One Dark Window

The Shepherd King duology includes One Dark Window and its sequel, Two Twisted Crowns. One Dark Window focuses on worldbuilding, introducing a fantastical world, the creation of 78 Providence Cards, the death of the Cards’ creator—the Shepherd King—the outlawing of non-Card magic, and the rule of the Rowan Family. The god-like Spirit of the Woods’ mist and magic infect the kingdom of Blunder’s citizens, who are hunted by the current Rowan King’s Physicians and 13 Destriers (elite soldiers). However, the infected protagonist, Elspeth Spindle, manages to keep herself and her mental companion—the Nightmare, the Shepherd King’s soul—safe for years. When Elspeth encounters Ravyn Yew, Captain of the Destriers, her safety is compromised, and she finds herself taking part in a rebellion against the Rowan King. Ravyn’s team seeks to gather the Shepherd King’s remaining Cards to form a Deck, disperse the mist, and find a cure for the mist’s infection. The novel ends with the Nightmare taking control of Elspeth’s body, albeit with consent. Despite this death, Two Twisted Crowns continues to follow Ravyn’s team as they seek the final Card—the Twin Adlers. In a twist, Elspeth is revealed to be alive, but the Nightmare is too dedicated to revenge against the Rowans to let her resurface.