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Angel Academy #1

Hidden From Light

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This is the first book of a series of interconnected standalones. So while the main characters' love story is completed by the end of the book, there are plot points and hints to other character's stories that will remain unresolved in Hidden From Light.

Blurb

I am a Damien, and I am capable of anything I put my mind to.

At least, that's what my father has always told me. I guess as the heir to my mother's Demon Throne I can accomplish more than any other regular girl.
But when I infiltrate Saint Rafael's Academy to gather intel on the Angel Society, I didn't think that mantra would be shaken to the core right at the initiation ceremony - the Summoning. Because there I caught the attention of the Hunter.
He saw me. He wanted me. He hunted me.
I soon realize he's too persistent to get rid of. So, I use his obsession with me to my advantage. After all, he is one of the four masks - the future elite of the Angel Society. And how better to gather intel than by cozying up to the scariest of them all?
There are just two rules I absolutely must adhere to at all
Keep your true identity hidden and don't trust the Angels. I think that includes falling in love with one as well, doesn't it?

This story is very much a dark romance. Please check trigger warnings in the Author's Note before reading.

645 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

117 people are currently reading
319 people want to read

About the author

Kirsten Tate

2 books21 followers
Creator of unhinged, utterly obsessed men
And MCs brave enough to face them

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5 stars
46 (55%)
4 stars
20 (24%)
3 stars
12 (14%)
2 stars
5 (6%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
89 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2025
I loved it! It was very spicy, with both a very memorable proposal and job interview… And that’s just in the last 30 pages! The numbers of spicy chapters, well… Kirsten does not disappoint!

I have the next coming in the mail as we speak 👏
Profile Image for Books & Curls.
51 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2024
Fast burn, Slow plot, but it all came together beautifully in the end

I was skeptical at first, but then I couldn't put it down. The first part was interesting and kept my attention, but there were some things that didn't sit right with me at first. The character relationships and overall plot in the first part left me a little confused and with many questions (most of which were answered by the end and possibly some to be answered in future books), but the romance and mystery kept me going. I'm thankful it did because when the plot hit and sped up, I found myself at the edge of my seat many times, and it invoked many emotions throughout. I enjoyed reading Phia and The Hunter's story. Definitely worth reading!
Profile Image for Shereeney.
48 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2024
Wow this book was soo good. I’d like to say I was a master detective and know all along who the hunter was but I really didn’t. I don’t know what that says about my power of deduction but I was not disappointed by him at all. The Hunter is an OTT/OP Alpha hole and we all love those! I love how The Hunter always knew the right things to do and say to Phis to make her better even though he wanted to be the one to break her. I personally felt like he was a perfect gentleman. 😂 The plot was plotting because I knew Phis’s mom was a psycho but I just don’t understand how a mother could do that to their child. So cold and heartless. Her ass got what she deserved though. This book took me for a ride and I loved every minute of it. Can’t wait to read book two.
Profile Image for Monika If.
10 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2025
all she does is cry

The book was way too long. I almost DNF. The FMC is so annoying. She is constantly crying, have panic attacks, or nauseous. But everyone keeps saying how strong she is.
Profile Image for Tara.
315 reviews21 followers
January 15, 2025
Hidden From Light completely captivated me from the very first page. The world-building was immersive and detailed without being overwhelming, striking the perfect balance. I found myself completely engrossed in the intricate society of angels and demons, and the author's unique take on their factions added a refreshing twist. Kirsten did a masterful job of weaving a compelling narrative filled with mystery and suspense. The plot kept me guessing at every turn, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to unravel the secrets surrounding The Hunter's identity.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the strong female protagonist, Phia. She's fiercely independent and loyal, with a sharp mind and a compassionate heart. Despite being raised in a deceptive and manipulative environment, she maintains a strong moral compass and a determination to forge her own path. Her unwavering dedication to her friends and family, even when faced with difficult truths, makes her an incredibly relatable and admirable character.
The Hunter himself is an enigma, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. He's a powerful and enigmatic figure who exudes an aura of danger and allure.
I loved the slow burn romance between Phia and The Hunter. Their connection is electric, filled with tension and undeniable chemistry. Their dynamic is a captivating blend of predator and prey, with The Hunter's possessiveness balanced by moments of genuine tenderness and vulnerability.
Beyond the central romance, the book explores deeper themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal. Phia's struggle to reconcile her love for her family with the realization of their deceit is both heartbreaking and empowering. The author doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of familial relationships, particularly in cultures where family expectations and obligations can be all-consuming.
Overall, Hidden From Light is a thrilling and unforgettable read. The intricate plot, well-developed characters, and immersive world-building make it a standout in the fantasy romance genre. I was completely swept away by the story and eagerly await the next installment in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys captivating fantasy with a touch of romance and suspense.
53 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2025
I literally couldn’t get enough of this book! It was perfect in every way and I can’t wait to read more in this series. Just everything about it I loved. Her mum can literally suck a dick for all I care just fuck her for what she did to my little baby phia! And I’m so glad she had the Hunter ;) by her side and let her explain everything as she had no idea what her mother was planning. I definitely recommend you read this! And any other books from this author!
Profile Image for Cristina.
55 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2024
Phia and Gabe '

