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Lightfall #4

A Place Between

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In the fourth installment of the award-winning, critically acclaimed Lightfall series, Bea, Cad, and their friends continue their quest to restore light on their dark world. Perfect for fans of Amulet and Avatar, this next book dives deeper into the magical world of Irpa, where ancient secrets and adventures abound.

After surviving a shipwreck on the Fuerre Sea, Cad washes ashore on the shores of Pellidyr. There, he searches for Lorgon, the Water Spirit, but instead finds the other spirits of Irpa who question if their planet can be saved. One of them offers to help Cad and transports him to A Place Between, a strange liminal realm between the living and the dead, where Cad works to uncover the reason Lorgon summoned them to Pellidyr in the first place. 

Meanwhile, Bea awakens within the walls of the capital city. While Pellidyr’s leader has heard the tales of Bea’s derring-do and believes her to be a hero with all the answers, she’s never felt more uncertain about the future. What she does know is that she can’t accomplish anything without her crew. When Bea’s escape plan also brings her to A Place Between, she makes a shocking discovery that changes her understanding of everything that came before her…and what could soon follow.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2026

33 people are currently reading
3776 people want to read

About the author

Tim Probert

17 books369 followers
Tim Probert is an author and illustrator whose work is made of equal parts wonder, magic, and adventure, with a dose of monsters and the occasional dinosaur. In addition to making books, he is an art director at Aardman Nathan Love, working on projects for Nickelodeon, Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola, Candy Crush, and more. Tim lives in NYC with his wife and two cats.

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5 stars
187 (51%)
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142 (38%)
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33 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Manon (bookswithonno).
430 reviews126 followers
May 5, 2026
Ik vond de art in dit boek weer ZO mooi! Echt zo’n whimsical/magische vibe. Wel vond ik dit deel iets minder dan de vorige, omdat er gewoon net iets minder in gebeurde. Ik heb er alsnog erg van genoten en ik denk dat dit boek nodig was als opbouw naar het volgende boek, dus ik verwacht in dat boek meer actie!
Profile Image for Steph ✨.
765 reviews1,691 followers
April 26, 2026
3.5 stars
Still loving this series but it's been a little while since I read the last volume and I think I might have forgotten what happened in the last one. I also found needing to decipher the other language in this a little bit of a pain. Alas, I still like the series, just preferred the previous volumes.
Profile Image for Julia.
139 reviews
December 5, 2025
Can’t wait for this book to come out!!!!😭😭😱😱
Profile Image for MikaReadsFantasy.
370 reviews17 followers
March 24, 2026
Tim Probert’s Lightfall: A Place Between pulls you right back into its magical world with warmth, wonder, and just the right touch of mystery.

In this fourth installment, Bea and Cad continue their journey to restore light to their darkened world, but after a shipwreck, Cad finds himself separated and drawn into a strange realm between life and death.

It was such a joy to return to these characters. Watching Bea and Cad take separate paths gives each of them more space to shine, which adds a refreshing depth to the story. The new side characters, especially the spirits, were a highlight for me. They feel mysterious and beautifully imagined, and I truly hope we get to see more of them in future installments.

One of the things I continue to love about this series is its sense of journey. It takes its time to explore each location, allowing the world to feel expansive and alive. Beneath the adventure, the story also touches on thoughtful themes like hope and what it means to face mortality, which adds a layer of emotional resonance without ever losing its sense of wonder.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning. The detailed landscapes and especially the sweeping two-page spreads are a joy to take in and really elevate the storytelling.

Overall, I had a great time with this book and am already looking forward to what comes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books and HarperAlley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Korynne.
646 reviews49 followers
February 14, 2026
This was another excellent installment in what has become my favorite graphic novel series. I love the art style, I love the characters, I love the plot, and I love the magical and wholesome nature of the story. I highly recommend this series and can’t wait to continue it.

I received a review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss.
Profile Image for Mary.
744 reviews260 followers
Read
May 1, 2026
I continue to adore this series and can’t wait to see where it’ll continue to go! This one felt a little off for me in a few places - probably exacerbated by the sheer amount of translating (fun! but also took me out of the story significantly, and frequently) as well as all the time where Bea and Cad were apart. This definitely felt more like a “middle of the story” volume than previous ones, but I’m still so invested in this arc as a whole and continue to believe it’s just the allegory we need in what is a really dark time in our world.
Profile Image for Sean Briere.
49 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2026
To be transparent I have been looking up when the next installment of Lightfall will be for a long time. So when I saw it on NetGalley I audibly gasped.

