I’ve read a lot of Indie Science Fiction over the last couple of years, but Curse of the Fallen was really my first foray into Indie Fantasy. When deciding where to start in the Indie Fantasy world, H.C. Newell’s name was one that kept coming up. She has a large social media presence and following, and her books are very well regarded. It was a great start, as Curse of the Fallen did not disappoint.
If you are into quest fantasy in particular this is a book for you. We follow a relatively small group of characters as they attempt to evade their pursuers and find a way to reverse the curse on our main character, who is incredibly powerful in her magic, but who tries not to use it as the curse allows Order of Saro to track her down. It’s a relatively simple premise that immediately gets the reader invested in the story. Plenty more is going on in the world, as Newell deftly drops hints and foreshadows the issues that we know will eventually need to be dealt with, if not in this book than the next ones, but the simple plot gives this story strong momentum as it chugs along toward its exciting conclusion.
Quest Fantasy is actually one of my least favorite Fantasy tropes, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be engaging when done well. Newell does it very well. My biggest critique is I found the footnotes mostly unsatisfying and unnecessary. The writing was strong enough on its own, bringing us into the world and revealing things gradually would have been fine. We didn’t need all the background nuggets outside the context of the story (though maybe that’s just the way I like to read…to each their own).
Newell makes you care about Neer and her traveling companions. There is real emotional weight to the events as the story unfolds. Book 1 of the Fallen Light Series was a lot of fun. I look forward to continuing with Neer and her story in the not-so-distant future.
Felan’s Rescue is available in Ebook form (and Kindle Unlimited), Audiobook, Hardback, and Paperback!
The Descendants of Prontoth is available as an Ebook (and Kindle Unlimited), Audiobook, hardback and paperback!
Seventh Contact is now available!