Curse of the Fallen by H.C. Newell

Blurb:

This Child is not the chosen one. She is a demon to be destroyed.

Born of magic, Nerana is labeled a demon and forced into hiding by the Order of Saro. Living with a curse that binds her to their leader, Nerana seeks to free herself from their hold and soon learns that the path to redemption may prove more fatal than the Order itself.

But for Nerana, this is more than a quest for survival... It’s a promise of revenge.

Review:

At long last, I’ve begun the Fallen Light series. Curse of the Fallen is a dark and epic fantasy adventure full of humorous banter and a strong sense of found family.

This book absolutely delivers on much of the praise certain elements have garnered from fellow readers and friends, particularly with respect to world-building and cultural richness. I thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of character dynamics and emotions on display as well.

Nerana is a young woman on a mission after facing a childhood full of grief and torment. With her trusty bard companion and some friends they make along the way, she is determined to face a set of trials that will free her of her cursed magic and allow her to live the peaceful life she’s always dreamed of.

H.C. Newell proves to be a skilled writer, offering well-balanced prose that is both accessible and polished, alongside a seamless pace throughout the story. While filled with descriptive narrative, the abundance of exposition actually works in the book’s favour, as intricate cultural and political dynamics are conveyed through the characters’ experience rather than through info-dump sessions.

That said, this book shines in one area far above the rest: world-building. The map at the beginning of the book is of truly epic proportions and is supplemented with more detailed versions of specific regions. It was such a joy to travel with our heroes through various unique settlements topped off with beautifully rendered scenery. What’s remarkable is that there is still so much more of the world to explore, which I’m sure we’ll see in future installments.

The world-building includes a variety of races, cultures, and deep lore that permeate the story, not to mention the unique addition of epigraphs and footnotes. But what stood out the most to me was the magic system. Such concepts as healing, elemental force, and shadowy teleportation are used to outstanding effect and are things that I will never tire of reading about.

While it’s easy to become attached to the characters, the story would have benefited from more time dedicated to character growth. The plot hardly lets up, and certain characters suffer through extremely harrowing events, leaving little time for reflection or psychological shifts. As mentioned, though, the unrelenting momentum of the plot certainly compensates for this issue.

Overall, Curse of the Fallen is an ambitious and unique debut, providing a distinct atmosphere with the blend of adventure, humour, and brutal darkness. Fans of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will feel right at home here.

If you enjoy top-tier world-building and adventure while spiraling through an emotional rollercoaster, then the Fallen Light series is just the thing for you.

Guest Reviewer Bio:

Usman is an avid reader and reviewer of all things SFF, with a particular taste for grimdark and other dark fantasy stories. Previously a drummer for a symphonic/death metal band, he is no stranger to the brutal side of art and storytelling. Occasionally, he ventures into subgenres outside of SFF, including historical fiction, horror, and classic literature. When not reading or honing his reviewing craft, Usman is often immersed in learning about history—especially ancient history, from the beginnings of civilization to the fall of the Roman Empire.