The magic system was unique! And I liked the relationship between Elsbeth and the Nightmare. 

This book was advertised as enemies to lovers, but I don’t quite see it. I still enjoyed the characters, but they shouldn’t be called enemies to lovers. 

The story took me a bit longer than normal to get into, but it gets better.  Not quite a 5 star, but I will be reading book 2. 

I really enjoyed this book -- the setting and lore felt very rich and fleshed out, which allowed me to become invested not only in the characters, but in the world itself!
There were a few moments that where tropy

enemies to lovers, and drama that could have been entirely avoided if characters could just TALK TO EACHOTHER!!!

But even they felt justified for the most part.
I'm looking forward to reading the second!

It was my first fantasy book and I loved it. I couldn't put it down! 
In the beginning I was a bit confused with the Providence Cards etc. but that resolved over the course if the book. Overall a really great book that does not have too much fantasy but some parts of it. Would recommend! 

I've been let down by TikTok romantasy recommendations too many times to count, but the hype that this has gotten is well-deserved. A totally new and creepy magic system that flies off the page, a cast of really intriguing characters and a romance that isn't the focal point of the story all comes together in a really well done novel. Can't wait to dive into the next one and see where it's going! 

The story of Elspeth and Rayvn, the monster and the kingdom of Blunder comes to life with mystery, magic and a battle to see whether the infection affecting some can be conquered. These characters live within is quite fascinating world as I finally delve into the One Dark Window book of Ms. Gillig. The romance is a slow build as the two characters are forced to act as if they care for one another and from there, it grows. The ending makes you want to run to book two to continue the adventure. 

I enjoyed the storyline - it is unique in that I haven't read about a world like it before. There is mystery, adventure and some romance (although I feel like the romance could have been developed a lot more). I liked that I couldn't have guessed the ending - I feel I can typically guess the storyline quite quickly so I was happy that it wasn't so predictable. 

It was my year to read The Shepherd King duology and I enjoyed every bit of it! This is a story of dark magic, revenge, and a terrifying illness brutal enough to kill. Rachel Gillig’s writing is incredible and absolutely captivating. It is very descriptive, and captures a dark atmosphere ridden with magic. She smoothly laid out the world-building and the folklore that controls this story. She tells an amazing tale of retribution, balanced with a beautiful, slowburn romance in the background (and more :D). Elspeth and Ravyn are amazing characters, and their chemistry was through the roof! The tidbits of affection that they shared in this novel was perfect. Lastly, for fans of found family, we also have a prickly brute and an ice princess roaming the pages (this is a sign telling you to read it).