Days of the Dark

Highglade #3

by D.L. Jennings

For some, even death is not the end . . . . Across countless generations, the bloodthirsty chovathi were confined to their subterranean lairs – but when a new power joins with them and their hive-mind, even the gods of creation find themselves threatened. Ahmaan Kaa, the outcast Lord of the Dead, seeks to use the chaos sown by the chovathi to oust the gods of creation and seat himself upon the throne – and the last hope for humanity reveals itself in the most unlikely of places, and from the most unlikely of allies.

Who will claim control over the realms of mortals and gods? Find out in Days of the Dark, the thrilling conclusion to the Award-winning Highglade Series, where D.L. Jennings once again transports listeners to the war-torn lands first visited in Gift of the Shaper and Awaken the Three.

590 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Michelle Boutin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be selected as an ARC reader for Days of the Dark (thanks Dave!) and was elated because I didn’t want to wait to read the final book of the series. Days of the Dark did not disappoint! Every string wove together into a beautiful tapestry. If I HAD to choose, think my favorite part was the character development of Duna, a strong female role. However, between gods and mortals, Athrani and Khyth, everybody will have somebody to love.

[Cassandra J · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost thank you to the author for this ARC and for dealing with my constant yelling at him for the events throughout the book. I’ll be sending you my therapy bill. 😂

What a story. What a journey. And what an epic end. 𝑫𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 is third and final book to this fantastic fantasy series. It’s has been a whirlwind of a journey and I was absolutely captivated by it even if it broke my heart a couple times. Haha The immersion of fantasy lore and world building alone enchants you but it’s the turbulent road following each of his characters and their triumphant and struggles that has you enthralled, that in the end bring them all together for one final stance to restore the worlds balance. The multiple POVs covers each battle happening across the lands keeps you engaged. The anticipation and anxiety sat at an all time high for me (in a good way) truly not knowing which way any of them were going to go and I say with all the confidence I definitely cried with how devoted and strong some of the warriors fought. It’s hard not to get attached seeing the growth and connecting with them which in my opinion is the absolute definition of a true epic fantasy. Getting so immersed in the fantasy and being upset with the author for making you love and connect so much with a world and not wanting harm to happen to the characters you’ve grown attached to. The last and final battle I don’t think I had a dry eye in any of the chapters. I don’t even think I breathed the last quarter of the book.

This finale was nothing short of “wtf” moments and surprises for me. I absolutely have to commend Jennings writing of his characters especially the women. If it didn’t come through how strong and respected they were in the first books it sure as all hell is shown in this one. I look forward to more by Jennings and what’s going to come next in his next fantasy world.

[Andrea Borg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to receive this book as an ARC reader which I am so thankful for because boy was this enjoyable. Another reader pointed out how Dave writes his female characters so well and I would have to agree. They don't feel cheesy or like some object with a mouth. It's nice to see how they have real depth, a brain, and flaws. This book is such a great ending to the trilogy and I think Dave wrapped it up well. If you have read the first two and enjoyed them then I should think you will enjoy this one. If you haven't read them, then I highly encourage you to give them a try. It'll be worth it!

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be a spoiler free review so I’m going to keep it brief and just tell you to read this series!
The Wolfwalkers, The Farsteppers, Sera, Tennech, and Duna were my favs!
I am always impressed by Jennings’ creative world and magic system. BUT what tops that for me in this third and final book is the long list of characters and all their complexities. I can’t even fathom how Jennings created this many characters along with their backstories, siblings, (possible) love interest etc.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES! This whole series was a wonderful journey. The character depth. The magic system. The plot twists! There’s emotional moments and humor. It’s not just following one character, but a true display of good versus evil, and some characters you’re not sure which side they’re on. Overall, this series was such a comforting epic fantasy that I can see myself re-reading!

[Brandie Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed the journey through this series! This story has such a unique feel to it, with a vast world, layered plotlines, and a writing style that clearly shows a lot of care and intention.