I love the way Tim Probert writes these graphic novels and this one was no exception. I really enjoyed the alphabet key in the beginning of the book so when that language came up later it was fun deciphering what those characters were saying. I just overall loved continuing the lore, and I love how Tim doesn’t shy away from darker themes in a children’s graphic novel. This series is just exceptional.
Profile Image for Kirsten Hamilton.
136 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2026
Just absolute perfection every time. Visually stunning, and full of philosophical truths that cause you to pause for a moment. I teared up quite a lot in this volume. I love an emotive fantasy journey with characters I genuinely care about.
Profile Image for Alice Lapthorn.
134 reviews
April 23, 2026
3.5-3.75 ⭐️ the art style is what really sells this series, it’s incredible
Profile Image for Paige.
130 reviews
April 26, 2026
Such a great continuation of the series! Can't wait for the next book! Had a crazy twist I did not expect.
Profile Image for Lucy.
292 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2026
Amazing book! I hope there’s a book five!
Profile Image for Meagan.
430 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2026
These are just incredibly beautiful. Art and story!
Profile Image for Lilly.
400 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2026
The art is so incredible and creative. I enjoyed seeing Bea’s growth like when she immediately sprang into action when she saw the Arsai tied up. She was awesome at knocking people out of her way to get the Arsai and her cat. I love those characters and seeing them throughout the book. I also liked the new character, Tod. It was interesting to see new settings in this book. I was hoping this would be the conclusion so I could see how everything would be wrapped up. But it’s definitely not. I’m not even sure how many books there will be since this one felt like we didn’t progress much more to a conclusion. Compared to the other volumes, I think we made the least amount of progress in the plot in this one. I wish there had been more progress, but I also just enjoyed the quiet story. There’s a sense of doom throughout the book but the pacing and color palette still made it feel cozy. I think I enjoyed this one a little more than book #3.

I love Cad’s determination when looking for Bea. And when he helps Soot and a bunch of other dragons escape, I love how the others come with him. I liked randomly seeing the rat visit Snore’s restaurant. I wish more people were reading this series, it deserves more love. One of my favorite drawings was page 242-243. The last two pages made me smile. I’m glad it ended with laughter instead of bleakness. I do wish the volume were longer since we have to wait years for the next volume. But I’m glad I reread books 1-3 immediately before reading this, and after finishing this volume I want to reread it.
Profile Image for pineapple tofu.
336 reviews46 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 5, 2026
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the fourth adventure for Bea and her friends in the world of Irpa, and this time, after a recent shipwreck, everyone gets separated. After landing on a mysterious beach, Cad meets the Spirits of Irpa, who are performing a funeral for the recently deceased Lorgon. In which the spirit of the dead gives an ultimatum to Cad: uncover the secrets of the Mire and save their planet from the encroaching darkness. Bea, she ends up in a kingdom that wants to execute her, and with the help of Tod, she escapes. Yet, will Bea and Cad finally meet again amongst the Mire that wants to swallow the light?
This middle-grade graphic novel series blends fantasy and mystery, inviting readers into the world of Irpa. Once more, readers dive right back into the plot after the end of book three. This fantastical land of various creatures and beasts, and the wonders of Irpa, collide with the whimsical nature of blues, whites, and browns. The visual of Bea’s anxiety as whispering shadows shows firsthand how she deals with it, alongside fighting against the Mire. Secrets are brought out into the open as the mystery of the in-between becomes fractured. Here’s waiting patiently for the fifth volume!
Profile Image for Lori.
45 reviews
May 11, 2026
While I still enjoyed the book and the images are beautiful, this is probably my least favorite book of the series so far. It really feels like not much happened to advance the story line and honestly, just feels like filler to me.

I also did not think the needed translations should have been as lengthy as they were. The first page or two, I found it fun, but after that, I just skipped translating it because it really took me out of the story and slowed down the pace, especially since it's in a part of the story where there is a lot going on. At least put the translations as a footnote or pop them in at the end of the book. I will also say there were at least 2 or 3 times in the parts I did translate, where the handwriting did not fully match the guide at the beginning of the book, so that was also a bit frustrating (the letter "h" looks like a "w" but written in the book, looked more like an arrow pointing down).

I've really been looking forward to reading this next installment and am left feeling a bit disappointed. I obviously still rated it a 4 star, but considering it'll be at least a year before we get the next, I don't know if I'll be as eager to pick up the next book.
Profile Image for Abigail Pankau.
2,089 reviews23 followers
April 22, 2026
After their ship is wrecked, Cad finds himself washed ashore. He goes to find Bea, but instead finds a gathering of Spirits. They are mourning the death of Lorgon the Water Spirit, and worry about their own fates as the Mire is slowly consuming their planet. One of the spirits agrees to help Cad, and shows him what Lorgon’s plan had been. Meanwhile Bea wakes up in the capital of Pellydir. She is taken to see the king who blames her for the world’s troubles and threatens to have her executed. Her translator helps her escape the guards and the city, but she still has to be cautious. What will happen if the guards find her? And what will happen as the Mire grows stronger? Will Bea find Cad again so they can continue their journey?

An excellent continuation of this mid-grade fantasy graphic novel, but we’re getting where you have to have read the other volumes recently to understand what’s happening. The world-building is excellent, and the characters are quite relatable. This one isn’t quite as good as the other volumes (it doesn’t feel like it has its own arc and is just filling in details), but overall still really good. Curious to see where the next volume goes.
Profile Image for Carrie Griffin.
1,184 reviews58 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 3, 2026
Lightfall is one of my favorite graphic novel series. Tim Probert has created a world that I love visiting in each new book and an art style I cannot get enough of.

