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Fallen Light #3

Shadows of Nyn'Dira

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Book III in the Fallen Light series
To be read after The Forbidden Realms

Deep within the forests of Nyn’Dira, darkness rises, and Neer finds herself hunted at every turn. Fleeing from relentless enemies and vicious creatures of darkness, she embarks on a treacherous journey through the dangerous woodlands in search of strength and salvation.

As the humans push further into the forbidden lands, the Nasir and his men close in, finding strength in the blood of the innocent. With the balance beginning to shift, Neer is caught in a war she was never meant to be in, and is forced to make a decision that could change the tides of fate, or cause it all to collapse and burn.

475 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2023

7 people are currently reading
191 people want to read

About the author

H.C. Newell

5 books158 followers
H.C. Newell is a #1 best-selling author of dark and epic fantasy. She is best known for the Fallen Light fictional universe. Newell's work has been compared to authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Andrejz Sapkowski, and Robert Jordan among others.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for John Mauro.
Author 7 books976 followers
November 21, 2023
My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.

H.C. Newell mines new emotional depths in Shadows of Nyn’Dira, the third entry in her dark epic fantasy series, Fallen Light. Shadows of Nyn’Dira builds upon her already strong worldbuilding and character development from the first two books of the series, Curse of the Fallen and The Forbidden Realms, as well as her masterfully written novella, The Banished. I will keep this review completely spoiler-free for readers who have not yet started the series.

The lead protagonist of the Fallen Light series is Nerana Leithor, or Neer for short, a young woman who possesses forbidden magical powers. Neer is relentlessly pursued by the religious rulers of the human-controlled territories, who vilify her for her magical abilities.

As Shadows of Nyn’Dira opens, Neer finds herself in the titular elven forest, her body tired and broken following the events of The Forbidden Realms. H.C. Newell skillfully juxtaposes the awe-inspiring beauty of the Nyn’Dira forest with Neer’s feelings of dread and desolation.

Shadows of Nyn’Dira expands upon H.C. Newell’s world in every way, with increasingly powerful magic, deeper lore, and more extensive worldbuilding revealing a rich history and complex culture. Newell’s land of Laeroth feels truly “lived in,” much like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth or George R.R. Martin’s Westeros. H.C. Newell earns bonus points for direwolf representation, which is fully worthy of comparison to Martin’s A Game of Thrones.

Throughout Shadows of Nyn’Dira, H.C. Newell explores themes of individual, family, and cultural identity. Neer struggles to find her place, as she is rejected by her own people but can never fully integrate into the culture of a different race. At the same time, Neer must also confront her inner anger and decide whether to pursue a path of vengeance or one of forgiveness.

H.C. Newell adopts a slower pace in Shadows of Nyn’Dira compared to Curse of the Fallen and especially its breakneck sequel, The Forbidden Realms. The more measured pacing of Shadows of Nyn’Dira works effectively to develop the emotional depth of Neer and her inner circle of companions. Much of the world views Neer as a monster, and she is beginning to feel like one.

The story of Shadows of Nyn’Dira is engrossing from the first page and never lets up till the very end. The Fallen Light series is full of twists and turns, and H.C. Newell saves some of her biggest reveals for this third novel.

Shadows of Nyn’Dira is H.C. Newell’s finest work to date, a dark emotional masterpiece that delivers high-stakes fantasy action with intricate, immersive worldbuilding and plenty of unexpected twists that kept me glued to the pages. I eagerly await the fourth volume of her Fallen Light series.
Profile Image for Jamedi.
811 reviews143 followers
October 30, 2023
Review originally on JamReads

Shadows of Nyn'Dira is the third book in the grim fantasy series Fallen Light, written by H.C. Newell. Let me start the review by saying this book is a huge step up over the first two books, feeling as a solid start to the nucleus of the series, using the foundations established to in Curse of the Fallen and The Forbidden Realms, which were a way to introduce us to the basic of the worlds and make us establish a bond with the main characters, especially with Neerana and Aella.

As a product of it, the pacing is slower in comparison with the previous books, not as frenetic, leaning closer to what you could expect from epic fantasy. Newell spends more time delving into the nuances of the world and the background of the characters, while still advancing on the main plot that took us on extensive travel for books 1 and 2.

Moving the action to the forest of Nyn'Dira allows us to explore more about the evaesh and the conflict that is rising in the frontiers of the forest; Neer is struggling with the darkness inside her, and for Aella, coming back to those lands is a big shock. While it is still a dark fantasy book, the focus moves more towards the politics and the relationships between different settlements, dealing with the evil that is threatening to destroy Nyn'Dira.

I think Newell has found her distinctive voice in this book, a nice mix between the raw emotions and the epicness happening; while the worldbuilding is flawless in this book, characters have gained weight, and the use of multiple POV, jumping between them to enhance the emotional punches.

Shadows of Nyn'Dira is an excellent book, which couldn't be understood without taking into account the two previous books; and at the same time, shows what Newell can do in a fully fleshed world. If you like dark fantasy, you should pick the Fallen Light series as soon as possible.
Profile Image for Craig Bookwyrm.
251 reviews
October 26, 2023
Newell has certainly found her groove in this scintillating sequel.

