themarginaliawriter's Reviews (47)

I went into One Dark Window cautious, wary of the hype. I didn’t want to be disappointed. But let me tell you, it’s not overhyped. It’s a beautiful book and I’m having trouble figuring out why I love it so much—because there’s just so many reasons.

At first the lyrical writing style threw me off. Gillig’s prose is unique, intricate and poetic and it took me a minute to adjust. But once I did I was hooked. The writing style and the concept of the book created an immersive experience unlike anything else. It’s rare to find a book where both the story and the prose feel like art in motion and One Dark Window does that seamlessly.

Elspeth Spindle is a beautifully crafted protagonist. I’ve read many characters with internal struggles but Elspeth’s feels different. Her emotional depth and vulnerability are a breath of fresh air. You don’t just read about her inner demons you feel them. Her struggle to find herself, the weight of her secrets and her ability to find joy in small moments despite her burdens makes her story resonate on a deeper level.

Her ultimate sacrifice—choosing love not through possession but through selflessness—left a mark. The ending far from a tidy resolution lingers with its emotional weight and I’m eager to see how Ravyn copes with his loss in the next book.

And speaking of Ravyn, the dynamic between him and Elspeth is electric. Their banter adds humor to the darkness and their relationship feels real and relatable. One of the scenes that stood out to me was when Ravyn takes Elspeth to his room at Yew Castle and says “I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t always like this” surrounded by piles of clothes and books. That simple genuine moment made me love him instantly, it spoke straight to my messy creative heart.

The pacing mirrors the journey I had with the writing style—a slow start as I adjusted, then a smooth flow that had me turning pages. The dialogue is sharp and evocative and grounds the fantasy in raw human emotion.

Do I recommend One Dark Window? Yes. I can’t quite put my finger on why but the book has too many special things and the combination of mystery, romance and dark fantasy is just irresistible. It’s one of those books where you don’t just want to tell people to read it you want to shout “Just do it!” Trust me you won’t regret it. 

I picked up Worthy of Fate by A.N. Caudle not knowing much about it, but it pulled me in right from the start. 

The story begins with Kya committing a murder using her signature poison, Onyx Kiss. As a rogue working for the Scholars of Morah, she’s tasked with recovering rare texts and artifacts. Her life takes a dangerous turn when she’s marked to compete in the Glaev, a deadly competition where survival isn’t guaranteed.

 

The pacing is spot-on, and the world-building is rich without ever feeling overwhelming. The supporting characters, Ryker and Odarum, bring so much heart and depth to the story, complementing Kya’s journey. The theme of found family is handled beautifully, adding emotional weight to her struggle between fulfilling her destiny and finding where she truly belongs. 

This book made me laugh, cry, and swoon. For a single book, it’s packed with more emotion and intensity than many multi-book series (ahem, looking at you ACOTAR). It’s an incredible read that stuck with me long after I finished the last page. 

I have not read the second book, Bound by Fate, but I am hopeful the story continues with everything I loved from this book.