Rachel Gillig. Little Brown (432p) ISBN: 9780356519494. Fantasy, read 07/04/26, Paperback ★★★★☆

One Dark Window

Set in a world of mists, fixed magics, and the magically infected, Elspeth has a monster in her and no knowledge of the beasts motives.

Infected and hidden from the King’s hunters, she has survived by being quiet and circumspect, suddenly thrust into a game of treason and theft she finds herself increasingly relying on the beast within, but at what cost as all magic has a cost.

There are a few possible love interest thrown up for you to consider in the beginning, well that’s until tall, dark, and dangerous shows up…

Also loved how the Yew family were fine to go along with the status slaughter until it was one of their own.

This cracks along at a fair pace but with very few surprises, written in a way that keeps you interested in the outcome and builds a satisfying world. Light on the romance which was a bit disappointing really 😉

Good solid fantasy fare that keeps you gripped throughout and though I’ve no desire to jump into book two straight away I’m sure I’ll eventually get round to it.