Let me start by saying I didn't have as great a time with book 2 as I did with book 1, but I appreciate I'm in a minority with my personal opinion there. However, after reading book 3, and seeing how everything is coming together so satisfactorily, I am so glad I continued. It has given me a different perspective on the previous books as a result, and I'm happy to be wrong.

I suppose, books 1 and 2 can be considered world and lore building prequels in a sense. Along with their fast pacing and all out action, they throw a lot at you. Shadows of Nyn'Dira is the product of that groundwork, which has allowed the author to now spend more time with the characters, whilst still maintaining the solid world building and action sequences.

I found the pacing worked so much better for me in this book, and the character work is excellent. The pace perfectly balances the action of the previous books, with much improved character work, elevating this series to yet another level.

The world building, yet again, is brilliant, with lore, creatures, and magic that is intricately woven throughout the story.
But it's the characters that shine in this installment. The multiple POVs work so well to keep the story's momentum moving.

A few personal highlights I'd like to pick out from this book are, firstly, Y'ven's coming to terms with a disability and struggling to accept help. This is a great moment that resonated with me on a personal level, from a mental health perspective. 

Secondly, the atmospheric, vivid, forest of Nyn'Dira, which is brilliantly brought to life by the author's prose.

The writing is visceral and emotive - it both sings and screams. This is an author who has truly found their voice. And with Nerana, a new favourite main character.

With gut-punch moments, bloody gruesome battles, vivid imagery, and great character moments, I felt fully immersed in all the glory and gore of this story. 

Finally, just over halfway, Newell delivers a battle scene that is up there with some of my favourites I've read.

Newell 'famously' wore a t-shirt at DragonCon that said "The next Ryan Cahill" on it. After this book, and certainly if the rest of the series continues at this level, there will be authors wearing t-shirts stating "The next H.C. Newell"!
Profile Image for K.D. Marchesi.
Author 1 book86 followers
November 4, 2023
If I was impressed by books 1 and 2 in this series, book three knocked it out of the park for me.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot being a book three, so let me share some overall gushing and feelings about Shadows of Nyn'Dira and the craft progression thus far.

This is H.C. Newell's strongest work to date, this world bursts off the page and it shines through, it's vivid, immersive and ready to be explored.

Throughout the series H.C. Newell has been working to balance banter, action, worldbuilding and characters, this book does all of that and more. This is the type of book that excites me because I can see the past lessons learnt coming to fruition and making a solid read. When people say "X could be the next Tolkien" this is it. Not in the classical fantasy over the top description of trees sense but the sheer amount of effort that has been poured into this world. The races, the locations, the deepening of the lore and backstories continually increase with each book in the series.

Book three also does a great job of slowing down character moments and letting them breathe, there is far less reliance on fade to blacks and actions to make these scenes move. I cannot wait to see where this series goes because it is already a banger.

Watch out fantasy fans, H.C. Newell is coming.
Profile Image for Esmay Rosalyne.
1,444 reviews
October 31, 2023
This review was originally posted on Before We Go Blog

"Do not fear the night, for the darkest of creatures rise with the sun."

The epic Fallen Light series continues with Shadows of Nyn’Dira, which takes us into the deceptively beautiful and alluring evaesh forest. Grander, darker, heavier, and more emotional than ever before, Newell is absolutely on fire in the third instalment of this gripping dark fantasy series!

Whereas there was a bit of a time jump between book 1 and 2, this newest instalment picks up right after the devastating battle at the end of The Forbidden Realms. Newell wastes no time and smoothly sucks the readers back into the story, immediately reminding us of how dire the situation has gotten.
Neer once again finds herself scared and alone, with danger lurking around every corner. She never signed up to fight in this war, but she’s in the thick of it now and there’s no turning back. The fate of the world lies in her hands, but does she have the power to save it, or will she bring everything to ruin?

“It’s what I’ve always done, isn’t it? Fight someone else’s war. When will my life be mine? When will I ever get a choice?”

From the moment I started reading this series, I had been eager to explore the mysterious evaesh forest. And honestly, its alluring depiction here was even better than I ever could have imagined. I really loved how this forest just came to life before my eyes, feeling both so mesmerisingly magical and unsettlingly sinister at the same time.

Now, I know I am not the first reviewer to make this comparison, but the level of world building comes close to that of Tolkien in terms of its complexity and richness. Newell keeps expanding this epic world with effortless grace, both building on what’s already established while also continuing to introduce new intriguing concepts that keep you glued to the page.

Every aspect of the world building just feels so organic and well-developed; from the diverse races and cultures, to the made-up languages, to the extensive history, to the unique magical creatures, and to the incredibly rich lore. Every time I think I have uncovered everything there is to explore, it turns out that there is yet another deeper layer ready to be peeled back, and I absolutely love that.

“Give in to the power that has graced your soul. Untether, and be set free.”

In terms of plot and pacing, this instalment is also undoubtedly the strongest in the series so far. Book 1 and 2 were fairly action-packed and almost felt a bit hectic at times, but here the action is dialed down a bit and we get to really explore the physical and mental toll that this conflict is taking on these characters. And because of this more even balance, the action scenes ended up being more intense when they did hit, because I actually felt the emotional weight and believed the incredibly high stakes.

