One Dark Window is book one of a two-part dark fantasy series set in a village that has been surrounded by mists for 500 years. The opening chapters are difficult to get through as I struggled to understand the world that author Rachel Gillig was trying to build. Once I understood the concept, however, I found it to be a unique story telling of magic.

The main character is Elspeth Spindle (try saying that three times fast), who lives hiding a childhood fever that would sentence her to death if found out. When the fever hits children they develop a magical skill that would potentially threaten the kingdom, so all ill children must be handed over to the king for either use as his tool if he finds them useful or sent to their death if he doesn't. Elspeth was hidden as a child because of her illness and has developed the skill to see Providence Cards in hiding. But because of her talent she now holds the soul of a sinister presence she calls "The Nightmare" inside her head.

Providence Cards are the only acceptable form of magic in the kingdom. Created 500 years ago, the cards allow the holder to utilize a specific magical skill based on the card. There are 12 different cards that give the bearer talents such as invisibility, unaltered beauty, mindreading, prophecy, super speed or healing powers. Card trading is a privilege of the wealthy and connected.

The story follows Elspeth as she's entwined in a scheme with the younger prince of her kingdom (a rebel against his father, the King) to collect all 12 of the Providence Cards to free her village of the mists surrounding their world. Anyone going into the mist without a protection charm will lose their mind.

There's a sweet romance between Elspeth and the prince, Ravyn, as well as a tender relationship between Elspeth and the monster who lives inside her head. The more Elspeth allows the monster to use his skills to protect her, the more he grows in power, causing Elspeth to lose herself.

After an initial slow start to world-building, I enjoyed the storyline once I understood the concept -- despite several inconsistencies that are too conveniently waved away. The character development of Elspeth's cousin, for example, is rushed and her personality seems to change mid-book, causing confusion about her motivations. This character has a bigger role in the sequel to this book, and that story would have benefited with more time spent on character development.

The development of the mist's backstory is not suitably explained until much later and into the second book, and I believe a further description of daily life amidst the mist would have helped move the story along in those early confusing chapters.

In the end I found the story to be refreshing and charming for a dark, gothic fantasy. But I did find it less gothic and more romantic. The cliffhanger at the end of this book assures that readers will continue to number two, which does a much better job of world-building.