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Nightworld Academy #10
Winterfall Destiny
Will we survive the First's twisted games and stop Gabriella’s plans?
We're urgently looking for Gabriella as stories spread about powerful Dominion recruits, created from the First’s stolen blood. But where is the Dominion leader, and what plans does she have for her army?
Ash's connection to the dragons takes a step in a new direction, and we discover Gabriella may have turned to the dragon mafia for help. In return, Dorian and the hybrids are willing to help us, but they bring as many problems as they aid in solving.
The First's manipulation continues as we desperately search for a new way to beat the preternatural creature, and Andrei's reckless decision adds more complications. Have his actions created something powerful to use against the First and Gabriella, or has Andrei unknowingly created another danger to our lives?
I'm a Winterfall, but Blackwood magic exists within me. As the risk to my future grows, the bond with Jamie intensifies, and his unwavering desire to keep me safe draws him towards Blackwood magic too. The shadows could be the answer to defeating the First, but can I control the magic everybody's forced me to reject?
As darkness closes in, our loyalty and trust need tightening in the face of new revelations, or we'll weaken against those who would destroy us. Along with Jamie, Andrei, Ash, and Tobias, I’ve survived hit after hit from enemies wanting to tear us apart. Now the five of us must forge a stronger bond than ever.
Can we kill Gabriella and change the future, or are we destined to be pawns in the First’s game?
Winterfall Destiny is the fourth book in the Nightworld Academy: Winterfall series. The Winterfall series is a 'life after academy' series featuring all the characters from the original Nightworld Academy series. All books in the series must be read first.
We're urgently looking for Gabriella as stories spread about powerful Dominion recruits, created from the First’s stolen blood. But where is the Dominion leader, and what plans does she have for her army?
Ash's connection to the dragons takes a step in a new direction, and we discover Gabriella may have turned to the dragon mafia for help. In return, Dorian and the hybrids are willing to help us, but they bring as many problems as they aid in solving.
The First's manipulation continues as we desperately search for a new way to beat the preternatural creature, and Andrei's reckless decision adds more complications. Have his actions created something powerful to use against the First and Gabriella, or has Andrei unknowingly created another danger to our lives?
I'm a Winterfall, but Blackwood magic exists within me. As the risk to my future grows, the bond with Jamie intensifies, and his unwavering desire to keep me safe draws him towards Blackwood magic too. The shadows could be the answer to defeating the First, but can I control the magic everybody's forced me to reject?
As darkness closes in, our loyalty and trust need tightening in the face of new revelations, or we'll weaken against those who would destroy us. Along with Jamie, Andrei, Ash, and Tobias, I’ve survived hit after hit from enemies wanting to tear us apart. Now the five of us must forge a stronger bond than ever.
Can we kill Gabriella and change the future, or are we destined to be pawns in the First’s game?
Winterfall Destiny is the fourth book in the Nightworld Academy: Winterfall series. The Winterfall series is a 'life after academy' series featuring all the characters from the original Nightworld Academy series. All books in the series must be read first.
- GenresParanormal
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2024
95 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Swallow
125 books745 followersLJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 1, 2025
la tensión se centra en Gabriela, que después de todos sus movimientos oscuros sigue siendo la gran amenaza. El libro gira alrededor de dónde se va a esconder y cómo atraparla, mientras el grupo lidia con sus propias fracturas internas y el peso creciente de la Primera.
Ash da un paso distinto a lo esperado: en vez de quebrarse bajo la presión de las manadas, encuentra apoyo en Ethan, el mid, que lo respalda frente a los cambiaformas que quieren convertirlo en líder. Esa alianza inesperada le permite mantenerse en pie, y aunque todavía no quiere ser jefe, empieza a entender qué significa que otros lo vean como alguien capaz de liderar.
Andrei, por su parte, vive una paradoja: gracias a la sangre de la Primera, finalmente puede caminar bajo el sol, lo que es su mayor sueño cumplido. Sin embargo, el precio es alto: pierde la cabeza a ratos, arrastrado por la corrupción de esa sangre primogénita, y es Maeve la única capaz de frenarlo cuando pierde el control. Ella se convierte en su ancla, aunque eso la consume más todavía.
