♡ The Cozy Book Nook ♡ discussion

Hello Cozy Book Nook! I just wanted to get the discussion thread up for those who are joining One Dark Window. This one won the most votes and was not expecting that but I have heard some good reviews from this one so grab your copies and join us as we will be reading this throughout the whole month of October.

Since life can get in the way we are allowing everyone a 1 day head start so you may also start on September 30th, 2025. Please comment when you have your copy so we can see who all is ready to go.

We also will allow you to read at your own pace, all I ask is that if you choose to do so, you need to use the spoiler tab so the book doesn't get ruined for anyone. Please and thank you!

I already have a copy, but I'm in the middle of some other books. I'll be ready whenever in october :)

Rapunzel we would love to have you join us and thank you for letting us know!

Has anyone started this yet? I am excited to see how others will like this. It looks like a really good book and everyone has rated this really high.

I'll be starting tonight! Romantasy hasn't worked well for me so far, so this is me giving that subgenre another shot! My expectations are somewhat moderate. I heard the author does atmosphere very well, but worldbuilding etc remains underdeveloped. We'll see what I think. I hope I'll have fun with it, in any case!

Rapunzel wrote: "I'll be starting tonight! Romantasy hasn't worked well for me so far, so this is me giving that subgenre another shot! My expectations are somewhat moderate. I heard the author does atmosphere very..."

Nothing wrong with changing genres and I am excited to see what you think and hopefully this one is good to you!

I've read 12 chapters (about 1/3), so far I like it.

(view spoiler)[I'm interested to see where some characters are going, mainly Elm and the Nightmare. I'm not particularly interested in the romance. Somehow Ravyn's not that interesting, just always described as handsome. I don't care haha. I hope he becomes more compelling. I was under the impression he'd be more of a highwayman than he actually is. (hide spoiler)]

oh and the rhymes feel a bit forced sometimes. I could do without them... I think I'd prefer it if the nightmare was more of a Bartimaeus-type character, or at least a sidekick whose commentary is fun to read. I feel the rhymes stand in the way of that.

Finished 18 chapters (halfway through)

(view spoiler)[Most things are clear now (worldbuilding, character introductions etc), so the story lost a bit of pace. One thing annoying me is how little we get to know about some of the things concerning the people commiting treason - for example, why is Elm part of the group? The Yew family makes sense, but why doesn't Elspeth ask for Elm's perspective on all of it? Secondly, why isn't she insisting on getting more details, especially concerning Ravyn's powers and the Cards working or not working on him.. I'd be far more inquisitive in her position. She was, too, at first, but then she didn't really get any answers and was just fine with it...

I guess it's just the author saving some reveals for later, but it's breaking my immersion because it feels unrealistic for the MC to not insist on answers and to just go

"Oh, well, I guess I'm not getting any answers today."

and then nothing.
(hide spoiler)]

I really liked the chapter in the gardens of the Yew estate. Although a rose in flower after Fall Equinox... idk, especially since the author admitted on page that it's the wrong season for flowers (and it is. It really is, and some details are a bit strange, so many trees/bushes mentioned should be bearing berries, but they're not mentioned; and then there were irises in the Spindle home and please--- those are in flower in may. come on xD)

Chapter 19

(view spoiler)[ok we're back to action... I still think Elm is a more interesting character than Ravyn. The Nightmare seems to be taking over our MC and I'm not mad, it does make the story more interesting!

"You never said how you got away from him"
I stiffened, the Nightmare's wicked laugh resonating in the din. When I spoke, the low notes of my voice were slick, as if dipped in oil. "Perhaps it was he who got away from me."
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22

(view spoiler)[I finally got the answers I was looking for. Happy for now :) (hide spoiler)]

I finished it today!

It's maybe 3.5 stars for me. I thought the whole concept, the world etc was fine for a romantasy, I liked it. Yes, it's more fairytale-like in the way that it doesn't explain everything and doesn't hold up if you start asking questions, but that's not what romantasy is for, it's not supposed to be a whole journey into a fantasy-world, more like a weekend getaway, and it was good enough for that.
However, this lack of hard worldbuilding should make room for really good relationship dynamics, compelling characters, scenes that build tension etc. And I feel the author wasn't skilled enough to do that. Most characters had surprisingly little personality, and even those that had at least surface level characteristics didn't show many new sides over time, and I'm not sure if anyone showed any development.
The romance relies heavily on the characters being attractive. It's basically two attractive people meeting, but having too many secrets and fears to admit their attraction, then realizing they're more or less on the same side and still finding each other attractive. That's not enough for me to sell a book that hinges on chemistry. Why write a story about a romance like that.
Most compelling characters were Elm and the Nightmare, but I wanted to have some good built up of mystery/banter and then be shown new sides towards the end of the book. But somehow they stayed pretty much the same.
So yeah. Not a bad book at all, easy to read, atmospheric (hated the name of the king, though. Quercus Rowan [Oak tree Rowan tree] sounds ridiculus to me xD) and rather well paced.
But if I read a romantasy, I personally need more skill in the writing of chemistry between characters (and I don't mean just romantic chemistry).

(view spoiler)[One thing that really bothered me was how casually the MC allowed or even asked for the Scythe Card to be used on her half-sisters. WTF? (hide spoiler)]

Hello I am late to the party but starting it now

I'm curious to see what you think!

Michelle we would love to have you join and we are curious to see your thoughts And comments.

I am already on chapter 15 if that’s tells you anything. I don’t know why but I really like these types of books I don’t want to sleep because I want to keep reading lol

I am listening to the audible version while reading the book at the same time and I think the narrator really brings the book to life. Especially with the rhymes she has a great voice and delivery of them Especially when she does the voice of Nightmare

Dang girl! Already on chapter 15. You read fast.

I'm glad you're enjoying it! A good narrator can do wonders.

So I like the way the cards come into play and how there is a price for using them. And even though there is a price people still use them which is a 100% human thing to do. Nightmare is creepy but funny at the same time so he is the most entertaining part of the story for me. Elm makes me think if doc holiday for some reason 😅😂😂😂

Michelle wrote: "So I like the way the cards come into play and how there is a price for using them. And even though there is a price people still use them which is a 100% human thing to do."

I 100% agree!
And the Nightmare was a selling point for me, too. I like characters/commentators like him in books.

I have finished it last night. I was left wanting more at the end. I really enjoyed this book and so glad I joined this BOTM

Michelle wrote: "I have finished it last night. I was left wanting more at the end. I really enjoyed this book and so glad I joined this BOTM"

We are glad you enjoyed this and BOTM are a great way to knock books off you list! We can't wait to see you join more as well!

omggg i read this book last month but omg one of my all time favs AND THE WRITING STYLE WAS SO BEAUTIFUL AND i just love this book with my whole heart...

Priya haven’t gotten to this one yet. We appreciate the feedback!

I read the duology last month and absolutely loved it! The way the cards worked was such a unique way to bring magic to life. So far, I haven't read any other fantasy like this.

REMINDER:

Commenting will be turned off for this discussion on October 31st, 2025. We hope everyone liked this book!