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Fae of the Saintlands #4
Touch of Darkness
Darkness lurks in everything -- including my soul. The truth has been revealed, and now I know the wicked depths my aunt will sink to.
Ismene might be in hiding, but it’s only a matter of time before she returns for revenge.
With all my mates finally at my side, I’m prepared to face anything.
But when one of Azrail’s rebels goes missing, a perilous search will take us to Venhaus, where monsters and evil rule, dark saints rise, and a secret kept by one of my mates will change everything.
And I'll let the darkness inside me take hold.
Fantasy romance readers will devour this paranormal, fated mates, enemies-to-lovers series, with a kickass princess and her devoted mates, inspired by the much loved, Greek myth of Hades and Persephone.
Blood and Ash and Throne of Glass readers will fall in love with the sweeping world of the Fae of The Saintlands series!
Ismene might be in hiding, but it’s only a matter of time before she returns for revenge.
With all my mates finally at my side, I’m prepared to face anything.
But when one of Azrail’s rebels goes missing, a perilous search will take us to Venhaus, where monsters and evil rule, dark saints rise, and a secret kept by one of my mates will change everything.
And I'll let the darkness inside me take hold.
Fantasy romance readers will devour this paranormal, fated mates, enemies-to-lovers series, with a kickass princess and her devoted mates, inspired by the much loved, Greek myth of Hades and Persephone.
Blood and Ash and Throne of Glass readers will fall in love with the sweeping world of the Fae of The Saintlands series!
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2022
67 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Kelsey
110 books494 followersLeigh Kelsey is the author of romance and reverse harem books for anyone with a soft spot for steely women and the tortured men who love them. No matter what stories she's writing - vampires or shifters or bad boys - they all share a common thread of love, heart, and action. She is the author of the Lili Kazana series, the Moonlight Inn series, the Dead Space stand alone, and the Blacktower Prison for Supernaturals series, plus many more books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 15, 2023
I was super into this series and for some reason this one lost me. Don't get me wrong, it still had enjoyable stuff! Lots of it! But I guess I just lost where this was going. Mates keep popping up and it just feels like too much. Like it's been dragged out too long, ya know?
July 19, 2022
Book 4 continues the story of Maia (Iron Dove), Azrail (Wolven Lord), Jaro (Dagger), Ismene (evil Queen), Kheir (Archer), Zamanya, Siofra, and Ark (Lady Justice). They are up against Ismene and various monsters. It would be best to read the previous books in the series to understand what’s going on, the setting, the magic, and the characters’ backstories. This book has much more hot, explicitly described sex between Maia and her harem, almost non-stop with her various mates. There are some extremes of brutal violence as Maia and her mates fight monsters, evil saints, and other enemies in the earlier and final chapters. Maia gets surprising allies and also a new mate bond or two with totally unexpected persons. She is still suffering from iron poisoning and getting more psychotic.
June 4, 2025
Favorite one yet 😮💨
Their freaking family?! UGH. SO. GOOD. I’m obsessed. I’m feral. I’m emotionally unwell in the best way.
The spice?? I simply cannot handle. 🥵 It’s everything I could ever want and more — tender and filthy and so perfectly them.
And Maia and her little family… that seems to be growing?! 👀 Girl, I don’t know how you’re surviving, but I’m not mad. Not even a little.
My only “complaint” (and I use that term loosely) — there were some editing issues in the second half that a good proofread could’ve fixed. But honestly? It didn’t take away from a damn thing. Still 5 stars. Still perfect. Even if it wasn’t.
Book 5? Let’s GO. 🫡
Their freaking family?! UGH. SO. GOOD. I’m obsessed. I’m feral. I’m emotionally unwell in the best way.
The spice?? I simply cannot handle. 🥵 It’s everything I could ever want and more — tender and filthy and so perfectly them.
And Maia and her little family… that seems to be growing?! 👀 Girl, I don’t know how you’re surviving, but I’m not mad. Not even a little.
My only “complaint” (and I use that term loosely) — there were some editing issues in the second half that a good proofread could’ve fixed. But honestly? It didn’t take away from a damn thing. Still 5 stars. Still perfect. Even if it wasn’t.
