One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, 1) Rachel Gillig

Enter the mist-veiled realm of Elspeth Spindle, a kingdom shrouded in eerie mystery and governed by ominous forces. In this world where magic exacts a steep toll, Elspeth finds an unlikely companion in the Nightmare, an ancient spirit trapped within her mind, offering protection while guarding her deepest secrets. Yet, this supernatural alliance carries its own burdens, particularly as Elspeth crosses paths with a charismatic highwayman, the King's nephew, and a traitorous figure.

As the story unfolds, Elspeth is thrust into a perilous quest to purge the kingdom of malevolent magic endangering its very existence. To heal the land, she and the highwayman must secure twelve Providence Cards before the impending Solstice. However, amidst their journey, an undeniable bond forms, complicating their already precarious mission.

Amid treacherous landscapes and shadowy deceptions, Elspeth grapples not only with external threats but also an internal struggle as the encroaching influence of the Nightmare within her intensifies. The boundaries between ally and foe blur, unveiling a spellbinding tale of dark fantasy where the distinction between hero and monster grows increasingly tenuous.

Drawing parallels to works like "Uprooted" and "For the Wolf," this gothic fantasy promises a narrative woven with magic, romance, and inner conflict. "The Shepherd King," "One Dark Window," "Two Twisted Crowns" beckon readers into a world where the balance between light and shadow hangs in delicate equilibrium.