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As heroes and villains seek to secure the seven godblades, the greatest evil to threaten Kingfall draws ever closer.

Six of the seven godblades have been revealed, but is Kingfall any safer than it was before these ancient weapons were returned to the light? This and myriad other questions must be answered before the world can know true peace.

In the east, Sampson Gaard and his unexpected band of traveling companions must navigate the dangers of the Spine as they seek the source of the strange force drawing them ever onward. Meanwhile, Roman Leary, burned and scarred beyond recognition, searches for a purpose even he cannot hope to understand.

In the west, Peony faces a newer, darker version of her bondmate, Dane, as well as a looming threat of war from her own brother, the newly crowned King of Odin. Dane, on the other hand, fights to restore his bond to the only creature in all of Kingfall who truly understands him, his dragon Daneus.

In the north, Rose grapples with the political pressures inherent in her role as queen, while simultaneously staving off the demons of her past. At the same time, Drake searches for answers to explain the resurrection of his dragonbond, Draconus.

In the south, Aisling, Amari and Prudence seek safe passage to Avadon, only to find themselves facing an enemy worse than any they've encountered thus far in the form of Pentockian slavers.

Be bright but do not burn. Embrace the shadows but do not live in the darkness.

823 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2022

425 people are currently reading
718 people want to read

About the author

David Estes

80 books2,673 followers
Get a FREE short story from David Estes' #1 Amazon bestselling epic fantasy series, Fatemarked, when you sign up for his mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2v6v3

David Estes has written more than 40 science fiction and fantasy books. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his moody cats, Bailey and Luna, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.

Join 3,000+ David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite in David Estes' official fan group at:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...

Books by David Estes:

-The Fatemarked Epic- For fans of A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and The Way of Kings! Four kingdoms. A century-old war. One ancient prophecy that could change everything.

-The Kingfall Histories- a follow up series to the #1 Amazon bestselling series, The Fatemarked Epic

-Strings- “A wonderful retelling of the Pinocchio story…I simply couldn’t put this book down.”—Rysa Walker, bestselling author of TIMEBOUND

-The Dwellers Saga and the Country Saga. Voted books to read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games on Buzzfeed and Listopia.

-Salem's Revenge trilogy- the witch apocalypse begins!

-Slip Trilogy- "Someone must die before another can be born..."

-The Adventures of Nikki Powergloves- Kid superheroes? 'Nuff said.

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5 stars
849 (57%)
4 stars
482 (32%)
3 stars
120 (8%)
2 stars
14 (<1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Karen’s Library.
1,294 reviews203 followers
February 28, 2023
Edit: I did a reread by audiobook and narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds blows Nightfall out of the water. As usual!

Original review: Nightfall continues the epic Kingfall tales that continue to blow my mind with our favorites, Peony, Dane, Danius, Aisling, Amari, King Jarrod, Sampson, Roman, Quill, and so many others…. I seriously cannot love these characters any more than I do. But, then David introduces new characters and there I go falling in love with them as much as the ones that have been around since the beginning.

I’ve read all of David’s books, and I love love love his dystopian and sci-fi tales. But… high fantasy is where he absolutely excels! His idea of Godblades is so completely creative — The Godblades have woken up and come back into the world. Three Lightblades and three Shadowblades, each with unbelievable powers.

In the Kingfall books, you get dragons with their incredible bonds to their riders (my favorites!), and knights, and castles, and kings, and queens, and massive battles…. But mostly, you get swords. Magical swords! Swords that blow the reader away with the abilities they give to their wielders. Each different.

I can’t wait for the audiobook to release in June so that I can do a reread of the full book with Tim Gerard Reynolds as narrator.

*I read Nightfall as a betaread so my review is on the version that I read. But I doubt there were many changes to the final copy. David’s books are the cleanest betareads possible and it’s more like reading an ARC.*
Profile Image for David Estes.
Author 80 books2,673 followers
Read
April 8, 2022
Eight months and 362,000 words later, Nightfall is finished! This is the 4th book in my new Kingfall series, which has now stretched over the one-million-word mark. If you've already read the first three books, you can dive right back into the story, which picks up where Magefall left off, in a world in chaos and on the brink of yet another war as the mysteries of the godblades slowly come to light. For those new to the series, you'll want to start with book 1, Kingfall. Enjoy!

Be bright but do not burn. Embrace the shadows but do not live in the darkness.