And trust me, the stakes are sky-high here. I am not exaggerating when I say that this instalment goes Poppy War and Dark Age levels of dark and disturbing, and I am personally 100% on-board for the direction this series is going in. Newell is doing an amazing job of depicting this war in a very nuanced and complex way, with good and bad people on both sides of the conflict. None of the factions in this war are monoliths and some of the antagonists are turning out to be much more complex than I was anticipating, which only increased the tension for me.

I am honestly really impressed with the powerful way that delicate themes such as mental health, grief, survivor’s guilt, self-doubt, and PTSD are explored in this story.
Each character has their own inner demons to fight and I really appreciate that we get to see them struggle, especially considering how much weight they are all carrying. All of their individual journeys are appropriately messy and full of mistakes, which is exactly what makes these characters so captivating to follow.

“Neer felt no pain. No confusion or regret. She was hollow. Death could take her away, and she’d allow it to pull her asunder.”

I was also very happy to see this unlikely and diverse motley crew all back together again after being separated in book 2, because the strong friendships and found family bonds are a highlight of this series for me.
Though, I do have to admit that I am not as emotionally invested in the characters as I would have expected and liked to be at this point in the series. As compelling as I find all the individual character arcs, I can’t help but feel like some characters are a little bit stagnant in their growth or feel more juvenile than I think is fitting or believable.

I think this is mainly due to the fact that some of the dialogue and inner monologue felt a bit too melodramatic or cheesy for me, almost coming close to something I’d expect to see in a CW show. And though I enjoy the more light-hearted banter as a counterbalance to all the chaos, trauma, and destruction, I actually think some scenes felt jarring here considering how grave and dark the overall tone of the story has gotten by this point.

All that said, where the character work and emotional connection might be a bit lacking for me personally, there’s no denying that the world building, plot progression, and overall vision for this series has only become stronger and stronger.
There are countless exciting reveals, both in terms of the world building and in terms of the characters’ backstories, that honestly shocked me to my core. And on top of that, Newell is also a master at building up tension and invoking a sense of dread, which kept me glued to the page from start to finish.

“Forgiveness brings peace to the mind, vengeance brings power to the soul.”

Even with my minor quibbles, I still had an absolute blast reading (or rather, devouring) this book and I actually consider this my favourite instalment in the series so far. It truly feels like Newell has found her stride as an author with Shadows of Nyn’Dira, which gets me extremely excited to see where she is going to take things next.
If you haven’t yet picked up the Fallen Light series, I think you are sorely missing out. This is the engaging and dark twist on a sprawling Tolkien-esque fantasy that you didn’t know you needed!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Charles Cavendish.
50 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2024
Full review to come but for now. What series this is developing into!

Shadows is a shift from the fast pacing of the first two books but in my view this change in pace serves the story well. The stakes are higher, the perils facing our protagonists seem unrelenting and there even more nightmarish creatures.

Whilst this book does have a darker tone it really takes the series to the next level. Mark my words these books will become a classics (if they aren’t already).
Profile Image for Chad.
544 reviews29 followers
October 22, 2024
4.75 Stars

My journey into the Fallen Light series by N.C. Newell began with book one (Curse of the Fallen) in July of 2023. I was hooked from that point on. Over the next year I read the second book (The Forbidden Realms) as well as a supporting novella (The Banished). I've been wanting to get to book three (Shadows of Nyn'Dira) since the end of January and I finally got to it here in October.

The pacing was well done. I'm going to attempt to describe the pacing in my own words and hope it comes across well. There is plenty of suspense and action to be found in this fantasy tale. I wouldn't exactly describe it as fast, slow or smooth though. Part of this may be due to the fact I wanted to take this one a bit slow and really enjoy my return to this series. The tale being told seemed very methodical to me is the best way I can describe it. There are plenty of eb and flow to be found throughout but the timing often seemed just right to me.

There are some interesting names of characters and locations throughout this book but by this point in the series, I think I've settled into how to pronounce them in my head.

The world building continues to grow as the story continues in another new region and what I'll say biome. We've left the arid desert type of region and have returned to lush yet dark forest where it seems there is always something lurking in these shadows! We have much more involvement with the council and it's members this time around which along with some visions or flashbacks really add even more depth to this world. The magic continues to be uniquely entertaining as some characters still wield it better than others. The factions with their alliances and bickering add some good flavor to things throughout this read as well.

Then we have the characters. Many characters have returned and many paths have lead these characters back to each other as this story progresses. The depth and complexity to most of the characters in this story is certainly one of my favorite aspects. The way the author continues to deal with the number of relationships between all of these different characters, their cultures and for some their prejudices is fantastic. We also get to meet some new characters in this one which bring some new life to things.

In closing I'd like to say a couple of things. The first is the fact I have no idea how I missed this information but going into this read, I thought this was the end of a trilogy. I was about 15-20% left in the book and was wondering how the author was going to wrap up such an epic tale in such a short amount of time where things were in the story. I was a bit shocked at the end and then at the back of the book it lists the names of all six books including the three yet to be released. I was floored at that point. It definitely changed how I experienced the ending of Shadows of Nyn'Dira. I might have received the ending a bit better knowing this going into this book though. So if you're like me, know this isn't the end of this story by any means.

