"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 my review.

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.

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.

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.