The first book is still my favorite. It pulled me in right away with a strong setup and characters I was curious to follow. The second book, Awaken the Three, kept that momentum going bringing in new characters and twists.

Book three still had a lot of great moments, but I found it more difficult to stay fully engaged. There were plenty of twists, and while I usually love that, it felt like there were just a few too many. Some were genuinely surprising, others I saw coming, but after a while, it started to feel like the story was stretching itself out. Because of that, the pacing slowed for me during this final book.

That said, I really appreciated how the plot all came together in the end. Each chapter ended in a way that made me want to keep reading, even during slower sections. I also thought the multiple points of view were handled really well. They added depth without ever becoming confusing or disjointed.

One thing that stood out to me across all three books is that while I liked the characters, I didn’t feel deeply connected to any of them. I was invested in the story as a whole, but I never got that emotional attachment where I would have felt truly heartbroken if something happened to a specific character. That lack of connection is probably my biggest personal takeaway.

Still, this was an ambitious series that offered something really different from a lot of fantasy I’ve read. Even with the slower pacing at the end, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy twisty plots, a wide cast of characters, and a richly built world!

Series overall rating - 4.75 🌟

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a war-torn world of magic and wonder, a ruthless god fights for control over all the realms of creation. Standing in his way are brave mortal warriors: a nigh-legendary old soldier, a blacksmith’s apprentice, a female soldier, and a young warrior queen. As they struggle to maintain control of their destinies, they must face the blight of the pale chovathi, a ravenous horde of horrific, horse-like monsters that are almost impossible to kill. If they cannot fight off the countless scores of chovathi, they won’t even live to see if the outcast Lord of the Dead, Ahmaan Kaa, succeeds in his dark quest.

In this desperate situation, the influence of a more benevolent god, The Shaper, becomes key to maintaining control of the human world and the realm of the dead alike. Sera, the female soldier known as the Godseed, may save the world, but she might just as easily doom it to destruction. Humans channel gods, and gods seek help from mortals as the situation grows ever more desperate. Strange alliances will be formed and tested, and there is no victory without great cost.

In the award-winning Highglade Series, D.L. Jennings presents an epic, meticulously imagined fantasy world filled with humor, lots of strong women, and a tale that feels unique and fresh.

“Days of the Dark” is the third book in the series, so it goes without saying that interested readers should probably start at the beginning with “The Gift of the Shaper,” Book One. However, we are evaluating the book on its own merits, and it is possible to understand most of the narrative if you jump in on Book 3; just be prepared to spend some time perusing the large glossary at the back of the book that explains terms.

Highglade has plenty of characters, locations, and special vocabulary, and it will take quite a few chapters to get comfortable with the book’s vividly detailed world. Some readers will enjoy this profusion of special terminology, a critical ingredient to world-building, while others may find it a bit tedious. It’s a bit reminiscent of Robert Jordan’s “The Wheel of Time” in this sense.

The chapters in this book tend to be very short, which makes it fun to consume, kind of like popcorn. It’s so easy to tell yourself “I’ll just read one more chapter” and look up three hours later to wonder where the time went. There is a lot of heavy material in “Days of the Dark,” but a persistent touch of wry humor keeps the narrative from ever getting too dark for its own good.

Naturally, there are some limitations. Characters spend a lot of time traveling between locations, and considering that they are on horses, camels, or on foot, that’s only natural, but it can get tiresome. If you cut out the parts of the book where characters are just en route to their next location, you would lose a significant chunk of the story. Two of the most interesting characters, Alysana the knife-wielding heroine, and Thornton the blacksmith, are sidelined for most of the narrative; presumably, they played bigger roles in the earlier books, but their absence becomes conspicuous at times.

Fortunately, the other characters bring a lot to the table. Sera and Duna, two sword-wielding women who can fight as well as any man, are always interesting to follow when it’s their time in the spotlight. General Aldis Tennech provides a very different point of view, and his heartwarming storyline is a highlight of the book.

The important thing to know about this book, and this series in general, is that it is epic fantasy with a capital E. This is not meant for people who casually read urban fantasy or lighter fare, and “Days of the Dark” will likely lose the interest of a reader who isn’t fully prepared to invest in it. However, this book in the hands of readers who enjoy epic fantasies, family sagas, or action/adventure fantasies is a thrill ride firing on all cylinders.

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

From fantasy author D.L. Jennings comes the third book in his Highglade series Days of the Dark, the thrilling conclusion to his award-winning, epic series chronicling the battle between humanity and the ferocious chovathi.

The battles that have played out between good and evil thus far in the Highglade series pale in comparison to what Jennings has in store for readers of Days of the Dark. The chovathi, the subsurface-dwelling, carnivorous creatures, have been restricted to their underground lairs for years, but now, with the help of a new, unexpected power, they rise stronger than ever and threaten even the strongest of gods. As the chovathi become stronger, the Holder of the Dead seeks to use their chaos as a distraction that will allow him to take down the gods that created the universe and usurp the throne for himself. As the battle ensues, seemingly ordinary Highgladers (people who hail from the village of Highglade), along with others, find themselves stepping up and becoming unlikely heroes as they fight in the epic battle for the balance of creation.

Jennings possesses an exceptional talent in his writing in that he can vividly create detailed depictions of fantasy worlds that fully immerse the reader within these worlds. The amazing level of detail that he describes only helps to further engross the reader during the course of the story. Jennings’s style of writing is, without a doubt, the type that will fully transport readers from simply passively reading the story in their living room to feeling like they are in the village of Highglade themselves, witnessing the battles and bloodshed firsthand.

In addition to creating detailed worlds, Jennings is also gifted at developing vibrant characters for his story. It is also necessary to note that he does not simply develop four or five characters, like a typical cast might be for an average book. The number of characters in Jennings’s story is staggering, yet, they are all thoroughly developed and play an important role in the progression of the plot. The plot itself is well-paced and moves along steadily without any stalling, and the action does not cease during the course of the story.

As a reader who had not read books one or two, it was easy to get a bit lost in the beginning, especially with all the unusual characters and region names. However, it was extremely helpful and smart on the author’s part to include maps of the region of the story’s setting, as well as a detailed glossary of terms, including characters, locations, and important artifacts. This allowed me to jump into the story and grasp a better understanding more quickly.

Quill says: Days of the Dark is the epic, sweeping conclusion to the fantasy Highglade series, complete with gods, vicious creatures, battles, suspense, mysteries, and death. If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to another world, Days of the Dark will not disappoint.

[Kaitlyn Lopez-Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for sending me an Arc copy. These thoughts are my own.

Days of the Dark is the final installment of the Highglade trilogy. It is so amazing to look back on the storylines and see it tied up with such a neat bow. I love how the author uses third person and multiple point of view to build the world. I was hooked on every single storyline the entire series. The author will leave little cliffhangers at the end of a chapter in a certain point of view that has you eager to keep reading and find out more.

My favorite characters were Duna and Sera. I felt that there were very strong female characters in this series and they played such a big role in saving the world. The dialogue and banter was so funny and relatable as well. I felt like there was more humor sprinkled into this book, and I was here for all of it.

The imagery in Days of the Dark was so vivid and the battle scenes were intense. The different elements of battle kept me engaged and so nervous for the characters. There were many moments that I didn’t expect at all, but looking back the foreshadowing was all there in a clever way.

The dynamic between gods, humans, magical creatures and monsters was really interesting and I really enjoyed learning about how each came to be. There also was a glossary at the very end which I found helpful to reference.

Above all, the element of found family was my favorite in this series. It had such an impact on me, and this book delivers on a beautiful and emotional read. The epilogue was everything, and could make even the coldest of hearts shed a tear (IE me) in a good way. I will be thinking about this series for a long time, and I’m already eager to go back and reread with all the knowledge I have now. If you’re a fantasy reader that loves epic world building, found family, and badass characters you’ll love this series!