The other shouldn't be new to anyone who have already read the first two or three books before this read. Our author is NOT afraid to kill characters. So while I encourage to enjoy all the characters and this tale, always be prepared to possible lose some of your favorites. Death is certainly part of this world. This is also a very emotional draining dark story. I've had a lot of these lately and its actually taking a bit of a toll on me at this point. I've decided to change gears a bit for the rest of October and try to get in some shorter and perhaps lighter of heart type of reads.

All in all I'm loving this series and if any of the above sounds like something you'd enjoy, check out the Fallen Light series by H.C. Newell. If you've already started and just need to catch up, get on it but take your time and enjoy this ride as dark and dreary as it may be at times.
Profile Image for Dee Hancocks.
600 reviews10 followers
August 17, 2023
This is book three of the Fallen Light series, which is fast becoming a favourite series of mine. The story is set within the forests of Nyn’Dira, the writing is so rich in detail down the dappled light and colours of this world. The characters have a dark journey full of challenges, magic and very scary creatures. Action is well balanced with pure aww inducing romance. The found family vibes shine through, as do the animal companions. There’s wit and charm within this dark fantasy, themes such as mental health and grief are well explored. My only warning would give would be to start this book when you have time, there are multiple cliff hangers that mean you just have to keep reading!
Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read this book early as an alpha. This is a voluntary view of my own thoughts.
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,429 reviews76 followers
December 17, 2023
In "Shadows of Nyn'Dira," H.C. Newell propels readers back into a world teetering on the edge of darkness.

One of the commendable aspects of this installment is the evident drastic growth in the author's writing skill level. The narrative takes a significant step forward, with a noticeable reduction in pacing issues. The author's increased proficiency in storytelling allows for a more immersive experience, keeping me engaged without the distraction of confusing narrative flow. These don't fully disappear, but they barely register now. An appreciable adjustment comes in the form of clarified terminology. The author wisely addresses potential confusion, recognizing that while the immersive language contributes to world-building, occasional reminders through footnotes serve as helpful guideposts for readers. This thoughtful approach enhances the overall reading experience, allowing the intricate details of the world to be absorbed more seamlessly.

The world-building itself continues to impress, expanding with each chapter. The immersive quality of the narrative, coupled with the deepening complexity of the characters and their relationships, contributes to the overall richness of the story. The grimdark nature of the world is palpable, creating an atmosphere that grows darker with each turn of the page. A noteworthy element is the exploration of the found family dynamic, adding layers of complexity to the characters' relationships. These aren't perfect people and that feels so realistic. As the characters navigate the brutal and unforgiving landscape, the bonds forged in adversity add emotional depth.

"Shadows of Nyn'Dira" stands as a testament to the author's evolving storytelling prowess, offering readers a gripping tale set in a dark and brutal world. As the story delves deeper into the complexities of its characters and the ominous forces at play, it leaves readers eager to accompany these characters on their perilous journey in the books to come.
Profile Image for David.
31 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2023
N - New Environment: The setting of book 3 in the Fallen Light series is probably my favourite yet. A mystical and dangerous forest spanning many miles, full of evil yet home to villages of both elves and half elves (known as E'liaa). The way the author writes and describes the forest planted me firmly alongside the characters throughout their journey. I felt the danger, the fear. I could smell the smoke from their campfires. I could feel the cold of the morning.

E - Emotion: The topic of loss and mourning continued on from book 2. The loss of Loryk still weighs heavily on Neer, but now we get to see the complex emotions and interactions that she has with Klaud, essentially the reason for Loryk's demise. Seeing her pure rage and the magic that feeds off of it made her unpredictable which I thoroughly enjoyed. Having Neer as flawed rather than a Mary Sue really gives her complexity; a refreshing take.

R - Reunion: The reunions of various characters from throughout the trilogy in this book were something that I felt was done extremely well. A lot of series tend to gloss over reunions in an unsatisfactory way or skip them entirely. Having characters see each other again after some time apart was really nice to witness and read about. And, as mentioned, reading about Neer meeting Klaud again was...turbulent in the best way.

A - Action: As always, the author is fantastic at writing action sequences. She does not shy away from the gruesome aspects of battles and conflict. Particularly the final chapter (which I won't spoil). The fight scenes were descriptive and nobody was safe. I didn't know at any point who was going to live and who was going to die which made the book particularly hard to put down in those moments.

N - Nature: I adored the nature in this forest. From the glowing plants to the twisted kanavin. H.C Newell has a fantastic imagination when it comes to monsters. I've enjoyed basically all of them so far. They're creepy, evil and best of all, threatening. Our characters rarely come out of a fight without a few scrapes which hammers home how dangerous they can be.

A - Atmosphere: The energy and atmosphere of this book is immersive. As I mentioned, I felt pulled into this book, teleported to this magical forest. Doom and dread were always in the background, a threat lingering from the vicious and nasty Klae'til. To keep the momentum of the story going whilst keeping this ominous atmosphere is impressive. I never felt like the threat was gone even if the characters were having a relaxing moment or spending time with one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jules.
26 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2023
If you are looking for a gripping, exciting, fantastic fantasy read with deep character development and visual delights, this is the book (and series) for you.

