This book is a multi-POV fantasy novel where humans are presumed to not exist, and the world is ruled by vampires, werewolves, and sorcerers. How are sorcerers not human, you ask? Well, because apparently, they aren't born but emerge as fully grown adults from a pod. Fun. The vampires in this world are also unique. They actually prefer animal blood because they can take on the attributes of the animal. It's one of the ways vampires keep strict classes in place. Lower classes (the Worn) can only receive cow's blood and are kept docile and weak. Higher classes can receive all kinds of animal blood; some of it is even magicked.

The author took a lot of work in world-building, and it definitely shines through. The issue I had was that sometimes, as the reader, I felt too bogged down by the details. For example, the vampires have a blood market that serves as a stock market. The author goes to lengths to explain how a stock market works, which isn't really necessary for the characters in the conversation or for the furthering of the story. I think I would have preferred more information on how either the werewolf or mage societies work.

The murder mystery that serves as the central plot is very Sherlock to me. There is a lot of running around and making deductions. Sage, one of our non-magical sorcerers, essentially serves as Sherlock. In fact, before leading his own cult (a cult that believes humans did exist and are maybe coming back), Sage was an investigator. There were so many interesting little plot pieces, and my favorite was that humans "don't exist"; they are the myths in this world of fantastical creatures. Some even believe that the Grays are humankind come to reclaim the land.

One of the other issues I had with this book is how regressive vampire society was. These are beings that have lived for centuries and somehow think women are still less than and same-sex partners are frowned upon. It just felt kind of stale to me that there would be no progress.

This was a little bit of a slow read for me, but I think if you like politically leaning fantasy novels like Jade City, you would enjoy this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I was sold on the premise, but I found this book to be a bit of a slog to get through. Vampire stories aren't necessarily "my thing," but I do enjoy discussing them with my students; this is one that I don't feel compelled to suggest.

I really struggled to get into this book. I don't think it's for me at this time. The writing is good and it seems like a good plot It just struggle to grab my attention. I think I'm not in the mood for deep fantasy and will try this book at anymore time.

I found this book to be less than what I expected. It is about Vampires fighting for survival. I found the basis of the story interesting, but the author’s tendency to constantly bounce around between characters who were semi-interesting at best was a struggle. His writing style just did not resonate with me.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

A great start to a new fantasy series! An intricate world with vampires, werewolves, and sorcerers. No mortals to be found although they are talked about as mythical beings. Not having human characters was interesting because you think these are beings who have lived for CENTURIES, so what kind of troubles could they encounter? Turns out...A LOT. This book was full of secrets, lies, and political intrigue.
I adore the found family trope and the author delivered with an eclectic group of characters you can't help but care about. There are some chapters that are slower paced with emotional punches and then your thrown right back into scheming and fighting. Add in multi POV and some major twists and this book will keep you turning pages way past your bedtime! Can't wait for the next in the series.

Lightfall by Ed Crocker is an enthralling epic that masterfully combines vivid world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. The story takes readers on a high-stakes journey filled with adventure, heartache, and hope, all set in a richly imagined world that feels alive on every page. Crocker’s characters are deeply human, with relatable flaws and motivations that make their struggles and triumphs resonate.

The pacing is well-balanced, blending intense action with quieter, emotional moments that give the story depth and meaning. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit shine through, making Lightfall not just an exciting fantasy but also a deeply moving narrative. Fans of epic fantasy looking for a tale with both heart and substance will find Lightfall an unforgettable read.

The novel is a captivating start to a new series, with immersive world-building and detailed descriptions. It follows a diverse crew struggling to survive and improve their conditions, while uncovering secrets, exposing corruption, and solving a murder. The thrilling action and twists keep you eagerly anticipating the next book.

This is a book I was so excited to read, I’m all for books filled with monsters. It did take me a bit to get invested in the story with all of the world building at the beginning, but once I got past that I ended up really enjoying my time with this book.

DNF at 47%

When I first picked up this book, I told myself I would allow myself 100 pages to get hooked. Unfortunately, that took me weeks to accomplish. Then, I tried to keep pushing through for the sake of a a review for the author. I could not bring myself to finish the book due to the pacing and the constant use of names while the characters are speaking. It was driving me crazy near the end of my time with the book. I truly think if there was another round of editing where the use of other characters names were taken out, I could have finished this book. Who uses someone's name so often while speaking?

Additionally, I am not a fan of series creating their own curses and using them frequently. I am particularly noting the use of "blood" in front of each curse. We get it, they are vampires.

It took me a little bit to get into Lightfall as it had quite a bit of world building. But let me tell you, once I had my head wrapped around what was going on and now things worked in this world that Ed Crocker dreamed up, I really enjoyed it.

I'd say the first 20% was 4/10 speed, but the rest was 7-8/10 and I couldn't wait to see how things turned out. I'm equal parts excited and sad that it's book one of a series. Excited because there's more to come, and sad because I don't have all the answers yet haha.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book, though reading it before it has even come out means I'll have to wait even longer for book two!

This book was really interesting and refreshing. The worldbuilding was unique. This is a paranormal work of fiction where humans are the myth. This book features multiple first person PoVs that are very distinct and engaging.

There were definite Neil Gaiman undertones (including some quotes by Neil Gaiman in the book itself). It threw me off a little at first but then I enjoyed it after it got into a good groove with the plot. This book very much reminded me of Stardust, but with vampires, werewolves, and sorcerers and not a mortal in the lot of 'em. The cult religious followers who believed in humans of the past were really interesting in their ideals. The unlikely crew of misfits were especially unlikely and misfitting.

Content: violent, routine d*ath by sunlight, the privileged and strong rule over the "weak", strong language

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

Such an interesting take on the vampire lore. While it was a bit slow at the start, the intricate and unique world building really set it apart.

Loved the mystery and loved how deep the lore promises to go in future books. This is something to keep an eye out for!

"Lightfall" by Ed Crocker brings a refreshing, complex twist to vampire and werewolf lore, setting it apart from the usual supernatural tales. In a world with no humans, vampires, werewolves, and sorcerers are left to battle among themselves, with a city of immortals at its core, unraveling into political intrigue, rebellion, and an enemy that pushes old rivals into uneasy alliances.

From the start, the setting grips you: a society shaped by the absence of humans, a haunting echo of myth. Without mortals, the immortals must confront their own flaws, creating a fascinating dynamic as they prey on each other. The story follows Sam, a low-ranking vampire with big ambitions, as she stumbles upon secrets capable of reshaping her entire world. Ed Crocker masterfully builds a richly layered world, intricately weaving history and mystery into a sprawling yet grounded tale. The world of Lightfall feels lived-in and vibrant, with historical touches that invite readers into a centuries-old clash of power and legacy.

While the slow-burn start may test patience, it rewards readers with characters that grow beautifully over time. Sam and Sage, the main duo, shine through their flaws and fierce resilience, becoming characters you root for. Even side characters like Jacob and Rufous, the latter a loathsome, spoiled noble reminiscent of Joffrey Baratheon, are compelling in their roles. The story boasts a rich vein of queer representation, adding depth and nuance to the relationships that develop across the book.

The novel delivers twists that go from predictable to jaw-dropping, keeping you turning the pages. Crocker’s willingness to challenge norms within the genre makes Lightfall both surprising and profoundly engaging. By the end, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of a larger saga, leaving readers desperate for answers to the mysteries teased throughout. It’s a world where the absence of humans isn’t just a novelty—it’s a question that haunts every page, suggesting layers yet to be uncovered. For fans of fantasy who crave something original in a well-worn genre, Lightfall is a must-read that redefines what vampire and werewolf stories can be

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC for review.

I really enjoyed Ed's take on a world without humans full of Vampires and Werewolves! This is seriously such a good story!!!!

DNF at 25%
Lightfall starts out with a promising premise. A fantastical world where vampires, werewolves and sorcerers have come together to create a utopian style city that they all reside in. Eventually the city falls after being attacked and overpowered by a new group called the Grey. Split into their own factions the supernatural now hide with their own kind in medieval style societies with caste systems ripe for overthrowing. The death of a vampire lords son is the catalyst for change, mystery and revolution.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book, but unfortunately this just did not work for me. The beginning actually started out good, one POV character is a vampire maid with a penchant for sleuthing, another is a sorcerer who has formed his own cult and another is somehow an elder vampire Lady who is the head of a resistance group called the Leeches. Around 20% we are introduced to yet another POC character and at this point I realized that I had become so disinterested in this story that I had no desire to continue. If this is the first book in a planned trilogy and Im already bored at only 20% of book 1 then there is no hope for me here, I do think this book may appeal to some readers, but I am not one of them.

When I saw this book was great for fans of Jay Kristoff I immediately requested it as I love a good vampire book and I am always on the hunt for my next favorite. Sadly, I could not get into this one and I had to DNF at 50%. I kept picking this book up and reading a bit only to drift off and end up putting it back down. I wanted to love this one but it just didn't grab me.

I love supernatural stories and this one did not disappoint. I liked the narrative voice right from the beginning and I enjoyed the world building.

As a fan of vampire books this is a must read. I always enjoy books that look at the genre in another way- and this book definitely did. It was a different take on vampires. A very enjoyable read!

Lightfall was a book that sounds promising but the excution fails. It boasts of new thrills, but lets be honest, it is hard to do anything "new" in the realm of fantasy with it being so overly saturated with the same tragic vampire troupe. I was recommended this book because I am a huge Jay Kristoff fan; however, Ed Crocker fails to have the eloquance that Jay Kristoff's Empire of the Vampire possesses. I also enjoy dark fantasy books with humor and characters who are cheeky. I found the characters to be very basic and cardboard feeling. The story had the feeling of a young adult or new adult novel in the case that everything feels safe and forced rather than that gritty feel that I enjoy while reading adult dark fantasy.