LightFall - Books 1-2

I'm still very new to graphic novels and wanted to be able to give good book recommendations to my middle grade library customers so I borrowed the first two books in the Lightfall series. What initially drew me to this series was the illustrations which are gorgeous and bring this adventurous story for middle graders to life.

The story focuses on a young girl named Bea whose grandfather is a Pig Wizard (yup, magical swine!) and the keeper of the Endless Flame. When grandfather suddenly disappears, Bea goes to find him and instead finds Cad, the last surviving Galdurian, an ancient race that many thought was long extinct. They embark on a quest to find the pig wizard and save their world from eternal darkness.

The story is simple, but it was the beautiful whimsical illustrations and characters that kept me turning the pages - which included the sinister bird-like characters in book two that reminded me of Jim Henson's (creator of the Muppets) movie The Dark Crystal. It's an easy story to be swept up in, but I had some issues with a few illustrations (mainly in the second book, I believe) that were so dark I didn't understand what was happening and even who was in each frame. 

There are two things that stood out for me: I adored Cad - he's charming, goofy, funny and I loved his positive outlook and how he supports his friends even in the darkest of times. I also appreciated how Bea's anxiety was incorporated and how the illustrator visually portrayed the stifling and distressing feelings of dread and the physical reactions anxiety can cause. 

These first two books in the series are stories of adventure, with a bit of danger and features themes of friendship and standing against evil. I look forward to reading the third book (The Dark Times) when it's my turn to read my library's copy and I already have a hold on the upcoming fourth book (A Place Between) when it publishes in 2026. 

My Rating: Book 1(4 stars)/Book 2 (3 stars)

Author: Tim Probert

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels

Type and Source: Paperback, public library

Publisher: HarperAlley

First Published: Sept 1, 2020/April 26, 2022

Read: Dec 11-12, 2025

Book Descriptions: 
The Girl and The Galdurian - Deep in the heart of the planet Irpa stands the Salty Pig’s House of Tonics & Tinctures, home of the wise Pig Wizard and his adopted granddaughter, Bea. As keepers of the Endless Flame, they live a quiet and peaceful life, crafting medicines and potions for the people of their once-prosperous world.

All that changes one day when, while walking through the woods, Bea meets Cad, a member of the Galdurians, an ancient race thought to be long-extinct. Cad believes that if anyone can help him find his missing people, it’s the Pig Wizard.

But when the two arrive home, the Pig Wizard is nowhere to be found—all that’s left is the Jar of Endless Flame and a mysterious note. Fearing for the Pig Wizard’s safety, Bea and Cad set out across Irpa to find him, while danger fights its way out of the shadows and into the light.

Will these two unexpected friends find the beloved Pig Wizard and prevent eternal darkness from blanketing their world? Or has Irpa truly seen its last sunrise?

Shadow of the Bird - In the second installment of the Lightfall series, Bea and Cad continue their quest to stop Kest, the mythic bird who stole the sun.

After a battle that nearly cost them their lives, Bea and Cad awaken in the hidden settlement of the Arsai, mysterious creatures who can glimpse into the future. The Arsai's vision paints a dire picture for their planet, as the bird Kest Ke Belenus--now awoken from a restless slumber--threatens to destroy all the Lights of Irpa. Desperate for a solution, Bea and Cad seek out the help of a water spirit known as Lorgon, whose ancient wisdom may help them find a way to take down Kest and save Irpa from utter destruction.

But when their time with Lorgon presents more questions than answers, Bea and Cad must decide what's more important . . . stopping Kest or uncovering the truth.