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One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, 1) Paperback – September 27, 2022

by Rachel Gillig (Author)
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THE FANTASY BOOKTOK SENSATION!

For fans of Uprooted and For the Wolf comes a dark, lushly gothic fantasy about a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom—but the monster in her head isn't the only threat lurking.

Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her.

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom she calls home—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it. Except the highwayman just so happens to be the King’s own nephew, Captain of the Destriers…and guilty of high treason.

He and Elspeth have until Solstice to gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly, darkly, taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Shepherd King
  2. Print length
    432 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Orbit
  5. Publication date
    September 27, 2022
  6. Dimensions
    5.55 x 1.35 x 8.3 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0316312487
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0316312486
  9. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. Twin Alders had the power to commune with Blunder’s ancient entity, the Spirit of the Wood.
    Highlighted by 7,679 Kindle readers
  2. The Black Horse made its beholder a master of combat. The Golden Egg granted great wealth.
    Highlighted by 7,604 Kindle readers
  3. The Shepherd King had made seventy-eight Providence Cards in descending order. There were twelve Black Horses, held exclusively by the King’s elite guard—the Destriers. Eleven Golden Eggs. Ten Prophets. Nine White Eagles. Eight Maidens. Seven Chalices. Six Wells. Five Iron Gates. Four Scythes. Three Mirrors. Two Nightmares. And one Twin Alders.
    Highlighted by 6,048 Kindle readers
  4. To the quiet girls with stories in their heads. To their dreams—and their nightmares.
    Highlighted by 5,177 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

One Dark Window, Rachel Gillig, Fantasy

One Dark Window, Rachel Gillig, Lyndall Clipstone

One Dark Window, Rachel Gillig, Allison Saft

One Dark Window, Rachel Gillig, Davinia Evans

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Thick fog, shifting alliances, and clever magic make the perfect backdrop for a sweeping romance—One Dark Window is enthralling from beginning to shocking end."―Hannah Whitten, NYT bestselling author of For the Wolf

"An enchanting tale with sharp claws and teeth—Gillig’s prose will pull you in and won’t let you sleep. Pulse-pounding, darkly whimsical, and aglow with treacherous magic, One Dark Window is everything I love in fantasy and more"―Allison Saft, author of A Far Wilder Magic

"One Dark Window is an evocative tale of romance, mystery and alluring monsters, told in beautifully lush prose. Rachel Gillig has created a story which left me entranced."―Lyndall Clipstone, author of Lakesedge

“[T]he steamy romance that emerges between Elspeth and Ravyn delights. Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Naomi Novik, and Hannah Whitten will want to check this out.”―Publishers Weekly

"A beautifully dark fairy tale of blood, rage and bitter choice, that whisked me away to mist-wreathed woods ripe with romance and menace"―Davinia Evans, author of Notorious Sorcerer

"Elspeth’s slow-burn romance with a mysterious highwayman adds depth to the story ... A finely detailed magical system enriches Gillig’s debut; fantasy readers will enjoy."―Library Journal

"Readers will be enthralled with Elspeth’s—and Nightmare’s—riveting adventure."―Booklist

"Spooky, lush...Gillig executes familiar fantasy romance tropes with flair."―Paste Magazine

"One Dark Window is a page-turner. Gillig’s lush language is somewhat reminiscent of Alix E. Harrow’s excellent portal fantasy, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, as well as Robin McKinley’s redolent fairytale retellings such as Spindle’s End, Beauty, and Deerskin ... a richly detailed and decadent world that at once feels familiar, distinctive, and wistful to the reader."―Chicago Review of Books

About the Author

Rachel Gillig was born and raised on the California coast. She is a writer, with a BA in literary theory and criticism from UC Davis. If she is not ensconced in blankets dreaming up her next novel, Rachel is in her garden or walking with her husband, son, and their poodle, Wally.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orbit (September 27, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316312487
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316312486
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.55 x 1.35 x 8.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Rachel Gillig

Rachel Gillig

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Rachel Gillig was born and raised on the California coast. She is a writer and a teacher, with a B.A. in Literary Theory and Criticism from UC Davis. If she is not ensconced in blankets dreaming up her next novel, Rachel is in her garden or walking with her husband, son, and their poodle, Wally.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
27,233 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining and intriguing. They also find the characters exceptionally interesting. Readers describe the magic system as unique and worth it. They praise the writing style as amazing, easy to understand, and seamlessly blending the 2 voices. They describe the tone as dark and refreshing. Customers also find that the plot is luring, creative, and gripping. Opinions are mixed on the beginning, with some finding it quick-paced and others saying it has a bit of a slow start.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
PlotMagic systemWriting styleCharacterizationOriginalityEntertainment valueToneBeginning
312 customers mention "Plot"277 positive35 negative

Customers find the story luring, entertaining, and creative. They also appreciate the rhythmic pattern to the cards that foreshadowed the plot. Readers also mention the book is gripping and creepy.