Jaime sorprende porque es el que se muestra más sereno en este libro. Después de tanto dolor, trauma y errores con magia oscura, encuentra una calma peligrosa, pero necesaria. Es quien apoya con más fuerza a Maeve para que use las sombras, convencido de que es la única forma de salvarlos a todos cuando llegue el momento. Aunque no es protagonista de grandes estallidos, su rol es clave como sostén.
Mientras tanto, Maeve lucha en todos los frentes: contra Gabriela, contra el Dominio, contra la propia Primera, y hasta contra el peso de su linaje Winterfall-Blackwood. El golpe más fuerte llega cuando sus padres descubren la verdad sobre su madre: está viva, pero nadie puede verla porque no recuerda nada de su pasado ni de quién es. Esa revelación abre otra herida en Maeve, que ahora sabe que su madre no murió, pero tampoco puede recuperarla porque está perdida en sí misma.
El clímax llega en el teatro, escenario de la confrontación final del libro. Allí, Gabriela juega su última carta, pero es la Primera quien muestra su verdadero rostro: había manipulado a todos para que Andrei la matara y desatara un poder devastador, pero Maeve lo frena con sus sombras. Ese acto salva al grupo, pero también provoca la furia de la Primera, que al ver frustrado su plan prende fuego todo el teatro, convirtiéndolo en un infierno.
El libro termina en ese instante de destrucción: el fuego consumiéndolo todo, Gabriela enfrentada por última vez, la Primera mostrando que nunca fue aliada, y Maeve atrapada en la peor decisión de todas: a quién salvar entre los suyos, sabiendo que no podrá con todos. El futuro queda suspendido, y el cierre deja claro que todavía falta un último término para definirlo todo.
Me deprime que todavía no salió el próximo.
Ash da un paso distinto a lo esperado: en vez de quebrarse bajo la presión de las manadas, encuentra apoyo en Ethan, el mid, que lo respalda frente a los cambiaformas que quieren convertirlo en líder. Esa alianza inesperada le permite mantenerse en pie, y aunque todavía no quiere ser jefe, empieza a entender qué significa que otros lo vean como alguien capaz de liderar.
Andrei, por su parte, vive una paradoja: gracias a la sangre de la Primera, finalmente puede caminar bajo el sol, lo que es su mayor sueño cumplido. Sin embargo, el precio es alto: pierde la cabeza a ratos, arrastrado por la corrupción de esa sangre primogénita, y es Maeve la única capaz de frenarlo cuando pierde el control. Ella se convierte en su ancla, aunque eso la consume más todavía.
Jaime sorprende porque es el que se muestra más sereno en este libro. Después de tanto dolor, trauma y errores con magia oscura, encuentra una calma peligrosa, pero necesaria. Es quien apoya con más fuerza a Maeve para que use las sombras, convencido de que es la única forma de salvarlos a todos cuando llegue el momento. Aunque no es protagonista de grandes estallidos, su rol es clave como sostén.
Mientras tanto, Maeve lucha en todos los frentes: contra Gabriela, contra el Dominio, contra la propia Primera, y hasta contra el peso de su linaje Winterfall-Blackwood. El golpe más fuerte llega cuando sus padres descubren la verdad sobre su madre: está viva, pero nadie puede verla porque no recuerda nada de su pasado ni de quién es. Esa revelación abre otra herida en Maeve, que ahora sabe que su madre no murió, pero tampoco puede recuperarla porque está perdida en sí misma.
El clímax llega en el teatro, escenario de la confrontación final del libro. Allí, Gabriela juega su última carta, pero es la Primera quien muestra su verdadero rostro: había manipulado a todos para que Andrei la matara y desatara un poder devastador, pero Maeve lo frena con sus sombras. Ese acto salva al grupo, pero también provoca la furia de la Primera, que al ver frustrado su plan prende fuego todo el teatro, convirtiéndolo en un infierno.
El libro termina en ese instante de destrucción: el fuego consumiéndolo todo, Gabriela enfrentada por última vez, la Primera mostrando que nunca fue aliada, y Maeve atrapada en la peor decisión de todas: a quién salvar entre los suyos, sabiendo que no podrá con todos. El futuro queda suspendido, y el cierre deja claro que todavía falta un último término para definirlo todo.
Me deprime que todavía no salió el próximo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
Our heros just can't catch a break!
Our heroes just can't catch a break!
