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Series Guide
One Dark Window
By Rachel Gillig · 2 main books · Complete duology
Use this One Dark Window books in order guide to start in the right place, follow The Shepherd King series clearly, and avoid common reading-order confusion.
Start with: One Dark Window
About this series
This One Dark Window books in order guide helps you read Rachel Gillig's The Shepherd King duology in the clearest order.
If you are new to this series, start with One Dark Window and continue with Two Twisted Crowns in publication order.
Best first read: publication order.
Read more about this series
If you are new to this series, start with One Dark Window and continue with Two Twisted Crowns in publication order.
Best first read: publication order.
One Dark Window Reading Order
- 1
One Dark Window
2022
- 2
Two Twisted Crowns
2023
One Dark Window is book one, and Two Twisted Crowns completes the duology.
Quick Answer
One Dark Window is not a standalone. It is the first book in The Shepherd King duology, and Two Twisted Crowns is the direct sequel.
One Dark Window Reading Order
Read One Dark Window first, then Two Twisted Crowns. Publication order is the correct reading order.
Is One Dark Window a Standalone?
No. One Dark Window is book one of a duology, so it does not stand alone on its own.
Is One Dark Window a Duology?
Yes. The Shepherd King is a two-book duology made up of One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns.
Is the One Dark Window Series Complete?
Yes. The Shepherd King duology is complete, with book one and book two already published.
Should You Read Two Twisted Crowns Next?
Yes. Two Twisted Crowns is the direct sequel and should be read immediately after One Dark Window.
Is One Dark Window Spicy?
It is generally low spice. The series emphasizes atmosphere, tension, and cursed magic over explicit romance.
Is One Dark Window Romantasy?
Yes. It is commonly read as gothic romantasy or dark fantasy romance.
Reading Order Notes
These One Dark Window reading order notes can help first-time readers understand the safest way to read the series.
Why publication order works
For most readers, publication order is the best One Dark Window reading order because this is a tightly connected duology. Reading One Dark Window first preserves the magic system setup, character reveals, and the emotional payoff that carries directly into Two Twisted Crowns.
Is there an alternative reading order?
Not really. This is a straightforward two-book fantasy series, so most readers should simply read book one and then book two.
New to this series? Start here
One Dark Window
Best first entry point for The Shepherd King. Read this before Two Twisted Crowns.
Buy first book on BookshopSeries at a glance
2
Main books
🌶️🌶️
Spice
Complete duology
Status
3
Tropes
Best for: gothic fantasy romance readers
Start with: One Dark Window
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct One Dark Window reading order?
The correct reading order is One Dark Window and then Two Twisted Crowns. This is the official order for Rachel Gillig's The Shepherd King duology.
Is One Dark Window a standalone?
No. One Dark Window is book one of a duology, not a standalone novel. The story continues in Two Twisted Crowns.
Is One Dark Window a duology?
Yes. One Dark Window is book one of The Shepherd King duology, and Two Twisted Crowns is book two.
Is the One Dark Window series complete?
Yes. The Shepherd King duology is complete. It consists of One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns.
Should you read Two Twisted Crowns next?
Yes. Two Twisted Crowns is the direct sequel to One Dark Window and should be read second.
Is One Dark Window romantasy?
Yes. One Dark Window is commonly read as gothic romantasy or dark fantasy romance, with cursed magic, a haunted atmosphere, and slow-burn tension.
Is One Dark Window spicy?
It is generally low spice. The series focuses more on atmosphere, tension, and cursed magic than on explicit romance.
Should I start Rachel Gillig with One Dark Window?
Yes. One Dark Window is the best place to start because it is the first book in The Shepherd King and the clearest entry point for new readers.