In A Place Between, we get to meet more of the spirits and see what they think of what is going on in Irpa. The most interesting one to me was definitely Mirko, who is the spirit for the realm of A Place Between. I'm very intrigued to learn about this realm and I'm looking forward to seeing where Tim will take this in future books.

It has been so entertaining learning more about the world of Irpa throughout each of these stories. In this book, Tim chooses to separate Cad and Bea in a shipwreck. I liked what this brought to the story as they continue on their quest and search for each other.

A wonderful addition to a fun middle grade adventure series that I will be adding to my collection. I highly recommend this series.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Tim Probert for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for AnaLuz Sanchez.
548 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2026
The Lightfall series is by far the collective favorite graphic novel series in our household. My kids and I have read each book as they have been published and we were so excited for this new adventure.

In the fourth installment of the award-winning, critically acclaimed Lightfall series, Bea, Cad, and their friends continue their quest to restore light on their dark world.

This was a fantastic continuation to the story. The addition of a table to translate the language of Pellydor was great, it kept me and my kid engrossed in the translation. I liked that the MCs got separated and they got to have some time to work on their own, we have seen much growth of them in the series, in particular of Bea.
I continue to be amazed by the fantastic art and illustrations that make this world come to life.
Swipe to see some of the beautiful art of this book, if for no other reason than for that, you should check this out. But honestly, it’s a fantastic series and I love that itfor All ages, and not geared to a specific age group.

I received a gifted copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for a..
50 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2026
*4.5

I received this as an e-arc from NetGalley. Thank you to Tim Probert, HarperCollins Children's Books, and HarperAlley for the copy.

Tim Probert remains one of my favorite children's fiction writers to date. His grasp on narrative and themes, as well as his deception of them has always been my favorite thing about the Lightfall series, and this installment is no exception.

A Place Between is a very aptly chosen title for this graphic novel, which I would refer to as very transitory. Both in terms of place, but also in narrative, as we see our protagonists as crossroads here both literally and emotionally. The plot itself is also largely about moving from one place to another, which each journey culminating in more inner clarity for our main characters. It was wonderful as always, and I look forward to picking this back up on the publication date for a full series re-read.
Profile Image for Brittany.
499 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 16, 2026
This series is excellent so far! I binge read the 1st 4 books in one day. The artwork is amazing. It's so colorful, and I love what the artist does to help represent Bea's anxiety. It's also super detailed and I never have any issue knowing what's going on. The artwork contributes to an in depth world building, and the characters are super adorable - I think kids would love this series. It's great for elementary and middle grade readers, but also super enjoyable as an adult.

I love how the characters have really in depth personalities. Bea is a great representation for someone struggling with anxiety, Cad is an amazing friend, and I love how each installment they seem to pick up more friends along the way. This series has a pretty amazing found family as well. I am absolutely obsessed with this series and can't wait for the 5th book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Badger.
78 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2026
The best volume in the series yet. I was thrilled to get my hands on this book early and blew through it. It was action-packed while still advancing the story a lot. While the art has been incredible throughout, the story here reached a level of confidence I had not yet felt 100% from the other volumes--thus why the others are 4's and this is a 5. I love that the darker topics are being handled with care and respect rather than fear or dismissal. Lightfall is a wonderful series for any fantasy fan. And this volume bumps up the work to the same realm of stories as the likes of LeGuin or Miyazaki. Absolutely love it.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital review copy.
Profile Image for Dreya.
72 reviews
May 2, 2026
I think this might be my favorite one yet! Cad, Bea, and their friends continue on their quest to save Irpa from the Darkness and the Mire. Things look bleak as the friends are separated following a shipwreck, but never fear! Their bravery and loyalty will carry them through as they meet the Spirits, travel to Pellydir, and stop by  A Place Between. This installment of the Lightfall series felt a little heavier and darker than some of the previous books. Tim Probert does a wonderful job addressing scary topics in an approachable way and showing how to work through times of struggle. Visually, the colors and illustrations are stunning. The attention to every little detail is evident, and helps the reader feel immersed in the world of Irpa.
Profile Image for Pam.
10.2k reviews58 followers
April 11, 2026
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books/Harper Alley through NetGalley.
The artwork alone is worth opening this book. Cad and Bea have continued their quest and the story opens with a shipwreck. Cad is washed ashore on a quiet island and meets the spirits grieving for Lorgon. Bea and the others ended up in a different kingdom and had help to escape. The book finishes with them all reuniting and "sailing" to the far continent to continue their quest to save Irpa.
This felt like a transition story to move our heroes from one location to the next with some time for reflection and decisions.
Profile Image for Zoe Lipman.
1,666 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 1, 2026
4.5/5 rounded up.

I LOVE this graphic novel series so much!

It's so fun and cute and adventurous. I love the characters and the story and the art.

It really does have a Legend of Zelda meets Studio Ghibli feel to it that feels so nostalgic and beautiful to me.

I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a new graphic novel.

They also read super fast. I finished this in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews