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The Storm Below #4

Golden Darkness Descends

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None return from beneath the Storm!

Ary and Chaylene have fallen beneath the Storm. Plunged into a world of eternal darkness and rain, they have to survive. Hunted by the Stormridres, what hope does Ary have to end the Storm now?

To lead him to the light, Chaylene must pay the ultimate price!

Above the Storm, the Golden Daughter hatches. The embodiment of the Dark Goddess shines with bright light. Deceiving all, even the grieving Zori, the Golden Daughter spreads her message of faith and zeal.

All shall burn in her cleansing fires!

With the fall of Ary and Chaylene, Estan and Esty are lost. How can they stand against the golden darkness descending upon the skies?

Will Estan have the courage to stand against the Dark Goddess?

When evil comes wrapped in good, what chance does the world have?

You have to read this epic and powerful fantasy novel to find out!

740 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2019

1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read

About the author

J.M.D. Reid

66 books36 followers

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5 stars
12 (46%)
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12 (46%)
3 stars
2 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
168 reviews
November 13, 2023
I'm surprised any characters made it through thus book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V..
1,085 reviews28 followers
December 17, 2025
I had high expectations going into this fourth book in The Storm Below series, and not only did Reid match those expectations, but on certain points they were gusted away by even greater surprises. Golden Darkness Descends continues directly where the previous book ended, and I was delighted to finally have Ary and Chaylene together again. They've come a really long way and have grown as individuals, allowing them to become even better as a team. Despite all the hardships and horrors they've been through, they managed to hold onto their goodness and just never give up. That tenacity is what I grew to respect with these two characters previously and it definitely delivered well in this volume.

On the flip side, the foil that Zori provides was absolutely heartbreaking. This author does an excellent job of exploring how insidious false beliefs can be and how easily they can corrupt us. Estaan's voice of reason was brilliantly portrayed as well, bringing into stark focus how hard it is for logic to fight against fanaticisim. This aspect of the story is also very topical at the moment. Ideologies should never have full reign without question. All that leads to is dogma that gets entrenched through fear, and then the real atrocities begin.

As far as analogies for battles between good and evil, and how easy it is to fall into false rhetoric when you shove aside logical questions and shoot down people who question things, this novel offers an excellent look at the broad spectrum, and provides great food for thought. There is scope to even use this as a springboard for conversations, to allow younger readers to explore some critical ideas in a objective way where the emotions of the real world can't get embroiled in the discussion. And that is always fantastic!

While I loved a whole lot about this novel, and appreciate the in-depth explorations this epic tale offers. There were a few inconsistencies that niggled at me and reduced the enjoyment. 4,5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,383 reviews118 followers
March 1, 2022
I know I've mostly talked about Ary, but I've come to realize I'm also kind of attached to Chaylene. They make such a perfect pair, and although the romance isn't a focal point, it certainly adds to the story. I spent the entire story cheering them on as they faced down such a big task. Definitely looking forward to book five!
Profile Image for Terry-ann.
721 reviews
February 29, 2024
My Gosh!
I’m completely unsure how anyone is still alive hahaha!
This one really kept me at the edge of my seat!
Profile Image for Molly.
105 reviews
April 15, 2021
One of my favourites in the series! Now stuck in the storm below, Chaylene and Ary have to work out how they’re going to complete their assigned task. No one who falls below the Storm ever returns. Beneath the clouds is endless rain and misery.

But the pair are strong. And now you’re so invested in them and their story, all you want is for them to succeed.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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