Andrei has the First's blood and isn't fully himself. He has more power than anyone else short of the First itself, but he may also not be fully in control, either.
Ash may have finally escaped Declan's grasp, but it seems Ethan has plans for him, as well. Is he going to ever be able to live his own life?
Jamie has yet another death predicted about him in the future. He has ideas on how to deal with the trouble ahead that are the opposite of what Maeve has been told to do, even the opposite of what HE has told her to do - embrace the shadows. It may be what's needed to take on the First. As her bonded witch, maybe he can even tap into them.
Tobias has yet even MORE secrets revealed in this book. Secrets that make Maeve just numb. Unfortunately, with everything being life or death, she really doesn't have a chance to be too angry with him about them in a time that unity is so important.
Poor Maeve just wants to live a quiet, normal life with her men. That's it. No super evil bad guys, no manipulations or games, no death threats, just to live their lives as a happy family. It's getting too much. How are they supposed to take everyone out without destroying who they are or losing each other?
The ending leaves us on a cliffhanger... just one more book until the series is finished!
Our heroes just can't catch a break!
Andrei has the First's blood and isn't fully himself. He has more power than anyone else short of the First itself, but he may also not be fully in control, either.
Ash may have finally escaped Declan's grasp, but it seems Ethan has plans for him, as well. Is he going to ever be able to live his own life?
Jamie has yet another death predicted about him in the future. He has ideas on how to deal with the trouble ahead that are the opposite of what Maeve has been told to do, even the opposite of what HE has told her to do - embrace the shadows. It may be what's needed to take on the First. As her bonded witch, maybe he can even tap into them.
Tobias has yet even MORE secrets revealed in this book. Secrets that make Maeve just numb. Unfortunately, with everything being life or death, she really doesn't have a chance to be too angry with him about them in a time that unity is so important.
Poor Maeve just wants to live a quiet, normal life with her men. That's it. No super evil bad guys, no manipulations or games, no death threats, just to live their lives as a happy family. It's getting too much. How are they supposed to take everyone out without destroying who they are or losing each other?
The ending leaves us on a cliffhanger... just one more book until the series is finished!
June 11, 2024
“Nightworld Academy: Winterfall Destiny” is the tenth book in The Nightworld Academy series by L. J. Swallow. L. J. Is a very gifted author that has made us fall in love with the characters and world she had created. It is definitely a book that you can lose yourself in.
There is so much going on in this book and so much riding on Mauve and the crew. They have to deal with not only Gabriella but now The First as well. The growth of the characters are very prominent in this book, the level of maturity they have now is remarkable. There are still many secrets I believe that need to be discovered about them all. We are left with several questions at the end of this book, which is of course of a cliffhanger, that’s L. J. for you!
Hopefully we find out … What is Andrei now? Does the First control him? Will there be more to him than even The First anticipated? How will they deal with Gabriella? How will they get rid of The First without harming Andrei? Will they find a way to free The Originals from their prison so they can help them? Will they even be on their side if they do? I am gowing to love all the characters even Tobias and Dorian more and more, I believe they all have a part to play in this war even if they don’t already know it! If you enjoy Supernatural genre grab a copy and travel to The Nightworld that many of us have come to love.
There is so much going on in this book and so much riding on Mauve and the crew. They have to deal with not only Gabriella but now The First as well. The growth of the characters are very prominent in this book, the level of maturity they have now is remarkable. There are still many secrets I believe that need to be discovered about them all. We are left with several questions at the end of this book, which is of course of a cliffhanger, that’s L. J. for you!
Hopefully we find out … What is Andrei now? Does the First control him? Will there be more to him than even The First anticipated? How will they deal with Gabriella? How will they get rid of The First without harming Andrei? Will they find a way to free The Originals from their prison so they can help them? Will they even be on their side if they do? I am gowing to love all the characters even Tobias and Dorian more and more, I believe they all have a part to play in this war even if they don’t already know it! If you enjoy Supernatural genre grab a copy and travel to The Nightworld that many of us have come to love.
August 15, 2024
Completely Hooked!!