Get Nightfall here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...
Profile Image for Joebot.
281 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2022
3 stars


This series had an amazing start. Book one was an easy 5 star; this amazing book with a vibrant setting and strong characters. It set up an intriguing and captivating plot.

And now, here I am, at the end of book 4. The plotting hasn't come close to the highs of book 1. Books 2-4 are stuffed with bloated side quests that drag on to the littlest of pay offs. The strong, engaging characters have been reduced to "I have a complete inability to voice things to others that would prevent these anthills becoming mountains" or "all my actions are impulsive due to an unnecessary level of anger".

There is still enough here to keep me going, but I just wish this series had better consistency.
Profile Image for Steve Mahomet.
302 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2023
Still loving this series. While I still think it’s too long in its telling and some classic tropes are being used that I’m kinda tired of, the suspense and character work still has me highly engaged.
Profile Image for ReneeReads.
1,454 reviews119 followers
November 19, 2024
While this book is still wonderful and there are many parts that I loved, this one did drag a bit for me. Maybe it was my mood, I'm not really sure. There is a lot of political intrigue/drama in this one (as with the others) and maybe I just needed a little politics break. The writing was on par with the other books, there are several memorable quotes and I'll definitely be reading the last book.
Profile Image for Sheree Bonita.
241 reviews21 followers
August 29, 2022
Whew. Feel like I’ve been to battle for a long time. This series gets better and even more interesting as it continues to unfold. My favorite characters seem to shift book to book, and now I have a new character that I’m very interested in learning more about!
Profile Image for Gr.
1,159 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2024
Nightfall, Book 4, of “The Kingfall Histories”, by David Estes provides excellent world-building as this epic series continues to develop. I listened to the audible version and the narration by Tim Gerard Reynolds is brilliant. While I like this series, I found it a struggle to read.

While I found the world of Kingfall engaging, unfortunately, like too many authors of epic fantasy, David Estes drowns the reader in a world of constant horrors, hardship, and loss. While his writing is very good, I found that the author's writing suffers from a lack of humor or relief. The various storylines and the haphazard wandering of the character groups without any sense of purpose other than being mired in grim survival fail to provide any sense of hope when opposed to the constant demonstrations of cruelty and greed from power-hungry rulers.

The main issue I have with the book and the series is my belief that the story suffers from slow pacing and lack of a quest. The characters wander Kingfall and no one but the author and maybe the Gods knows why. Readers are on board for the journey. When combined with the vast landscape and endless shifts between various character groups, the flow of the story is continually disrupted. Then you add a significant page count, and it results in a very slow plot progression. The fact that well into the 4th very long book in this series, the author is still adding significant new world-building, introducing new landscapes, monsters, and magic, contributes to the overall pacing issues.

I am giving this book 3 stars. The narration earned 5 stars, the story 3 stars due to pacing issues, with an overall rating of 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars. While I am determined to continue the journey to the end, I sometimes feel like I am slogging through mud, putting down the book to rest, before I can face the story again. It is my hope Book 5 picks up the pace.
Profile Image for William Wells.
33 reviews
April 4, 2024
Awesome!

Can’t wait to round out the 5 book series in the final book. This book in particular drew me to the next page consistently. So glad I stumbled upon David Estes. If I could give 6 stars I would.
Profile Image for Chris.
194 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2025
Things are heating up in Kingfall! This book was so good! Every part was gripping and full of action and comedy. This series will go down as a favorite of mine as long as the final installment is good, which I have no doubt it will blow me away!
Profile Image for John Doyle.
750 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
How is it that I've only heard of this series by chance? I love this and am excited for the final book (book 5). Characters are not the best, but the story is fantastic!!

This book did not disappoint. This is my second readthrough and I'm glad that my memory stinks, because I really enjoyed it again. I forgot all the craziness that arose!! Nothing tied off at the end of the book.
I like the dragons and their communication style along with the light/dark blades. I'm glad that the characters are not all the same or that they are perfect. Well, in most cases.

