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Desolation (Darkness Rising Book 1) Kindle Edition
That’s what my five best friends said when we were younger. But that was before we found out our souls were fated and that we were destined for more.
I don't know if there's a condom out there that's strong enough to protect us from what's coming our way now.
In the midst of natural disasters wreaking havoc on earth, we must claw our way out of the pit of grief we find ourselves in after a tragic loss, because another realm is counting on us to save it from a great evil.
A realm that we apparently used to call home and can't remember.
Welcome to the disaster that is my life.
Grab a seat and buckle up, because no way am I letting us die.
Content warning: Desolation is a novel that touches on some dark themes such as noncon and child SA. This book has a 18+ warning. Book one in the Darkness Rising series which will end in a cliffhanger.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJuly 11, 2020
- File size4.2 MB
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From the Publisher
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B087BC5L8G
- Publisher : White Rabbit Publishing (July 11, 2020)
- Publication date : July 11, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 4.2 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 366 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #150,871 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #485 in Metaphysical Fantasy eBooks
- #1,061 in Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- #5,147 in Fantasy Romance eBooks
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

R.L. Caulder is an International, USA Today, and Amazon Top 50 bestselling fantasy romance author. She lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistant, MeowMeow. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told. What she can always promise her readers is a twisty plot, high angst, and a hard-fought happily ever after.
If you’re looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
Tiktok & Instagram: @authorrlcaulder
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story engaging and epic. They enjoy the well-developed characters and their personalities that mesh well together. The humor is witty and hilarious, making it an enjoyable read. Readers find the emotional depth and heartache relatable, with psychological insights. The romance between Lana and her men is sweet and endearing. The writing quality is described as well-written and easy to read.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoyed the story. They found the premise good and the book interesting. The ending was described as crazy and amazing.
"This book was awesome!! I love a good RH and this is one of those! I loved each and every character...." Read more
"...I thought her debut book has so much potential, I was happy with the foundation she builded and her idea for this RH fantasy/supernatural..." Read more
"...They could easily exist outside one another on any page and still carry the story, and the plot was captivating...." Read more
"...However, this book is amazing and beautiful. The main character is full of love and devotion despite the violations that have occurred in her life...." Read more
Customers enjoy the engaging characters with different personalities. They find the heroes well-defined and sweet, with personalities that mesh well together. The storyline is unique and the characters are described as beautifully broken.
"...I love a good RH and this is one of those! I loved each and every character...." Read more
"...I did enjoy the different personalities of the guys (Zedd and Hael were my favs in book 1!). The tension between everyone was great too...." Read more
"...However, this book is amazing and beautiful. The main character is full of love and devotion despite the violations that have occurred in her life...." Read more
"...sense from all of them from the very beginning, it really pulls you in to each character and makes them feel real, the multiple POVs help you get a..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it witty, with a dash of darkness. The twins are hilarious and the writing style is engaging. The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities that complement each other.
"...There was grief, destruction, sadness, confusion, humor, love, and steam all wrapped up in this...." Read more
"...I loved the snark and wit brought by each character, while simultaneously loving Caulder's softly injected hope and positive growth affirmations..." Read more
"...All in all this book really showcase a writing style that is fantastic, you can really feel yourself hanging out with the characters..." Read more
"...There's tons of action, suspense, snarky comments, magic, past lives, gods and goddesses, steamy scenes and ohhhhhh sooooo much more within these..." Read more
Customers find the book emotionally engaging. They find the heartache and loss relatable, with humor, depth, psychological insight, and grit. The characters feel real, with multiple perspectives that help you connect to them. The story creates different emotions for readers, from laughter to tears and fury.
"...I loved each and every character. There was grief, destruction, sadness, confusion, humor, love, and steam all wrapped up in this...." Read more
"...took it next level by writing Desolation with humor, depth, psychological insight, and, well, grit...." Read more
"...very beginning, it really pulls you in to each character and makes them feel real, the multiple POVs help you get a senses from all angles and sets..." Read more
"...She has these fantastic moments where she is serious sincere passionate and fierce and then she has these hilarious outbursts that had me seriously..." Read more
Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find the characters endearing and romantic, with steamy moments. They appreciate the banter between Lana and her men, which is a central part of the beginning story. Readers also mention that Lana is an amazing heroine who has been through some terrible traumatic things.
