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A review by shona_reads_in_devon
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
'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...'
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Elspeth Spindle has spent 11 years hiding her terrible secret. Sequestered away from prying eyes that would see her executed for carrying the infection that blights her community, Elspeth wants a quiet, safe life.
But when her particular set of skills comes to the attention of the very man who would see her life taken away, she is forced out into the open as a means to save her life and release her from the being that prowls beneath her skin.
I've never read anything like the magical system in this book and the combination of a tarot-like card system, with the folkloric nature of the Book of Alders, plus the world building around the tree themed heritage, the mist in the forest and the cloistered and claustrophobic setting of Blunder and you have just the *perfect* gothic set up. The vibes in this book, are second to none, truly. Get a few crows in there and *chefs kiss*.
The plot ambles along early on, and you're finding your feet with the Providence cards, and the setting. But it quickly picks up. The cast of characters is a bit patchy - our FMC is fun and feisty (and the bonus character in her head is my favourite) and the MMC is everything you want out of a broody dark haired potential danger. The supporting cast is less fleshed out and I hope that I get to see a bit more of some of the side characters - Ione for instance - I want to understand her better, she does some important and interesting things and I just don't know why.
But I'm quibbling. This was a joy to read and I am very glad that I already have the next one ready to go.
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Elspeth Spindle has spent 11 years hiding her terrible secret. Sequestered away from prying eyes that would see her executed for carrying the infection that blights her community, Elspeth wants a quiet, safe life.
But when her particular set of skills comes to the attention of the very man who would see her life taken away, she is forced out into the open as a means to save her life and release her from the being that prowls beneath her skin.
I've never read anything like the magical system in this book and the combination of a tarot-like card system, with the folkloric nature of the Book of Alders, plus the world building around the tree themed heritage, the mist in the forest and the cloistered and claustrophobic setting of Blunder and you have just the *perfect* gothic set up. The vibes in this book, are second to none, truly. Get a few crows in there and *chefs kiss*.
The plot ambles along early on, and you're finding your feet with the Providence cards, and the setting. But it quickly picks up. The cast of characters is a bit patchy - our FMC is fun and feisty (and the bonus character in her head is my favourite) and the MMC is everything you want out of a broody dark haired potential danger. The supporting cast is less fleshed out and I hope that I get to see a bit more of some of the side characters - Ione for instance - I want to understand her better, she does some important and interesting things and I just don't know why.
But I'm quibbling. This was a joy to read and I am very glad that I already have the next one ready to go.