Book 5? Let’s GO. 🫡
July 10, 2022
Touch of Darkness is book 4 in The Fae of the Saintlands series. Maia (FMC) and the guys - Azrail, Jaro, Kheir and Ark spend the majority of it jumping from one bad situation to another. Theres a hell of a lot of bad situations for them all as their looking Vawn. With plenty of laughs and steamy scenarios. Maia's banter with Byron was not only cutting but really funny too. As was with Isak. That cliffhanger ending was epic and jaw droppingly good. i cant wait to see what will happen next. Im enjoying reading this series so much
March 25, 2023
Hard going
This one was a traumatic and difficult read tbh. Maia is a selfish idiot at times. I get it. We all can be, but how she behaved toward Jaro in this book made me feel ill. I don't understand how she can feel so much through the mate bond, but not, know how he felt about her. It was infuriating and heartbreaking and made me not want to read. I did though. Not really looking forward to the next one tbh.
This one was a traumatic and difficult read tbh. Maia is a selfish idiot at times. I get it. We all can be, but how she behaved toward Jaro in this book made me feel ill. I don't understand how she can feel so much through the mate bond, but not, know how he felt about her. It was infuriating and heartbreaking and made me not want to read. I did though. Not really looking forward to the next one tbh.
July 8, 2022
What a read, from the moment that I started reading I knew that I was in for a treat. This book moves along at a pace which makes for an easy and enjoyable read. The characters are so real that you feel as though you know them and by the time you are halfway through the book, you are in love with them. This book needs to be read, you will not be sorry that you did.
July 17, 2022
No, no, nope!!! 💔😭
WTH just happened in this book???, my heart is shattered and hurts so much for Maia and the guys, I can’t believe all they went through!!! 😫
This series is absolutely fantastic, I love the world-building and the bond strengthening between Maia and the guys 😍🥰, but that cliffhanger? 😳🤯... no, no, nope!!!... I need the next book NOW!!! 🖤
WTH just happened in this book???, my heart is shattered and hurts so much for Maia and the guys, I can’t believe all they went through!!! 😫
This series is absolutely fantastic, I love the world-building and the bond strengthening between Maia and the guys 😍🥰, but that cliffhanger? 😳🤯... no, no, nope!!!... I need the next book NOW!!! 🖤
June 16, 2025
too messy
Not a fan of the FMC. She’s not very likable and honestly none of the characters seem to have any control or agency. The constant collection of mates who are unlikable is also annoying. The weird magic system that never seems to work when it’s needed and never under the direction of the characters is frustrating. Way too many “saints” to keep track of.
Not a fan of the FMC. She’s not very likable and honestly none of the characters seem to have any control or agency. The constant collection of mates who are unlikable is also annoying. The weird magic system that never seems to work when it’s needed and never under the direction of the characters is frustrating. Way too many “saints” to keep track of.
July 13, 2022
What a read, well written with drama, suspense, and chaos. Maia and the guys go from one bad situation to another. I love Maia's snark and strength. Jaw dropping cliffhanger.....cant wait to read the next book!
July 21, 2022
Touch of Darkness is the fourth book in the Fae of the Saintlands series and picks up where Kiss of Iron ended.
Maia and her mates are reeling from everything that happened and found out about: the Saints, Ismene, and Maia being crucified. But for now, they are safe in the rebel's compound training and planning for what's to come, enjoying their time together until they are informed about the devastation and destruction happening to the outlying villages and the disappearance of one of the men who helped rescue Maia from her aunt. Feeling guilty and needing answers, Maia convinces Azriel and the rest of her mates to journey to find Vawn and find out what her aunt has done.
After the last book, this one was a slow read and a bit of a letdown. It's much darker and, except for the last few chapters, a few heart-stopping scenes, new mate(s) and the steamy hot sex, I'd consider this a filler book.
Leigh has left me super frustrated with the characters!
Maia and her mates are reeling from everything that happened and found out about: the Saints, Ismene, and Maia being crucified. But for now, they are safe in the rebel's compound training and planning for what's to come, enjoying their time together until they are informed about the devastation and destruction happening to the outlying villages and the disappearance of one of the men who helped rescue Maia from her aunt. Feeling guilty and needing answers, Maia convinces Azriel and the rest of her mates to journey to find Vawn and find out what her aunt has done.
After the last book, this one was a slow read and a bit of a letdown. It's much darker and, except for the last few chapters, a few heart-stopping scenes, new mate(s) and the steamy hot sex, I'd consider this a filler book.
Leigh has left me super frustrated with the characters!