I habe read all the books now in this series when I had a free trial to kindle unlimited and finished this book on the exact day the trial ended for the three months! I am going to be biting my nails for the next one because I am hooked. Although there are quirks about the characters that do become annoying it's the story I love. The main characters all care about each other and Maeve does love her boys. There is the annoying bratty almost way she seems to be when they don't act the way she wants, or holds back something to not hurt her or acts entitled, and it seems to happen quick in the relationship with each guy. Like they can't feel saddened for hurting her or their past for more than she likes. They have to focus only on her. Its thing a like that that throw me off of liking her all the time. The guys seem to have the same issue but in reverse, always having a sulking moment every 10 seconds in between fighting the dominion, which causes Maeve to have her brat moment of making them only focus on her because no one can be said for more than 10 seconds. If that personality trait was changed in them all, it would be perfect. But as it stands, I still love the story and that's why I still read it. Its just when they act that way, I wanna smack them and just say ' get on with it already'!
I habe read all the books now in this series when I had a free trial to kindle unlimited and finished this book on the exact day the trial ended for the three months! I am going to be biting my nails for the next one because I am hooked. Although there are quirks about the characters that do become annoying it's the story I love. The main characters all care about each other and Maeve does love her boys. There is the annoying bratty almost way she seems to be when they don't act the way she wants, or holds back something to not hurt her or acts entitled, and it seems to happen quick in the relationship with each guy. Like they can't feel saddened for hurting her or their past for more than she likes. They have to focus only on her. Its thing a like that that throw me off of liking her all the time. The guys seem to have the same issue but in reverse, always having a sulking moment every 10 seconds in between fighting the dominion, which causes Maeve to have her brat moment of making them only focus on her because no one can be said for more than 10 seconds. If that personality trait was changed in them all, it would be perfect. But as it stands, I still love the story and that's why I still read it. Its just when they act that way, I wanna smack them and just say ' get on with it already'!
December 2, 2025
The pacing and plot development in this book is definitely an improvement from the last 2-3 books. We finally get a bit of a glimpse into the firsts plans and how it has been setting up the pieces on the game board with Maeve and co.
That being said, this series started out so strong and the university portion was pretty good. Once we left the school (which by the end was basically to set up the absolute shit show that the following books have been working on), the pacing and plot have been iffy. This is now turning into an exercise of how far can we actually stretch this series as far as number of books. I do not think it should have taken 10 books to get to the point we have.
We still have so many plot lines that need to be wrapped up and I honestly worry about the amount of books it will take to actually reach the conclusion. There are definitely good parts to this series or I would have called it quits by now but I’m hoping that the pacing and actual plot advancement matches this book moving forward or I will not keep going.
The complexities in the relationships with Maeve and the guys are super well done. If they can mimic those results with actually having some advancement in the plot this will be a great rest of the series.
3.75⭐️
2🌶️
That being said, this series started out so strong and the university portion was pretty good. Once we left the school (which by the end was basically to set up the absolute shit show that the following books have been working on), the pacing and plot have been iffy. This is now turning into an exercise of how far can we actually stretch this series as far as number of books. I do not think it should have taken 10 books to get to the point we have.
We still have so many plot lines that need to be wrapped up and I honestly worry about the amount of books it will take to actually reach the conclusion. There are definitely good parts to this series or I would have called it quits by now but I’m hoping that the pacing and actual plot advancement matches this book moving forward or I will not keep going.
The complexities in the relationships with Maeve and the guys are super well done. If they can mimic those results with actually having some advancement in the plot this will be a great rest of the series.
3.75⭐️
2🌶️
May 16, 2024
Book 10 of 12 in the Nightworld Academy series leaving only the 11th book left to be published, scheduled for next May. It is best that the other 9, 10 if you include book 0 Nightworld Academy:Origins, 11 if you also include book 12 Nightworld Academy: Blackwood Magic, as the book begins with the gang's all there - Mauve with Andrei, Ash, Jamie, and Tobias, Eloise with Dorian, Ethan, and Zeke and little Mia (who has her own series when she grows up - Thornwood Academy), Mauve's 3 fathers, (mother is dead), and opponents Gabrielle (Andrei's mother)- talked about and the First (from whom all vampires of all 3 types descended [only Andrei and Tobias are full blooded vamps, Dorian and Mia being vampire/witch hybrids])- present and causing problems from the very beginning ; it would make the book extremely hard to follow without having read the prior books in the series. Having read all of pre-requisite book in the series prior to reading this new addition, I found it an exciting and satisfying continuation of the story, as well as serving as motivation to pre-order the final book in the series Nightworld Academy: Winterfall Secrets scheduled to be released next May.
