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Healing Wars #3
Darkfall
War has come.
Nya’s the one who brought it. And the people love her for it.
With Baseer in shambles and Geveg now an impenetrable military stronghold, Nya and the Underground have fled to a safer location—without Tali. Nya is guilt-ridden over leaving her sister behind and vows to find her, but with the rebellion in full swing and refugees flooding the Three Territories, she fears she never will.
The Duke, desperate to reclaim the throne as his own, has rallied his powerful army. And they are on the move, destroying anyone who gets in the way.
To save her sister, her family, and her people, Nya needs to stay ahead of the Duke’s army and find a way to build one of her own. Past hurts must be healed, past wrongs must be righted, and Nya must decide: Is she merely a pawn in the rebellion, a symbol of hope—or is she ready to be a hero?
Nya’s the one who brought it. And the people love her for it.
With Baseer in shambles and Geveg now an impenetrable military stronghold, Nya and the Underground have fled to a safer location—without Tali. Nya is guilt-ridden over leaving her sister behind and vows to find her, but with the rebellion in full swing and refugees flooding the Three Territories, she fears she never will.
The Duke, desperate to reclaim the throne as his own, has rallied his powerful army. And they are on the move, destroying anyone who gets in the way.
To save her sister, her family, and her people, Nya needs to stay ahead of the Duke’s army and find a way to build one of her own. Past hurts must be healed, past wrongs must be righted, and Nya must decide: Is she merely a pawn in the rebellion, a symbol of hope—or is she ready to be a hero?
418 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2011
30 people are currently reading
1649 people want to read
About the author
Janice Hardy
26 books358 followersJanice Hardy is the award-winning author of the teen fantasy trilogy The Healing Wars, including The Shifter, Blue Fire, and Darkfall from Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins.
She also writes the Grace Harper series for adults under the name, J.T. Hardy.
When she's not writing fiction, she runs the popular writing site Fiction University, and has written multiple books on writing, including Understanding Show, Don't Tell (And Really Getting It), Plotting Your Novel: Ideas and Structure, and the Revising Your Novel: First Draft to Finished Draft series.
She also writes the Grace Harper series for adults under the name, J.T. Hardy.
When she's not writing fiction, she runs the popular writing site Fiction University, and has written multiple books on writing, including Understanding Show, Don't Tell (And Really Getting It), Plotting Your Novel: Ideas and Structure, and the Revising Your Novel: First Draft to Finished Draft series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 4, 2019
4 Stars
Review:
Once again, I have to be honest: I read this book in 2015, I wrote this review in maybe 2017 based on my notes about how I felt toward the book right after reading it, and I'm now finally posting it in 2019. So I don't know how I'd feel about the book now, but this review is how I felt about the book when I read it.
I actually liked this book even better than the other two! There were a lot of things I liked, so I'll go from least exciting to most exciting because why not?
The whole trilogy was really consistent, in a good way. The writing, the pacing, the likeability of the characters, etc. was pretty steady throughout. I did give this one a slightly higher rating, but, considering I was with the characters for three books and grew to really love them, that makes sense.
This one also had a more intense, more action-packed plot than the others (there was a war going on this time even), and the other two had a very similar plot whereas this one was different. I liked how everything kept building up and up and up at a really good pace without much time in between to even breathe (but just enough so I wasn't overwhelmed) until it reached a crescendo, and I wasn't disappointed.
I loved how emotional and intense that scene was when *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
I also liked that the book didn't end with one of those epilogues about the characters' kids' names. It wasn't open either though. Everything was just wrapped up really well without going too far.
The book also had some humor, like the last two. I especially loved that they called the camp on Jeatar's farm "Jeatown."
But the thing I loved most, once again, was the characters. They were so lovable! Or, at the very least, entertaining or intriguing. But again, I won't include all my thoughts on them here since I already did that in my review of Book 1.
So overall, I really liked this book and thought it was a strong finale with a great ending!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Janice Hardy's The Healing Wars series. Anyone who likes middle grade high fantasy and lovable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
Once again, I have to be honest: I read this book in 2015, I wrote this review in maybe 2017 based on my notes about how I felt toward the book right after reading it, and I'm now finally posting it in 2019. So I don't know how I'd feel about the book now, but this review is how I felt about the book when I read it.
I actually liked this book even better than the other two! There were a lot of things I liked, so I'll go from least exciting to most exciting because why not?
The whole trilogy was really consistent, in a good way. The writing, the pacing, the likeability of the characters, etc. was pretty steady throughout. I did give this one a slightly higher rating, but, considering I was with the characters for three books and grew to really love them, that makes sense.
This one also had a more intense, more action-packed plot than the others (there was a war going on this time even), and the other two had a very similar plot whereas this one was different. I liked how everything kept building up and up and up at a really good pace without much time in between to even breathe (but just enough so I wasn't overwhelmed) until it reached a crescendo, and I wasn't disappointed.
I loved how emotional and intense that scene was when *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
I also liked that the book didn't end with one of those epilogues about the characters' kids' names. It wasn't open either though. Everything was just wrapped up really well without going too far.
The book also had some humor, like the last two. I especially loved that they called the camp on Jeatar's farm "Jeatown."
But the thing I loved most, once again, was the characters. They were so lovable! Or, at the very least, entertaining or intriguing. But again, I won't include all my thoughts on them here since I already did that in my review of Book 1.
So overall, I really liked this book and thought it was a strong finale with a great ending!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Janice Hardy's The Healing Wars series. Anyone who likes middle grade high fantasy and lovable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
June 6, 2016
2.5 Stars
It took me three books to make a decision on what it is about this series that doesn't work for me. While this third book has a lot more action and a lot more forward progress and doesn't have a repeating story line like the first two books did, it was still a mediocre to MEH read for me. In fact, the entire world of The Healing Wars had quite the potential to become a great story, if only because there was a well-thought out story line and a decently created world with depth in culture and the people.