"First book and the story was luring, the characters easy to remember and the rhyming fun yet twisted. I love the different plot of this story...." Read more

"...wanting to get to know each of them because their inclusion in the story felt truly compelling and not at all like any of them were there as mere..." Read more

"...the magic system very interesting, but the telling and writing about the magic was very fun...." Read more

"...I also really enjoyed the rhythmic pattern to the cards that foreshadowed the following chapter...." Read more

152 customers mention "Magic system"152 positive0 negative

Customers find the magic system in the book unique. They also appreciate the poetic writing and incredibly world building. Readers also appreciate that the setting, concept, and blend of societal rules are great.

"...I repeat, I have never read anything like this before. The magic system was fascinating, slightly complex but once I hit about 15%, it all came..." Read more

"...The magic system was among the more unique I've encountered with magic being relegated to the use of cards (akin to tarot cards) and those infected..." Read more

"...Also!! I felt like not only was the magic system very interesting, but the telling and writing about the magic was very fun...." Read more

"...My favorite part however has to be the unique magical card deck. This concept was brilliant and different from anything I had read before...." Read more

123 customers mention "Writing style"111 positive12 negative

Customers find the writing style amazing and easy to understand. They also appreciate the world building and characters.

"...It was easy to understand the story concepts and the powers at hand. It was even more easy due to the rhyming passages that explains powers...." Read more

"...The writing was amazing and if this at all intrigues you, I absolutely recommend giving it a shot...." Read more

"...Add to that, Rachel's beautiful, atmospheric writing and you get a really satisfying gothic fantasy sprinkled with romance and monsters...." Read more

"...it is the definition of gothic fantasy and the writing is FANTASTIC...." Read more

119 customers mention "Characterization"105 positive14 negative

Customers find the characters compelling.

"First book and the story was luring, the characters easy to remember and the rhyming fun yet twisted. I love the different plot of this story...." Read more

"...- it’s got creepy vibes without crossing into horror and I enjoyed the cast of characters...." Read more

"...Additionally, Ravyn 😍 there are many characters that are interesting, and I will be excited to learn more about in the second book, but I really..." Read more

"...Another great thing was that the characters were all exceptionally interesting (even the bad ones)...." Read more

56 customers mention "Originality"56 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautifully unique, with gothic outlooks. They also appreciate the poetic writing style without being too flowery and cryptic without being overly. Readers also mention that the book is very sweet and has great use of imagery.

"...I love the different plot of this story. It's beautiful in a slightly twisted kind of way.I was worried when I first started the story...." Read more

"...Add to that, Rachel's beautiful, atmospheric writing and you get a really satisfying gothic fantasy sprinkled with romance and monsters...." Read more

"...For the good, The magic system in this book is very unique and really exciting to learn about...." Read more

"...The romance between Elspeth and Rayven was a very sweet, slow burn, that made me giggle with happiness as it progressed...." Read more

45 customers mention "Entertainment value"39 positive6 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, with magical, fantastical feels. They also say it keeps them intrigued, has never a dull moment, and quenches their dystopian thirst. Readers also mention that the romance is top tier and the tension and yearning is addictive.

"...u are really immersed into the world with an incredible magic system and great use of imagery. there is also a nice subplot of romance...." Read more

"...There was quite a bit of tension, but I’m not sure this romance falls into any specific trope...." Read more

"...This is a magical world that sucks you in. If you require high spice, this isn't it...." Read more

"...Well written. There was hardly any dull moments for me...." Read more

25 customers mention "Tone"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the tone dark and refreshing. They also appreciate the gothic vibe, shadowy forests, and sweeping mist.

"...The dialogue between Elspeth and the voice, for example, feels very fresh because of the riddles...." Read more

"...and the story, although obviously influenced by fairy tales, feels fresh and original...." Read more

"In a world where romantacy is all the rage, this book was so refreshingly new! Nobody’s name started with an X and nobody played with shadows...." Read more

"...I was a huge fan of the gothic vibe-dark, shadowy forests, the sweeping mist, the mystery surrounding Blunder, the lore and creepy riddles...." Read more

55 customers mention "Beginning"28 positive27 negative

Customers are mixed about the beginning of the book. Some find it unique, enchanting, and refreshing after reading lots of YA. Others say it was a bit of a slow start. They also say the magic system was hard for them to get into.