There was so much character development in this book! If you love Zodiac Academy, you will love this series! Just when you think you know what will happen, you are wrong! It is a large book but totally worth it!! Can’t wait to find out about Rinas story! Will we find out what happened between her and Mihal?? Let’s find out!!
Profile Image for Krystina.
185 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Excuse me while I gather my composure. The chokehold that this book had on me was unreal! The mystery, the tension, and the secrets I am obsessed! I don’t find many books that manage to capture and hold my attention the way Hidden From Light did. The plot twist in this had me absolutely gasping! I fell head over heels in love with this story and the characters! I can’t wait to dive into book 2!
Profile Image for Leigh.
163 reviews
December 28, 2024
loved this storyline! loved the characters! it was definitely something a little different than what i’m used to reading but it was so good! i highly recommend! i love a book with bada$$ female characters and this definitely has it!
Profile Image for Tiffiany Seidelman.
10 reviews18 followers
December 19, 2024
I received a physical copy of this book as a gift and I couldn’t be more grateful that I did! For starters, the physical copy of this book is absolutely fantastic. I love the cover and the way the book feels in my hand. I devoured the entire thing in just over 2 days and now I cannot wait to read book 2!

Hidden From Light pulled me in from the very beginning because the world building was perfect. It was not too complicated or drawn out, but there were plenty of details to partake in!

I am usually very intuitive and good at figuring things out, but Kirsten did a fabulous job of keeping The Hunter’s identity hidden. I loved trying to solve the mystery of who this was throughout and when I finally found out, I was blown away.

I absolutely cannot wait to read Emerged From Shadows! Kirsten Tate is definitely one to watch because once everyone finds this book, it is going to become a hit.

P.s. Check the trigger warnings before reading this and be prepared for plenty of spicy time!
Profile Image for Aussie.
1,429 reviews36 followers
December 23, 2024
" To anyone who has ever felt like your path has been chosen for you, and you can’t find your own way. Follow the light. It might not be a trap.

This book was so addictive !! It had me hooked from the begining as i just couldnt put down the ook .. the Hunter was amazing as he knows the right things to do and say to Phis, to make her feel better even though he wanted to break her ... I am so excited for book 2
82 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this.

The plot twist was so good and the hunter was exactly who I thought he would be. It was a fun read with a bit of mystery and a good amount of spice, their romance was definitely a good one that I loved reading about.

I loved the build up to finding out who the hunter was, he was perfect!!!!

I can’t wait for book two to read Rina’s story. We need books on all the masked men.

Profile Image for Lisa Villarreal.
324 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the mystery behind the hunter. I can see a lot of romantacy fans loving this story. It was a fun book to read, and although a little on the longer side, I devoured it in a day or two due to the addictive plot line. It is heavy on the spice and check TW if you have any triggers.
Profile Image for bookedbyannie.
95 reviews14 followers
February 17, 2025
Oh myyyyy I absolutely loved this read!! If you enjoy a dark, paranormal, enemies-to-lovers college romance (involving angels and demons ?!?!) then look no further ❤️‍🔥

This was my first time reading Kirsten’s work and I absolutely cannot WAIT to continue reading this series and see what else she has in store! 🪽

Such an incredible read!! Would highly recommend !
268 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2024
Omg I devoured this book, it was so good! I got the physical ARC copy and I read it in like 2 days! The story was just addicting and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved the world building and excellent characters. And the hunter!! 🥵 I really can't wait until the second book. Kirsten Tate is an amazing writer!
Profile Image for Madison.
475 reviews14 followers
December 17, 2024
Ooh the plot for this was soooo good! I knew who the hunter was but it didn’t take away from the moment when Phia found out.

Although it was fast paced the book was still a tad too long, there were also things I wish had more of an explanation but were just skipped over.

I loved the tension, the spice and the growth from both characters.