Unfortunately, the book read like a detached, unemotional screeplay that was waiting for the actors and the director to inject excitement and feeling and bring everything to life. The characters felt detached from what they were doing and they weren't in the least likable or relatable enough for me to forgive them for being lifeless character bios on paper. At least two deaths occurred, a war happened, and the younger sister is in terrible shape... but I couldn't find a smidge of care in me to feel anything for these tragic happenings when I knew that I SHOULD at least feel SOMETHING.
While I will admit that I can be a cold and calculating bitch with no compassion, I do have human emotions (contrary to popular belief), and if written well to evoke those emotions in me to present themselves, I would at least manifest my own version of sadness, pity, anger, or happiness. But the entire series of The Healing Wars never brought any of this out. The only feeling I had was relief that the story was over.
Sincerely, however, I will say that the book was written well. It flowed, it progressed, and it got you from point A to point B without dilly-dallying too much on insignificant matters. This was how I was able to finish reading it, because the book wasn't terrible to read at all--it just didn't stand out, nor did I care for it.
Once again, I really would just give this book (and the entire series) a simple "MEH" rating. Not good, but not bad... just okay. I don't discourage people from reading it, but it wouldn't be one of the first books at the top of my list to recommend--especially for non-fantasy readers, or non-high fantasy fans (like my best friend who thinks that high fantasy novels are boring).
At the very least, I got a few answers to some of my questions and I've grown to accept the way the magic system works even if it still doesn't make sense. The world's magic logic has some gaping holes that I know will never get answered, but I can live with that. At least now I know that the people in this world do know how to use traditional means of healing--bandaging wounds, allowing cuts and bruises to heal on their own... and such--even though it is mentioned that the Healers see herbs and salves and such as an unorthodox form of healing and not "true healing", which is an interesting concept that I would have liked to see explored more if this story wasn't already long enough.
My biggest complaints are really for the characters; especially Nya. Honestly, sometimes I wish Nya would just shut-up and let the experts do the war planning. Because, just because she has saved the day more than once doesn't mean that she's very good at being diplomatic and when her rash tongue starts pissing off people she shouldn't be pissing off and ruining the bigger picture for the world, then she's just being childish and needs to go away and let the adults do the negotiating. Several times she would chime in with her own two-cents and I really just wanted her to go away and find something else to play with before she ruined more chances of survival by continually being too daft to realize that there is more to saving the world than just her powers and what she can do.
She got annoying really fast. So did her best friend Aylin. Aylin evoked some eye rolls from me because she just kept resurrecting old conflicts and old arguments about Nya's powers. She doesn't like that Nya uses her shifting powers to kill or torture. But, oh, it's alright if someone else came along and put a knife in the enemy's chest... because that's different than killing... with Nya's shifting powers? I just didn't understand that aspect of Aylin's repulsion over the way Nya used her powers. Because in the first book we've already established that, like it or not, there are certain ways that Nya can use her powers as a weapon and she need only learn how to use them properly.
I don't know why Aylin keeps bringing this up as a means to evoke argument.
Nya was written to be way too perfect as "The One" who will save the day. And honestly, she was the most complex character in the story if only because everyone else was so straight-forward and predictable that they became cardboard cut-outs in the background. There was just no life in these people.
Then again, I cared little for the characters, so it doesn't bother me all too much.
Simply put, The Healing Wars is a mediocre read that many people may enjoy. It's just not my cuppa.
It took me three books to make a decision on what it is about this series that doesn't work for me. While this third book has a lot more action and a lot more forward progress and doesn't have a repeating story line like the first two books did, it was still a mediocre to MEH read for me. In fact, the entire world of The Healing Wars had quite the potential to become a great story, if only because there was a well-thought out story line and a decently created world with depth in culture and the people.
Unfortunately, the book read like a detached, unemotional screeplay that was waiting for the actors and the director to inject excitement and feeling and bring everything to life. The characters felt detached from what they were doing and they weren't in the least likable or relatable enough for me to forgive them for being lifeless character bios on paper. At least two deaths occurred, a war happened, and the younger sister is in terrible shape... but I couldn't find a smidge of care in me to feel anything for these tragic happenings when I knew that I SHOULD at least feel SOMETHING.
While I will admit that I can be a cold and calculating bitch with no compassion, I do have human emotions (contrary to popular belief), and if written well to evoke those emotions in me to present themselves, I would at least manifest my own version of sadness, pity, anger, or happiness. But the entire series of The Healing Wars never brought any of this out. The only feeling I had was relief that the story was over.
Sincerely, however, I will say that the book was written well. It flowed, it progressed, and it got you from point A to point B without dilly-dallying too much on insignificant matters. This was how I was able to finish reading it, because the book wasn't terrible to read at all--it just didn't stand out, nor did I care for it.
Once again, I really would just give this book (and the entire series) a simple "MEH" rating. Not good, but not bad... just okay. I don't discourage people from reading it, but it wouldn't be one of the first books at the top of my list to recommend--especially for non-fantasy readers, or non-high fantasy fans (like my best friend who thinks that high fantasy novels are boring).
At the very least, I got a few answers to some of my questions and I've grown to accept the way the magic system works even if it still doesn't make sense. The world's magic logic has some gaping holes that I know will never get answered, but I can live with that. At least now I know that the people in this world do know how to use traditional means of healing--bandaging wounds, allowing cuts and bruises to heal on their own... and such--even though it is mentioned that the Healers see herbs and salves and such as an unorthodox form of healing and not "true healing", which is an interesting concept that I would have liked to see explored more if this story wasn't already long enough.
My biggest complaints are really for the characters; especially Nya. Honestly, sometimes I wish Nya would just shut-up and let the experts do the war planning. Because, just because she has saved the day more than once doesn't mean that she's very good at being diplomatic and when her rash tongue starts pissing off people she shouldn't be pissing off and ruining the bigger picture for the world, then she's just being childish and needs to go away and let the adults do the negotiating. Several times she would chime in with her own two-cents and I really just wanted her to go away and find something else to play with before she ruined more chances of survival by continually being too daft to realize that there is more to saving the world than just her powers and what she can do.