[Joshua Quinto · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final book to the Highglade trilogy by Jennings. My favorite book was and still is Awaken the Three, the second in the series, as I feel it was the best paced and not only expanded on what the first book laid the foundation for, but where the first book felt like a contained groundwork, the second felt like an expansion into the world. That said to provide context on my feelings towards this final entry.

Days of the Dark had many plot threads to weave together into a cohesive tapestry and where Awaken the Three led, I'm not entirely sold on how this book connected said threads. The ending is very neatly wrapped up in a nice, satisfying bow, allowing some characters a happy closure and others left to the imagination.

Where Awaken the Three expanded into the world at large, Days of the Dark wanted to have its cake and eat it too. The final book introduced more and more until what felt like the finale kept going, and then what could be the end continued... well, if that felt like I was stretching this sentence out, I got my point across.

There were many concepts that I felt like DL Jennings wanted to include and although he did tie them together, sometimes a carpet doesn't need a bowline knot, a trucker's hitch, jacquard stitching... you get the point. Many of the ideas fresh, twists pulled off that made me go "Ohhh," and character moments that tugged at the heart. The final book, however, could have been tidied up to concisely follow what had come before.

I may have come off more harsh than I wanted, but all that criticism is in hopes that my friend sharpens his craft because the trilogy was genuinely a joy to read in the end.

[Nicole Pardus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third and final book in the Highglade series did not disappoint! Where Jennings truly excels in this book—and throughout the series—is in his creation and development of both the fantasy world and its characters. It’s clear that he put a great deal of thought into every element of this story, which, in my view, is what makes a fantasy series truly stand out.

As the final book in the series, I was excited to see how the author would bring all the threads together, and I was really pleased with how the story concluded. The character development continues to shine in this book, and I ended up liking characters at the end who I absolutely hated in book one. I do want to note that this book, and the series as a whole, falls into the epic fantasy genre—you’ll need to be fully invested in the story to get the most out of it.

My only critique is the short length of the chapters. While I enjoy short chapters, when there are multiple points of view, I prefer to spend a few chapters with each character before switching or have longer chapters dedicated to one character at a time.
Overall, this is an excellent, classic fantasy series.

[Andréa Guldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shout out to the author for giving me an ARC and letting me read this big ass book. Unfamiliar with the Highglade series, I thought it'd be fun to try going in cold to see what I thought from that perspective. I soon found out that was a mistake. Not because it was hard to figure out what was going on, but because I NEEDED to know every little detail of the whos and whys and whats. I purchased the first book as an audiobook so I could learn all the origin stories and how it all ended up this way because the worldbuilding, villains and plot were all so freaking immersive and complex I just HAD to know how it got this way.

Read this book if you like high stakes, deep magic systems and world building and immersive setting. Multiple intersecting plots involving a whole slew of complex, intersecting characters, including multiple strong female characters and villains you love to hate.

[Worldsoulreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Highglade trilogy has been quite a journey, and Days of the Dark brings it all to a close. At 561 pages, it’s the most ambitious of the three and a clear showcase of Jennings’ ability to weave together battles, politics, and personal struggles on an epic scale.

For me personally, Book 2 was still the standout of the trilogy, but Book 3 has plenty of its own strengths — from surprising twists along the way to a conclusion that felt satisfying and rewarding. The epilogue in particular landed really well and gave a sense of closure for these characters’ journeys.

I’m giving this one 4 stars. While I didn’t connect with it quite as much as the first two, it’s still a solid and worthy finale. Jennings set out to tell a bold and imaginative debut trilogy, and he accomplished that. I’m genuinely excited to see what he does with his next series.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this finished the trilogy, it was probably my least favorite of the set :(

It needs another round of edits - eek.... so if those things drive you crazy, be warned that this really could have used it.
I don't think I picked up on the overall story arc until this book. While it works, I guess I was a little disappointed to see it come up... like I was surprised that's the route it went.

