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Dark Secrets

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When Jessica Barlow finds a knife plunged into her pillow after having a dark, sinister dream, she quickly realizes that it is more than a figment of her imagination. She reaches out to her long-time psychic friend Jared Duval. When Jared makes contact with the knife, he has a vision of a horrific car accident that leaves a woman lifeless at the side of the road.

Jessica and Jared now have to do whatever it takes to uncover the truth and put an end to the mayhem clouding their lives. But what they don’t know is that the spirit has joined forces with the malevolent demon, Malik, seeking vengeance on the people who left her for dead – and these people are closer to Jessica than she thinks.

Will they be able to defeat a vicious demon and a vengeful spirit before things take a turn for the worst?

What other darkness lurks in the shadows?

Dark Secrets is Book Three of the enthralling Hopps Town Series . Brace yourself for an epic journey into the mystical world

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

2 people want to read

About the author

Aidan Lucid

20 books22 followers

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Ruetz.
1,383 reviews75 followers
May 10, 2023
This is the third book in the series, and it has a dark, frantic feel to it. It's a revenge story, about a murder years prior, and a ghost looking for vengeance from the people responsible, or their family. Jared is called in to help his friend Jessica, whose mom is being haunted. The pace is frantic, as the tension and actions escalate while Jared tries to protect his friend's family. You do not have to have read the prior books to understand this book, but characters from the prior books are mentioned so while they should be read in order, it's not necessary to understanding the story. I enjoyed the author's style and the story overall.
I received a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Honey Dy.
317 reviews15 followers
December 29, 2024
I read horror to avoid heartbreak, but occasionally, a book comes along that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you in tears—this is just one of those books.

Not only does Dark Secrets introduce the most malevolent evil I've encountered in Aidan's works, but it also broke me. Books are so powerful as they can make you feel things, but its also a testament to the writer's skill in creating relatable characters, that you can't help but love—and can't forget once the story ends.

Aidan made me fall in love with all the intricate backstories and dark secrets. With a vengeful spirit and the most ruthless villain Aidan has ever created, it set the stage for one of the best stories in the series.

Darker and more mysterious than its predecessors, Dark Secrets explored themes of revenge, redemption, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

This novel deliverered more action than expected. It was a refreshing change that complimented the fast-paced narrative. The blend of suspense, tension, and high-stakes drama kept me eagerly turning pages to uncover what happened next.

The plot was filled with twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat as Jessica and Jared race against time to uncover the truth and confront the lurking evil.

Aside from the plot, it was the characters within the story that i loved the most - not only Jessica and Jared, our main characters, but also with Tabitha (our vengeful spirit), who I connected with the most. Her journey was the most heartbreaking 💔

But that ain't even the BEST BIT!

Just when you think the story is wrapping up, Aidan throws in another twist, taking Hopps Town in a whole new direction. But no spoilers—you’ll have to see for yourself!

Fans of supernatural thrillers and horror will find Dark Secrets captivating. With its dynamic characters, intricate plot, and eerie atmosphere, this fast-paced novel is perfect for those who love a blend of mystery and the supernatural.
Profile Image for Priscilla Bettis.
Author 12 books74 followers
April 22, 2023
Dark Secrets is book three in the Hopps Town YA horror series, but it works well as a standalone.

Jared, a nineteen-year-old, has the God-given gift of discerning angry spirits and helping them to move on, hopefully before they harm anyone.

A pedestrian named Tabitha (“Peaches”) is killed by a husband and wife in a hit-and-run accident. The couple gets away with it. Malik, a demon, convinces Peaches’ angry spirit to exact revenge on the couple. Jared takes a personal interest because the couple’s daughter is Jared’s good friend.

The cast of characters in Dark Secrets is fantastic:
Jared is a prayer warrior and definitely depends on the power of the Trinity.
Jessica is Jared’s friend. She is a novice in her faith and not really sure what Jesus is all about. I’m sure a lot of readers can relate to her.
Aunt Belle has Jared’s same spiritual gift. She’s a strong, wise woman.
Peaches has a child still living who is growing up without her, so we feel sorry for Peaches and for her daughter.
Malik is a formidable demon. Scenes with him in it are harrowing!
Jessica’s parents are realistically drawn, complete with parental worries, spats, and human emotions on display.
The character of Satan makes a disturbing appearance!

