A Darkness So Sweet

The Kingdom Below, Book 1

By: Emma Hamm

Narrated by: Nina Yndis, Will Thorne

Traded for peace. Sacrificed to a monster.

Maia Fremont just wanted a chance. When the opportunity to create floral arrangements for the royal wedding is offered to her, who is she to say no? But the crown is never honest, and soon enough, she finds herself thrust into an unwanted union with a fearsome troll. Ripped from her beloved garden and the only life she's ever known, she's offered as a bride to a creature she's only heard whispers of—rumors of brutality, darkness, and insatiable hunger.

Ragnar, a powerful troll healer, is disgusted by the human king's deception. His duty to his people forces him to accept this lie of a marriage. His bride is a fragile human instead of the strong half-elfen mate he expected. Her meager magic is an insult, but honor and allegiance bind him to her. No matter how much he hates it.

Married to a beast who sees her as nothing more than a tool to strengthen his bloodline, Maia must fight for her life in the treacherous world of the trolls. But in their kingdom deep within the mountain, she must balance her growing attraction for her gruff, surprisingly poetic husband against the lurking dangers in this strange new world—especially when the growing darkness threatens to tear them apart.

©2025 Emma Hamm (P)2025 Podium Audio

Unexpected but good!

At first I hated Ragnar but I really grew to love him and Maia. I also really liked the plot out outside of the romance which really kept me interested

She does it again!

Emma hamm never ceases to amaze me with the books that she writes there’s a never-ending plot twist the story, the spice, the world building the emotional and physical tension between humans and different creatures and how she displays it throughout the story is breathtaking, mind blowing, and absolutely and enthralling. she has me hooked from page one and with the rest of her books. I highly recommended It! I would also like to mention that I would like book 2,3,4,5, etc. however, many you’re gonna write this instant please and thank you! Much love

I ADORED this book!

Bought it on a whim but it turned out to be yet another series I can barely wait for the next installment of!
It makes me think of a world of warcraft type world with similarly deep lore with a love story. Very fun!

loved the struggles they overcame

read it more than a few times ✨ I caught myself blushing a few times lol definitely worth a listen

I need more stories like this!

I had such a good time with this story. I loved every bit! I love that the author took her time building the world and the culture and the relationships. This author is so good at making likeable FMC. I didn't roll my eyes once and that's really hard to do. Maya was smart, relatable, and resilient. I want more! I want more Maya and Ragnar. I definitely want more Gunar. And Bjorn bb I will save you!
The only thing I wish for this book is that it was a duet. one voice actors voicing both MC in a chapter took me out of the immersion at times. especially the spicy scenes. But definitely not enough for me to not continue this series. I will be in it till the end!