She got annoying really fast. So did her best friend Aylin. Aylin evoked some eye rolls from me because she just kept resurrecting old conflicts and old arguments about Nya's powers. She doesn't like that Nya uses her shifting powers to kill or torture. But, oh, it's alright if someone else came along and put a knife in the enemy's chest... because that's different than killing... with Nya's shifting powers? I just didn't understand that aspect of Aylin's repulsion over the way Nya used her powers. Because in the first book we've already established that, like it or not, there are certain ways that Nya can use her powers as a weapon and she need only learn how to use them properly.
I don't know why Aylin keeps bringing this up as a means to evoke argument.
Nya was written to be way too perfect as "The One" who will save the day. And honestly, she was the most complex character in the story if only because everyone else was so straight-forward and predictable that they became cardboard cut-outs in the background. There was just no life in these people.
Then again, I cared little for the characters, so it doesn't bother me all too much.
Simply put, The Healing Wars is a mediocre read that many people may enjoy. It's just not my cuppa.
February 27, 2017
Wow! Fantastic!
June 29, 2020
Not as good as the first two but still a good read. I reviewed the first two in the series and they both got 5 stars (although I am a very lenient judge), so yes, I would recommend the series to a friend. Guess I just lost momentum after the first two. After all, I read The Shifter in one day, and I read Blue Fire the next, while this book took me two weeks to finish. That's 14 times as long! I think I got stuck on one of the battles. I got stuck in the Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance) when there were battles too, although these ones were better because it wasn't any normal battle - they had Nya, the shifter, on their side! Or maybe it was because I read it as an ebook on my phone which is SO annoying and even the best books take me longer when I use my phone. Anyway, if you liked this series and are looking for similar books/series you should read Serafina and the Black Cloak or Eragon if you haven't read that yet.
Some other notes:
- At first the romance felt a little forced, or at least slow, in my opinion. Maybe because, for the most part, Daniello's never really on Nya's mind unless he's right next to her, which seemed weird. Or maybe because we didn't really get to hear her thoughts on very much of anything, just the actions, as if we were random bystanders. I mean, they seem cute and are perfect for each other, but... Either way, not a big fan.
- Everything made sense! Couldn't find any plot holes, and everything was really realistic and believable, especially character development. Nya definitely feels like a different person at the end of the series. She grew stronger but is also troubled by all the lives she has ended, which is totally understandable. She's only around 15 years old throughout the course of the series! I also liked how she and her friends learned from their mistakes and started to support and depend on each other over time, even if Nya wasn't used to it at first since she had to grow up on the streets on her own. She faces doubts, and even doubts herself, but ultimately she succeedes!
- Just wish things weren't left as open-ended. With and , I just wish some things had been more cleared up. But overall, the ending was pretty good. Just a little underwhelming.
- a whole lot of new people. Maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention in Blue Fire, or maybe I listened to it as an audiobook and don't recognize their names written out, but I started feeling like I should be making notes or something.
some quotes:
My skin twitched with so many eyes on me. I'd spent my whole life hiding who I was--what I was--but my secret was gossip now. And gossip traveled faster than a four-footed hen.
I took a deep breath and looked at the broken mirror. Dozens of my own face stared back at me from the jagged glass. I tuned and checked my back. A new scar ran along my shoulders, worse than the ones on my legs and chest.
Shifting was different from healing. I had time to think about the wound when I healed, and make sure it closed properly. With shifting, I didn't think about it, I just did it. I'd shifted into so many. The prison guard. The foundry soldiers. The Undying.
And every shift had left its scar.
The lakewall rose above us, casting the canal in shadow. I kept one hand on Tali while I swam, pushing the plants aside with the other. It was dark enough to get lost down here, swimming in circles, never finding the wall just beyond your reach. Getting more and more tired until something brushed against your leg and-
Stop it.
I shoved the thoughts away and swam harder.
I sighed and leaned against the seat. I didn't want this attention. Sure, it was nice to be appreciated, but so many people knowing my face and my name couldn't be good. It was always safer when no one noticed you.
Some other notes:
- At first the romance felt a little forced, or at least slow, in my opinion. Maybe because, for the most part, Daniello's never really on Nya's mind unless he's right next to her, which seemed weird. Or maybe because we didn't really get to hear her thoughts on very much of anything, just the actions, as if we were random bystanders. I mean, they seem cute and are perfect for each other, but... Either way, not a big fan.
- Everything made sense! Couldn't find any plot holes, and everything was really realistic and believable, especially character development. Nya definitely feels like a different person at the end of the series. She grew stronger but is also troubled by all the lives she has ended, which is totally understandable. She's only around 15 years old throughout the course of the series! I also liked how she and her friends learned from their mistakes and started to support and depend on each other over time, even if Nya wasn't used to it at first since she had to grow up on the streets on her own. She faces doubts, and even doubts herself, but ultimately she succeedes!
- Just wish things weren't left as open-ended. With and , I just wish some things had been more cleared up. But overall, the ending was pretty good. Just a little underwhelming.
- a whole lot of new people. Maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention in Blue Fire, or maybe I listened to it as an audiobook and don't recognize their names written out, but I started feeling like I should be making notes or something.
some quotes:
My skin twitched with so many eyes on me. I'd spent my whole life hiding who I was--what I was--but my secret was gossip now. And gossip traveled faster than a four-footed hen.
I took a deep breath and looked at the broken mirror. Dozens of my own face stared back at me from the jagged glass. I tuned and checked my back. A new scar ran along my shoulders, worse than the ones on my legs and chest.
Shifting was different from healing. I had time to think about the wound when I healed, and make sure it closed properly. With shifting, I didn't think about it, I just did it. I'd shifted into so many. The prison guard. The foundry soldiers. The Undying.
And every shift had left its scar.
The lakewall rose above us, casting the canal in shadow. I kept one hand on Tali while I swam, pushing the plants aside with the other. It was dark enough to get lost down here, swimming in circles, never finding the wall just beyond your reach. Getting more and more tired until something brushed against your leg and-
Stop it.
I shoved the thoughts away and swam harder.
I sighed and leaned against the seat. I didn't want this attention. Sure, it was nice to be appreciated, but so many people knowing my face and my name couldn't be good. It was always safer when no one noticed you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2016
I listened to the first two books on audiobook a few years ago, and I remember finding them an amusing way to pass a boring day at work but nothing to write home about. The third book was never made into an audiobook, and I found myself wanting to know what happened, so bought it on steep discount.
Granted, huge gaps between books in a series makes it hard to follow along. However, this book was a LOT harder to follow when you're reading it.
There are so many proper nouns. A dozen towns, countries, political figures and officials, not to mention ENDLESS characters. The characters are so numerous they fight for screen time, and none of them are given enough time to make an impression of their personality. They're all just faceless people who all kind of act the same, because we never get to see them act any differently.
The plot has a lot of action, with a Big Thing happening in almost every chapter - a robbery! an attack on the camp! a journey! - but it's hard to care about any of it, since it all happens to these very forgettable characters.
What drew me into the series initially was how it weaponized healing - something in most fantasy that is seen as a purely positive force - and had an interesting magic system based on pain (of course kiddified for its very young audience). However, I think the author needed to slow down on the action and give her characters more depth to make all that action worthwhile.
I didn't even make it 100 pages into the book before I was so bored I had to toss it. I think I would have enjoyed it much more on audiobook, since the fast-paced, low-depth action plot is easier to digest while you're working on something else. But as a novel, it's just not really worth the effort of reading it.
Granted, huge gaps between books in a series makes it hard to follow along. However, this book was a LOT harder to follow when you're reading it.
There are so many proper nouns. A dozen towns, countries, political figures and officials, not to mention ENDLESS characters. The characters are so numerous they fight for screen time, and none of them are given enough time to make an impression of their personality. They're all just faceless people who all kind of act the same, because we never get to see them act any differently.
The plot has a lot of action, with a Big Thing happening in almost every chapter - a robbery! an attack on the camp! a journey! - but it's hard to care about any of it, since it all happens to these very forgettable characters.
What drew me into the series initially was how it weaponized healing - something in most fantasy that is seen as a purely positive force - and had an interesting magic system based on pain (of course kiddified for its very young audience). However, I think the author needed to slow down on the action and give her characters more depth to make all that action worthwhile.
I didn't even make it 100 pages into the book before I was so bored I had to toss it. I think I would have enjoyed it much more on audiobook, since the fast-paced, low-depth action plot is easier to digest while you're working on something else. But as a novel, it's just not really worth the effort of reading it.
November 19, 2011
Darkfall is the final book in the Healing Wars Trilogy.
When I first started this series I was a little uncertain about how it would pan out. The first book was a little confusing and it was hard to understand how the pain was used and what was really going on. But like all good writers Hardy learned from her mistakes and the last two books were smooth sailing.
I still stand by the concept of this book is rather unique. The ability to take pain and use it as a weapon or for good just hasn't been brought out to the YA world (as far as I know).
While I did feel as if this book was a great ending to the series I think there was a part lacking. The romance. Either take it out or leave it in and develop it but it just seemed so forced that it lacked any emotion or feelings from the reading.
I do think there is another series that could come out of this but if it didn't pan out I'd be okay with that too. I feel the book ended on a good note and it COULD be continued but if not readers won't be disappointed.
When I first started this series I was a little uncertain about how it would pan out. The first book was a little confusing and it was hard to understand how the pain was used and what was really going on. But like all good writers Hardy learned from her mistakes and the last two books were smooth sailing.
I still stand by the concept of this book is rather unique. The ability to take pain and use it as a weapon or for good just hasn't been brought out to the YA world (as far as I know).
While I did feel as if this book was a great ending to the series I think there was a part lacking. The romance. Either take it out or leave it in and develop it but it just seemed so forced that it lacked any emotion or feelings from the reading.
I do think there is another series that could come out of this but if it didn't pan out I'd be okay with that too. I feel the book ended on a good note and it COULD be continued but if not readers won't be disappointed.
March 8, 2019
Wow! The more I read this series, the more I was sucked in and grew more attached. This book was terrible and beautiful, terrible in a beautiful way. I feel like the author really knew what she was doing when she wrote this. She showed that not everything can be healed, and even Nya's powers have their drawbacks. And Danello!!! I CANNOT get enough of them! They're so cute together and it really feels like their relationship grew slowly, instead of some fast-paced instalove we too commonly see in YA books nowadays. Agh!! So adorbs! I will not speak of what happened to the other love interest, though it really shook me and broke my heart. I was getting so attached to him...
Anyways, great book, great finale, Jeater is just AMAZING. He or Danello is my favorite male in the series. And I can totally see Vyand and him together in the future, though it'll probably take a while. But Jeater!!! He went from kidnapper to pain merchant employee, to underground representative, and then to the FREAKING _____ of Baseer!!! I cannot stress his awesomeness enough. Thank you.
Anyways, great book, great finale, Jeater is just AMAZING. He or Danello is my favorite male in the series. And I can totally see Vyand and him together in the future, though it'll probably take a while. But Jeater!!! He went from kidnapper to pain merchant employee, to underground representative, and then to the FREAKING _____ of Baseer!!! I cannot stress his awesomeness enough. Thank you.
March 31, 2022
Hooray! An awesome ending to an awesome series. The last few chapters went...a bit quick - but that's okay. I like Nya! She's full of fire and always speaks her mind (even when that's not the best idea). Her powers are really cool and she's never afraid of a fight.
It's cathartic to see the ending of the story, a wrap-up of the final strings...but not everyone made it out unscathed.
I'm kind of grateful (?) for this random bout of flu because it gave me the time to finally finish this fun series!
It's cathartic to see the ending of the story, a wrap-up of the final strings...but not everyone made it out unscathed.
I'm kind of grateful (?) for this random bout of flu because it gave me the time to finally finish this fun series!
August 1, 2015
Wasn't that bad but it took me almost half a year to read it
November 7, 2022
After a while I got a little tired of how every little single thing revolved around the main character. Not only was the main character approaching the world as if this were true (which is common enough among teenagers to be believable) but it was actually true of the world, and more power was accumulated in a single person than should be healthy and manageable.
There was still a lot of hatred between Baseeri and Gevegians that was talked about in extremely black and white ways with insufficient nuance. After the middle of book 2, this type of thinking was better pointed out as problematic, but not perfectly, and I wouldn't describe any of it as a healthy role model. A situation to observe, perhaps, but nothing to imitate.
Still lots of solid action, but less compelling moral dilemmas.
A pretty good series overall. Interesting premise, enjoyable, hard to put down, but not going to make my top recommendation lists.
There was still a lot of hatred between Baseeri and Gevegians that was talked about in extremely black and white ways with insufficient nuance. After the middle of book 2, this type of thinking was better pointed out as problematic, but not perfectly, and I wouldn't describe any of it as a healthy role model. A situation to observe, perhaps, but nothing to imitate.
Still lots of solid action, but less compelling moral dilemmas.
A pretty good series overall. Interesting premise, enjoyable, hard to put down, but not going to make my top recommendation lists.
July 24, 2023
i think ms hardy would be an EXCELLENT d&d dungeon master because her pacing is swift, her plotlines all tie up neatly at the end, and her worldbuilding and magic systems are interesting, but the characters themselves don't get to shine as brightly in comparison. i think aylin in particular was a very lovely character who repeatedly got the short end of the stick because all the focus was on nya racing from A to B to C. the romance was also pretty weak, since her romantic interest was barely given a personality or moments to shine. hell, even tali had a fascinating side plot that we never really explored or even resolved. nya eclipses everyone forever :/ still an enjoyable read and nicely written
October 10, 2021
I love this book and I honestly have no idea why it's not 5 stared.
I would like to know more about this Khione and his 3 friends.
The saddest part of this book is the death of Quenji, I really liked his style and I think he's a hero.
Oh and please don't tell me that this is the end, I love this books!
I saw someone said it's boring but this book is not, maybe this "person" should read more books like I do instead of listening to them.
Anyways I love this book and please post more info about the characters and show how the all look to satisfy the secret lovers of your books.. I speak on behalf of all my friends (over 90) we are a gang that loves these kinds of books and appreciates them
THANKS for WRITING this AMAZING book
I would like to know more about this Khione and his 3 friends.
The saddest part of this book is the death of Quenji, I really liked his style and I think he's a hero.
Oh and please don't tell me that this is the end, I love this books!
I saw someone said it's boring but this book is not, maybe this "person" should read more books like I do instead of listening to them.
Anyways I love this book and please post more info about the characters and show how the all look to satisfy the secret lovers of your books.. I speak on behalf of all my friends (over 90) we are a gang that loves these kinds of books and appreciates them
THANKS for WRITING this AMAZING book
September 16, 2024
God it’s so bittersweet finishing this series…. I got to take a step back into my childhood for a bit and it was nice to stay there for a while.
I love the shifter series, I always will. I’ve had the original shifter on my bookshelf since I was a kid. It’s worn, bent, yellow but I’ll treasure it. This book, and many others, taught me girls can be ruthless. Terrifying. Even Saints.
I love the shifter series, I always will. I’ve had the original shifter on my bookshelf since I was a kid. It’s worn, bent, yellow but I’ll treasure it. This book, and many others, taught me girls can be ruthless. Terrifying. Even Saints.
February 3, 2020
Really average. How does Danello still have the personality of a brick? Tali is the only interesting character. Also they had one moment if realisation that the Undying soldiers may be brainwashed like Tali (This happened way later than it should have btw) and then was never acknowledged again.
March 18, 2017
It was a great book. I want more like this series.
August 27, 2017
I'd say about 3.5 to 4 stars.
March 9, 2020
My god this series was AWSOME!
April 6, 2020
THIS EPICNESS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR
August 22, 2021
This book series was phenomenal. The world building. The action. The characters. Everything. Amazing.
August 17, 2022
** 3/4
December 22, 2022
The Duke got what he deserved.
February 12, 2023
Much more happens in this book, so much so I would argue this is the best of the 3.
Read
December 9, 2023Amaaaazing absolutely brilliant!
May 13, 2012
I read book 1 and 2 when they came into the library and got through them really quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed them and wanted more. I then found out I had to wait about a month for this one to be released and I was annoyed as well as excited. I put an order in at the library, asking them to buy it for their stock but it took longer to go through than I expected. It only came in last week. I considered just buying it a few times myself, but I really can't spend more money on books, I'm broke, so I had to wait it out.
When this arrived last week I literally squealed and jumped up and down, we had some electricians in at the time and they jumped and looked at me like I was a total freak (I'm used to that look). However I had some review books to read so I couldn't start it until yesterday, grrr.
When I started reading this it took me a couple of chapters to get back into the story as it continues on from book 2 and I had to remember all that had happened. It soon came back to me and once again I was drawn into the world. Unfortunately I didn't get much time to read yesterday and only got about 50 pages in, but I sat down this evening and read of the rest of the book. Once I was stuck in I couldn't put it down again.
Nya is on the run on the brink of a war, her sister has been captured, people are dying and fighting and she's not sure what's the best plan of action. With her friends by her side she once more steps into the heart of danger and does her best to fight back. But enemies are multiplying in numbers and dividing in forces, there are more and more people fighting but not all for the same sides. Things are starting to get complicated. Nya has to try and stop all the fighting with the least amount of damage and try to control her Healer/Shifter powers at the same time.
I really do have to say that I love Janice Hardy's writing style, there is something so fresh and fast-paced about it, it's funny, adventurous, exciting, moving, amazing, magical, empathatic and just incredible. Really I couldn't ask for more from her. The story sweeps me up and it feels like I've known Nya, Tali, Donello, Aylin and the rest of them for a long time. Like long lost friends and my heart was in my mouth for a lot of this book. It certainly packs a punch.
I think this is the last book in the series (trilogy) and it certainly goes off with a bang!
I was glad Tali was back more, she was always one of my favourites, I was a bit upset about some of the things that happened to her, but it made for very exciting reading and I loved how it turned out.
I would have to say for me this is the best one of the series, but they are all fantastic.
If you haven't read them all I suggest you add them to your list.
Book 1 is 'Pain Merchants', so find a copy and get stuck in.
When this arrived last week I literally squealed and jumped up and down, we had some electricians in at the time and they jumped and looked at me like I was a total freak (I'm used to that look). However I had some review books to read so I couldn't start it until yesterday, grrr.
When I started reading this it took me a couple of chapters to get back into the story as it continues on from book 2 and I had to remember all that had happened. It soon came back to me and once again I was drawn into the world. Unfortunately I didn't get much time to read yesterday and only got about 50 pages in, but I sat down this evening and read of the rest of the book. Once I was stuck in I couldn't put it down again.
Nya is on the run on the brink of a war, her sister has been captured, people are dying and fighting and she's not sure what's the best plan of action. With her friends by her side she once more steps into the heart of danger and does her best to fight back. But enemies are multiplying in numbers and dividing in forces, there are more and more people fighting but not all for the same sides. Things are starting to get complicated. Nya has to try and stop all the fighting with the least amount of damage and try to control her Healer/Shifter powers at the same time.
I really do have to say that I love Janice Hardy's writing style, there is something so fresh and fast-paced about it, it's funny, adventurous, exciting, moving, amazing, magical, empathatic and just incredible. Really I couldn't ask for more from her. The story sweeps me up and it feels like I've known Nya, Tali, Donello, Aylin and the rest of them for a long time. Like long lost friends and my heart was in my mouth for a lot of this book. It certainly packs a punch.
I think this is the last book in the series (trilogy) and it certainly goes off with a bang!
I was glad Tali was back more, she was always one of my favourites, I was a bit upset about some of the things that happened to her, but it made for very exciting reading and I loved how it turned out.
I would have to say for me this is the best one of the series, but they are all fantastic.
If you haven't read them all I suggest you add them to your list.
Book 1 is 'Pain Merchants', so find a copy and get stuck in.
March 20, 2013
An enchanting children’s/ young teen fantasy tale that is supremely magical and dreamlike.
‘Darkfall’ is the third and last installment within ‘the healing wars’ trilogy, following on from the pain merchants and blue fire. The stunning purple cover is really beautiful and I feel that this book visually caters to its target audience perfectly (the younger Young Adult reader). Full of fast-paced action, intense drama and epic battle scenes anyone who loves the fantasy genre will be delighted by this thrilling tale and heroic story.
Nya must return to her homeland
Save her sister – inspire a rebellion
And fight for the future…
Time is running out for the people of Geveg, as the Duke’s army continues to expand in an ever more violent and terrifying reign. Nya is charged with leading her people into battle, for if not her world would be abandoned into a bleak and brutal reality. Nya’s sister is in grave danger and with thousands relying on her, this is a war that ultimately will test her strength (both inner and magical ability) and her courage – for not everyone will survive.
The world that Janice Hardy has created is richly detailed and very interesting, with some inspired concepts thrown in (such as shifting or taking pain from others). With a strong and likeable female protagonist this is a story full of warmth, hope and fills you with such satisfaction as to make you want to instantaneously re-read this book again.
Delicately interwoven and multilayered this spectacular series beautifully blends together adventure, intelligence and depth for a magnificent outcome! I would highly recommend this trilogy to those seeking an assured narrative that will take you on an unforgettable journey, which is full of heart and poignant prose wherein colorful captivating characters bring a remarkable world to life. Amid the atmospheric narrative and intricate world-building, is a story of such substance that contains inner meaning.
I am most impressed by this beguiling book, and although I do feel that it is tailored towards a younger readership, it is certainly a most enjoyable read. 3.5 stars
www.janicehardy.com - Here you will find more information about ‘The Healing Wars’ and the author, as well as print-out maps of Geveg and other news.
‘Darkfall’ is the third and last installment within ‘the healing wars’ trilogy, following on from the pain merchants and blue fire. The stunning purple cover is really beautiful and I feel that this book visually caters to its target audience perfectly (the younger Young Adult reader). Full of fast-paced action, intense drama and epic battle scenes anyone who loves the fantasy genre will be delighted by this thrilling tale and heroic story.
Nya must return to her homeland
Save her sister – inspire a rebellion
And fight for the future…
Time is running out for the people of Geveg, as the Duke’s army continues to expand in an ever more violent and terrifying reign. Nya is charged with leading her people into battle, for if not her world would be abandoned into a bleak and brutal reality. Nya’s sister is in grave danger and with thousands relying on her, this is a war that ultimately will test her strength (both inner and magical ability) and her courage – for not everyone will survive.
The world that Janice Hardy has created is richly detailed and very interesting, with some inspired concepts thrown in (such as shifting or taking pain from others). With a strong and likeable female protagonist this is a story full of warmth, hope and fills you with such satisfaction as to make you want to instantaneously re-read this book again.
Delicately interwoven and multilayered this spectacular series beautifully blends together adventure, intelligence and depth for a magnificent outcome! I would highly recommend this trilogy to those seeking an assured narrative that will take you on an unforgettable journey, which is full of heart and poignant prose wherein colorful captivating characters bring a remarkable world to life. Amid the atmospheric narrative and intricate world-building, is a story of such substance that contains inner meaning.
