One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a darkly atmospheric fantasy with a gorgeously crafted world and one of the most intriguing magic systems I’ve come across in a while. Set in a kingdom cursed by magic, the story follows a quest to collect ancient cards, each granting a unique ability, but always at a personal cost to the user. The card-based system is not only creative but seamlessly woven into the world’s politics, history, and stakes.

Gillig’s writing is richly descriptive, and the dark fairytale tone gives the entire novel a lush, eerie quality. The plot (centered on breaking a spell that causes magical sickness) is compelling, and the high-concept setup hooked me early. The pacing, mystery, and sense of danger are all well handled, making the story entertaining and often tense in a satisfying way.

However, while I admired the worldbuilding and was drawn into the premise, I struggled to connect with the characters. Their relationships, motivations, and emotional stakes never quite clicked for me. I often found myself thinking, “This moment should hit harder,” or, “I should care more about this dynamic,” but I didn’t. The character work felt distant, and as a result, even the most dramatic scenes didn’t leave much of an emotional impact.

Overall, One Dark Window is a beautifully imagined, thematically rich fantasy that delivers on setting and magic, but falters when it comes to emotional investment. If you're a reader who values immersive worldbuilding and unique magic systems over character-driven narratives, this may be a great fit.