Newell continues in the same heart-stopping pace she writes the two preceding Fallen Light books with. She captivates the imagination and carries it away with her word magic. I couldn't put it down! She writes with such vividity that when I reluctantly had to put the book down to do mum things I would find myself replaying the book movie style in my mind, eager to find out what challenge or event would happen next.

Riveting. Dynamic. Relatable. EPIC!

I can not wait for the next instalment.

I was given an Advanced eReader Copy in exchange for an honest review. I was also lucky enough to be part of the Alpha reader group. All views are my own. Book to be released 31 October 2023-Time enough for those of you who have not had the pleasure of falling into this remarkable world to catch up!
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,081 reviews32 followers
November 3, 2023
Shadows of Nyn'Dira is the continuation of the Fallen Light series, and if you're not reading this series...what are you even doing?? Do you like Tolkein and others like him? Yes? Then grab this book!
This author's storytelling is absolutely sublime and is going to engage you from the first page of this book and the other previous.
Shadows of Nyn'Dira starts out with a prologue that will have questions bubbling inside of your mind. What is going on?! What is going to happen next?! The stage is being set, and my recommendation? Clear your day, because you won't be putting this book down once you start. Trust me. My intent? To clear a week of my life to sit and simply soak in these books as I reread them from the beginning.
Okay, back to the book - the next thing after the prologue? A "Wanted" poster. The Order is striking up their attempts to track down Neer. Can she just get a break? No? Fine. LOL! Because when this book picks up, Neer has been separated from her friends, and is now trying to find them. Things aren't going well in that respect, but not all is bleak! She makes a new friend! Thurandir! You're going to love him. I promise. He's a touch innocent, but he's a character who is going to grow on you the more you learn about him.
Prepare for hair-raising moments. I don't mean crazy scary either. I mean the sign that this book is going to be truly amazing! Yeah, when that happens I just know that a book is going to be crazy good. Brace yourself for a cliffhanger, but this author has yet to disappoint so you'll be looking forward to the next when it comes.
Exceptional novel - 5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Marilyn.
735 reviews52 followers
November 22, 2024
I absolutely love this series! Curse of the Fallen and the short story The Banished are some of my favorite books. The Forbidden Realms was very good as well, but there was lots of worldbuilding and new characters to get to know, which made it a tougher read but still enjoyable.
Every character has his or her own voice, sharp and clear. This is an epic fantasy tale with a myriad cast of players which has created an amazing world. Not to mention the awesome and unusual nasty creatures that lurk in the darkness. But I must give special recognition to the best direwolf companion, Blaid. He is the best boy.
There is so much happening in this story. Newell has really hit her stride. The prose is topnotch. I love the lure and magic of the forest and the ko’ehlaeu’at better known as magical trees that keep the world in balance.
More people need to read this series! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jeremy Schwab.
49 reviews11 followers
October 15, 2023
Once again H.C. Newell gifts us with another installment in this quickly rising "Fallen Light" series. Book 3 "Shadows of Nyn'Dira" showcases Newell's continued progression in her craft! The story is deeper, world building expanded, stakes higher, and the loss...you guessed it, even more heartbreaking and brutal. So pumped to have gotten a eARC for this rollercoaster of a book!

Neer, Aella and their busted, beaten band of warriors continue their quest through dark lands and little hope, to reset the balance for everyone in Nyn'Dira. While the pace does seem to back off slightly from books 1 and 2, we get a bigger, longer story this time around that fleshes out the relationships and backstories to even more of our characters. However, not to deter from the main theme of this dark series...when the action and trials are front and center, we are smashed in the face with brutality, horror, heroism, loss and sheer grit! Our group is reunited again from the separation we saw them go through in book 2 and the Novella "The Banished" and every single one of them is tested time and time again in Shadows. Families are reunited and strained relationships are tested even further. If they are to see this quest to the end our group is realizing that no matter their past differences, they will need each other to hopefully succeed.

The enemies overwhelming strength in dark energy is on full display in this one, and we get a understanding of who and what our mixed band is facing. Ruthless, powerful and closing in from every direction, war has found our hero's. With the balance shifting to the dark...can Neer, Aella and the rest overcome personal, physical and magical loss to take on this strengthen threat?! The path forward is perilous and riddled with probable loss and pain...but having basically lived their lives through just that up to this point, our group is the only ones that hold hope in seeing this through.

More emotional writing and deeper world building push this book and series to new heights. Doing that and still holding the darkness that this series is built around is a testament to the level of writing Newell has reached. I can only assume the story gets bigger and badder from here, especially with the ending we get here! 🤯 Grab a drink cause your gonna need it for this ride! 🥃 Wow! 🔥

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and seriously...book 4 needs to be in my hands like now! 😋📚
Profile Image for Permanently_Booked.
1,104 reviews58 followers
October 29, 2023
I just turned the last page on Shadows of Nyn’Dira. It's the third book in the Fallen Light series and I'm not only fully invested but completely addicted.

▫️Dark Fantasy
▫️Undead
▫️Blood & Gore
▫️Suicidal Ideations (alluded)
▫️Action Scenes

Just to name a few things to wet your whistle. Since it's the third in a series I don't want to give too much away. It's the novel that takes the intricacies of book 2 and really makes you appreciate where everything is headed.

The setting focus is the mysterious forest and there are not enough words to properly describe how fantastically descriptive and consuming Newell's world building is. Each book gets better and better and this may be the icing on the cake for me. It's also darker and more foreboding with a chefs kiss level of high stakes.

The characters are ones that live in your heart long past the last chapter. The handling of grief, disabilities, past actions and the weight of things to come resonate in this novel and add a relatable narrative. For me as a reader the inner monologue and regular dialogue did get repetitive and sometimes too cheesy, but thats just me and didn't hurt my love of this book.

I've seen this said and I cannot agree more, think Lord of the Rings intricacy level with character development, plot depth and descriptive world building. I'm hooked y'all.

I cannot thank @escapistbookco enough for the tour opportunities and introducing me to a new favorite author. I'll be stalking for the next release. True rating 4.5/5.
Profile Image for Joshua Edwards.
Author 4 books41 followers
November 30, 2024
This is a review that's long overdue. I finished Book 3 in the Fallen Light series one month after the joy of learning my wife was pregnant; I write this now with a baby boy sleeping across the room. There's a good chance (100%) I've forgotten the finer details of Shadows of Nyn'Dira, but I have the opportunity to review this through the lens of what stuck with me after all these months.

I'm also sleep-deprived, for what it's worth. Let's begin.

Shadows of Nyn'Dira kicks off right after the events of The Forbidden Realms with our party of characters scattered after teleporting into the forest of Nyn'Dira. This enchanting woodland is gorgeously conveyed, with luminous fungal blooms, imaginative wildlife, and looming danger beyond each massive tree. Drawing more on the series' Skyrim inspiration, I couldn't help but picture the Nirnroot glowing near each rock and pond in Blackreach, swapping out an underground cave for a dank, overgrown forest.

Nyn'Dira is also the home of Evae (don't call them elves, that's a slur), target of an invasion by humans, and brimming with deadly creatures. All of which are problematic for Neer, weakened as she is by the confrontation at the end of book two. Much of the beginning of this story sees her trying to reunite with her friends in these unwelcoming lands with few allies to rely upon. Eventually she succeeds, but even then, she isn't out of the woods yet (ba dum tss).

There's plenty of character conflict to sustain the story even after the party is reunited, and the writing really shines when it's used to show how dangerous and unpredictable Neer and her powers are while leaving me wondering if there's some outside influence in this forest that's causing her to become even more volatile. I loved those parts.

I also enjoyed getting to know Klaud and Avelloch much better after their absence from The Forbidden Realms. The book does a fine job showing their history growing up together and how they grew apart in many ways. All of which serves to bring them into more conflict with each other, Neer, and Aella. Again, great stuff.

All of this builds to some hard-hitting moments as war begins to rage and towns are attacked by creatures of darkness. Newell certainly isn't afraid to kill off characters. In fact, I'm pretty sure she enjoys doing it. It's all for the best – though I will say one character I really liked deserved better than to go out in such a horrific way.

Anyway, despite me only harping on about the interesting character dynamics so far, I was also impressed with how the book concluded. I love when a story conveys a sense that the world has changed in some significant way, and this book nailed that feeling.

There are two elements I want to critique. First, despite enjoying the drama between our party members, occasionally the dialogue verged on melodrama and pulled me out of the story. Some of the beats during these scenes were a bit overdone when the dialogue was already clear enough to convey the characters' emotions. Second, there were some chapters in the middle that felt like they could have been tightened up. I got the sense that plot progression stalled for the sake of one or two too many heart-to-hearts between characters, and they kept going back to the same location several times. Some may enjoy those chapters, but I prefer when the plot continuously flows rather than getting stuck in some eddies.

Those are fairly small gripes. Mainly, I enjoyed seeing how Neer's darkness increasingly became a problem for everyone to deal with. That's what pulled me through the story – there are other character arcs going on, but this is a Neer-focused book. I'm cool with that, as she's my favorite character in the series. I made a prediction after Curse of the Fallen that this series is essentially her villain origin story, and while nothing is confirmed by this book, I still feel pretty good about that prediction. Even if that's not where this story is headed, I'm excited to see how the shadows she faced in Nyn'Dira and in herself shape the entwined fates of the world and her friends.

4 / 5 ⭐

Originally published at joshse.com/shadows-of-nyndira
Profile Image for Katie.
147 reviews8 followers
November 22, 2023
H.C. Newell delivers another beautifully immersive novel in her Fallen Light Series. Book three, Shadows of Nyn’Dira, picks up right where we left our motley crew. Neer is alone and fervently searching for her friends, but of course all goes awry. Newell’s story telling pulls you deeper into the evaesh forest of Nyn’Dira, a place humans are forbidden from entering. With sinister creatures lurking in the shadows, Nyn’Dira is not a haven for anyone. I love the world building in this series. You get to travel to far reaches of the continent with the characters and experience in detail what they are seeing and feeling.

Newell’s writing grips the reader at the edge of their seat. From striking imagery to emotional dialogue, you’ll love the pace of this book as it slows down quite a bit compared to the first two books. It paves the way for genuine character development while also maintaining the same level of intensity as a lot is on the line as war is looming between all races. I love the attention Newell brings to showcase her characters and the tension between everyone in the group. We get to see more of the secondary characters and their interactions with the world. Shadows of Nyn’Dira create a good balance between all the books in the Fallen Light series. I am looking forward to the rest of the books and how they differ in tones, themes, and development.

