Shadows of Nyn'Dira Review Spotlight

Welcome to the highly anticipated book tour for Shadows of Nyn'Dira! If you're not reading this series...GRAB THEM NOW!!! Brace yourself though...you won't be coming up for air until you're done. Deep breath! Now, time to dive in!

Shadows of Nyn'Dira is the third book (not counting the novella, but it's there, too) in H.C. Newell's The Fallen Light series. The first thing that you notice when you see any of this author's books is the absolutely stunning cover. These covers capture your attention and demand (they don't beg) that you stop and pick them up. Check them out. Read a little bit, and before you know you're through the first few chapters. Still, perusing? Stop it, and just buy the book. LOL!

These covers are truly stunning, and they are the lure to draw readers deeper into their depths. To explore the world that the author has created and get absolutely lost in them. 

When you begin reading this book the author continues to follow form by giving readers a pronunciation guide (Thank you so much! I am notorious for butchering names LOL), and a guide of the characters that will be found within these pages. 

What you get after that...OMG! The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. When this happens, that is a sure sign that this book is going to be goooood!!! You get a wanted poster! Is there a picture attached? Yeah, I know what you're thinking..."Old West" style bounty poster. No. There isn't. But for me, that just amps up the drama. It's all text. It breaks down about Nerana and really sets the stage for this simple fact - she's a hunted woman. The Order wants her, and they want her bad. Cue excited squealing and move forward. LOL!

The story picks up with a prologue that is going to absolutely pull you to the edge of your seat. The big question is going to be - "What's happening here?" You're going to be eager for more information and the intrigue is just going to build, and build, and build. Cue excitement building.

Moving forward, the author is intent on capturing this book and it works. If a book could be flypaper for humans, I think this series would qualify. Captured until finished and then you get released with the question - when is book four? LOL! No pressure! 

Honestly, as I dove into this book I was pleased with how the author just continues to develop this series. Nerana is alone once again. Where are her friends? After the chaos that they barely escaped, they could be anywhere. So, her intent is to find them. Hope that works out well because we've seen some nasty situations in the past. 

Of course, the author is going to throw in some "light at the end of the tunnel" moments. One particular moment that takes place at the end of Chapter One had me screaming. Let me tell you, I was calm, cool and collected. Nerana seems to have found someone safe to be around and then they say those fateful words - "I'm looking for you." It was nighttime, so I had to tone down my screech, but my first thought was - "I thought he was safe!! WTF?!" LOL! Yeah, Nerana needs to catch a break, but can she? Can she really? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out. Beware the smooth talkers. 

It's always when you think that you're being slick and fooling someone, and then BAM! They throw the truth at you. LOL! You seriously gotta hate that ESPECIALLY when you trying to stay under the radar. 

Now, while things in that particular moment may pan out, it's not long before things go left. Cue Thurandir, stage right! Neer is in a bad situation, and him showing her some form of compassion and care? Cue putting him on my "he seems decent, so let's see where this goes" list. 

Of course, true to form this story is going to divert for Neer and shift to her friends. Yes! Okay, do I want to continue where the story left Neer? YES! But do I want to know what happened with her friends?! Yes!! Absolutely! Did they survive? Does someone have an inkling of the trouble that Neer could be in? I need answers people! LOL!

Okay, stepping away from spilling all this story's guts, this book is fascinating. The author has really grown into her own with this series. Each book gets better and better. I mean, books one and two didn't have me practically screaming after chapter one, so that tells you something right there. LOL! H.C. Newell is creating beautifully developed worlds with characters that match it pace for pace. 

You find yourself pulled into this new world (series) and putting yourself in the shoes of the characters. Hoping for the best for the ones you're rooting for, and crossing your fingers that the bad guys meet untimely ends with lots of horrible things. LOL! Of course, you can expect twists, turns, unexpected situations, and elements that are going to have you howling in outrage or excitement. Or even perhaps both! Who knows?! That's honestly, just how good this book is. 

I have to admit that the deeper this story goes, Thurandir stands out as a character that you're going to really like. It goes beyond his kindness to Neer. You get the sense that he's a really good person overall. He takes steps to tend to Neer and be gentle with her when he can. In turn, Neer takes him into consideration when it comes to her own mechanisms and devices. She's in a bad situation, but she won't risk him for her freedom. Excuse me, there's some dust in my eye. Okay. I'm good now. But I like that there is more to Thurandir than meets the eye. 

Packed with drama, this book is a must-read for readers who love a good series that will keep you coming back for more. This book, this series, does exactly that. The ending of this book left me with chills and the hairs on my head trying to do a handstand. I HAVE to know what happens next. The Fallen Light series is like a bag of your favorite chips - good luck eating just one or even two. Because we all know that caught at the right moment in time you're decimating that bag. LOL!

I can't wait to find out what happens next, because with each book things just continue to intensify. Here's to book four. Can things get any better than this? No pressure, but this author has absolutely found her stride and is hitting it non-stop.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, H.C. Newell, and Escapist Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am in LOVE with this series, and I look forward to what comes next.

                                                        Book Information:

Shadows of Nyn’Dira by H. C. Newell
Series: Fallen Light
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Intended Age Group: Adult
Pages: 550
Published: October 31, 2023
Publisher: Self-Published

Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader):

• Blood

• Death

• Explicit gore

• Undead

• Grief

• Racism

Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):

• Suicidal ideations

Book Blurb:

Deep within the forests of Nyn’Dira, darkness rises, and Neer finds herself hunted at every turn. Fleeing from relentless enemies and vicious creatures of darkness, she embarks on a treacherous journey through the dangerous woodlands in search of strength and salvation.