"...of things between Elspeth and Ravyn felt so natural and not at all sluggish or forced...." Read more

"...It felt so rushed and so inauthentic. I couldn't get behind it and it sure did not make me wanna swoon...." Read more

"...when an author gives me a few stanzas of rhyme and the tempo is obvious and consistent. it just itches a scratch in my brain...." Read more

"...was going to be proven right as the first bit of this book is very slow to get into...." Read more

Well worth the hype. I should've read it sooner
5 out of 5 stars
Well worth the hype. I should've read it sooner
This was one of those situations where I kept putting off the book because it was sooo hyped.I'm notoriously fearful about trying overly popular or talked about books. I guess I've been burned one too many times that way 😅But this book gripped me from page one and I couldn't put it down.I loved the world building...the danger filled atmosphere and the fear of the physicians disturbing the sleep of wayward children, like monsters under the bed.And a never ending Nightmare, "the voice in my head, the creature with strange yellow eyes and an eerie smooth voice"The magic system was utterly amazing. I feel like it's a difficult thing to do ....to weave a complex tale involving the rules, the give and take, and just the overall existence of an, oftentimes, intangible force. But, in this particular book, the reader is given EVERYTHING. Even the taste and smell of magic. At times I felt myself drowning in it alongside the FMC.And let's not forget the most important elements to any good story, at least for me, the character development.This was told in first person POV and only by the FMC, Elspeth. She was such an intriguing young girl and completely likable, if not relatable. Her fears and insecurities basically kept her sealed off from any true social interactions and romantic relationships.The MMC, Ravyn, was the perfect dynamic. He came in with unknown motives, giving their "relationship" instant enemies to lovers vibes. I loved how his actions weren't always innocent but his intentions...his reasoning and drive were pure and often unselfish.The plotline was perfectly executed. Their endgame was set with laser focus and the steps to achieving their goals are obviously hard earned.I know I'm extremely late to this party but I'm excited to dive into book 2. I'm just glad that I've managed to avoid any and all spoilers up until this point.I've quite enjoyed the little twists in the storyline and secrets revealed.* Engagement of convenience/ forced proximity*Enemies to lovers*Slow burn 🌶️🌶️*Found family*Gothic setting (old castles, ruins and dark woods)* Magic system*World building
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Top reviews from the United States

찬미
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Mystical, Dark and Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
First book and the story was luring, the characters easy to remember and the rhyming fun yet twisted. I love the different plot of this story. It's beautiful in a slightly twisted kind of way.
I was worried when I first started the story. I thought that I would get lost in the whole Providence Cards concept, but no. It was easy to understand the story concepts and the powers at hand. It was even more easy due to the rhyming passages that explains powers. I swear, rhyming makes context and concepts stick so much better.😂
This book was like opening a storybook from my childhood, with all the rhyming. I smiled and teared up a bit throughout my reading. Enchanting. Thank you, Mrs. Rachel Gillig, for a wonderful read and for giving me a piece of my childhood back.
Customer image
찬미
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Mystical, Dark and Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
First book and the story was luring, the characters easy to remember and the rhyming fun yet twisted. I love the different plot of this story. It's beautiful in a slightly twisted kind of way.
I was worried when I first started the story. I thought that I would get lost in the whole Providence Cards concept, but no. It was easy to understand the story concepts and the powers at hand. It was even more easy due to the rhyming passages that explains powers. I swear, rhyming makes context and concepts stick so much better.😂
This book was like opening a storybook from my childhood, with all the rhyming. I smiled and teared up a bit throughout my reading. Enchanting. Thank you, Mrs. Rachel Gillig, for a wonderful read and for giving me a piece of my childhood back.
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6 people found this helpful
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ReneeM
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, creepily gothic and one of the most unique magic systems I’ve ever read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
-The Shepherd King Book 1-

4/5⭐️

•My Blurb•
After contracting a magic fever that if discovered means her execution, Elspeth is sent to live with relatives. She keeps a low profile and manages to keep her magic a secret for a decade. But when her path crosses with Ravyn, the Captain of the Destriers, she gets involved in a dangerous plot that involves a quest for magic cards that are the key to saving their kingdom. Elspeth and Ravyn are in a race to collect the cards first but they don’t realize Elspeth’s secret magic also has a time limit and letting that time limit pass would have greater repercussions than they can imagine.