March 19, 2023
loved it
Must read. This cliffhanger is a doozy., so no throwing your devices. This series is really amazing. I’m loving also this frustration and lots of emotions and so many mates it’s getting really good. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Must read. This cliffhanger is a doozy., so no throwing your devices. This series is really amazing. I’m loving also this frustration and lots of emotions and so many mates it’s getting really good. Can’t wait to read the next book.
July 12, 2022
This book definitely has some darkness! The characters jump from one frying pan into the fire after another. This book is exciting and can't wait for more!
July 22, 2022
Amazing!
I love this series and I hope that the next one comes earlier I cant wait for another year. I look forward to reading more from Leigh Kelsey
I love this series and I hope that the next one comes earlier I cant wait for another year. I look forward to reading more from Leigh Kelsey
July 23, 2022
Love this series!
I absolutely love this series with all its twists and turns. Definitely worth the read. I hope to be able to see what happens next, sooner rather than later😉
I absolutely love this series with all its twists and turns. Definitely worth the read. I hope to be able to see what happens next, sooner rather than later😉
July 27, 2022
Wow!!!! Mother tucker that was a pleasure to read! I devoured it couldn't put it down the characters are amazing! The flow is perfect and you neeeeeeddd this like MEOW!!
January 12, 2023
This is a review for book 1-4. I was looking for a good fae read and was surprised to find a good ménage read as well. I enjoyed this a great deal and cannot wait for the next ones.
July 9, 2022
What more can they go through?!
My word this one certainly has plenty of doomy darkness in its storyline 😣 we’re getting a clearer idea of what Ismenes intentions are for the Saintlands and it’s not looking good, even more worrying is who may be pulling Ismenes strings and concocting a much grander plan 😬
Maia and her men after hearing stories of destruction that could be a part of the plan follow up these whispers aswell as searching for a lost friend! Their journey certainly takes them through some rough patches not only in the practical challenges they face but also emotionally! You really get an insight into each of the harems members insecurities and fear over their connection to Maia and the wider family, it really heightens the connection to them!
Don’t get me wrong this book is not all doom and gloom….they’re are some 🥵 scenes, and they take their chances to connect as a family ☺️ plus there may be potential additions to this ever-growing harem 😀
As always Maias snark comes through and her strength of character is incredible….but I’m not sure it’s enough this time to get them through…..need # 5 NOW to see how they get out of this!!
My word this one certainly has plenty of doomy darkness in its storyline 😣 we’re getting a clearer idea of what Ismenes intentions are for the Saintlands and it’s not looking good, even more worrying is who may be pulling Ismenes strings and concocting a much grander plan 😬
Maia and her men after hearing stories of destruction that could be a part of the plan follow up these whispers aswell as searching for a lost friend! Their journey certainly takes them through some rough patches not only in the practical challenges they face but also emotionally! You really get an insight into each of the harems members insecurities and fear over their connection to Maia and the wider family, it really heightens the connection to them!
Don’t get me wrong this book is not all doom and gloom….they’re are some 🥵 scenes, and they take their chances to connect as a family ☺️ plus there may be potential additions to this ever-growing harem 😀
As always Maias snark comes through and her strength of character is incredible….but I’m not sure it’s enough this time to get them through…..need # 5 NOW to see how they get out of this!!
July 11, 2024
4 Stars
I don’t think my poor heart can handle this! That cliffhanger…the awful awful ending…I might die from the trauma lol.
- 👀 Third person POV
- 📖 Fantasy reverse harem (5-6 mates)
- 🧚♀️ Fae and shifters and gods (aka saints)
- ❣️ Fated mates
- ♥️ 4/5 romance stars
- 🔥 medium/slow burn
- 👥 slow build harem
- 🌶 4.5/5 spiciness (there is one sex scene in book 3, one is book 2, and many many in book 4)
- ‼️ slavery, murder, one of her mates is under the control of evil beings
- 🚫 No MM, no OW/OM, no non-con or dub-con
I don’t think my poor heart can handle this! That cliffhanger…the awful awful ending…I might die from the trauma lol.
- 👀 Third person POV
- 📖 Fantasy reverse harem (5-6 mates)
- 🧚♀️ Fae and shifters and gods (aka saints)
- ❣️ Fated mates
- ♥️ 4/5 romance stars
- 🔥 medium/slow burn
- 👥 slow build harem
- 🌶 4.5/5 spiciness (there is one sex scene in book 3, one is book 2, and many many in book 4)
- ‼️ slavery, murder, one of her mates is under the control of evil beings
- 🚫 No MM, no OW/OM, no non-con or dub-con
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews