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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, in Dark Matter: The Order of the Hidden Cross by Ian Bayly, Joshua Carpenter navigates a multiverse of supernatural intrigue and esoteric themes to uncover truths that could save or destroy humanity.
Dark Matter

In the sprawling tapestry of the multiverse, where ancient gods and shadowy entities clash, a young boy named Joshua Carpenter finds himself at the epicenter of a cosmic war. Ian Bayly’s “Dark Matter: The Order of the Hidden Cross” masterfully blends mind-bending science fiction, supernatural suspense, and deeply resonant human drama, creating a genre-bending experience that will leave you breathless.
Joshua’s life begins under an ominous star, his birth attended by shadowy figures led by the enigmatic Malleck. As he matures, extraordinary abilities manifest, drawing him into the clandestine world of the Order of the Hidden Cross, a secret society safeguarding ancient knowledge hidden within the Vatican’s depths. Thrust into a treacherous realm of intrigue, betrayal, and peril, Joshua discovers he’s not just a pawn, but a pivotal player in a conflict that spans dimensions.
Across 19 gripping chapters, Bayly’s compelling narrative explores profound themes of identity, sacrifice, and the relentless search for meaning in a universe teeming with both wonder and chaos. “Dark Matter” isn’t just a story about a boy caught in a cosmic crossfire; it’s a journey into the heart of existence, where the lines between light and darkness blur, and the fate of the multiverse hangs in the balance.
“Dark Matter: The Order of the Hidden Cross” transcends the boundaries of a typical novel, becoming an immersive exploration of the human psyche and the vast expanse of the multiverse. In this captivating debut, Ian Bayly crafts a richly layered narrative that challenges readers to confront their own understanding of power, destiny, and the very fabric of reality. With unforgettable characters and a plot that will keep you riveted, “Dark Matter” is more than just a read—it’s an experience that will resonate long after the final page. Be among the first to embark on this groundbreaking journey.
Ian Bayly
My goal with ‘Dark Matter: The Order of the Hidden Cross’ was never to simply entertain, but to challenge perceptions.
I wrote this book to prod at the uncomfortable questions that linger in all of us: What if the truths we take for granted are built on lies? What if the institutions we trust the most are hiding the darkest secrets? As someone who’s spent years asking questions, digging into history, and imagining the unseen, I wanted to create a story that pushes readers to confront the shadows, both external and within themselves. Ultimately, I hope this book inspires curiosity and maybe even a little unease—it’s in those spaces where growth and understanding begin.
-Ian Bayly
Ian Bayly (who writes as Ian) has spent decades perfecting the art of simply being. A writer by sheer tenacity, he crafts stories not because the world demands them, but because his mind relentlessly narrates life like a B-movie masterpiece. Born in Sydney, Australia, sometime in 1977, Ian’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of the mildly impressive and the utterly unremarkable.
When he’s not wrestling with words (or the alluring siren call of procrastination), you’ll likely find him gazing into the middle distance, momentarily lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts, or overthinking the cosmic significance of a lukewarm cup of coffee. He contemplates the vastness of the universe while simultaneously lamenting the agonizing slowness of his Wi-Fi.
Ian’s origin story is, shall we say, memorable. If you’re ever fortunate (or perhaps unfortunate) enough to hear it, you might find yourself marveling at his continued existence. Until then, his book will have to suffice—and honestly, for your own sanity, that’s probably for the best.
Find more from Ian Bayly now:
Dark Matter: The Order of the Hidden Cross, published by Star Lore Publishing, is available for pre-order through IngramSpark, with an official launch date on Amazon and other platforms of 14th February.
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