I will read book 5 soon, just have to read my library books first before they expire.
Profile Image for Bookcat.
2,303 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2023
Don't get attached to characters...💔😭 Loved this! Estes pulls at your heart strings, especially with Serenia (unsure of name 😬) and Amari. Finally! The trauma Rose experienced is explored! Poor thing was too positive about the healing process and it backfired 😔 There's so much I'm hoping for/looking forward to in the final book.
Profile Image for Todd.
2,224 reviews8 followers
November 15, 2023
What a ride! Death, betrayal, perhaps a glimpse of victory. The penultimate volume of the Kingfall series sets up an epic finale, but stands quite well on its own.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,745 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2022
Over 1000 pages. I love it. Not only that, but the font isn’t gigantic to give the illusion that you’re reading prose of some substance. This book is the real deal.
One tiny error - Page 501: Peony flung her legs over the side of the bed...
Actually, it’s Prudence.

These books are a marvel of complexity. Some members occasionally interact, while others have no awareness of individuals in a different realm fighting their own battles. I find myself getting caught up in the drama of one group and then a chapter will end and a different set of people will be featured. I initially despair at not finding out a resolution but am swiftly caught up in the affairs of the next coterie. I am never disappointed in the storyline although I am saddened at the fates of some of the principal characters. Also, gasp, are the shadowblades really not as evil as I thought?

As noted in earlier reviews, I really like the postludes. Felicity Gaard, the widow of Jameson, puts herself through hell to save her son Sampson. Meanwhile, although not addressed here, Jameson turns into some kind of monster, haunting Quill in the future.

The other addresses one of the newer characters - Dragonmaster Dackur - and how he came to be the person he is in the current storyline.
Profile Image for Debyi  Kucera (Book&BuJo).
874 reviews51 followers
August 31, 2024
Nightfall by David Estes is the fourth book in the Kingfall Histories series. I also listened to this on audiobook and Timothy Gerard Reynolds did an amazing job, he is such a talented narrator.

Things are starting to come together, and we are getting some answers. Nightfall contains betrayal, newfound friendships, war, reunions, and so much more. The battles are epic, the dragons are glorious, and I love the inclusion of a character who is hero-marked for all of us Fatemarked fans.

David Estes excels at writing high epic fantasy. He somehow includes everything you want in the story like battles, magic, dragons, amazing characters, and a great plot, with seeming ease. His character work is top-notch, and I truly want to know what is happening with them. However, I do have to say that my favorite characters are the Grizari. They are full of sarcasm and courage for days and they don’t beat around the bush, telling it to you straight. I love that!

The only thing I missed in Nightfall was a POV from Andovier Helm, but I am sure we will see him again in the next book.
5,630 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2022
I have run out of Accolades to describe the brilliance of this series.I dont know how its possible especially considering how great the first book was but each subsequent book gets better.I have said it before and ill say it again The Fatemarked Epic and The kingfall Histories are two of the greatest fantasy series ever.These books have everything a fantasy enthusiast could ask for.Witty dialogue,outstanding characters,a broad and well thought out world,a interesting magic system,mythical creatures, clever magical weapons,and a story that only grows and grows.This is fantasy at its finest so much love,loss,and overall heart.The highlight of my reading year of 2023 will be the release of Endfall the final book in the series.My hats off to you David what you have created here is special beyond words!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
March 22, 2024
Tim Gerard Reynolds is honestly the saving grace of this series. TGR is my role model and my hero.

However, the plot holes in this book series are outstanding. (Spoiler) One that I never got over is the fact that Ando (hopefully I'm spelling this right, I've listened to the books!) crushed his leg at the end of book one and at the start of book two/three, he's just fine. Walking around like nothing happened. Can we talk about this, PLEASE?

If I read a book with the phrase "their strength/speed/XYZ far greater than it should have been"; the dialogue, "Do you want to know what I think?" "no, but I have a feeling you're going to tell me anyways"; or the word eicher again, I might cry.

I'm still here, starting book 5 because the story is good and the fact that TGR is a saving grace, but the writing is lackluster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
127 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2022
A promise worth breaking

"[Kingfall Histories is] already more than 350,000 words, which is long enough for one tome, don’t you think?"

David Estes poses this question at the beginning of Nightfall (The Kingfall Histories Book 4). Asking with a promise that the next book will be the one to wrap up all the loose ends and bring the Histories to an end.

I for one really hope he breaks this promise.

I love a good Epic and David Estes is a master.

I'm genuinely looking forward to the next installment. I do not think 350,000 words are too many. I think they are barely enough!
Profile Image for BobA707.
819 reviews18 followers
November 7, 2023
Summary: Complex plot, complex premise, interesting characters, well written, almost comical at times, very dark at times. Thoroughly enjoyed this audio book and would definitely recommend. Book 4 better than first 3 books

Plotline: Multiple threads winding around a complex plot. The characters are for the most part not particularly likeable, but the plot moves on ... and the god blades ...

Premise: Very interesting, good magic system (still much to be learnt), and vast world building

Writing: Excellent, the reader is there in the action

Ending: Yes. Where is book 5 ... annoyingly not out in audio yet

Pace: Never a dull moment!
Profile Image for Martin Hernandez.
171 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2025
This is a good book, but I have my reservations about it. Primarily the amount of events that happen, and the number of people involved.

Don't get me wrong the story being told here is fantastic, and worth every second; but there is just so much happening, and so many people involved that it can be overwhelming.

Granted it's probably because I have been binge reading this series back to back, and I may be getting a bit burnt out. These books are massive after all.

I am 100% finishing the series, but I think I need to take a short break before the final installment.
47 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2022
EXCELLENT!

If you love a dark fantasy that will keep you awake reading all night, a story that you simply cannot put down, and you love to become completely absorbed in what you're reading then this is the series for you! I was so very disappointed to find that the last story in this series is not available yet! I simply cannot wait for it to be released! EXCELLENT story telling from a Master story teller!
Profile Image for Victoria Zigler.
Author 62 books235 followers
September 17, 2022
This was an absolutely fantastic and gripping read. I had a hard time every single time I had to put it down, and could not wait to pick it back up so I could continue the story. That fact, and the excellent narration, made me very glad I opted for the audio version, which meant I could get extra reading time in by listening while doing things like making dinner. If you love the kind of fantasy stories involving dragons and magic you need to read this book!
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
August 25, 2023
Wow! Such a great series. I can't wait for book #5 to reach audible.

I loved all the main characters. Even the real bad ones did their part brilliantly. I was pissed off when one of our heroes died. That was totally uncalled for. I'm almost afraid to listen to the last one. Who knows who'll die in the last book.

I think my 2 favorites are Roman and Ando.

There's no sex to speak of and no swearing really.

As for the narration: Tim Gerard Reynolds is awesome! There's nothing else left to say.
4 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2023
This is the best book series. I have been looking for something to beat the Belgariad etc. series by David Eddings, it is my absolute favourite, and this series might have done it. It has been a long time since I found a series I enjoy as much as this one. I will read this series over and over again. Great character development, engaging story, epic adventure, tragedy, comedy…. It has all the things. I just can say enough about this series. I love it.
Profile Image for Darren.
8 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2022
I love this The Kingfall Histories first and foremost, and although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, this is my least favorite of the whole series. That being said this is still a really good entry that sets up the final book. Can’t wait to see how it ends. If you enjoy Magic Swords & Dragon riders, along with multiple pov’s then I highly recommend this series to you.
72 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2023
Good but long and tedious

So many main characters so little time…but a lot of space/pages to go on a thread tear and on and on and on. Difficult to get through parts of this as things get bogged down. Less might be a little more in this case. It’s a set up for the final but whew what a slog. I have to read the final installment having come this far…hope the set up is worth it.
Profile Image for Clayton Ellis.
807 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2023
Really enjoying the series. There are a few places where it drags (the ocean water scene anyone) where the lengthy chapter could have been a couple of paragraphs. I don't like the postludes, and for me, it really takes away from the overall enjoyment of the story tbh. I am, looking forward to the next book in the series.
6 reviews
August 28, 2023
WOW Factor

I have been reading this series straight through, and have downloaded the next (book 5), before I finished ❣️ I have not enjoyed a series more. David Estes uses storylines to weave such an gripping, colorful, and at times humorous tapestry, that is full of surprises. Always a page turner that❣️ ❣️
6 reviews
October 8, 2022
Each book in the series is better than the last.

Wow, it is just building toward an amazing story that digits you to it with amazing energy and unexpected twists and turns that are signs of great story telling.
8 reviews
December 8, 2022
Captivating

I so ready for the next book, I can't stand having to wait. Being able to read the first four books one right after the other was heaven.. April seems like a lifetime away. I loved Nightfall, he'll I've enjoyed each fall I have read.
25 reviews
December 17, 2022
imaginative and ongoing

As always, thank you to the writer. Fun read, and again, might just be my style preference, but it started to feel like the story was going on and on and on w/ necessarily the need to.

Regardless, I enjoyed, even though I sped read a bit, and will looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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