One Dark Window (The Shepherd King Book 1)
by Rachel Gillig
REVIEW POSTED ONLINE: MAR 07, 2026
When Elspeth caught the fever as a child, everyone assumed she survived without gaining magic. What they didn't know was that a fearsome spirit took up residence in her head and has helped protect her ever since. Only magic is never free and the cost might be too much.
AUTHOR: Rachel Gillig
PUB DATE: SEP 27, 2022
GENRES: Dark Fantasy, Gothic Fiction
CATEGORIES: Enemies to Lovers, Prophecies, Fake Dating
REVIEW
What I Liked:
In some ways One Dark Window reminds me of Heartless Hunter. Elspeth hides her outlawed magic and finds herself unexpectedly embroiled in a scheme with the Captain of the Destriers, Rave, whose job is to hunt down people like her. The tone is dark and gothic, which is a perfect background for creepy rhymes the spirit Elspeth calls Nightmare spouts off inside her head.
Fair Warning:
It took me a little bit to wrap my head around the world building and get into the story, but then I was completely hooked. You will want the second book to be on hand to start right away.
Overall:
Pick up One Dark Window when you're in the mood for dark magic or having a hangover from the Crimson Moth series.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Heat Index: 🔥🔥 (2/5)