Fall

Haru #3

by Joe Latham

Read the epic conclusion and discover the secrets of the Valley in Haru Book 3: Fall.

Haru, Yama, and the rest of the gang return one last time for the conclusion of their exciting adventure. Discover what became of Haru after the events of Book 2, and cheer on as they face off against Blight. Secrets will be revealed (what was Haru and Goose's mother hiding?) and wills will be tested (will Herb believe in himself enough to help his friends) but together, nothing can stop this crew! With his stunningly beautiful and Tolkeinesque illustrations, author and artist Joe Latham delivers the perfect finale of his magical tale, in Haru Book 3: Fall.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Animals, Adventure, Graphic Novels Manga

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Adam Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.
Review being submitted to School Library Journal for an upcoming SMS article.

[A Matar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I *love* this book it has lovely art and a great plot. It has very relatable characters and did I mention the lovely art? The thing I like most about this book is how human the characters are, not in body but in how they think.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always so beautiful! I love these characters so much. Please let the be a 4th book. Why would we have Spring, Summer and Fall if we aren't having a Winter. Plus there are hints! If there isn't, this volume still wrapped up well and I feel satisfied and a little broken. Loved it!

[Lauren]

The plotting didnt quite find its rhythm, but I enjoyed it

[Rhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the cover art and colors. Story-wise, this one was a lot better! From the start of this one, I liked how they give a bit of origin story about Ghost Mom and Haru being born, about Ghost Mom sacrificing herself and watching over Haru and then them adopting Goose into their family. I also appreciated how the loose ends did eventually tie together - the cape Herb has is actually a magical item, which ties in with Blight’s story and why the cape was weighing him down so much. Mom Ghost finds Haru in the In-Between world and opens a portal back for Haru to return and save the world. Haru has compassion on Blight and reaches out to him, saying thar Haru can see past the anger to Blight’s pain over losing his mom. A lot more quotable moments on grief, kindness, and holding on. Definitely useful in showing kids what grief looks like and how to consider that. Touches upon death.

Still continues on the same vein with mental health views, discussing different responses to anxiety or how their brains do something different as they worry. Less out-of-world references were made, so that was great! Loved seeing Ghost Mom’s love for both her children, and seeing Goose’s determination to help his sibling.

Had typical ending where there’s a big battle and they look to be losing but eventually win!! They cast the magic items into the place of destruction and everything ends happily. Author left it open-ended for a new adventure, asking if that was the end.

“Kindness is never a flaw, my sweetheart, even when it gets you in trouble…” (87)

“…I’ve thought many things I’ve learned to be untrue…I think sometimes we just need to hold on a little bit longer.” (142)

“I can see past this anger. You’re in pain.” (235)

“The pain you feel now is only equal to the love that you lost. But you never really lose people. You carry them with you, deep inside. It keeps them alive.” (252)

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall brings the Haru trilogy to a close with warmth, confidence, and emotional clarity.

Joe Latham approaches the conclusion not by escalating spectacle alone, but by returning to the series’ core strengths: friendship, belief in oneself, and the quiet courage required to grow. The story balances revelation and resolution carefully, allowing long held secrets particularly surrounding Haru and Goose’s mother to surface without overshadowing the characters’ present choices.

What stands out most is the attention given to secondary arcs. Herb’s struggle with self belief is given genuine weight, reinforcing the idea that heroism in this world is as much internal as it is external. The group dynamic remains the emotional anchor of the book, reminding readers that the Valley has always been shaped by cooperation rather than individual triumph.

Visually, Fall is striking. Latham’s Tolkeinesque illustrations give the world a sense of depth and continuity, grounding the final conflict with Blight in landscapes that feel lived in and earned. The art carries emotional tone as effectively as the dialogue, especially in quieter moments of reflection and resolve.

As a finale, Fall succeeds by honoring the journey rather than rushing past it. It offers closure without excess explanation, trusting readers to carry the story forward with them. The result is a satisfying and heartfelt conclusion to a series built on imagination, loyalty, and growth.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read via an online reader. our hero Haru must follow one of the last troupes of mythology and the journey of the hero. Haru is a non-binary blue-colored bird (with a younger sibling, a pig best friend, and a ghost robin mother) that has in volumes one (Spring) and two (Summer), traveled and fought the evil of the land, but in three we must take the trip to the Afterlife to be reborn. The pacing felt much faster than the other two volumes, but still takes its time with much conversation and narration. Things are intense, edgy (particularly the villain of the story) and yet the action is not “too much” for the right reader. I have seen as young as seven give testimony to the enjoyment of Joe Latham's trilogy, but I would aim older just to be on the safe side as death and ghosts are a part of things and these elements and others might make it not for the sensitive reader of any age. If your reader likes fantasy, this is a Lord of the Rings meets Odyssey. The colors are unusual in the illustrations as they are both bright but can be slightly muted. They set a darker tone, but there is usually light on the page to allow it not to be hopeless. One must look at the little things as well as the big ones as there are clues to a side story happening as well.

[Abigail Pankau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haru tried to stop Blight, but ends up in the Inbetween. There a ghost appears to guide them where they need to go. Meanwhile Yama travels with Herb and Frei to bring the Heart to the mountain. And Goose travels with his mom Ghost, trying to find a way to help Haru. But Blight has taken Haru’s life, and is now using that power to raise an army of golems and spread its hate and destruction to the valley. Ghost is able to find Haru, and tell him something important about himself, so he can return to the land of the living and help Blight. Haru might need to use understanding and compassion to stop Blight, instead of fighting him.

A really sweet ending to this super cute mid-grade graphic novel about friendship, compassion, and fighting against depression. It’s definitely mid-grade as it’s a bit jumpy, but it’s super cute. Read the rest of the series to really understand what’s happening here.

[Kim Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will live in blissful denial that this is the final chapter of Haru, I also refuse to believe it given that final page.

Anyways, 5 out of 5. The series got better and better as it went on and this third book was so beautiful. The journey was incredible and I loved how everything played out and how the big reveal of it all happened. Honestly, this series is such a good story for children who might be depressed or are over-thinkers or who struggle with anxiety; it also is good for any adults who might experience the same things too. But mainly, it’s such a beautiful story about loss and grief and the anger and pain that comes from it, especially in regard to a mother or parental figure. Not having personally experienced that yet, I still found it to be extremely beautiful and extremely emotional to read. Cannot recommend this series enough!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Can’t believe Haru 3 is here already. A wonderful fantasy adventure with animal characters. It started with Spring, and now, in Fall, the team is larger than it was. This was my favorite volume of the three. About 300 pages, this conclusion to the series with large panels and easy-to-read text, brings us eerie scenes (but cute characters), adventure, great action, and great fantasy quest tropes. Great to introduce graphic novels to young readers. Epic.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

IM SO SAD THAT THIS SERIES IS OVER! Sure, there was a BIT of an open ended part at the end... but I don't want to get my hopes up. Loved this series and this end so much. I did wish it didn't end so abruptly - but it still was nice :)

[Brenda]

Review closer to release date

[Lauren Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timeless tale comes to completion. The characters are earnest and forthright. The story is mysterious, still, and yet compellingly fast-paced in developments. Such beauty, care, and wonder!

[Remi Bova · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating : 4.5 stars

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like a fast ending for the pacing of the first two books. I liked the ending but I wish the "final battle" had a bit more action.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly!

What an end to a great trilogy of books. Latham is able to put so much heart and emotion onto the page. I look forward to their next entry.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful colclusion to the series.

[Rouen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how they showed the backstory of Haru's mum and how they found his little brother goose.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the conclusion to this story.