex in there. it’s not too graphic but it doesn’t “fade to black” per se either. it also curses a bit and it kinda took me aback. anyway it’s good but i probably won’t be reading the rest of the series