The only personal reservation I have with the characters is between Neer and her love interest. I felt in book 1 things went from zero to hundred real quick, which I gave the benefit of the doubt because it’s fantasy – crazier things have happened in books. Then in book 2 they were separated so there wasn’t any romance and I really rooted for a side character who is a flirt. As I read Shadows of Nyn’Dira I kept thinking that Neer’s relationship didn’t feel believable. I wanted more, even though Newell wrote scenes of vulnerability and explored a more silent, unspoken bond between them. Again, this is only a personal preference, as I know many will still enjoy the narrative being written.

You’ll experience pain, grief, excitement, love, and so much more as you continue to follow Neer and her friends in Shadows of Nyn’Dira. For readers who love magic, fantasy, action, I cannot recommend this series enough!
385 reviews41 followers
November 24, 2024
Oh, what to say about this series?! It's just gotten better and better, and this third book was the epitome of that!

It was another gripping read, with fast paced action from start to finish.

I loved being reunited with Neer and co. Although considering the high stakes, I'm not sure following their journey did much for my heart rate. So much danger at every turn!

I can't wait to continue the journey in Book 4! If you haven't read this series, then what are you waiting for?! Go read it!
Profile Image for Boris Williams.
13 reviews
July 2, 2024
Shadows of Nyn’Dira is a captivating and emotionally charged fantasy that has stayed with me long after turning the final page. H.C. Newell has delivered a narrative that is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable odds. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a richly woven tale of conflict, magic, and redemption.

When I first started reading the Fallen Light series, I was immediately captivated by the intricate world built upon the longstanding conflict between humans and elves (evae). The animosity between these races, stemming from decades of war and hatred, sets a compelling and tension-filled backdrop. As I followed the journey of Nerana, a human protagonist grappling with a fate worse than death, I found myself drawn deeply into her plight.

Nerana's story is one of relentless pain and suffering. From the very start, it’s clear that her ability to wield magic—a power humans were never meant to have—sets her apart in the most harrowing of ways. She is regarded as a demon by all races, facing widespread scorn and isolation. Newell's portrayal of Nerana’s internal and external struggles is both vivid and poignant. The magic she wields, while powerful, brings her immense agony, presenting a constant battle between her duty and the personal toll it exacts.

The world Newell has crafted is richly detailed and immersive. The mother tree, Galdir, the source of all magic, is dying, and with its decline, the world faces an encroaching darkness. This imminent disaster adds urgency to Nerana’s quest. As I read, I was continually questioning whether she could be the savior the world needs or if the torment she endures would ultimately consume her, turning her into the catalyst for its destruction.

The characters around Nerana, from multiple races, add significant depth to the narrative. Their interactions with her highlight deep-seated prejudices and the tentative alliances that form in the face of a greater threat. The dark creatures described throughout the story are both terrifying and fascinating, adding to the sense of danger and unpredictability.

Newell's writing style is both lyrical and gripping, capturing the high stakes and emotional intensity of the plot. The trials Nerana faces are grueling, designed to break even the most hardened warriors. Yet, it is her resilience and determination that stand out, making her a character I couldn't help but root for. Her journey is a powerful exploration of themes such as prejudice, pain, and the struggle for redemption.

As I turned the pages, I couldn't help but ponder the important questions raised by the story: Can a world marred by hatred find unity? Can one individual, despite immense burdens, change the course of destiny? Nerana’s journey left me contemplating her ultimate role in the fate of a crumbling world: will she be its savior, or will she become the very force that leads to its destruction?
Profile Image for Beki T.
16 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2023
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this book as an alpha, and I am thankful for that honour. That being said, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well, what can I say...its a bit of a roller coaster and lots of WTF moments. It's one of those reads that you want to hurry up and finish because you're desperate to know what is going to happen, but at the same time, you want to savour every dark and twisted bit of it.

There were moments I wanted to reach into the story and slap some of the characters and then, within a few lines, wanted to hug them. The author has done a great job at conveying the emotions of each character. The desperation is palpable!

The story follows our plucky group through the dangerous and enemy ridden forests of Nyn'Dira. Who is going to stand with them? Who will turn against them? There are moments of sheer panic, frustration, and love all set to the backdrop of impending doom.

Galdir, for me, was one of those moments I'd like to see on the big screen so I can drink in every nightmare bit of it.

I can't wait to read more.
47 reviews
October 21, 2023
This third book in the Fallen Light series is jaw dropping. Newell’s writing has improved so much as she writes this series. She pulls the reader into the story with intricate descriptions of the landscape, the character interactions and dialogue, and the many horrifying creatures that plague them throughout the book. All the characters are reunited in this book and we meet a few new ones. Newell continues her masterful world building and we learn more about the history of the world and what is at stake. There are heart stopping moments, tearful moments, heart warming moments and WTF moments! Newell takes you on quite the ride in this book and I look forward to the next book to see what she has in store for these characters.
18 reviews
October 31, 2023
Another amazing installment by the great H. C. Newell.
The first time I got to read the first book in the series, I felt I was in a video game, and it was amazing to be able to read and "play" at the same time. The third book is on the same level of the 1st and 2nd when it comes to grabbing the attention of the readers! In this one, we get to spend more time with the characters and really get to know them. We have battle, love, romance, PTSD, finding and accepting one's self and much more. H. C. Newell is well on her way to establish herself and her series as one of the great must-reads. The action-packed fast-pased book goes on to bring together all the lore and events of the previous 2 books and explore more magic and world building while giving us insight into the characters personalities and their development. The series as a whole is definitely worth reading! The author is a new voice and was able to create her own world and set it on the same bar as the famous works of the same genre.
Profile Image for Beware.the.Jabberwock.
13 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2023
Wow, what an amazing book! The balance was perfect throughout of cosy aspects and dark aspects, including frienships/relationships/found family, and dark action, magic and creatures.

