Hidden Darkness

Hidden Saga #4

by Amy Patrick

The Darkness is Coming...

Ryann and Lad are together and in love, but they are not yet bonded. Wedding plans are underway, but they cannot marry until the mourning period for his father, the murdered king, ends. Waiting is sweet torture and gets harder all the time.

Nox and Vancia are touring the world with his band The Hidden and enjoying their honeymoon. They’re also working to convince the holdout tribes in Europe, Asia, and Australia to disband their fan pods and sign the new peace treaty between the Dark and Light Courts. It’s the only way to ensure the safety of humans worldwide.

But unbeknownst to any of them, dark forces are still at work. There are some who don’t support the treaty—or their new king. And they’ll do anything necessary to restore Elven reign over humanity.

When an ambassador from the Dark Court arrives in Altum, Lad expects relations between the formerly antagonistic clans to improve. What he didn’t expect is her unique glamour—or her traveling companion.

And Ryann’s own glamour gift is warning her… if they can’t uncover the hidden truth in time, the much-anticipated royal wedding may never happen.

As the Hidden Saga continues, friendships will be formed and broken, the bonds of love tested, and beautiful and dangerous new glamours revealed.


THE HIDDEN SERIES:
Book 1: Hidden Deep
Book 2: Hidden Heart
Book 3: Hidden Hope
The Sway- A Hidden Novella
Book 4: Hidden Darkness


***Fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series and Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga will be drawn to Amy Patrick’s sexy, magical Hidden Saga.***

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fae, Elves

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2016

About the author

I love writing, and I love LOVE. I've been writing seriously since 2010 and have written 35 books (and counting!) Most of them are YA and NA romantic fantasy. There's a dash of paranormal and dystopian romance in my book list as well.

I'm honored to be an Amazon bestseller and multi-award winning author of the bestselling Hidden Saga, which is a 10-book Fae fantasy romance series, the heart-pounding Crimson Accord vampire romance series.

My new Romantasy series, Age of Fae, begins with A Court Bright and Broken, which released on Valentine's Day 2025. Book 2, A Kingdom Ruthless and Radiant comes out May 23rd 2025!

I live in Rhode Island where I write in my car at the beach year round and sometimes crave the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where I grew up. I love hearing from my readers! Reach out and say hi anytime.

Reviews

[Wendy Higgins]

This has been a really quick, fun series to lose myself in.

[Stacey Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by Amy Patrick in exchange for an honest review.

Review

After putting off reviewing this novel for AGES I was so happy that I could find time to finally READ it. I have fallen in love with the 'Hidden Saga' and couldn't wait to delve into book four. I was really upset when book three ended because I believed that to be the ending, but I was ECSTATIC to discover that Amy Patrick had decided to continue the series with an extra THREE novels! Seriously, she rivals with Kiera Cass as the most gracious young-adult author on the planet!
Oh. And I also really, really, really, really looked forward to seeing Ryann and Lad get married. But that's just the extra icing on top.
As always, Lad had me falling in love with his character before I even got to page two. I mean, how much better does a guy get? He was sweet and caring and really, incredibly considerate when it came to Ryann. I loved his gentlemanly nature and the way he refused to "compromise" Ryann until AFTER their bonding marriage, if you get what I mean. (That little "compromise" bit was actually Lad reading Jane Austen in the novel.)
Once again, I fell under the spell of the authoress's writing. It flowed and spun letters into words, words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, paragraphs into chapters and the chapters into the novel that we readers know as 'Hidden Darkness'. It was absolutely beautiful and I loved the use of imagery and emotive language which really was what really made the novel SO GOOD! I fell into the world of Altum every single time I opened the book and it was such an easy and smooth transition that it is almost as hard as it is easy to put the novel down.
The novel's also told entirely in first person narrative. It spans with three main points of view: Ryann's, Lad's and Ava's.
Ava is one of the new characters in the novel and takes the role of an ambassador from the Dark Court arriving in the Light Court. She is a really complex and realistic character despite her weakness and lack of will when it comes to obeying her mother. I found that she was an EXTREMELY good addition to the series and I hope to see more of her in the future.
Plot progression was done masterfully, in my opinion. I thought that the author paced everything spectacularly from the course of events to new secrets revealed and shocking surprises as well as those lovely romantic scene between Lad and Ryann. Facts and information about the world of the Dark and Light elves was given in such a way that you didn't even realise you were receiving it. I was kept gripped and flipping those pages from start to finish without even knowing it!
The plot was well structured and made 'Hidden Darkness' a read which I approached with GREAT enthusiasm. This is my fourth - no FIFTH - novel by Amy Patrick and I must say that she never disappoints. I loved the new storyline she had set into the series and how a new character would be now taking centre stage amongst our beloved, older ones.
The chemistry that the authoress continued to spark between Ryann and Lad was OFF THE PAGES AND ROCKETING INTO THE SKY!! I couldn't get enough of the two together and after EVERYTHING that the two went through together, I couldn't wait to see the two of them FINALLY happy and bonded. Every kiss and touch that the author penned was so realistic and tangible that I was in danger of becoming SERIOUSLY jealous of a fictional character! If you're looking for something swoon worthy, you won't find anything better than this!
The ending was spectacular and, as always, ended with Amy Patrick's signature cliff-hanger. That woman is going to be the end of me! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was the BEST that the authoress could have written. So satisfying and HOT OFF THE CHARTS! I can't wait to launch into book five!
If you're looking for a compelling and intriguing read full of fantasy, love, hidden laughs and poignancy, then 'Hidden Darkness' is a MUST read for you. Just...make sure to read the other novels in the series before launching into this one!
Congratulations to Amy Patrick on publishing the FOURTH instalment in her beautiful 'Hidden Saga'!

Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this book, which releases FEB 22. To me, this series just keeps getting better and better. In this book, Lad and Ryann's love is tested in numerous ways. I am not one to give spoilers so let me just say that if you love this series you need to get this book as soon as it comes out on FEB 22!!!! I absolutely loved it and I will say it does end on a serious cliffhanger that will keep me and you waiting for the next book to come out in May!!! This book went by too fast for me!!!

[Michele Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Although it got on my nerves at times, I still enjoyed it. The into of Ava and Culley added a more fuel to the fire burning throughout this series. I like the bad boys, so I was instantly drawn to Culley.

[Kaylee Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series just keeps getting better. I am pleasently surprised at that, because sometimes it can feel like authors are beating a dead horse with their books, but Amy Patrick delievered hers magnificently. I am so grateful to have found this hidden gem and cannot wait to read more!

[Lyn Ching · Rating 4 out of 5]

for more reviews, go to www.readingtsinoy.blogspot.com

After Hidden Hope ended, I thought I had heard the last of Lad and Ryann. Their story closed on a happy note that I assumed meant everyone lived happily ever after. I was wrong. And I'm glad.
Hidden Darkness brings us back to the world of Light and Dark elves. Though both factions are now headed by "brothers" Nox and Lad, things are not so stable among the dark elves. There are still those who want to control humans and will stop at nothing to get it, despite the fact that their leader Davis, Ryann's father, is already dead.

Ryann and Lad are waiting to marry after the mourning period for Lad's murdered father, the King, has ended. In the meantime, two emissaries have been sent by the dark council to stay with them. The problem is these two have unusual glamours they plan to use to destroy everything between Ryann and Lad. Ava and her fiancée Culley are both beautifully dangerous and are controlled by the Dark Council. Despite her misgivings, Ava does what she has to do....so does Culley. Can Ryann and Lad survive the biggest threat to their relationship and their kingdom?

As with the first three books, I highly enjoyed reading Hidden Darkness. Much of the book is about the relationship of Lad and Ryann and its near destruction, but it's also an introduction to two very welcome characters Ava and Culley.

Seeing that I am a fan of Ryann and Lad, I should want both Ava and Culley out of the picture, but on the contrary, I am now curious about what will become of them. Author Amy Patrick wrote them in such a way that I sympathized and understood Ava's reluctance about doing and NOT doing what she is supposed to. As for Culley, I feel like there is so much more to him than what he shows the world... There must be some good in him somewhere....and this idea is what keeps me from hating him completely. The addition of Asher, a human, completes the triangle for Ava and Culley. I can't wait to read more about them in the next book.

As for Ryann and Lad....wow.....I do love their relationship. And the wait for their becoming one was painful. But anything worth something is, so the ending of this book is cathartic in a way.

That...... And it has left me in quite a state. There was a great cliffhanger at the end that I'm now too curious about. I want to know everything and soon.....waiting for the next book Hidden Danger will be horrible.

On a side note, I'm still curious about what it would have been like had Ryann actually ended up with Nox whom I also loved for her. Still waiting for that alternate ending.....