I still think it's incredible work, I think it just didn't resonate with me the way it might for others.
Fabulous story, great characters, neat concepts - overall staying on my shelves and I will absolutely recommend it to others.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days of the Dark is the final book in DL Jennings’ captivating Highglade series. Jennings has created a vivid, diverse world that practically jumps off the page, complete with powerful ambitious gods, absolutely terrifying forces of evil, fascinating lore, epic battles, & fierce, complex, & inspiring heroes. Days of the Dark is the PERFECT conclusion to a truly unique & engrossing series that will stay with you long after the final page. It’s one of my favorite reads from this year, & I can’t wait to see what DL Jennings does next!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚Days of the Dark📚

Wow, I don’t even know if I can put into words how I felt about the finale of this epic trilogy. The series definitely gets more complex as it continues on but I felt like I was in good hands and again, had that trusty glossary to remind me who everyone was. Jennings definitely doesn’t hold back with the emotional scenes and this one had me hooked right in. It was definitely the most action packed as well. I don’t often picture books as I’m reading them but this one really painted some intense mental images for me. It concluded beautifully and I cannot wait to read what the author writes next!

⭐5/5 stars⭐

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a great trilogy

This final book in The Highglade Series was great! It wrapped up all of the threads I'd been wondering about from the previous books in the series. The pacing of the book is excellent, and kept me turning page after page. Jennings built a fantastic world, has wonderful character development, and adds enough twists and turns to keep any reader intrigued. I can't wait to see what else he's got in the works!

[Jynnifer Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epically phenomenal finale to the trilogy! It has everything that you want in a fantasy series: really fantastic settings, in depth characters with witty dialogue, action packed sequences, twists and turns, jaw dropping moments, loyalty, morality, joining of forces in order for good to triumph over evil, and heartbreaking/heartfelt moments of loss and love. Expertly crafted and designed by Mr. Jennings! I look forward to reading anything and everything he chooses to write about in the future.

[Tracie Simer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After two books of build up, the finale felt earned for this one. I truly enjoyed how such a large cast of characters evolved over the course of this story, and how they all interacted and connected in the final chapters.

Kudos to Jennings for completely changing my feelings towards certain characters in this series. That is a sign of well-written character development.

Satisfying ending, satisfying experience. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys diving into new worlds and their lore.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days of the Dark concludes the Highglade series with epic flair, rich world‑building, compelling characters, and nonstop action. I was drawn in by the multiple POVs and the high emotional stakes, even if it felt a bit ambitious at times. Fans of immersive, large‑scale fantasy will find a thrilling finish here.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the world and many of the characters, particularly:
- Cortus Venn*
- Duna
- Benj
- Tennech
- Nessa
- Ynara
- Kethras
- Olson

To avoid spoilers, I enjoyed how it wrapped up as well. I do wish we had less characters so we could have spent more time with my favorites, but that is just a preference.

[Jim Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to a great trilogy! I really enjoyed the character arcs and the touching ending!

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*

The way D.L. pulled together all the strings and characters he laid out in the first 2 books was fabulous. There were so many strong characters in the first 2 books with seemingly different stories that I had no idea had anything in common yet as I read Days of the Dark, they slowly pulled together and I could see how everything in the previous books related to each other. I also loved all of the strong characters, D.L. wrote. I honestly wasn't sure which one I loved the most because they were all so badass, but honestly, Saralith and Duna are some top contenders (badass females are a weakness for me).
This series may honestly be up there with Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien and The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Poalini for me, and if you enjoyed those books then I fully recommend checking this series out.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this finale to his trilogy, DL Jennings takes you on an epic journey through the highest peaks and lowest valleys. The path this book takes is full of twists and turns, leading you close to the edge of life as good struggles to overcome the threat of total annihilation. For me this book was a feast for my imagination of which I devoured every page. It is clear to me that DL Jennings is on the path to becoming a renowned author and I will definitely look forward to reading more of his work in the future!