Book cover of 'The Darkes Side of the Moon' in physical and digital formats, showing a silhouette of a girl standing on a rock with a large red moon in the background and a wolf's face at the top, with a swirling night sky. The digital version on a tablet features a similar girl silhouette with a vibrant swirling background and wolf's eyes, with the title 'A Dance Between Light and Darkness' and the author's name M.C. Ryder.

THE DARK

Enter the darkness. Discover who you are when the light fades.


The Dark is a gripping young adult fantasy series by M.C. Ryder that draws readers into a shadow-soaked world where magic is dangerous, secrets are deadly, and the line between light and darkness is never clear. Set in a richly imagined realm ruled by ancient forces and forbidden power, the series follows young heroes thrust into conflicts far greater than themselves, forced to confront prophecy, betrayal, and long-buried truths that threaten to reshape their world.

As the story unfolds, magic proves to be both a gift and a curse, leaving lasting marks on those who dare to wield it. Friendship, loyalty, and love are tested under relentless pressure, while courage is forged through loss and sacrifice. The series delves deeply into identity, choice, and the fear of becoming what you fight, giving emotional weight to every victory and consequence.

Hidden bloodlines and cryptic prophecies weave through the story, revealing long-kept secrets and shocking truths that have the power to change the fate of the world. As these revelations come to light, young heroes are pushed to their limits, forced to confront betrayal, endure loss, and face the shadows within themselves—discovering that true courage often emerges under fire.

With its atmospheric world-building, morally complex characters, and escalating high-stakes conflict, The Dark blends haunting fantasy with raw emotional depth. Perfect for readers who crave brooding adventures and powerful coming-of-age journeys, the series asks a haunting question: when darkness calls, who will you become?

Gold and red badge with the words 'Outstanding Creator Awards Winner' and decorative stars and ribbons.
A circular black badge with a silver border featuring a stylized orange and red phoenix with spread wings, the text 'SPEAK UP TALK RADIO' at the top, 'FIREBIRD' in the middle, and 'BOOK AWARD WINNER' at the bottom.
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Gold and black badge for the PenCraft Awards, indicating a winner for Best Book in Literature Excellence, Summer 2025.

Books in The Dark

Book cover for 'The Darkest Side of the Moon' by M.C. Ryder. Features a woman silhouette standing on rock with a glowing red moon behind her, a large wolf's face in the background, surrounded by dark trees.

THE DARKEST SIDE OF THE MOON

BOOK 1

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A DARKER DEMISE

SUPPLEMENTAL

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Book cover for 'A Dance Between Light and Darkness' by M.C. Ryder, featuring a silhouette of a girl standing on a tombstone, swirling colorful vortex, a large wolf's face with glowing eyes in the background, and fire on the ground.
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A DANCE BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS

BOOK 2

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PRAISE FOR THE DARK

  • The Darkest Side of the Moon is a gripping tale that seamlessly blends elements of romance, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. MC Ryder has crafted a memorable protagonist in Nadine, and the intricate plot keeps readers engaged from start to finish. I eagerly await the possibility of a prequel, as it promises to enrich the world created by the author and add further dimension to the fascinating characters.

    Discourse


  • "An intriguing dark, mysterious, mythological fantasy." A M.C. Ryder weaves an exciting and suspenseful supernatural tale in this young adult fiction. Readers will not want the book to end. We highly recommend!

    Explore Authors Magazine

  • This propulsive tale will enthrall fans of The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. I enjoyed the beautiful prose, the unpredictable plot, and the engrossing narrative voice in The Darkest Side of the Moon. The skillful exploration of romance, friendship, and the proverbial conflict between vampires and werewolves added a deeper layer to the entertainment.

    The Book Commentary

Author

M.C. Ryder

Award-winning author M.C. Ryder has been composing stories, poems, and lyrics from the beginning of time, when reading became a hobby. The sky is the limit, but she enjoys exploring off the beaten path both figuratively and literally. She resides in the Keystone State with a clowder of felines who rule the house.

AUTHOR PROFILE