Book One of The Hidden Balance Series
A hidden town. A dangerous ritual. A choice that could change everything.
Behind a veil of mist in the Blackthorn Mountains lies Stapleton, a town where magic shapes everyday life. At sixteen, Erica Autumn approaches the Ritual, a tradition that asks each young person to choose a path and pledge loyalty to family.
But the Kindred threaten the town’s fragile safety. As danger closes in, Erica must face what the Ritual will demand and what she is willing to protect.
Series: The Hidden Balance, Book One
Author: Ray Garlow
ISBN-13: 979-8-1991-5102-3
A town hidden by mist
Stapleton is concealed from the outside world, nestled among the Blackthorn Mountains. Its people live with old magic close at hand, but the town’s traditions carry their own weight. For every sixteen-year-old, the Ritual is a turning point: a time to choose a future and affirm family ties.
About the author
Ray Garlow writes stories rooted in imagination, courage, and family bonds. The Oath Beneath the Hidden World begins The Hidden Balance Series, inspired by a love of storytelling and a wish to pass wonder and adventure on to the next generation.
Read Chapter 1
Begin Erica Autumn’s story with The Ritual Beneath the Mountain.