"...Zedd is just a sweetheart. He is inexperienced with women but he doesn't let that deter him from showing Lana how much he wants her. He is so caring...." Read more
"...However, it is also absolutely hilarious, thrilling, endearing and yes, steamy...." Read more
"...Lana is an amazing heroine who has been through some terrible traumatic things in her life but honestly that doesn’t dull her shine...." Read more
"...Reading the book, I wouldn't have guessed. I loved the banter between Lana and the guys that was a central part of the beginning of the story...." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the natural flow of the writing, good editing, and clear descriptions. The book provides depth and humor with psychological insights.
"...romance novel and took it next level by writing Desolation with humor, depth, psychological insight, and, well, grit...." Read more
"...as you get to know the different spaces in her book, they are clearly defined and while they are all different you aren't ever lost in the feeling..." Read more
"This one was a little confusing to follow in the beginning...." Read more
"...Good editing too.) Cons ✖ FMC becomes increasingly annoying throughout the book...." Read more
Customers find the characters strong and determined. They describe the characters as fierce, brave, and solidified. The concept is unique and exciting.
"...Lana is hillarious and also so freaking brave. She will do whatever she can to protect her boys...." Read more
"...not flowery children living a life of luxury and light, these are survivors; resilient, brilliant, flawed and beautifully broken...." Read more
"...The men in her harem are fierce and loya. The concept is unique and exciting." Read more
"...First the charcter development is out of this world, you get a strong sense from all of them from the very beginning, it really pulls you in to..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's fast pacing. They find it hilarious, thrilling, and endearing. The female main character is described as hot, and the writing flows smoothly. Readers mention that the magic, past lives, gods, and goddesses are mentioned. The premise of different realms and the FMC being a complete badass are also discussed.
"...of the story I really enjoyed the storyline and how there was a mix of gods and fae...." Read more
"...However, it is also absolutely hilarious, thrilling, endearing and yes, steamy...." Read more
"...There's tons of action, suspense, snarky comments, magic, past lives, gods and goddesses, steamy scenes and ohhhhhh sooooo much more within these..." Read more
"...Lana is a fantastic FMC who is no pushover...." Read more
Reviews with images
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This book was absolutely brilliant
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2020This book was awesome!!
I love a good RH and this is one of those! I loved each and every character. There was grief, destruction, sadness, confusion, humor, love, and steam all wrapped up in this.
Lana is hillarious and also so freaking brave. She will do whatever she can to protect her boys. She doesn't back down from a challenge and won't let anyone intimidate her. She had a rough past to get through and the present is also super rough, scary, and uncertain. She's a badass and a Queen.
Luke and Leo, the twins. They are the lighthearted comedians of the harem. As lighthearted as they are, they won't let anyone hurt their woman. They have no qualms about sharing Lana either.
Zedd is just a sweetheart. He is inexperienced with women but he doesn't let that deter him from showing Lana how much he wants her. He is so caring. He cooks for everyone but especially makes sure Lana eats. But he also won't back down from a challenge and stays brave in the face of conflict especially to protect his mate.
Hale is the take charge one. He has no issue telling others what to do and taking the lead when necessary. He has a little soft spot for his woman though and will stop at nothing to keep her safe. I wish we wouldve had a little more Hale in the book with Lana.
Ash...ahhhhhh Ash. He is a dominant mate and wants Lana to know it. He and Lana fight for alpha spot. However, Ash is not who you think and it's a shock.
This book broke my heart more than once. The heartache and loss is so real. The surprise is just that a freaking surprise that leaves you speechless. Lana really changes throughout the book and I love that. I can't wait for the next book to see Lana and the boys really whip some ass and take charge!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2022This was my first book I've read/listened to by RL Caulder and it won't be my last! I thought her debut book has so much potential, I was happy with the foundation she builded and her idea for this RH fantasy/supernatural series.
I am listening to the audiobook and thought the audio performances were good. I like this duo, I have listened to them before. I wish they would do duet narration instead of dual because I would give each 5 stars but because they do both the male and female voices themselves, I would give them 4 stars. I think Maryne does a good job with the various characters (sometimes she makes it OTT when it could be reined in a bit but overall she does a good job bringing these characters to life). Alexander does the guys very well but I am not a fan of what he does abut 30-40% with the female characters. He does make them whiney and hysterical sounding unfortunately. Again its not all the time but in high emotional scenes, he makes the women all feel like damsels/helpless with the tone and rendition. I listen to them at 1.5X speed.
In terms of the story I really enjoyed the storyline and how there was a mix of gods and fae. I loved how tight knit the group is and all the emotion they exuded when bad things starting happening that changed their lives forever. I loved Beth btw, she was a great character, as well as some of the other side characters (I wonder if there will be spinoffs, I am new to this world so I have no clue haha). I liked Lana's tenacity and randomness with her quotes/food obsession hahaha. She made me giggle a lot which was nice. I will say the beginning to me was a little awkward with all the guys and their feelings for her (and them not telling her anything before this moment/leaving hints and them being on all board off the bat). I did enjoy the different personalities of the guys (Zedd and Hael were my favs in book 1!). The tension between everyone was great too.