•My Thoughts•
I repeat, I have never read anything like this before. The magic system was fascinating, slightly complex but once I hit about 15%, it all came together. To me, this book was heavier on the fantasy plot than the romance but I’ve heard that there’s more romance in book two and I can’t wait for that. The romance in this one was a super slow burn which I loved. I’m still processing but I think I want to say that this book was very plot driven. So much is happening with kingdom politics, their magic, the race to collect the cards and her possession (yes, you read that right 😳), that I sometimes felt like I had a little trouble connecting to the characters. That said, the plot was fabulous. It felt very different from what I normally read even those it’s a fantasy romance - it’s got creepy vibes without crossing into horror and I enjoyed the cast of characters. The writing was amazing and if this at all intrigues you, I absolutely recommend giving it a shot.
13 people found this helpful
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Samantha Lynne
5.0 out of 5 stars Excuse me while I collect my jaw from the floor...
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
“There once was a girl, 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 and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: “The girl, the King… and the monster they became.”

Wow. Absolutely enthralling. The fact that this is Rachel's debut is astounding to me. I don't even know precisely where to start. The world-building was superb and seamless with little-to-no data dumping. The magic system was among the more unique I've encountered with magic being relegated to the use of cards (akin to tarot cards) and those infected by the mist. The pacing was absolutely perfect, not a sluggish section to be found. Add to that, Rachel's beautiful, atmospheric writing and you get a really satisfying gothic fantasy sprinkled with romance and monsters.

The Characters:
Elspeth is a realistic FMC. She comes across as a normal girl who isn't trying to become something she just isn't for the sake of the story. She isn't interested in learning to fight by physical means to save herself. Instead, despite the strangeness of her circumstances, she relies on her wit and her adherence to doing the right thing compels her efforts to make right the unfairness of her world. She doubts herself like any sane person would. There were several instances while reading where I could feel her fear and the urgency of her actions as if they were my own. I loved that I felt like I really got to know her without ever feeling like I was being "told".

Obviously, Ravyn Yew is freaking fantastic. He ticks all my MMC boxes. He's tall, dark haired, and handsome and willing to crush the bones of anyone who harms his girl. His characterization is a no brainer and is spot on for those who gravitate towards this type of male lead in a F/M story. I do feel that there's a lot more to him than we got to see in book 1 and I'm curious to see if book 2 gives more with regards to the inner workings of his mind.

Not one of the side characters in this book fell short for me. They were all intriguing and I found myself wanting to get to know each of them because their inclusion in the story felt truly compelling and not at all like any of them were there as mere plot devices. However, I loathed Prince Hauth almost immediately. I am rooting with every fiber of my existence for him to meet a very grisly end in book 2.

The Romance:
The progression of things between Elspeth and Ravyn felt so natural and not at all sluggish or forced. I adored the fact that there is very little conflict between Elspeth and Ravyn. Too often, I find that although they can be great fun, some stories are bogged down by poorly executed adherence to certain tropes. That did not happen in One Dark Window. Here, it was clear pretty early on that Elspeth and Ravyn are drawn to one another and neither of them put up contrived barriers that prevent them from being honest about how they feel. It was so satisfying to read a story with so much depth that played out the romance in this manner. There was also a dash of smut, but it was so well written. See quote below as evidence:

"Can I kiss you?"
"A bit late to ask, isn't it?"
"Not on your mouth, Elspeth."
17 people found this helpful
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Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars a breath of salty magic air!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
Good things to say about this book and the story, and very few bad. For the good, The magic system in this book is very unique and really exciting to learn about. There are some things, for example about the main character, that we have to learn slowly, and maybe there are questions about it, but this system is very interesting. Additionally, Ravyn 😍 there are many characters that are interesting, and I will be excited to learn more about in the second book, but I really loved the slow burn between him and Elspeth.
Also!! I felt like not only was the magic system very interesting, but the telling and writing about the magic was very fun. Rhymes and riddles not just to start a chapter but throughout dialogue and exchanges made it feel very fresh and enjoyable.
The dialogue between Elspeth and the voice, for example, feels very fresh because of the riddles. While I could guess at the identity of this voice before it’s revealed, I think there is still a lot to learn.
There are a few things I don’t like. Obviously, the evil characters do come off as truly hateful. But the character that upsets me most in this story is Iona. we barely got to know her before she changed and the reason for it and crypticness around why she did, it is not explained. I hope it’s explained in the second book, and I’m going to give it the benefit of the doubt, but if it’s not explained, I will a wee bit miffed.
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S. Nectarine
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique ROMANTASY with strong female characters!
Reviewed in Canada on June 24, 2024
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I picked this up because of a reel I saw on TikTok. It delivered a thrillingly fantasy world that consumed me in a single bite!!

