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A review by erinreadsbooks
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This book just didn’t grip me. I felt like the first 75% of the book moved really slowly and I felt myself getting bored. The reveal of the Nightmare being the old king also felt prolonged—it was fairly obvious that this was the case so when it was “revealed” to Elspeth and the reader, it just felt underwhelming. I don’t enjoy when it feels like the author is underestimating the reader, and this was one of those times.
I also wasn’t a big fan of the romance, but that may be personal preference as I don’t enjoy the “love at first sight” trope.
The concept of the story—a bargain with a greater entity that takes more each time one asks for favors—is really compelling, and the ending was interesting. I just wanted the whole book to be as eventful and impactful as the last 25%.
Read if you like dark fantasy involving bargains for power with a tiny bit of romance.
I also wasn’t a big fan of the romance, but that may be personal preference as I don’t enjoy the “love at first sight” trope.
The concept of the story—a bargain with a greater entity that takes more each time one asks for favors—is really compelling, and the ending was interesting. I just wanted the whole book to be as eventful and impactful as the last 25%.
Read if you like dark fantasy involving bargains for power with a tiny bit of romance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder