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.

If you are a fan of Jay Kristoff, you will love this book. I liked the story that was told and the band of characters we met through multiple povs. A high fantasy with paranormal characters.

This book certainly felt a lot like a roller coaster. I absolutely love the backstory, the idea that immortals are the normal and humans are a myth. Instantly loved it the first moment I read it. I enjoyed majority of the banter though some of the villains like to talk too much and got rather repetitive and boring. The ending felt rushed, and the big fights in the end felt… too easy. Especially with the revelation when it comes to Sage. I love Sage, by the way. By far the most intriguing of characters in my opinion. I definitely look forward to continuing this series.

Palace maid Sam rebels against her vampire overlords and tries to better herself through blackmail. When the son of the city’s ruler is murdered and she finds the only clue to his death, she seizes the chance to blackmail her way into a better class and better blood.

She falls in with the Leeches, a group of like-minded servants, and does her best to solve the murder while improving her lot, and perhaps the lot of her fellow maids.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Lightfall!

I did end up DNFing Lightfall. I liked the first chapter but after that I had no idea what was happening. The world building was confusing and I felt there were too many characters introduced in quick succession.

The power system based on drinking different blood types of animals was really interesting and original. In the time I knew her I did like Sam even though I didn't feel connected to her or any other character in Lightfall.

Overall I think readers who like murder mystery, epic fantasy and intersting magic systems, would find this book interesting. Lightfall may get better past the point I got to but for the time being I'm going to move on from this book.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read an early copy.
Now for the balls of it…it wasn’t for me. The pace was a bit slow and it was kind of boring. Sadly I couldn’t get into this story. I usually love politically intriguing tales that follow the characters up or through their social classes and finding their places but this once was just not it for me. I’m sure I’ll pick it up later or even listen to an audio be it available as sometimes that makes it so much better for me. For me I’ve got to shelve it right now.

A supernatural cast for this murder mystery novel it's an interesting read but I didn't connect with the characters. Might have been my fault and I wasn't in the right mood for it.