There is a particular animal addition that I adore! I think everybody reading will become obsessed as well.

Newell's writing is excellent and whenever I picked up this book, I was transported into the world, which is one of my favourite things in a great fantasy book.

There were parts where I felt terrified of the nightmares that I would have, and parts where I felt my heart warm.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Burt.
23 reviews
September 26, 2023
This book is a masterpiece! you can tell how far HC has come in her writing! The characters and the imagery are outstanding! This book will keep you on the edge of your chair the whole time. This is the best one of the series by far! I hope that the next book comes out sooner than later, I need more. Anyone who follows HC on social media knows the running joke of her waiting to be like Ryan, soon it will be everyone waiting to be like her! keep up the great work and i am so glad that i get to follow along in these journeys.
Profile Image for Lara R..
346 reviews8 followers
October 27, 2023
I just love this series because it has it all. Strong female and male characters, lots of different magical creatures, a gripping story and quite a few twists and turns.

In this third installment of the series the author takes us into the forest and I'm so happy about it. This is literally the best setting for fantasy in my opinion and then there's also a wolf. Give me a wolf in a story and I simply have to read it🥰

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and can't wait to see what more our motley crew will have to face.
Profile Image for Amalia Tselemegkou.
Author 8 books8 followers
September 18, 2023
Deeper you get in Neer’s adventure, it’s getting better and better. I loved the depth of the story and its lurking darkness. And finally, some cupid arrows in the air that I was so much expecting since book one! The third book is my favorite at the minute, fighting for the first place in my heart with the novella that we’re finally seeing Avelloch's return! A girl can have a soft spot for an Avaeish warrior, right?
Profile Image for ENIGMASEDGE.
21 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2023
Another unstoppable page turner

Newell makes the series flow so well together and packs so much into this one book. It will leave you wanting more. I don’t want to wait so long for her next book because her writing style is absolutely amazing and character development is incredible.
30 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2023
Darker and Bloodier

Our characters continue to get put through the ringer as they try to bring balance back to the world. The future looks bleak, but there is reason for hope. The journey continues.
Profile Image for Seanchalant.
134 reviews27 followers
January 15, 2024
With Shadows of Nyn’Dira, H.C. Newell takes everything that was great about Curse of the Fallen and The Forbidden Realms and turns it up to 11.

Picking up right where we left off in The Forbidden Realms, we find Neer lost and alone in the mysterious woods of Nyn’Dira. But not alone for long, as we see some faces we’ve been missing for quite some time, as well as others we haven’t missed for too long, finally bringing the cast together in one not so happy family.

While the last two books were wall-to-wall action, this time Newell pumps the brakes a little bit so we can catch up with all the characters. But that doesn’t mean the action isn’t there. The battle scenes in this novel are absolutely phenomenal, with huge stakes, bloody violence, terrifying monsters and loss. No one is safe in this series and that sentiment is doubled-down upon in this entry.

The lore and magic is unveiled like never before, with revelations that change everything. While Curse and Realms feel largely stand-alone, in Shadows we tie everything together. It’s here we learn what the big bad is as the main-arc of the series as a whole starts to bloom. I won’t get into detail about any of that but believe me when I say it is brilliant and horrifying.

Where this book truly shines, as did the previous entries, is the characters. Neer is given time to really think about who she wants to be and reckon with what she’s become. She is given some tough choices and her decisions were both surprising and completely believable. Aella gets her share of the spotlight as well having some incredible development and great twists involving her past. Every character is given equal treatment, whether they’re POV characters or not, but knowing who may be considered a spoiler to some so I’ll leave that for you to discover on your own.

Shadows of Nyn’Dira is the third in a six book series that shows no signs of slowing down. Less action doesn’t mean less tension, with some of the most stressful scenes containing no violence. But less doesn’t mean none and the action and violence has never been more visceral in this series. H.C. Newell steps up her game in every respect, delivering a bloody, scary, heartbreaking novel that raises the stakes and sets the stage for the back half of this sure to be amazing series. So batten down the hatches, A Storm of Sorrows is on the horizon…

Profile Image for Amanda Trusty.
7 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2023
This series has become a favorite of mine! I love all the detail and all the work she put into these books. She gets so in depth with the details not only for the larger picture of the story, but even the smallest little things get a lot of attention. She makes you feel as if you were right there walking next to Neer! I love all the characters and their backstories sure hope there's another book soon to come....:) A big shout out to the author for allowing me the privilege to read this book as an alpha reader! I can't wait to start another book, I think I'll go check out The Banished!!
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