DISCORD
One Dark Window
Rachel Gillig
Barnes & Noble Bestsellers
88 Min Reading Time
Audio Version Available
About this book
Elspeth Spindle harbors a dark secret: a sinister spirit known as the Nightmare resides within her mind. Bound to her since childhood, the Nightmare offers protection, but at a terrifying cost. In the isolated kingdom of Blunder, magic is both feared and revered, tied to ancient cards called the Providence. When Elspeth's secret is threatened, she's thrust into a perilous quest to master the cards and save her kingdom from a spreading darkness.
Entangled with Ravyn Yew, the enigmatic and dangerous nephew of the king, Elspeth navigates a web of courtly intrigue and forbidden desires. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the Providence cards, the line between sanity and madness blurs. Elspeth must learn to control the Nightmare within, or risk unleashing a monster that could consume them all.
In a world steeped in gothic atmosphere and shadowed by fairytale dread, One Dark Window weaves a tale of dark magic, forbidden romance, and the monstrous power within. Perfect for readers who crave lush fantasy with a chilling edge, where every secret has a price and every choice could spell doom.
Summary of Key Ideas
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The Burden of the Nightmare
The Nightmare Within: Elspeth's Internal Struggle. Elspeth carries a dark secret: the Nightmare, an entity residing within her mind since childhood. This presence grants her unique abilities but also isolates her, forcing her to conceal her true nature. The internal conflict between Elspeth and the Nightmare forms a central theme, exploring the burden of hidden power and the struggle for self-acceptance. This duality shapes her interactions and decisions, driving much of the plot as she navigates a world that fears what she is.
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A Kingdom Consumed by Mist
Magic and Corruption: The Blighted Isle's Curse. The kingdom of Blunder is plagued by a magical mist, a corruption that stems from the Spirit of the Wood. This mist has warped the land and its people, leading to fear and persecution of those touched by magic. The source and nature of this corruption become a critical mystery, driving the characters' quest to find a cure and restore balance to the blighted land. The exploration of this corrupting magic serves as a commentary on fear, control, and the consequences of unchecked power.
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Wielding the Providence
The Providence Cards: A System of Forbidden Magic. In Blunder, the only sanctioned magic comes from 78 Providence Cards. These cards hold residual magic from the Spirit of the Wood. Each card grants its holder a unique ability, but they are tightly controlled by the Shepherd King. This limited and regulated system creates a black market for forbidden cards and knowledge. The cards become a symbol of both power and oppression, as well as a tool for Elspeth and Ravyn as they try to uncover the truth about the kingdom's curse.
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Ravyn's Divided Allegiance
Ravyn's Enigmatic Leadership: Duty and Desire. As the Shepherd King's nephew, Ravyn is bound by duty to protect the kingdom. However, his path intertwines with Elspeth's, leading him to question his allegiances and the secrets held by the monarchy. Ravyn is a morally gray character, torn between his responsibilities and his growing feelings for Elspeth. His internal conflict drives him to take risks and challenge the established order, making him a key player in the fight against the encroaching darkness.
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Love in the Face of Fear
Forbidden Romance: A Connection Forged in Darkness. Elspeth and Ravyn's relationship blossoms amidst danger and secrets. Their connection is fueled by mutual understanding and a shared desire to protect Blunder, but it's also complicated by the risks they face. Their romance becomes a source of strength and vulnerability as they navigate their individual burdens and the external threats facing the kingdom. It also challenges traditional power dynamics and expectations within their society.
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Secrets of the Crown
Unraveling Royal Secrets: The Truth Behind the Shepherd King. The Shepherd King's rule is shrouded in mystery and hidden agendas. As Elspeth and Ravyn delve deeper into the kingdom's history, they uncover dark secrets about the royal family and their connection to the Spirit of the Wood. These revelations challenge their perceptions of authority and force them to confront the true nature of the power they seek to wield. The secrets reveal a complex web of manipulation and sacrifice.
Chapter Recap
About The Author
Rachel Gillig
Main Quotes
"“There once was a girl,” he murmured, “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 in every hidden nook.”"
"“Nothing is free, nothing is safe. Magic always comes at a cost.”"
"“When the shadows grow long, when our names turn to dust, what we loved, what we hated, will spoil to rust. All will be forgotten, save one truth unshaken…What was given, what was taken.”"
""Because sometimes the monster isn't skulking in the blackness. Sometimes, it's the one who holds out a lantern.""
"“Fear is a powerful thing. And stories are how we pass it on.”"
"“There is power in a name.”"
"“Magic is love, but also, it's hate. It comes at a cost. You're found and you're lost.”"
""She’d always been alone. But maybe loneliness wasn’t a prison sentence. Maybe it was a skill, and she was finally learning to hone it.""
"“The line between dreams and nightmares is as fine as a whisper.”"
"“We all have our monsters, Elspeth. The trick is not letting them win.”"
Who Should Read This Book
Young adults and adults interested in dark fantasy
Readers who enjoy gothic fantasy with romantic elements
Fans of character-driven stories with a focus on internal struggles
Individuals who appreciate immersive world-building and mysterious atmospheres
Readers who like fantasy books with morally grey characters
People who enjoy slow-burn romance
Readers of authors like V.E. Schwab, Leigh Bardugo, and Sarah J. Maas
Book Summaries Like
One Dark Window
FAQ
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