Bibliographic Information

Title: One Dark Window

Author: Rachel Gillig

Publisher: Orbit

Copyright Date: September 27, 2022 

ISBN: 978-0316312486

Genre

Fantasy

Format

Book

Print Length

432 pages

Reading Level/Interest Level

This book is not marketed as YA, but I found it on several review sites – including Goodreads – tagged as young adult. After reading it, I can see why. Though the main characters range in age from 20-26, they lack the kind of complexity you might expect in a fully adult book. There is a simplicity in their actions, motivations, and relationships with each other. Author Maggie Stiefvater once said, “To me, the major difference between a YA novel and an adult novel is the size of the protagonist’s past and future. … Characters moving forward without a lot of background to weigh them down or inform them? That tends to feel YA, no matter how old they are” (Escalante, 2021). In addition to the more simplistic framing of the characters and story, One Dark Window also features the kind of “romantic fantasy” themes that are incredibly popular with teens today (O’Sullivan, 2024). So, although One Dark Window is technically not marketed to teens, I think it still appeals to teens and qualifies for inclusion in this collection.

Awards or Honors

None as of the date of this post.

Plot Summary

He came for the girl… And got the monster instead.
(p. 217, Kindle edition)

In the Kingdom of Blunder, magic is a commodity, owned and controlled through Providence Cards by the wealthy and influential. Anyone known to have natural magic is seen as “infected” and sentenced to death. When Elspeth Spindle’s family discovered she was infected, they hid her away to save her life. But no magic comes without a price, and the price for Elspeth was a terrible monster – her Nightmare – made reality inside her mind. He speaks to her in riddles and rhymes, sometimes flooding her veins with his impossible strength and dark magic.

Now 20 years old, Elspeth has hidden the truth about her magic and the Nightmare for years, always at war in her own mind and body, trying desperately to go unnoticed. Until one night she’s set upon in the woods by highwaymen, and thrown into a plot to fulfill an ancient prophecy that could free her of the Nightmare and change the rules of magic in Blunder forever.

Author Background

Rachel Gillig earned a B.A. in Literary Theory and Criticism from UC Davis and works as a teacher and author. Her debut novel, One Dark Window, and it’s sequel Two Twisted Crowns, were both New York Times Best Sellers. She currently lives on the California coast with her husband, son, and their poodle, Wally (Hachette Book Group, 2024).

Critical Evaluation

A lot of world-building in One Dark Window takes some patience to understand. Specifically, the magic system and how it came to be – who the major players were, why things are the way they are, and what it would take to change it all. Wound into the history of the magic system is the history of the Kings and chief families at court, so there is political intrigue to digest as well. Much of this exposition is explained through rhymes from an ancient book, with segments at the beginning of each chapter and then sprinkled throughout the text. Again, it took some patience to understand everything. Still, Gillig does an excellent job of establishing a steady flow of insight and exposition where the world of Blunder eventually becomes clear.

Gillig also does a great job of not letting the world-building overshadow the characters. I really enjoyed Elspeth as a main character; though she’s been essentially sheltered her whole life, the unique challenges of her magic have influenced her to be intelligent, strong, and resourceful. The group of rebels she joins make a fun ensemble, too, from love interest Rayvn to treasonous Prince Elm and more. And while there is a slow-burn, tender love story between Elspeth and Rayvn, it never overshadows the personal journey Elspeth is on to face the darkness of her magic and the literal monster in her mind. Altogether, One Dark Window is a rich, balanced, enjoyable dark fantasy, and I’ve already checked out the next book to finish the duology.

Creative Use for a Library Program

The Black Horse made its beholder a master of combat.
The Golden Egg granted great wealth.
The Prophet offered glimpses of the future.
The White Eagle bestowed courage.
The Maiden bequeathed great beauty.
The Chalice turned liquid into truth serum.
The Well gave clear sight to recognize one’s enemies.
The Iron Gate offered blissful serenity, no matter the struggle.
The Scythe gave its beholder the power to control others.
The Mirror granted invisibility.
The Nightmare allowed its user to speak into the minds of others.
The Twin Alders had the power to commune with Blunder’s ancient entity, the Spirit of the Wood.
(p. 88, Kindle edition)

In One Dark Window, there are 12 types of Providence Cards, each holding a particular type of magic. A library could run a program for youth where they create their own deck of cards, deciding on the image and relative magical ability for each.

Speed-Round Talk

Elspeth has more secrets than just the unlawful magic she possesses; no one knows about the monstrous Nightmare that lives inside her mind. Will helping fulfill an ancient prophecy for the kingdom be her chance to be free of magic – and the Nightmare that breathes within her?

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

One Dark Window has just one sex scene, but I anticipate it would be enough for pushback against the book. I would encourage adult stakeholders to read the entire scene to be aware of its contents and acknowledge that while it is descriptive, it is not explicit; metaphors, euphemisms, or suggestions are used in reference to body parts and actions in the scene. It is also consistent with other media currently rated for or appealing to teens, including the streaming series My Lady Jane (TV-14), which has far more sexual content that is also more explicit. While I do understand concerns over sexual content, I think One Dark Window is perfectly appropriate for older teens.

Reason for Inclusion

I had older teens in mind when including One Dark Window in this collection because I think they are particularly ready for books that have a little more “spice” without veering into gratuitously sexual content. It’s a book that barely edges into that “New Adult” genre and feels like a good bridge for older teens interested in reading at their actual level of maturity and understanding.