As the humans push further into the forbidden lands, the Nasir and his men close in, finding strength in the blood of the innocent. With the balance beginning to shift, Neer is caught in a war she was never meant to be in and is forced to make a decision that could change the tides of fate or cause it all to collapse and burn.

See Also: 

Colors of the Wind • I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me • Come to the Dark Side

Eager for a taste of this book?! Here's an excerpt! 

Prologue Aragoth

Temple of Elandorr

“Do not fear the night, for the darkest of creatures rise with the sun.”

- Udur Chapter 39 verse 29, The Book of Wisdom and Verity

Men in chains pissed themselves before the blade struck their throats. Blood gurgled from their lips, draining down their necks and washing them in red. Vengeful eyes cast hatred upon their leader. A man they trusted, who once stood for something far greater, now slayed his own men.

Dust billowed from the arid desert ground when their bodies collapsed to the dirt. Pools of crimson spilled over rocks as it carried away from their lifeless bodies. A dagger, coated in fresh blood, was wiped clean on a victim’s shoulder, and then shoved into its scabbard.

Moonlight veiled the man’s face as he stared down at the warriors he’d slain.

Emotionless, he turned away, gazing at the carnage of his attack. Bodies lay amidst the desert, mutilated and torn. Flesh was shredded, exposing bone and pulsing organs waiting to die. Light blue eyes flashed to a woman as she crawled across the ground. Her choked groans filled the empty air.

There were no marks on her body other than the deep gash that opened her calf. Dancing aurora shimmered from above, casting against a bone hiding beneath layers of torn muscle and flesh. She could survive, and there was a nes’seil ready to aid her. But as the healer stepped forward, the man in charge raised his hand, and the nes’seil halted.

The injured woman turned to her leader, her scowled face filthy and bruised.

He glanced at Ithronél, who stood by his side. Her thin lips pressed into a tight line, and she gave a stiff nod. A thick bandage wrapped her left hand, a wound from the battle they had faced. An injury that would leave lasting effects to her abilities, but none she couldn’t overcome. She was strong, a true warrior.

The crawling woman who whimpered in the dirt shed no tears, not as her blood left a trail of red across the cold desert floor, but she was weak. Unable to withstand the agony of war, and thus, she was no longer needed. Weakness of any kind must be snuffed out. That was their way.

Prologue Aragoth

Temple of Elandorr

“Do not fear the night, for the darkest of creatures rise with the sun.”

- Udur Chapter 39 verse 29, The Book of Wisdom and Verity

Men in chains pissed themselves before the blade struck their throats. Blood gurgled from their lips, draining down their necks and washing them in red. Vengeful eyes cast hatred upon their leader. A man they trusted, who once stood for something far greater, now slayed his own men.

Dust billowed from the arid desert ground when their bodies collapsed to the dirt. Pools of crimson spilled over rocks as it carried away from their lifeless bodies. A dagger, coated in fresh blood, was wiped clean on a victim’s shoulder, and then shoved into its scabbard.

Moonlight veiled the man’s face as he stared down at the warriors he’d slain.

Emotionless, he turned away, gazing at the carnage of his attack. Bodies lay amidst the desert, mutilated and torn. Flesh was shredded, exposing bone and pulsing organs waiting to die. Light blue eyes flashed to a woman as she crawled across the ground. Her choked groans filled the empty air.

There were no marks on her body other than the deep gash that opened her calf. Dancing aurora shimmered from above, casting against a bone hiding beneath layers of torn muscle and flesh. She could survive, and there was a nes’seil ready to aid her. But as the healer stepped forward, the man in charge raised his hand, and the nes’seil halted.

The injured woman turned to her leader, her scowled face filthy and bruised.

He glanced at Ithronél, who stood by his side. Her thin lips pressed into a tight line, and she gave a stiff nod. A thick bandage wrapped her left hand, a wound from the battle they had faced. An injury that would leave lasting effects to her abilities, but none she couldn’t overcome. She was strong, a true warrior.

The crawling woman who whimpered in the dirt shed no tears, not as her blood left a trail of red across the cold desert floor, but she was weak. Unable to withstand the agony of war, and thus, she was no longer needed. Weakness of any kind must be snuffed out. That was their way.

Book Links:

Universal Link: https://azonlinks.com/B0B84VXLFD

Collectors Editions or Signed Paperbacks: https://www.hcnewell.com/store

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197113127-shadows-of-nyn-dira

Author Bio & Information:

H.C. Newell is an American author of dark fantasy. She is best known for the Fallen Light fictional universe, in which her fantasy novel Curse of the Fallen, is set.

In 2014, Newell started her first novel series, Forthwind, which was a young adult trilogy. As she grew as an author, she found her niche in adult fantasy, and created the Fallen Light universe. This six-part novel series took Newell over seven years to create. She published her debut novel "Curse of the Fallen" in April 2021.

Newell's works have been compared by readers to authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Andrejz Sapkowski, and Robert Jordan among others. Newell lives in Nashville, TN with her husband.

Author Website: https://www.hcnewell.com

Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/hcnewell

Want more of the tour? Check out the other stops here! 

Shadows of Nyn'Dira Book Tour

Book Tour Organized By:

Escapist Book Tour

This will be my final tour with Escapist Book Tours as they are "shutting down." They will be truly missed. I discovered many an author and new books through them and have greatly enjoyed being a part of their tours for the brief time that I have been. I wish them all the best, and hope for a bright and prosperous future for them and all connected to them. A huge thank you to Escapist for all of the opportunities. Know that you will be missed.