Review: See Me (Dark Sides Series, Book 3) by Lynn Crandall

Some battles are fought in darkness before the light can be found.

About See Me by Lynn Crandall

See Me
By Lynn Crandall
Series: Dark Side #3
Published by Acanthus on December 30, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 290

Skye Stone runs a local coffee shop called Coffee Is. Like the name of her shop, she likes things simple and to the point. But she’s more than just a businesswoman in Auralia. She’s fighting for her life as an Aeon and working hard to save her town and her world.

Like the other Aeons, she uses her special ability in her battle against Dark Sides. Her’s is reading auras and connecting with her ancestors for help. After all, a lot is at stake, so she can use all the help she can get. But as darkness is getting harder and harder to thrive in, she’s not sure even her ancestors can save the day.

Cooper Munson, a former bounty hunter turned doctor of psychology, and Aeon as well, has prided himself on being a solid member of their little band of light workers, using his ability as an empath to define truths and manage others. But the constant interaction with Dark Aspects is disorganizing his very soul. He can’t see a way through for him back to balance in light and love.

Cooper and Skye are not alone in the mission, they know. But things are getting complicated, and with darkness closing in, stronger and stronger, will they survive long enough to save the world from Dark Sides? What will they have to do to truly save their town and their world?

In the climactic conclusion of the Dark Sides series, will the Aeons prevail and change the balance between dark and light for good? Or will Dark Sides, with despair and oppression, rule take down Auralia, then world? Can Cooper and Skye go deeper into darkness and learn the truth about love and light before it’s too late?

Reader resources:

Curious to learn more or see what other readers think? Explore the book here:

View See Me on Goodreads

Below I've listed the key items that stood out to me.

My Thoughts

See Me is the third installment in Lynn Crandall's Dark Sides series, and while it can technically be read as a stand-alone story, I believe readers will have a richer experience if they begin with the earlier books. The relationships, stakes, and supernatural worldbuilding carry forward from the previous novels, making the emotional beats land more strongly when you've traveled the journey with these characters from the beginning.

One of the strongest aspects of this story is the chemistry between Cooper and Skye. Their connection feels genuine and grounded, even while the story moves through a world filled with supernatural forces and spiritual battles. Crandall handles their relationship with a light touch, allowing the romance to enhance the story without overwhelming the main plot.

Another element that stood out to me was how seamlessly the author blends the magical system into everyday life. The abilities of the Aeons and their struggle against the Dark Sides feel naturally woven into the fabric of the story's world rather than standing apart from it. This approach helps keep the fantasy elements accessible while maintaining the sense of mystery and danger surrounding the characters' mission.

The pacing throughout the novel is smooth and engaging. The story flows easily from scene to scene, creating a steady momentum that encourages readers to keep turning pages-or scrolling screens-to see what happens next.

In Conclusion

See Me offers a satisfying continuation of the Dark Sides series, combining supernatural conflict with strong character relationships and an engaging sense of forward momentum. Readers who enjoy contemporary fantasy with emotional stakes and a touch of romance will likely find this installment an enjoyable addition to the series.

If you enjoyed this review of See Me, you might want to take a look at my review of Hear Me, the second book in the Dark Sides series.

---

Excerpt

Skye drummed her fingers on the top of the table she sat at inside Coffee Is. The morning was moving along smoothly, but anxiety churned her insides. She didn't need to look at a calendar, she knew what the date was. This day was special, and was always laced with fear that started in the pit of her stomach and rose up to the middle of her chest, chasing her heartbeat into a sprint.

She knew what she wanted. To run. Run far away fast. Hide deep in the earth where they couldn't find her, ever. But that wasn't the answer, she knew. Facing the day, accepting that the danger of the cult she'd grown up in was in the past, and grounding in the present was her best strategy for peace. She knew it. Staying present was a whole other thing.

"Want a warm up?"

Her employee suddenly at her side startled Skye, but she covered it. "Sure. Thank you. How is your day going?" she asked.

The young woman gave her smile. "We're busy, but everything is going well."

"Good to hear." Skye nodded. "Keep up the good work. Oh, and turn down the music."

The young woman moved to another table, and Skye sighed. She had so much to be grateful for: a great business, wonderful employees, a beautiful circle of companions in the Aeons. But this day reminded her of the terrible ordeal she and her parents had endured. It should be a day to celebrate because it is the day she escaped. It could easily signify freedom from the cult's oppression. She'd been so young when they'd lived there, though, its teachings had embedded inside her. Even as an Aeon, the foundational conditioning of the cult remained hard to break.

Skye took a sip of her coffee and focused on its richness. The bell dinging on the door set her nerves on edge. It was not new. It told her people were coming and going. But it triggered a memory, and suddenly her inner vision clouded.

A bell ringing in the courtyard at the commune summoned members of the community to a meeting. Fear gripped her heart as she took her mother's hand, and she looked up to see her father's face harden. What did it mean? Was someone getting punished for trying to escape?

Meet Lynn Crandall

---

If this one sounds like your kind of read, here's where you can find it.

Where to Buy

View See Me on Amazon

Tour dates: February 26 - March 19, 2026. To see the full schedule of stops, visit the
Goddess Fish - See Me Tour page.

Giveaway

Enter below for a chance to win - and good luck!

Lynn Crandall will award a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Trouble loading the form? Enter here.

Thanks for spending part of your reading time with me today.