The plot moves along at an exciting pace. Even Lucid’s dialogue passages move the story along as well as help define the characters. Plus, Lucid has a way of describing an action scene that makes you want to duck when a character throws something!

The ending is crazy. I thought the story was wrapping up, but it takes a whole new direction at the end. There’s a classic Outer Limits vibe to the ending!

Dark Secrets gets a five-star thumbs-up from me!

I received an ARC of Dark Secrets from the author, but I enjoyed it so much I plan to buy my own copy.
Profile Image for Gilbert Stack.
Author 96 books78 followers
May 1, 2023
Jared returns for a third adventure, this time using his visions to help him save the parents of two friends. The heart of the problem is a young woman who died after being in a car accident. In the next world, a demon convinces her that what she needs to do is get revenge on those who caused her death, and she embraces this idea with a frightening level of rage.

Lucid lays out a very tough problem for Jared. His friend’s parents did something absolutely terrible—they killed a woman in a drunk driving accident and then hid her body. This means that on a fundamental level, the reader is siding with the ghost. She deserves justice. And yet, Jared also wants to help his friend who would essentially be on her own if her parents went to jail for their crime. And all the while in the background, the demon is working to up the stakes even further.

The novella ends with a chapter that lays the groundwork for an entirely different sort of problem for Jared and his friends to encounter.
Profile Image for Angel (Bookn.All.Night).
1,681 reviews45 followers
May 1, 2023
The supernatural thrills continue with Dark Secrets...the 3rd book in the Hopps Town Series. This time around Jared and Jessica are met with a vengeful spirit whose story hits closer to home than they realize...

I have really enjoyed this series so far. Definitely one for teens on the older side due to some of the graphic descriptions. This is a fast-paced and chilling read filled with action and terror. What better way to start the day off 😂

This YA horror/supernatural thriller is perfect for those who are fans of this genre and want a quick read. Also another good one for Spooktober and for those who want something scary but not too scary. I sincerely appreciate the publisher for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cat B..
793 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2023
Third entry in the Hopps Town series involves a vengeance seeking spirit and a demon looking to redeem himself in the eyes of his Dark Lord. Jessica Barlow and Jared Duval are featured in this one. This was a wonderful entry into this series. Written under the flag of a Y.A. book, I am finding the series really enjoyable despite the fact that I am far beyond being classified as a "young adult". The book was a great way to spend a few hours. The action is pretty constant and great sympathy can be felt for one of the antagonists. The ending ... well now, the ending is pretty promising in regards to things in the future. Going to be hard to wait on what's coming.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion of the tale.
Profile Image for William Bentrim.
Author 59 books76 followers
May 10, 2023
Dark Secrets by Aidan Lucid

Jared and Jessica are back and in trouble again. This time something in Jessica’s families past threatens not only her well being but Jared’s and her families. An angry soul/ghost is seeking revenge and a demon is seeking satanic redemption.
Sounds pretty wild but Lucid does a good job in keeping the kids and other characters relatable. There are situations where doing the right thing conflicts with familial concerns.
Take note that there are non-denominational religious references that are presented tastefully without evangelical overtones. In other words, the fit the story.
I enjoyed the story and recommend it.
126 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. It took me a little time to get into it, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The overall pace of the action is quite good and keeps you engaged in the characters. The plot is strong and the ending is not what I expected. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Christie.
1,235 reviews12 followers
May 19, 2023
In Dark Secrets, Jessica wakes up to find a knife in her pillow. Her friend, Jared, must help her to find out why. Evil is coming for Jessica and her family, and together, they must fight it. Jessica and Jared are so strong. This book may slow to start a little slow, but once it gets going, it is fast-paced and impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Robert Foland.
478 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2023
Dark, daring, and original. Dark Secrets is an amazing read. Aidan Lucid packs so much into one paranormal story. Action, tension, terror, and conflict. Loved it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews).
1,313 reviews24 followers
July 15, 2023
Book Three in the Hopps Town paranormal series and we find Jared once again sucked into a supernatural haunting.

The victim of a hit and run teams up with a malevolent demon to get revenge on the perpetrator. Can Jared help to find a suitable compromise to end the haunting.

Another cracking tale from Aidan Lucid. Great characters, a gripping plot and a satisfying ending. An excellent series
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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