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was once a trilogy has morphed into an engaging saga. Lad and Ryann are finally to be married. Vancia and Nox are touring the world while honeymooning as the new Dark Elven King. Since the Dark and Light are working together an ambassador is sent from the Dark to mingle with the Light Elves. Ava and Culley are beautiful, young and mischievous. They each have a glamour that can either harm or do good. I will just tell you to trust your gut and keep reading. I truly wanted to shake sense into them and yell at others. Patrick works wonders designing Altum and the creative glamours take a special vision. The entire saga is a creative, beautiful and suspenseful story. Perfect for the young adult reader, no foul language or sexual content (slightly implied but fades to black). It is important to read the previous books and short novella as it all connects and relates to everything. While Hidden Darkness left me satisfied there is a cliffhanger of sorts while we wait for the fifth. Many thanks to Ms. Patrick for trusting me with an early copy so I could review her book honestly.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got 5 Stars because I love Ryann & Lad so much. It was a much slower paced storyline compared to the others in the saga; but, Amy Patrick did not disappoint. It left the reader wanting to continue in this Hidden world. Can't wait until May for Hidden Danger!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduced two new characters to this series and two glamours.
These glamours are amazing, they are what every teenage girl would ask for. “Oh I accidentally texted you when I was trying to text my friend to tell her how cute you are? Let me just get rid of that memory.” “Oh you like blondes, well guess who can be blonde?”
So many possibilities, or bad ideals.
Anyway, still waiting for Ryann and Lad to bond... so much chivalry happening.
I did like the character development of Ava. She was meant to be a villain so I instantly hated her, but then Amy Patrick let her develop and change her mind. Heck yes, she is a rocking female woman, she can change her mind anytime she wants!
I could not stand Colley at all, but then in the end he seemed like he may be growing as a person as well. I’m excited to see where the next book takes him.
Once again, the structure of the book was fast. The chapters are short which trap you into staying up all night reading just one more. The chapters this time were split between being narrated by the different characters. That was interesting but sometimes I lost track on whether Lad or Ryann was talking but that was probably just because I was reading so Kate at night. My bad!
Anyway, I love these books and this series. I am worried about Ryann and Lad not being the featured characters in the upcoming books but I’m liking the new characters as well.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, just when you think things can’t get worse for Ryann and Lad, right? A month from their wedding and the dark elves are out to stop them both from getting married and from hindering their plan against humans. Eva and Cully are “emissaries” from the dark court, with a secret mission. But maybe one of them will be struck with a conscience? This storyline is much more subtle, less action based and more intrigue, and the emotional strings are pulled on a lot! It was really tough at times to see the tests that Ryann and Lad are being put up against, and hoping love with win out. And we get a nice cameo of Nox and Vancouver, good to have that character interaction, as I grew to really enjoy those characters through the last book. A cliffhanger ending shows that the story isn’t over yet either. We are introduced to a couple new characters who will clearly play a larger role in at least the next book or two, and I found them to be interesting, and look forward to see more of their development. Overall a really solid book that continues the story of the Hidden.

I received this audiobook free in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Deetra · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, no ending for Lad and Ryann

I've read all four books so far, and while that we're not the best, I enjoyed them. I enjoyed them so much, I had no desire to put them down.

Finally Lad and Ryann are together, are getting married, and will soon be bonded, then in walks more trouble. Ava and Culley. Reading Ava's POV wasn't necessary. I know it was done to introduce her character, but after the other 3 books, I was only interested in Lad and Ryann. I enjoy drama in a book, and I think it makes the book better, but it just wasn't needed.

The thing the really ticked me off is that Lad and Ryann did not get an ending. Yes, they finally marry and bond, but then it stops. It stops on a cliffhanger that leads us into Ava's story. I wanted more about the two of them. Maybe an epilogue or something. Maybe they will be mentioned in book 5, but I'm not interested in finding out.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to get better and better.
Book 4, starts off where we left off from the previous book and it was filled with angst, turmoil, love, sadness, and happiness. I was pleasantly surprised that this story was told from
3 point of views. Lad, Ryann and Ava.
While Nox and Vancia are off on their honeymoon and touring, Nox sends a ambassador from the dark court in a attempt to work things out between the light and dark Fae.
In comes Ava. She is the ambassador sent from the dark court as a show that things between the Fae world is well. Read to find out if the dark Fae really want to let go of Elven reign over humans? Read to find out!! It is a fun ride!!
I listened to the audiobook which I love. The narrator does a fabulous job narrating all of the POVs. My only issue that I had was the same voice was used for both Ryann and Ava so I had to be careful to make sure I listened or I would confuse the two.

[Shawna Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m just going to say it… FINALLY! Whew, what a crazy road to the end… and that dang cliffhanger. Well, we all know I’m immediately hopping into book 5 once I’ve finished writing this.

New characters- some surprising and some you want to drop kick into the sun.

It was easier than I thought sliding into Ava’s shoes- and I certainly hope we get more of Asher. I think they could be sweet together. Man, so many of the dark elves live up to that title- dark and slippery like sirens who project all that beauty only to grin as your are battered against the rocks of your soon-to-be watery grave.

I’m not saying all light elves are good, but damn the dark is twisty and cruel when they want to be.

Getting more Nox and Val was sweet as well. Knowing they are happy did my heart good, but now I have to get going to find what the heck just happened in Deep River and Ava and the plant and….

Yeah, don’t mind me I have to go now.

[Ayo Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited for this book like really really excited. Like so excited that I kept putting it off just to keep the excitement going, and so I read the book and let me tell you how much of a disappointment this was…

it was a disappointment.

it was definitely not as smutty as I’d have liked it to be when it finally came to, and so yeah it was a disappointment, it was too much of a slow burn, like so slow that it burned out before anything could happen, but yeah definitely great for those hidden sage stans really anticipating this book.
those are my two cents..

🪙🪙 (not cents but…)

[L.J. ~ aka Former Lurker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off slower and I was so afraid that this was an "add on" book after the original trilogy. It started off formula and I was disappointed--not because I don't sometimes like formula but I was so impressed by the earlier books freshness and originality. Fortunately, it didn't take long to get better quickly. Unfortunately, many parts were very predictable. I'm glad that some parts were not predictable and it still leaves me excited to read the next book in the series!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this I couldnt help but feel like Lad and Ryann have been through enough and seriously deserve their happy ending. I was so sad by Avas actions because I just wanted Lad and Ryann to be happy together. I'm interested in Culleys role in the next book and finding out what he is all about.

[Michele Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

So addicting! One of the best YA fantasy series I’ve ever read!

This series is impossible to put down, I found myself reading at any opportunity! Lad and Ryann have faced such horrible circumstances so far, it’s amazing how strong their love is for each other. Can’t wait to read what’s next,,, love this author!!!

[Moramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through this one very fast because i had time to read and the story was captivating, there are always new angles you never guessed. I really liked that Ryann and Lad finally had their happy ending but it was kind of short, i would have liked to have read more about them. But well the story goes on and off we are with Ava.

[Erin Elizabeth Ruckel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story continues...

It's a good story, but why is each book so short? Anyway, on to the next. One thing, I've been confused about, why do some glamors work (like Ana and Culley) when others' don't? Wouldn't they all be void. This part just doesn't make sense, but it's the whole plot and never explained.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears. Just...tears😭😭😂 LOVE LOVE LOVE this book and was on the verge of freaking out with all the drama happening every two seconds! Really enjoyed the new character of Ava even though she was easy to dislike in the beginning. Onto book 5👏🏻

[Breana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS SERIES - I LOVE THIS SERIES - I LOVE THIS SERIES


I swear not one of theses books disappointing so far. The wedding, and bonding was written in so much amazingly beautiful details. It was absolutely perfect.

[Nedra81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting!

What an amazing addition to the Hidden series!! Lad, Ryann, and Ava join together for yet another plot thickening story that is full of twists and surprises with every turn of the page. Cannot wait to read the next book of the series!!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Hidden saga and it did not disappoint! Just when things are perfectly lined up for Lad and Ryann to marry, a new duo comes in attempts to destroy it all. New glamours and new enemies threaten everything. The narration is so good!

[Lauren Moody · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book seemed a little rushed. I think the plot line was pretty predictable and didn’t give the antagonist a large enough role. It’s a quick read but I’m hoping it’ll bridge with the next book nicely.

[Megan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok

Can not wait to read the next one I'm really happy I picked up this series again the story just captures you !!!

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Stephanie Plummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Do you like love stories with a twist? This story is for you, lots of plots and secrets, lots of love too!

[Miranda - Life Between Chapters☕ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!!

[Melynda Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a page turner

The more I read the more I find myself in the world with Ryann and Lad. Excellent read once again.

[Charley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I was sad at some points of the story I was going to cry. I was happy of the way it turned out. I did not like the cliff hanger at the end.