Product Details

TOne Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a gothic fantasy novel about Elspeth Spindle, a young woman in a mist-shrouded kingdom plagued by a magical infection, who must team up with a mysterious highwayman to find twelve magical Providence Cards to save her people, all while hiding a dangerous, ancient spirit—the Nightmare—living inside her head. It's the first book in The Shepherd King duology, known for its unique magic system, dark fairytale atmosphere, and slow-burn romance, and it was published in 2022. Protagonist: Elspeth Spindle, a survivor of the magical "infection" that leaves black veins and ostracizes its victims. The Nightmare: An ancient spirit trapped in Elspeth's head that protects her but slowly takes over her mind. Setting: The kingdom of Blunder, which is cut off by a magical mist and cursed by the "Shepherd King". Magic System: Based on the twelve Providence Cards, which grant power but come at a great cost, and the "fever" that infects people and gives them magic.