Firstly I need to give the BIGGEST thank you to Hannah at Headline Books for sending me an early eARC of The Dark is Descending, I think I screamed a little when I got the email. A huge thank you to Chloe and NetGalley also for providing me with the opportunity to read early.

The Dark is Descending was absolute PERFECTION. No notes. None. Chloe, take a bow please, because THIS is how you finish an incredible trilogy. Wow.

I've been obsessed with the Nytefall series since I first discovered Chloe and The Stars are Dying in 2023, when it was originally Indie published. I've been privileged enough to be an ARC reader for The Night is Defying and now the final book, The Dark is Descending and I'm so grateful.

It's one of my favourite romantasy series ever and will be one I reread time and time again. The character growth and development over the course of the 3 books is incredible, especially from Astraea. To follow her transition from a vulnerable and naïve pawn, controlled by the men in her life in book 1, to a confident woman, who has taken back her power and embraced her identity in book 3, was such a powerful journey. Throughout everything, she still retains her humanity and her compassion which is what makes her Astraea and I love that about her.

Nyte has always been a complex male lead. Nytesdeath is his armour, borne of a life of cruelty and I have never championed a villain so hard in my life. He deserved better. There are scenes between Nyte and Astraea throughout the book where Nyte is so exposed and raw that I sobbed. He's a victim as much as he is a villain and though there are some difficult topics, Chloe doesn't shy away from them, instead she handles them with great care and sensitivity. She writes her characters so beautifully, weaving in their emotions and experiences so well, that we as the reader are easily able to empathise and resonate with them.

The plot, as always, was phenomenal. The pacing is flawless; we get plenty of world building and time to process everything that is going on, but we don't ever feel like the story is dragging. I adore the world Chloe has created in the Nytefall series - magic, vampires, celestial dragons, ancient gods, old feuds and new ones, human politics and epic power battles. All woven in around the most extraordinary bonds of family and friendship, complete with a story of love so powerful it transcends realms.

Chloe is an artist. Every emotion just comes through so vividly on the page, that I felt like I was watching the story unfold right in front of me. I sobbed, I laughed out loud, my heart broke and was healed anew, I'm devastated the series has reached its end, but ecstatic because it was everything I wanted it to be and more. Nyte and Astraea will always have a piece of my heart and their love story will be forever etched on my soul.

Review time

The dark is descending by @chloecpenaranda

Rating 5 stars Cawpile 9.83

Release date 2nd December

this book was the perfect finale for the two characters that we have been following in this series. I was worried throughout the whole 70-80% of the book that it wasn’t gonna be a happy ending and the anxiety made me want to keep reading now you’re not here if you have or not already read the other two if you haven’t you need to go and do so the construct of this story has had me since the beginning when it was an indie publish book I will always shout Chloe out in any form of media with heir comes to rise series and this one I have been on this journey with these characters and the last few pages I cried I fall on board my eyes out and that hasn’t happened to me in awhile when it comes to a book, thank you Chloe for this amazing amazing world that keeps on building and I hope that you know that no matter what’s the world ever says these are your words and they are important. I don’t really really want to give too much away because of the fact that it’s the third book in the series, but if you haven’t already tried the first one think about it because because I don’t think you’ll be disappointed Nyte is one of the top boyfriends I’m just gonna say.#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #thedarknessisdescending #nytefall #arcreader #netgalleyreads

From the very first page, this book gripped me by the heart and refused to let go. It’s the kind of story that sweeps you into a world of chaos and beauty—where every battle feels personal, every wound leaves a mark, and every flicker of hope hurts just as much as it heals.
This book had my emotions in a whirlwind from the very first page. With curses, falling stars, ruthless gods, and battles at every turn, it was an action-packed ride that never let up. The pacing was beautifully fast without feeling rushed, and I was completely gripped throughout. Honestly, I struggled to keep reading—because I didn’t want it to end. The ending wrapped everything up so perfectly that I closed the book with a warm heart and a deep sense of satisfaction.

Astraea’s hope is both beautiful and heartbreaking. She continues to believe in the good in people, even when they give her no reason to. That unshakable belief just makes her pain hit even harder. Her mental strength is incredible—standing against Lightsdeath when giving in would be so much easier. Her resilience made me want to cry.
Then there’s Auster (The audacity). His self-righteousness and entitlement were infuriating, but it made him such a well-crafted villain. He’s a powerful example of how corruption and manipulation can twist even the most seemingly noble. Alongside other well written villains, the terror is coming from all angles throughout.
Nyte, on the other hand, deserves the world. His control in the face of bloodlust, his ability to step back, and his unwavering love for Astraea were so moving. His determination to stay by her side, no matter what, was truly sweet. He has been through as much as Auster but never fully became the villan, never fully becoming Nightsdeath.
And Dustin—poor Dustin. He’s so clearly broken, burdened by everything he’s endured. Always the strong one, never chosen, just trying to protect his own peace. His relationship with Nyte, especially as they work through their trust issues, was unexpectedly heartwarming. Also, trying to rebuild the friendship with Astraea was lovely to read.
And don’t get me started on the romance. The longing, the devotion, and the unspoken history—it was all so well done. The author crafts relationships with so much emotional depth and nuance, and it’s impossible not to feel every bit of it. Even within friendships and siblings, it's all just so well done.

Honestly, this was the perfect ending to a trilogy. In the end, this story wasn’t just about battles and curses—it was about love, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep believing in something better. The emotional weight, the layered characters, and the deep, aching romance will stay with me for a long time. I didn’t just read this book—I felt it. And I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.