Dark Summer: A Gripping Urban Fantasy of Betrayal and Vengeance

A Series of Four Seasons #3

by Q.K. Petty

Betrayal burns hotter than any summer sun.

The Chattanooga Incident has left the House of David in shambles. Chaos ripples across the city, and the terrorist faction Seditio is seizing its moment to strike.

Haunted by loss and personal betrayal, Judge Eden Dowler is fighting to hold the House together even as trust fractures from within. When an old ally resurfaces with answers—and secrets—Eden faces an impossible truth: the traitor he’s hunting may be closer than he ever imagined.

With the lines between justice and vengeance blurring, Eden forges fragile alliances to dismantle Seditio before they unleash catastrophe. But every step deeper into the shadows exposes new lies, and loyalty becomes a deadly gamble.

Dark Summer thrusts A Series of Four Seasons into its most perilous chapter yet, where secrets fester, betrayals ignite, and survival means knowing who to trust—if anyone.

Some summers end in heat. This one ends in blood.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Q.K. Petty was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1990. He graduated from the University of Alabama where he ran track and also played football. He had to quit playing sports in college due to him being diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. He writes thrilling, exploration stories which focus on the deeper meaning behind life’s challenges and the special unique qualities that humans even across cultures share.

Instagram: @qkpvault

Facebook:/bamajumper

Reviews

[Whitney Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You can't stop a storm. You can only wait for it to arrive."

"I focus on the space before me, and suddenly, there they are-flowers, bright and vivid, dancing in my vision. A forest of blood red spider lillies. An omen of death. But whose?"

The story continues... The House of David has had set back after set back, with Chattanooga being the worst so far. What more could be thrown their way? Can they flush out the mole within their midst? With everything mounting up around them will their loyalties waver? Will they begin to overcome these set backs or will more be lost?

After book 2 I had to give myself a small hiatus because of the frustration I felt at Drew's expense for what happened in Chattanooga. While diving into other books to try and wash that away, Dark Summer kept calling to me and I just couldn't stay away any longer. Q K Petty has such an amazing way of writing a story so gripping that you just can't get enough of it. Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the opportunity to continue reading and reviewing this amazing series. My opinions are my own. Up to now I have appreciated the fact that the author has an affinity for including themes into each book of the series, but this one crushed me! I understood the need for the question of loyalty for both those in The House of David and Sedito, but did QK Petty have to crush my heart the way he did?! I might need a longer hiatus to pick up the shattered pieces of my heart before I have the strength to finish the series with Sweet Fall. I will say that I loved and appreciated the symbolism in the foreshadowing of the specific flower choice, as someone who has been a lifelong lover of anime. I knew it was coming and I still couldn't believe what I was reading. However, that scene was one of the most eloquently written ones I have ever consumed. It was honestly one of my favorites in any book I have ever read.

[T M. Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dark Summer" grips the reader with an intense, visceral ride through every chapter. The true mastery of this novel lies in its emotional depth—watching Orion’s intricate plans unfold is a uniquely harrowing experience. The anguish that accompanies each twist permeates the story, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page.


Unlike the second book, which struggled to carve out its own narrative space, "Dark Summer" boasts a story arc that stands firmly on its own. Readers are treated to a well-structured, fully realized sequence of conflicts and resolutions. This makes the book both a satisfying continuation for series fans and a rewarding experience for newcomers who crave a complete, self-contained narrative.


"Dark Summer" is a deeply affecting read, blending emotional depth with a solid narrative structure. The combination of psychological tension and a well-defined arc not only sets it above its predecessor but cements it as a highlight in the series. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate stories that both unsettle and thoroughly satisfy. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy for me to review.

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

The third instalment in the Four Seasons series starts where we left off at the end of Indigo Spring with The House of David in disarray and Seditio in the ascendancy.

As the traitor in the House begins to make their final moves, Seditio concentrates on turning the world against them even as it tries to take control of all the Series 4 weapons. But what is their end game and will the House fall?

I loved True Winter. It was such a great start to a series but this, like Indigo Spring, feels like it loses its way, concentrating on bloody action scenes and the House's enemies piling up.

I confess to getting quite bored by the endless action scenes. They all blurred into one after a while. Even Eden couldn't save this book.

I would advise anyone to read the first two books before attempting this. Dark Summer will make no sense if you don't. And not all the book is action, the parts in between are great. More of those please. I already have Sweet Fall to read, so I'm hoping for a return to the triumphant first book - character development and more history.

Thanks to Netgalley and QK Petty for the advance review copy.

[Alex Lindfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Summer is the third instalment in a 'series of four seasons' following the House of David, an organisation designed to protect the world from powerful antient artifacts getting into the wrong hands.

Given how good the previous instalments in the series were, I was expecting great things - good thing it didn't disappoint then! Whilst the story took a while to develop, once it did, probably around 60% into the book, it really exploded into life and became difficult to put down.

As this is the third book, the character development is well established, creating a sense of emotional attachment. This helps to further enhance the grip factor of the story and it certainly meant that I was more drawn in.

As I have come to expect of the series, the book is no nonsense entertainment, making a thoroughly enjoyable read, Petty has done an excellent job of building the overall series plot so that the tension builds further with each book. I can't wait to read the next instalment - Sweet Fall.

[Ivy Bookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This four book urban fantasy story in four seasons started with True Winter where we met Eden Dowler for the first time.
It continued with Indigo Spring and the man who can be described as Eden's best friend, Drew. Both men are great in their own way, both are genetically enhanced and wield powerful weapons.
It just happens that Eden Dowler has one hell of an aura and wields the coolest weapon of all.

The first two books in this amazing urban fantasy could not be more different, which is due to the personalities of each story's main protagonist. Where Eden can be called a force of nature, Drew is somewhat more reserved.
After Indigo Spring's calmer vibe, Dark Summer's action picks right up again and the war between the House of David and Seditio, two secret organizations who hold great power in the world, comes to a first bloody clash.

With Mary, the insane leader of Seditio, and Orion, Eden's brother by blood, on one side, and Cain, the leader of the House of David, and Eden on the other, this book is full of treachery, schemes within schemes and amazing action sequences. Moments of philosophy and deep emotions add to the magic of these books and I find myself often taking a break from reading to think about what each faction stands for, what they are right and wrong about.

And once again it's Eden who steals the show, even with characters like Cain, Orion and Mary around. This broken man has my heart and in those scenes when he becomes the Grim Reaper, when death literally blooms at his hands, I am in awe of his strength and the immense power his scythe True Winter holds.

Dark Summer is the third book in this series and it packs an emotional punch that made me freeze in the last chapters because....
No. QK Petty, you did not.
I can't accept this. Those Spider Lilies were wrong!

I hope Sweet Fall will help me recover from that ending of Dark Summer. Aidan, you better step up.
Iykyk.

[Salina. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: E-Book
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery

*Thank you to Q.K. Petty and Victory Editing for providing this REVIEW COPY in exchange for an honest review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

There is 1 more book left … and I’m not sure how I feel about ending this series. Being so close to the end feels wrong. This could also be the aftershock of the events of Dark Summers ending.

A lot happened within the 300 and something pages of this book. We get to jump into the inner workings of so many different characters through POV chapters. The previous two books only jumped between two POV’s, making this transition a little difficult for my brain to understand in the beginning.

Having the privilege to read these books pretty close to back to back, I know from experience with Q.K. Petty’s writing that paying attention to even the minimally eventful chapters will make a huge difference in how the ending hits. He did not disappoint with the closure of this book. I cried twice. I have become heavily attached to a lot of these characters.

The descriptions of combat and destruction will always be my favourite. The vivid pictures that form in my brain while reading this series is like having a movie playing in my mind. Where will the House go from here? Will they finally end Seditio? I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this series - to know how everything wraps up. Where will my favourite characters end up?

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Q. K. Petty does it again in the third entry in the A Series of Four Seasons series, it had that element that I was wanting and enjoyed about the previous two books. It had that fantasy adventure element that I wanted and continued to tell the story perfectly that had that feel that I was expecting. I enjoyed the overall package and how the characters were so well written and left me excited to read the finale in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joshua Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Dark Summer, Q.K. Petty doesn’t just turn up the volume; he changes the station to something darker, sharper, and uncomfortably honest about what “justice” becomes when obsession grabs the wheel. It’s the kind of third book that makes the first two feel like groundwork. By the time you hit the midpoint, you realize the scale is bigger, the stakes are blood-real, and the bill for everyone’s choices has come due.

Structurally, it’s a binge. The chapters run long, but they read like hour-long Netflix episodes—cold open, escalating mess, closing image that dares you to go to bed like a responsible adult. I told myself “one more chapter” and looked up at 2 a.m. My coffee needed coffee.

What stands out most is how confidently Petty balances scope and intimacy. The secret-society intrigue widens into political heat and media pressure, yet the story never loses the heartbeat of its characters. Orion and Cain feel like two storm fronts on a collision path; Eden, Drew, and the wider crew carry scars and loyalties that actually matter when fists (and relics) start flying. A major betrayal hits with real force—not because it’s flashy, but because Petty has done the slow work of making trust feel earned. When it breaks, you feel it.

The title weapon isn’t a prop; it’s a temptation with a pulse. Petty is at his best showing how power seduces decent people into terrible math—how expedience masquerades as justice, how grief calls itself duty. That thematic throughline keeps the action honest. Set pieces thrill (one shrine sequence in particular hums with quiet menace), but the aftershocks land in the characters’ bodies and decisions, not just the scenery.

Prose-wise, the writing is clean and cinematic without trying too hard to be a screenplay. Dialogue has that lived-in weight—people who’ve bled together talk like it. World-building remains tactile: rituals feel handled, history feels heavy, and the mythology clicks into place without drowning you in lore.

Nitpicks? A couple of exposition beats run a touch warm, and one late scene lingers half a page longer than it needs to. That’s me quibbling because the rest is so tight.

Bottom line: Dark Summer is the best entry yet—bigger canvas, deeper cuts, stronger payoffs. It’s a thriller with a conscience and a bruise, and it sticks the landing. If True Winter gripped and Indigo Spring burrowed, Dark Summer roars. 4.7/5. I’m already reaching for the “Next Episode” button.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dark Summer” delivers an unrelenting wave of tension, heartbreak, and high-stakes intrigue that proves Q.K. Petty knows how to raise the bar with every installment in the Four Seasons series. If Indigo Spring gave readers time to breathe, this third book storms in with blood, betrayal, and battles that test the very core of loyalty within the House of David.

From the opening chapters, the story wastes no time plunging back into danger. The House of David faces its darkest trial yet as enemies close in, alliances fracture, and loyalties are put under a relentless spotlight. Petty layers the action with philosophical weight, pushing readers to question not only who is right and wrong but also what it means to hold power, to follow, and to resist.

What makes this book stand apart is its emotional resonance. The characters—whether Eden with his broken brilliance, Cain with his calculating leadership, or the devastatingly unpredictable Mary—are never reduced to archetypes. They are vivid, flawed, and achingly human. The foreshadowing, especially with the blood-red spider lilies, adds both beauty and dread to the unfolding tragedy. Even knowing what was coming, the execution left me stunned. Few scenes have hit me as hard or lingered as long.

Petty’s prose strikes a balance between cinematic action and quiet devastation. Explosive clashes are tempered with intimate moments of reflection and raw vulnerability. The pacing builds like a storm on the horizon—slow at first, heavy with atmosphere, then crashing down with force that leaves you breathless.

By the final chapters, “Dark Summer” doesn’t just shock—it devastates. The ending shattered me, the kind that forces you to close the book and just sit in silence, processing what was lost. It is brutal, yes, but also profoundly moving in its honesty.

For readers of urban fantasy who crave equal parts adrenaline and emotional depth, Dark Summer is a standout. It is not just another chapter in a series—it is the turning point, the storm before the fall, and a testament to Petty’s ability to weave action and heartbreak into something unforgettable.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Q.K Petty for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Dark Summer is a masterclass in psychological suspense wrapped in an emotionally charged narrative that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. Building on its predecessor’s foundation, this installment not only ups the stakes but delivers a darker, more intense journey that keeps you on edge until the very last word.

From the outset, the tension is palpable—every scene crackles with uncertainty and hidden dangers lurking just beneath the surface. The story’s expertly crafted arc pulls you through layers of mystery and suspense, weaving in moments of heartbreak and raw emotion that hit just as hard as the thrills.

What really sets Dark Summer apart is how Q.K. Petty balances psychological complexity with a gripping plot. The characters are more than just players in a high-stakes game; their fears, motivations, and flaws are laid bare, making every twist and turn feel earned and deeply affecting. You’re never just a spectator—you’re right there in the thick of the emotional turmoil and nail-biting uncertainty.

For fans of dark, atmospheric thrillers with emotional depth, Dark Summer is a standout addition to the series—one that unsettles, satisfies, and lingers long after the last page.

