1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Rachel Gillig’s novel is popular on BookTok, and Elspeth and Ravyn’s relationship follows the fake courtship to real feelings trope. How does this novel compare to other stories with romantic elements that have gained an audience on BookTok? What factors do you think account for One Dark Window’s popularity?
• How did you feel about the novel’s ending? Did you find Elspeth’s decision to sacrifice herself to protect Ravyn and Elm a satisfying conclusion to her character arc? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Family is essential to Gillig’s worldbuilding and characters’ motives, but these family bonds are complicated by secrets, dangers, and the pressure to conform within the broader social structure: Elspeth is loyal to her maternal and paternal families but places them in danger because of her infection and her decision to join Ravyn’s team, and Ravyn feels trapped by his royal blood while striving to protect his brother. How did you feel about the novel’s depiction of family? Which relationships or moments resonated most with you and why?
• The Rowans maintain their corrupt rule by falsifying the Shepherd King’s history, but Elspeth’s connection to the Nightmare helps to preserve the truth.