I’m excited to read Rina’s story.
1 review
November 2, 2024
Loved this book! Such a good dark romance book with so much plot and let me tell you... The Hunter is HOT! Loved everything about this!
Profile Image for morallyblackbooks.
204 reviews27 followers
October 21, 2024
I can’t describe how much I loved this book🥹
It’s an incredible story full of adrenaline, passion, intrigue.. and the hunter.. oh my god 🥵🖤
I need the second book
Profile Image for Marie Cox.
76 reviews4 followers
December 18, 2024
Want a book with masks and bully love and true sacrifice
Smutty as all get out
Amazing character development
Hidden identities
Look no further book was amazing
Profile Image for Ené.
169 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2024
Family will not always be the best model in life.

I live in a country where our culture has our family as king. They will dictate and choose everything about your life for you, regardless of what you want or if you even want to do it. It’s very hard for us to step aside from all familial expectations and duties because we get looked down on when we do so, and we’re all just master gaslighters. It’s in our blood. Gratefully, things have been looking to be easier for some of my friends in greatly abusive and demanding households, but we’re not all free.

This book reveals the world to us in such a clear manner, telling us information only relevant to the characters and situation at hand. The characters live in a warring world with angels and demons, but the author introduces a new concept through the creation of demons as well as the factions of angels.

The plot straightforward, ever so hinting at twists and turns if you know where to look. It was a fun read, especially for its length. It was decently paced, allowing the mystery and suspense to really build up and seep through the pages. As well all the tension.

Phia was a strong-willed girl, with good instincts that you could clearly tell from the start. She’s loyal to her family, even to the point of becoming blind to the truth. But it’s all she knew. She’s also loyal to her friends, and very quick to admit her faults.

The Hunter was a total mystery, and the author did her job well in keeping it that way until the revelation. He was definitely not the type of person I thought he was, and that’s perfect. He was so much better. I can’t wait for everyone to discover him too.

Their romance was definitely the prey and the predator. He calls her baby fawn for crying out loud. It was filled with so much tension and fire, that I’m glad they have moments of just calm and emotional discussions. The spice was definitely amped up for this book.
Profile Image for Jillian Hadden.
273 reviews15 followers
January 22, 2025
I loved this book! The storyline, characters, and plot twist were all perfect! I loved the secret identities throughout, and was so pleasantly surprised to find out who The Hunter was. I honestly wouldn't mind if I had a secret admirer like The Hunter, he would do anything for Phia. I also loved Phia, she was independent, and fierce. I love an FMC who doesn't give in and gives the MMC some push back. The push and pull between her and The Hunter made their chemistry amazing! The secrets in this book also had me gasping, I was definitely surprised when the plot twists happened, I didn't see them coming. I can't wait to read more in this series!
Profile Image for Rachelle Reads .
272 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2025
Hmmm…

This story feels like so much is left out of it and the reasoning behind the Demons and Angels and they’re place and meaning in this world the author created is NEVER explained. It’s like you jump into the middle of the story and have no idea what’s going on..
It’s like a mishmash of tropes and ideas but its execution isn’t good at all. It’s really all over the place and it’s way longer than it needs to be to the point of boredom.
I kept reading in hopes there’d be some answers but when we do get some it’s minimal and totally underwhelming.
Not for me I guess
Profile Image for Amy Migs Reads.
62 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2025
Phenomenal writing

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 
🌶🌶🌶 

From the very first page, the writing completely captivated me. The dynamic between The Hunter and his baby fawn drew me in, and I was thoroughly impressed by the way their characters developed alongside each other.

While the writing is phenomenal, I felt some of the characters came across as a bit immature, which was a minor frustration for me. However, this didn’t overshadow my overall enjoyment of the story.

I’m really looking forward to reading the second installment in this interconnected world of Angel Academy!
Profile Image for Chantal.
161 reviews
June 13, 2025
Not horrible for her first book. A bit long for the lack of engagement for me. The story line was alright but there was a lack of anticipation, or angsty buildup to any event that transpired throughout the book, too much attention to detail where it wasn't needed and none where you'd want it. So hopefully she'll grow as an author in that aspect, and continue on to write great stories.
Profile Image for Spooky Bookish Bit*h.
264 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2025
Hidden From Light was absolutely phenomenal. It's a very detail dark romance with excellent world building and fantastic characters. There's passion, lust, love, adrenaline, mystery, suspense, humor and romance! Angels and Demons oh my ! And Hunter? Yes please!!! I need more!! And the physical copy of this book is absolutely gorgeous and well worth buying! Amazing job!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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