The other harem and again the other side characters really helped bring another element to this RH story. I already have finished book 2 and am halfway through 3 because I am engrossed in this world. The baddie in this story is a little iffy for me (more to come in my book 2 review) but the author couldn't really hit us with it in the first book because of how he is introduced and emerges. It had to be subtle in the beginning. Storyline would get 4 stars from me!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2020I just...I need one more second to process. Wow.
I have been looking forward to this book for weeks, and sometimes the excitement and build up can fizzle when the story is actually in your hands. But, nope, not happening here. Holy crud, I absolutely cannot believe this is R.L Caulder's debut novel. This book was...freaking fantastic.
R.L. created a paranormal fantasy romance novel and took it next level by writing Desolation with humor, depth, psychological insight, and, well, grit. I know that "grit" is not necessarily the most lyrical sounding description, but man does it fit. Lana, and these men, are deep and authentic and they have been wounded. These are not flowery children living a life of luxury and light, these are survivors; resilient, brilliant, flawed and beautifully broken. But they are determined to spend their lives helping put the pieces of one another back together again into something better despite the cards they were dealt. Despite their trauma, grief and loss. Which, once again, is wonderfully written by Caulder.
These characters - Lana, Ash, Zedd, Hale, Luke and Leo - are independently developed and solidified. They could easily exist outside one another on any page and still carry the story, and the plot was captivating. At no point did my interest waiver, and while the foreshadowing was great, I still found myself uncertain of what the next moves would be, or the level of intensity that was going to barrel down on me.
I make this sound like a heavy read. It partly is, as would be any story dealing with complex, strong, emotive characters. However, it is also absolutely hilarious, thrilling, endearing and yes, steamy. I loved the snark and wit brought by each character, while simultaneously loving Caulder's softly injected hope and positive growth affirmations amidst the struggles her characters were experiencing. Still blown away by how she managed that balance so well!
ANYWAY, I'm off to preorder the next book, because I cannot imagine not finding out how this story continues. Brava, and congratulations on a smash hit of a debut!
Top reviews from other countries
- KateReviewed in Canada on April 18, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing RH book!
This book will have you feeling everything from happiness, love, to a deep sadness that some may have experienced in real life. But worry not, Lana and her mates are strong and the messages the author writes into their story will have you feeling strong as well. There is a triggering scene in this book, but again, the author wraps you in a safe blanket right after. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in RH, fantasy and a female lead who is classy, sassy, and a bit badassy!
- jenniReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible beginning to a very promising series
Lana and the guys share a troubled passed and what looks to be a more troublesome future. Their story is a tale of live and endurance with a very deserving happiness. Will they get it? That is indeed a burning question. Will she manage to defeat the dark face? Another one.
The description of the writing is incredible. The vivid details make both the earth and witch realms easy to picture including the destruction that the earth face due to the imbalance of power.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
- Kindle-KundeReviewed in Germany on December 8, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Would definitely recommend
I bought this book for my wife and she loves it. She found time to read more than a hundred pages on the day she got it even though she normally doesn't have the time to read.
She says that she would recommend the book to everyone that loves reverse harem books. She can't wait to read more from that series.
- AmelieReviewed in Australia on July 12, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars I AM THE HYENA
The storyline was fantastic, character building was believable, Zedd is beautiful (and my favourite) and the story has a beautiful flow. It has a very smooth storyline, the one liners made me snort like a hyena, and I can see the relationship build between the guys and Lana, which I love, because it doesn't read as 2D.
It comes across as a very light-hearted read, but when it gets down to the nitty gritty, the languages follows through and gives you more depth. For a first book, this has hit a lot of highs and I will continue to follow Lana's story with baited breath.
Well done Ranchie!
- AndréaReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars Loved the dynamics
My first book by R. L. Caulder and I enjoyed it. There’s a lot happening and a lot more too come. I like the characters and the connection they all share. They all bring something to the relationship and I like that they deeply care for each other as they are more than just friends : they are family and I felt that.
Obviously we have only scratched the surface here and already this is a lot. Now I am really intrigued with what else the author can bring without making it too much or not natural. Good thing this series is already complete. The wait would have been too much for my poor heart.
If you like talk of past lives, real connections, sass and funny banter with a touch of suspense, this book is definitely for you !