I am most impressed by this beguiling book, and although I do feel that it is tailored towards a younger readership, it is certainly a most enjoyable read. 3.5 stars
www.janicehardy.com - Here you will find more information about ‘The Healing Wars’ and the author, as well as print-out maps of Geveg and other news.
January 18, 2012
Good, but not the captivating conclusion I was hoping for. That is not because the story is flawed, simply that it does not go where I would like it to. I thank Hardy for an intriguing magic system and a fun trilogy, even if the bang it ended with didn't really echo for me.
The best element in this book, and a real improvement upon the previous two, is that Nya not only has to rescue people, she has to save them. Some injuries don't bleed and actually require time to heal, not just magic. We recognize that some pain, like grief, cannot be shifted.
In The Shifter I was hooked by the magic system and the humor. In Blue Fire I enjoyed the humor, the action, and a fallible heroine. But in Darkfall the humor is muted and Nya's weaknesses are fading. She never falls far enough or long enough for her redemption to be meaningful. The magic is more miraculous than useful, and the direction it takes is not what I had anticipated.
Other readers may disagree, but for me Darkfall came closer to actually exploring morality than did the previous books. It doesn't quite get there, primarily because Hardy is busy building the action to live up to the war she has been promising. The war, we get; the ethics, not quite. Some of the elements that are explored (e.g. becoming an object of faith) get YA treatment, which is appropriate but does not satisfy me after reading deeper and more focused explorations (e.g. in Warbreaker and The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson).
Additional "not-quite-there" elements of the book were character losses that should have been mourned longer than they were and suspicious words and deeds that should not have been ignored by secondary characters.
The best element in this book, and a real improvement upon the previous two, is that Nya not only has to rescue people, she has to save them. Some injuries don't bleed and actually require time to heal, not just magic. We recognize that some pain, like grief, cannot be shifted.
In The Shifter I was hooked by the magic system and the humor. In Blue Fire I enjoyed the humor, the action, and a fallible heroine. But in Darkfall the humor is muted and Nya's weaknesses are fading. She never falls far enough or long enough for her redemption to be meaningful. The magic is more miraculous than useful, and the direction it takes is not what I had anticipated.
Other readers may disagree, but for me Darkfall came closer to actually exploring morality than did the previous books. It doesn't quite get there, primarily because Hardy is busy building the action to live up to the war she has been promising. The war, we get; the ethics, not quite. Some of the elements that are explored (e.g. becoming an object of faith) get YA treatment, which is appropriate but does not satisfy me after reading deeper and more focused explorations (e.g. in Warbreaker and The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson).
Additional "not-quite-there" elements of the book were character losses that should have been mourned longer than they were and suspicious words and deeds that should not have been ignored by secondary characters.
September 26, 2012
It's a few months since I read the previous two books in The Healing Wars trilogy. I really enjoyed both of them, and was amazed at the level of world-building, character-building, and the strength of the writing in what was, after all, a "kid's book". So I went into Darkfall with high expectations.
And they were completely blown out of the water.
I loved this book. In fact, the strength of this book is such that the entire trilogy is painted in a new light. It's not just a great fantasy trilogy, it's hands-down one of the best epic fantasy stories I've ever read. It doesn't matter that it's written with 12 year olds in mind -- although I wish there'd been books like this when I was 12! -- the story is intense and epic and emotional and terrifying and exciting and... and...
(Yep, I've run out of adjectives.)
...no matter what your age.
You know that moment in a good book where it hooks you? Not the initial hook that encourages you to keep turning pages, the hook that usually comes about a third to halfway through the book, where the stakes are suddenly bigger and you can't look away from the page for fear that something bad will happen.
Darkfall hooked me with that level of intensity on page three. And I just couldn't let it go. As with the previous two books, the world-building and character-development were superb, the character's voice was there on the page in every scene, and there were no needless bursts of exposition.
The ending was satisfying, if not the HEA that I would have hoped for. And one of the great things about it is that no punches were pulled. If something bad had to happen, it happened at the greatest possible intensity. They're in a war. People die. People suffer. People are damaged, and not just phsyically.
...and because I don't want to accidentally drift into the realm of spoilers, I'll stop there. But if you have any interest at all in the fantasy genre, I'd recommend this book to you. But don't start here. Pick up a copy of the first book: Shifter. (aka The Pain Merchants in the UK and Australia.)
And they were completely blown out of the water.
I loved this book. In fact, the strength of this book is such that the entire trilogy is painted in a new light. It's not just a great fantasy trilogy, it's hands-down one of the best epic fantasy stories I've ever read. It doesn't matter that it's written with 12 year olds in mind -- although I wish there'd been books like this when I was 12! -- the story is intense and epic and emotional and terrifying and exciting and... and...
(Yep, I've run out of adjectives.)
...no matter what your age.
You know that moment in a good book where it hooks you? Not the initial hook that encourages you to keep turning pages, the hook that usually comes about a third to halfway through the book, where the stakes are suddenly bigger and you can't look away from the page for fear that something bad will happen.
Darkfall hooked me with that level of intensity on page three. And I just couldn't let it go. As with the previous two books, the world-building and character-development were superb, the character's voice was there on the page in every scene, and there were no needless bursts of exposition.
The ending was satisfying, if not the HEA that I would have hoped for. And one of the great things about it is that no punches were pulled. If something bad had to happen, it happened at the greatest possible intensity. They're in a war. People die. People suffer. People are damaged, and not just phsyically.
...and because I don't want to accidentally drift into the realm of spoilers, I'll stop there. But if you have any interest at all in the fantasy genre, I'd recommend this book to you. But don't start here. Pick up a copy of the first book: Shifter. (aka The Pain Merchants in the UK and Australia.)