✨🃏🖤🃏🖤🃏🖤🃏🖤🃏🖤✨

Elspeth Spindle was born in a strange world of unbalanced magic. She herself possesses strange magic after falling feverish as a little girl 🩸♠️ and since then she’s had a 500-year old Monster living rent free in her head! But remember…all magic comes with a price. Ohh and there’s also a mysterious Mist 🌬️ slowly swallowing the Town!

”Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”

A MUST READ FOR:
🌲 unique magic system based on the forest & trees
🌲 strong & smart fmc!
🌲 magical playing cards that inspire treachery & treason
🌲 fast paced! Nightmare’s constant stream of puzzles & mysteries
🌲 delicious royal boysssss

”Woven in secrets, hidden in half-truths.”

GOTHIC FANTASY with amazingly mysterious storyline that had me completely captivated ⚔️ It was almost a competition scheming and secrets! Some revelations so unpredictable it had me putting my book down for a second because IT WAS JUST TOO GOOD! The whole book journey cured my ACOTAR/TOG book hangover!!

✨favorite Providence Card ~ 🃏The Well Card🃏 ~ clear sight to recognize one’s enemies ✨

”Be wary the blue. Be wary the stone. Be wary of shadows the water hath shown. Your enemies wait. The wolves stalk the gate. Be wary of shadows the water hath shown.”

Elspeth herself was definitely my favorite part of the book. Not the traditional warrior type ⚔️ but often realizes on her wits & cries frequently….girl same! I really enjoyed her adventures from her secluded forest home to being courted by a royal man 👀 no spoilers!!

This is more of a fantasy with a sprinkle sprinkle 💖 of romance. Not high on the ROMANtasy scale but I honestly didn’t mind it! Elspeth had other things to worry about.

CAN’T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT ONE!!
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SeenaM
4.0 out of 5 stars Bueno :)
Reviewed in Mexico on May 28, 2024
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Venía bien empaquetado, pero con un doblez en la esquina en la parte de atrás del libro
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I have spoken
5.0 out of 5 stars Lättläst, spännande och underhållande
Reviewed in Sweden on July 6, 2024
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Väldigt bra bok med en gotiskt känsla, ett unikt magisystem, bra karaktärer, och en spännande historia som man direkt blir medryckt i. Älskade boken och läste den på en dag! Lite romantik men inget spice. Bra bok att börja med om man känner sig sugen på att prova läsa fantacy men känner sig lite avskräckt.
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Cecilie R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing - definitely worth the hype!
Reviewed in Germany on June 15, 2024
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Super well written, and just really original in the writing style and the story. I loved the characters and the plot was just it for me. There is little spice but it could definitely be read as a YA. It is quite dark though so people with mental illnesses could be triggered by this although personally I just connected with the story more.

Would definitely recommend now and forever!
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Khushboo Lakhani
5.0 out of 5 stars The world of Blunder : dark, hidden, twisty, unpredictable.
Reviewed in India on June 14, 2024
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At the heart of this world, lives Elspeth Spindle -- with the voice in her head. They have been together for 11 years; surviving, protecting, learning. There is another thing at Blunder's core -- Magic; both legal and illegal. Legal via the use of Providence Cards; Illegal due to the infection. But nothing comes free!

The kingdom is being ruled by fear -- fear of the mist, the infection, the Destriers and fear of those who hold the power. Elspeth lives in fear too -- both inside and outside her mind. She longs for a normal life, where her thoughts are her own and the voice in them, also her own.

But times are a-changing. Among the festivities of the power holders, there is a rebellion! They want to eviscerate the fear and rescue Blunder. Ravyn, Captain of the Destriers, Elm, second Prince of the Kingdom and Jespyer, a Destrier and Ravyn's sister : all prominent members of the rebel council (among others). Ravyn ushers Elspeth into the rebellion. She identifies with their cause and joins to aid them and herself.

Elspeth and Ravyn soon realize that they each had a loose end of the string running from their heart which now stands complete in one another. But there are tasks to be completed and secrets to be unearthed. Council, Ravyn and Elspeth attempt to fight it all -- but are they powerful than the monster living in Elspeth's head? Or will they discover its Elspeth who's the monster?

Part one of this Shepherd King duology is intricately woven with magic, suspense, determination, ambition and love. The twists make you squirm in your seat; gasping for more. The details so elusive that you are never satisfied with what is shared -- its as if you know, but do you? Conclusively, a brilliant premise for the next and the final installment -- Two Twisted Crowns.
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