Highly recommended for readers who crave stories that are as emotionally resonant as they are suspenseful.

[claudia reads it all · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want Mission Impossible type heists and secrets? Do you enjoy National Treasure style puzzles and history? This series has both, as well as excellent characterization and compelling lore.

The third in the Four Seasons series, Dark Summer dives right in as the leader of the House, who are the good guys (?) intends to infiltrate some of the baddies in Amsterdam.

Cain is a master at what he does, including manipulating those around him for the greater good. But not everyone is on his side, of course, and those who oppose him have just as good manipulators, if not better.

Every time I have started one of these books, I have been pulled into this secret world, unable to put down the book even when I know it's late and I need to work the next day.

Among the villains, there is one I despise more than anyone else, and at the same time I cannot wait to see what they do next, because that is the mark of a great villain. The ability to have you wanting them to get what they deserve, but maybe, just maybe, get away with it once more.

The story takes you all over the world, but when it comes down to it, it is the people that make it all work. I am both excited and dreading the next, and last, installment. We have had great wins and great losses, and I know that in Q.K. Petty's capable hands, we are in for a Sweet Fall.

[Ralph Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.
This is the third book in the "A Series of Four Seasons" series, and though it had been awhile since I had read the previous books, I found some of my reading tastes may have changed. First, I have never been a fan of the switching character viewpoints on each chapter, and this book did more than two characters. I understand the fact that it helped explained what was going on in the background from other points, but would get somewhat confusing to me at times. War is coming to a head with the House of David and Seditio, and The House is losing. But you smell victory coming - just by the way tings sort of happen. We lose dome higher-ups in the House, and Seditio loses a lot of peons.
Overall the story line is interesting: a protective group keeping certain special items with "magical" powers from being in the public world. Though at times, it seems a bit much. Of course the 'evil' group that wants the power for themselves under the guise of freeing the power to the world of people and their corrupted governments. Sigh. The book started dragging a bit for me, and I worried about the fourth and final one.

[Kenneth McArthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petty strikes gold again in Indigo Spring, returning to the raw intensity that made True Winter such a thrill. His language cuts deep—every word feels chosen to ignite your imagination and anchor you in the moment. The set-piece fights unfold with balletic precision: you can almost taste the adrenaline as blades flash and loyalties shatter. And those villains—Petty crafts them so vividly you’ll seethe with loathing one moment and grudging admiration the next, desperate to see what dark twist they engineer.

I usually wax poetic for pages, but this time I’m genuinely speechless—in the best way. Indigo Spring hooks you, drags you through every twist and emotional upheaval, then leaves you gasping for the next installment. I can’t wait to turn the page to Sweet Fall and discover how this stunning saga concludes. If you crave a thriller that marries heart-pounding action with unforgettable characters, you’ve found your next obsession.

[bluevioletbb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Summer, the third book in A Series of Four Seasons, ramps up the tension and action as the House of David faces its deadliest challenges yet. Following the quieter moments of Indigo Spring, this installment delivers high-stakes battles, intricate betrayals, and morally complex characters that keep the pages turning.

Judge Eden Dowler continues to dominate the series with his charisma, strength, and formidable weapon, while dealing with the scheming and familial tensions with his brother add layers of intrigue. The mix of intense action sequences and philosophical moments gives the story depth, making readers pause and reflect amid the chaos.

While the plot is fast-paced and gripping, it occasionally leans heavily on action over character development, though Eden’s presence and emotional arc carry the story beautifully. I still like book 1 the best.

Thank you to NetGalley, author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear fellow readers! Make sure that you read the previous books in this series as you will get quite lost. It has been some time since I read the 2nd installment and even I took a bit to catch up. Unlike the previous books, there were parts I skimmed quickly as it repeated scenes that I grew weary of, kill, blood etc etc. I appreciate the authors writing skill and his eloquince in doing so. I did enjoy the ending and it gave me some hope for the 4th and last in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent follow-up and an exciting way to set up the fourth book in the series. Loved getting more of what the villains are doing in this one, as well as the cat and mouse of identifying the traitor.

[Anna]

Gave in and read the last two. Wish I hadn't, this was the worst series by far (and I tried reading Twilight and Harry Potter) in terms of writing, characters, and dialogue. Skip it forbthe love of all that is holy.

[Crystal Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Just WOWWWW

[Willy Nichter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating dark fantasy mystery, and an engaging continuation as well! Absolutely intriguing! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.