May 28, 2024
Maeve and the guys are still trying to get rid of Gabriella and stop her mad scheming. While Maeve is trying to get some answers fr9m Lex for Andrei about his daywalking quest, the First convince him to drink some of her blood resulting in him collapsing and being non-responsive for days. When he finally awakens, he is different in ways that have Maeve worried. Sightings of Gabriella, along with information from a captured vamp, have the group traveling to London in the hopes of getting information about her plans... and her current location. Things will go off the rails when Andrei thinks Maeve is in danger, but not as badly as when they finally find out what Gabriella is planning...
The usual cliffhanger ending. Only one book to go...I hope Lisa writes fast...
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
The usual cliffhanger ending. Only one book to go...I hope Lisa writes fast...
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
May 14, 2024
The Winterfall and Blackwood books have set the bar very high and this one is no exception. I love all the interactions between the group. Ash’s dragon has had some great character developments with lots of plot twists. Damien is his usual self always wanting to help but at what cost. Where is the professor no doubt he’s up to something as well. Meave has lots of difficult decisions to make about who to trust and when. Ganriella is always waiting to try something new with the first as her secret weapon.
Great read highly recommend along with the rest of the series books.
Great read highly recommend along with the rest of the series books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
Ahhh, I loved this book!!! So many twists and turns for Maeve and her guys!! Even some secrets are finally revealed and some problems solved, but it’s not over yet! I can’t wait for the next book!!! This series gets better and better with each book, and this one is definitely a must read! I am excited and interested to see how they solve all their problems and fight to be together!! It’ll be amazing when Maeve finally gets her peace and happiness with Jamie, Ash, Tobias, and Andrei after all they’ve been through to get there! Love these characters and this world and this series!
May 30, 2024
Just can't get enough 😍
This was just so darned good!!! The stakes are high, and the hunt is on. Danger lurks around every corner as Maeve and her guys continue the search for Gabriella and answers. Plus an MIA the First doesn't help matters either 😉. Get ready for a twisty turny, high adrenaline read! Of course there are *also* a few surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat!!! These characters kept me engaged every step of the way. I love this series oh so much.
This was just so darned good!!! The stakes are high, and the hunt is on. Danger lurks around every corner as Maeve and her guys continue the search for Gabriella and answers. Plus an MIA the First doesn't help matters either 😉. Get ready for a twisty turny, high adrenaline read! Of course there are *also* a few surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat!!! These characters kept me engaged every step of the way. I love this series oh so much.
May 13, 2024
In this book we get more of the challenges Mauve and everyone faces trying to locate Gabriella. We watch her relationships move forward while others have some troubles. This world is coming closer to its conclusion but we are not there yet and the ending will leave you needing more. With trouble with the First and ways to potentially move forward you won't want to miss out on this fantastic read.
May 17, 2024
Definitely a series I would recommend this is book 10 and just as good as the rest. The development in the storyline and the characters are great. Especially Ash’s dragon you can definitely see a growth. Leave has plenty of hard decisions in this book especially on who she can trust. Look forward to more.
May 27, 2024
Good filler book for the build up of events. 💩 Definitely hits the fan towards the end and I don't know how I'm going to patiently wait for the next book to find out what happens next 🙃 guess it's time for a re-read of the entire series while the last 85% of Winterfall Destiny lives rent free in my head.
May 19, 2024
Man, oh man, I will forever love this world. It's literally one of my all-time favorites! The suspense and twists and turns are just soo good! Although I love violet. Mauve is always gonna be my number one!!! Even though it's not spicy it's so freaking good
August 15, 2024
Winterfall Destiny
Wonderful addition to the Nightworld Academy series. I love the story but the ending is a little bit of a cliffhanger. I am hopeful that the next book comes out soon!
Wonderful addition to the Nightworld Academy series. I love the story but the ending is a little bit of a cliffhanger. I am hopeful that the next book comes out soon!
May 14, 2024
Oh Maeve! This is good and does have a cliffhanger but dang it's worth the ride so far it's so well written and some great twists I can not wait to see more!.
October 20, 2024
love this series....could not put it down. Waiting for May 2025 to get here. Awesome
December 16, 2025
Terrible translation into Italian! Too many errors.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews