One Dark Window

This book is one that I know I will be talking about this book for many years to come. It felt special. It was dark, suspenseful, beautiful, and sweet. There are some books that you read in your life where you know that you are going to think about the first time you read it. This is one of them for me.

The plot was something that was unique. I really loved the world building. It felt old, yet familiar. It didn’t take a lot to get into it, but it was complex enough where it was memorable. A lot of the magic is concentrated in these playing cards, each with a power that gives and takes if you take too much. At first, I will be honest… I thought the cards were lame. All I could think of was some sort of nerdy solitaire game, and I struggled to take it seriously. However, as the story unfolded, I got more into it. By the end, I wished I could have the chance to hold one of the cards. The way it is written is truly masterful and addictive.

The characters in this book are probably one of the biggest selling points. They all have their flaws and that is what makes them so magnetic. You end up rooting for them despite it all. You also get multiple points of view, and that always makes my heart happy. The romance is also one that starts slow but by the end has you rooting for them like no other. I ate it up!

Overall, I will DEFINITELY be recommending this book to everyone, and buying several copies for myself to drool over. I cannot wait for the second book!

SIDE NOTE: I will say, this book was recommended to me via Booktok as a follow up to Fourth Wing. Having now read both… I will say that is an INSANE connection to make. These books are in no way alike other than the fact they are good books (just in very different ways). This book has gothic magic, creepy monsters, and a story that grips your stomach and won’t let you go. Other than it is a “fantasy” book and it has a hundreds year-old character that telepathically talks to the main character in their mind, the books are NOT similar at all. I guess this is all to say… not all the recommendations you get online make sense so be aware.