February 19, 2012
There is nothing like being satisfied at the end of a trilogy. The healing wars is ultimately about people escaping the grasp the Duke has on all the people within his reach...the Takers, the Healers, The "cats", The Undying, The soldiers, and His family. Throughout the book you feel a sense of hope and longing. Nya is such a strong heroin and her strength, I felt, was best described by the singing of her younger sister Tali throughout the book. She gave her simple praise ongoing exclaiming that Nya saved her over and over and over. I love this about Nya. I enjoyed seeing that Nya struggled with her mysterious abilities and didn't like to inflict the pain that she often times was forced into. She was a hero with sympathy, empathy, and remorse but also knew when things were okay. She was a great strength to her people and to the surrounding areas.
Danello was fantastic. He is a man that is giving, kind, and uplifting to who he loves and it is quite apparent that he in no way, is embarassed to sometimes be the man behind the woman. Danello is Nya's strength and that never falters. He is with her and finds her in every predicament that she found herself in.
I loved the ending...it suprised me completely! There was a part in the ending that I wished the author would have gone deeper into for my own curiousity...how and what happened to Nya in the last major moment of the war? How was any of that possible and the eyes???
Loved the book and would recommend it. It is more like a 3 1/2 star. I think my favorite still may be the first of this series but I still really loved this last one.
Danello was fantastic. He is a man that is giving, kind, and uplifting to who he loves and it is quite apparent that he in no way, is embarassed to sometimes be the man behind the woman. Danello is Nya's strength and that never falters. He is with her and finds her in every predicament that she found herself in.
I loved the ending...it suprised me completely! There was a part in the ending that I wished the author would have gone deeper into for my own curiousity...how and what happened to Nya in the last major moment of the war? How was any of that possible and the eyes???
Loved the book and would recommend it. It is more like a 3 1/2 star. I think my favorite still may be the first of this series but I still really loved this last one.
September 9, 2012
Nya and her friends return in the third of The Healing Wars series, Darkfall. When we last left Nya, her little sister, Tali, had been captured by the Duke, and Nya had to make the choice of whether to try to find her then - or escape and live with her friends.
Tali has been missing for some months when the story opens, while Nya, Danello and Aylin are at Jeatar's farm, laying low and trying to decide their next move. When they find out that the Duke is going to attack the farm, as well as Geveg, they take off to warn the islands of Geveg.
Along they way, they manage to find Tali, now lost in her own mind, as well as Vyand, who had previously been an enemy, but might be willing to help out now. But with the Duke and his army approaching to wipe out Geveg, will Nya and her friends be able to help stem a war? And what's with Nya being raised to Sainthood? Can she live up to the hype, help her sister, and find a way to protect Geveg, and the home she loves? Or will she and her friends die in the war?
This story has some really nice twists and turns. Despite this, it's an 'easy' read, and a fun one. Nya keeps getting more stuff shoved onto her shoulders, whether she wants it or not, but we see how quickly she thinks and how one young woman's issues with her own strange powers can help an entire country.
I give this story four stars because the concluding scene seemed a bit rushed between Nya and the Duke; other than that, the story was very entertaining.
Tali has been missing for some months when the story opens, while Nya, Danello and Aylin are at Jeatar's farm, laying low and trying to decide their next move. When they find out that the Duke is going to attack the farm, as well as Geveg, they take off to warn the islands of Geveg.
Along they way, they manage to find Tali, now lost in her own mind, as well as Vyand, who had previously been an enemy, but might be willing to help out now. But with the Duke and his army approaching to wipe out Geveg, will Nya and her friends be able to help stem a war? And what's with Nya being raised to Sainthood? Can she live up to the hype, help her sister, and find a way to protect Geveg, and the home she loves? Or will she and her friends die in the war?
This story has some really nice twists and turns. Despite this, it's an 'easy' read, and a fun one. Nya keeps getting more stuff shoved onto her shoulders, whether she wants it or not, but we see how quickly she thinks and how one young woman's issues with her own strange powers can help an entire country.
I give this story four stars because the concluding scene seemed a bit rushed between Nya and the Duke; other than that, the story was very entertaining.
October 14, 2011
About DARKFALL -- The characters from THE SHIFTER and BLUE FIRE continue to develop, the plot thickens like no one's business, and the ending lives up to your expectations and then some. All in all, it's an excellent final book in The Healing Wars trilogy.
And five reasons you should read The Healing Wars trilogy:
* If you're looking for a strong and smart heroine to root for, Nya's your girl. For years, life has handed her one struggle after another, and she has to make multiple heartbreaking choices throughout the books, but she keeps moving forward.
* The stakes are huge, and they're both personal and political. Entire cities are on the brink of destruction, and the lives of Nya's sister and friends are at risk -- with Nya (unintentionally) in the center of it all.
* The world of The Healing Wars is fantastically multilayered and realistic, and the concept of using healing and pain for political power makes this fantasy stand out from the rest.
* The plot twists and turns throughout the trilogy, with almost constant action, but it never veers into the realm of implausibility.
* These books are awesome. Seriously. They're that perfect mix of adventure with heart, intelligence, and depth, and I totally love Nya. Go read this trilogy!
For more reviews & other fun book blogging (including thoughts on writing, author interviews and giveaways!), check out http://www.FirstNovelsClub.com
And five reasons you should read The Healing Wars trilogy:
* If you're looking for a strong and smart heroine to root for, Nya's your girl. For years, life has handed her one struggle after another, and she has to make multiple heartbreaking choices throughout the books, but she keeps moving forward.
* The stakes are huge, and they're both personal and political. Entire cities are on the brink of destruction, and the lives of Nya's sister and friends are at risk -- with Nya (unintentionally) in the center of it all.
* The world of The Healing Wars is fantastically multilayered and realistic, and the concept of using healing and pain for political power makes this fantasy stand out from the rest.
* The plot twists and turns throughout the trilogy, with almost constant action, but it never veers into the realm of implausibility.
* These books are awesome. Seriously. They're that perfect mix of adventure with heart, intelligence, and depth, and I totally love Nya. Go read this trilogy!
For more reviews & other fun book blogging (including thoughts on writing, author interviews and giveaways!), check out http://www.FirstNovelsClub.com
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