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  • The Wall of Night
  • The Heir of Night

The Heir of Night

The Wall of Night #1 / 4
by Helen Lowe
The Heir of Night (The Wall of Night #1) by Helen Lowe
★ 8.34 / 6
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Winner of the 2011 Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Novel. Winner of the 2012 David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Debut.

If Night falls, all fall...

In the far north of the world of Haarth lies the bitter mountain range known as the Wall of Night. Garrisoned by the Nine Houses of the Derai, the Wall is the final bastion between the peoples of Haarth and the Swarm of Dark – which the Derai have been fighting across worlds and time.

Malian, Heir to the House of Night, knows the history of her people: the unending war with the Darkswarm; the legendary heroes, blazing with long-lost power; the internal strife that has fractured the Derai's former strength. But now the Darkswarm is rising again, and Malian's destiny as Heir of Night is bound inextricably to both ancient legend and any future the Derai – or Haarth – may have.

“The Heir of Night by Helen Lowe is a richly told tale of strange magic, dark treachery and conflicting loyalties, set in a well realized world.” – Robin Hobb

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FantasyEpic FantasyHigh FantasyDavid Gemmell Award
Release date: September 24, 2010

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Helen Lowe

Helen Lowe

Helen Lowe is a New Zealand-based author whose literary works transport readers to worlds where complex characters and intricate plots thrive, often set against the backdrop of high fantasy and epic adventure. With a career that spans both writing and personal pursuits, Lowe’s distinctive voice and depth of storytelling have earned her a special place in the hearts of fantasy readers worldwide.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Lowe’s literary path began with a love for both the written word and a diverse range of interests. From an early age, her fascination with the intersection of history, mythology, and the human experience shaped her narratives. She pursued an academic path that combined a passion for English with geography, which, in turn, would fuel her affinity for creating expansive, detailed worlds in her novels.

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Lowe’s debut novel, Thornspell (2008), garnered attention for its rich, atmospheric setting and gripping narrative. It went on to win the Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Young Adult Novel, laying the foundation for a celebrated career. Not content with merely exploring familiar tropes, she crafted characters whose emotional journeys captivated readers, a style she continued in her The Heir of Night series. The first book, The Heir of Night, was lauded for its complex world-building and intricate plot, securing Lowe the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Newcomer.

But Lowe’s talents extend beyond her writing. A second-dan black belt in aikido and a former fencing competitor, she brings a unique blend of discipline, focus, and resilience to her creative endeavors. These attributes permeate her works, where themes of honor, bravery, and the struggle between light and dark are ever-present.

Living in Christchurch with her partner and two cats, Lowe’s personal life mirrors the deep connection she has with her stories. She resides in a charming ninety-year-old house, surrounded by a woodland garden, a space that echoes the same sense of timelessness and wonder that defines her writing. Whether working on her next novel or simply enjoying the quiet of nature, Lowe’s passion for storytelling continues to flourish.

A respected voice in the world of fantasy literature, Helen Lowe’s books are not just a way to escape but a journey through complex landscapes—both physical and emotional. Her work remains a testament to the power of detailed world-building, unforgettable characters, and narratives that speak to universal themes of hope, conflict, and personal growth.

Photo: J. McCombe / permission Helen Lowe

The Wall of Night

In The Wall of Night series, readers are invited to step into a world where darkness and light are not merely opposites, but forces that shape the very fabric of existence. At the heart of this sweeping epic lies a tale of prophecy, duty, and the fine line between fate and free will. Set in a land torn by ancient conflicts and guarded by a mysterious, towering wall, this series offers a rich tapestry of world-building that echoes with the weight of centuries of history and the pulse of ongoing battles.

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The story begins with the young warrior Malian, heir to a powerful family bound by blood and myth, who finds herself caught between the world she knows and the shadows creeping ever closer. As her journey unfolds, she discovers not just the secrets of her lineage but the true nature of the danger threatening her people. Every step she takes is a move toward a destiny that will alter the course of history, but the price of victory may be far steeper than anyone can imagine.

What makes The Wall of Night stand out is its depth—both in the finely crafted landscapes and the intricate characters that populate them. It is a series where alliances are fragile, and every choice has far-reaching consequences. The richly layered plot pulls readers into a world where trust is scarce, and the enemies you face may not always be who you think. Themes of power, legacy, and sacrifice are explored with a poignancy that lingers long after the pages are turned.

Drawing inspiration from mythology, classical epic tales, and her own sharp insight into the human condition, Lowe has built a universe where each new revelation deepens the sense of mystery, and each battle fought feels both personal and monumental. The Wall of Night is not merely a boundary—it is a powerful symbol of the barriers we build and the lengths we must go to overcome them.

With its blend of political intrigue, heart-wrenching personal stakes, and breathtaking settings, The Wall of Night is a saga that resonates with fans of high fantasy who crave stories of bold characters standing at the crossroads of destiny. For those who dare to venture into this world, the journey promises not just adventure but a profound exploration of what it means to fight for one's future against the encroaching dark.


The Wall of Night consists of three books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Heir of Night (The Wall of Night #1)
★ 8.34 / 6
The Gathering of the Lost (The Wall of Night #2)
★ 8.84 / 6
Daughter of Blood (The Wall of Night #3)
★ 8.00 / 2
The Chaos Gate (The Wall of Night #4)
⧗ 10.00 / 4


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