Spoiler-Free Review

Listen – it’s been a while since I had this much fun with a book. I was thoroughly addicted. I’m going to keep my details light in this review, because I really think One Dark Window is one you should go into knowing as little as possible.

What’s One Dark Window about?

In a kingdom where magic is confined to decks of cards and the use of magic comes with a cost, a young woman stumbles into a family that aims to change everything.

Book 1: One Dark Window

All I can say is, “wow.” I was hooked. This is one of those rare 5-star reads that truly had me spellbound. I loved everything about it – the writing never got in the way, the characters were excellent, the tension was delicious, and the magic system was so unique.

Listen, I’m one of those people who can call twists from a mile away, and my friends hate me for it. But with this one, I only managed to guess one or two of the twists early on; most of this story kept me guessing. I really couldn’t predict which direction the story would go. So I had a blast.

Book 2: Two Twisted Crowns

This sequel expands on the world of book 1. Whereas One Dark Window is single-POV, this one is multi-POV, creating a layered and complex plot with multiple moving parts. We also start getting answers to questions raised in book 1, along with a closer look at the history and lore. The side characters really had a chance to shine, also.

The only reason this wasn’t a 5-star read is that I felt it switched POVs too frequently, so I had to keep finding my rhythm again at the start of each chapter. But other than that, this was a fitting follow up and conclusion to the story started in One Dark Window.

Final Thoughts

This duology felt like a truly unique contribution to the fantasy genre (specifically the kind of fantasy with some gothic elements). It has everything I like – intrigue, romance, lore, magic, and a little spookiness, all without ever feeling “tropey.” I loved it.

It is an adult story with adult main characters, but I wouldn’t call it spicy. The romance is a subplot, so it added just the right amount of romantic tension without overtaking the main plot.

I also really liked the writing. It fell right in that comfortable zone where it was definitely good but wasn’t trying too hard like purple prose. It matched the tone of the story and allowed me to get absorbed.

Should you read One Dark Window?

If you like first-person POV fantasy with unique magic systems and a romantic subplot, you’ll like this one. There’s magical woods, a tree-centered culture, and a dash of political intrigue. This is for you if you liked Uprooted by Naomi Novik.