“Friends are like condoms. They protect you when things get hard.” That’s what my five drool-worthy best friends, turned boyfriends, turned mates, said when we were younger. We lived by it. But I don’t know if there’s a condom out there that’s strong enough to protect us from what’s coming … Pun intended.Five mates? Yeah, it gets a little hectic around here. That’s a lot of dcks to handle. … dcks to handle. They’re lucky I love them—because patience sure as hell isn’t a virtue of mine.
Add in natural disasters laying havoc to our world, learning we have magic from the goddess, Gaia—oh, and that one of my mates shares a soul bond with the man who killed us all in our previous lives…
Welcome to the Lana shtshow. Grab a seat and buckle up, buttercups.
Because no way in hell am I letting my mates die in this life.
***
Author Note: Desolation is a reverse harem novel that touches on some dark themes such as molestation at a young age and rape which may be triggering for some readers. This book has a 18+ warning and is intended for mature audiences. Book one in the Darkness Rising series which will end in a cliff hanger.
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Despite the darkness of its title, Desolation is a truly delightful and well-rounded debut novel from R.L. Caulder. Though the book touches on a variety of difficult (and potentially triggering) topics, Caulder handles those subjects with just the right touch of deftness, skill, and a healthy dose of levity that makes Desolation un-put-downable.
“Oh shit! Sober up, Lana! Sober up! You’re talking to a Goddess!”
Our heroine, Lana, is – in a word – dramatic. A spitfire. She’s a wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve kind of girl, and if she’s feeling strongly about something, everyone in the vicinity is going to know about it. She’s not always entirely relatable (who is?), but when she is, LORD IS SHE! I mean, who hasn’t found themselves drunk in a bathtub trying their best to act sober while speaking to a goddess? At her core, Lana is spunky, determined, fiercely loyal, and has a SERIOUS coffee addiction – and I think most of us can identify with at least some of those qualities. Even in moments when I found myself struggling to relate to aspects of her personality, the humor that Calder infuses into her reactions was just the push I needed to connect again.
“A hand falls on top of my shoulder, causing me to jump and react without thinking, cupping the coffee to my chest to keep it out of the clutches of evil. I fall into a crouch with my eyes narrowed, hissing like Smeagol from Lord of the Rings. “My precisoussss. Mine!”
Beyond Lana, Caulder does an amazing job characterizing Lana’s mates. Sometimes, with RH novels, authors don’t quite succeed in fully developing distinct personalities and backstories for the men in the heroine’s life, but there is no such issue here. I thought that Caulder did a beautiful job introducing us to and developing each man’s back story in the foster system and tying that story to how they interact with and connect to both Lana and one another.
“Thank you for saving me. Thank you for picking up the many broken pieces of my heart and stitching them back together. Thank you for showing me what real love feels like. What a family looks like.”
I always know, when I take on a book with dark themes that I run the risk of being triggered – but I read them anyway because often those very books have the most rewarding and touching messages for me. This was so very true of Desolation, and I applaud Caulder for her handling of the darker issues within this book. In particular, I found the dynamic of trust after abuse or neglect to be especially well illustrated. For survivors, safe places and safe people are crucial. And the loss of those things – even the fear of losing them – can shake a person to their very core.
“Remember that we are not the sum of our demons and our past. We are the sum of our love and perseverance through the trials along our journey.”
This message from Gaia to Lana is, perhaps, one of the most profound messages in this book. As a survivor, self-worth is sometimes hard for Lana to completely grasp, despite her often blustery exterior, and she frequently fights to be self-reliant in order to prove herself or to protect others from receiving injury on her behalf. This cycle is evident with Lana and the men throughout the story, and we even see it in Lana’s interactions with others, like Beth and Serenity. Feeling as if we are a product of what has happened to us is a trap that so many survivors fall into. Remembering that we are, rather, a product of what we have MADE happen DESPITE what has happened to us, in combination with invoking the power of love, will I think be key to Lana ensuring that this incarnation ends differently than the last.
I truly enjoyed every moment of this book, am absolutely awed by Caulder’s debut, and definitely can’t wait to pick back up with Lana and her men in Book 2, Detonation!
Fated Mates, Elementals, Fae, Witches, different realms. This book has it all and so much more. The author did a fantastic job giving us a unique story that will draw you in and keep you glued to the edge of your seat. This book is full of funny and light moments and then gives you twosts into the darker side. I loved every word and can’t wait for book 2.
ONE OF THE BEST books I have ever read!!! R.L. Caulder wrote a phenomenal book, storyline, and characters that I was completely consumed by. This book was a perfect blend of humor, action, angst, lust, love, darkness and so much more!
The unique identity and personality that each character brought to the story was wonderful. Each brought a uniqueness and realness to the story, with each contributing to the storyline and creating a more dimensional story that I completely lost myself in.
But Lana, I could feel everything this woman felt. Her pain, her love, her anger, her determination. She is one kick butt woman and I was in awe of her strength and resilience, of her loyalty and love. Together with her mates, she is unstoppable. She thrives with them by her side.
This story was so unique, raw and brilliantly original. It took me on a wild ride of emotions, like I was living through this story with each character, like I was a part of their family. This book was so extremely well written that the words just flowed off the pages, creating a magical world to escape to. I devoured this book from beginning to end, I never wanted to finish but I also needed to know what happens next. I truly cannot wait for book 2. I need more of this story and these characters like my next breath.
R.L. Caulder created a phenomenal story that is not be missed!! A huge 5 stars! If I could give it more I absolutely would. I can’t recommend this book enough!
This was a phenomenal book! I loved every bit of it. I went through all the emotions while reading this book and the character development was great. I was so engrossed with the story and the characters that I actually found myself caring about them. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series!
This book was a fresh new perspective to the paranormal romances going around. This book starts out in typical America with the six main characters as every day college students. They have had a rough start, but found their way together by ending up placed in the same foster home.
A tragic event leads Lana into finding out life is never what it seems, and she is actually a very powerful fae from another realm. She meets a kicka** witch who helps her learn about her powers. Her Harem is large with 5 love interests. Each man brings something different to the relationship, and feeds a part of her soul that needs to be fulfilled. There is something a little different about this Harem that I loved reading about……. no spoilers!
This book is the debut book of R.L. Caulder. It doesn’t read like a debut, and is beautifully written. It is the first in the series, and I am excited to see what the next book holds.
This is a debut book by author R.L. Caulder and was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Lana, the female lead, is sassy, funny and strong. I really liked her character throughout the book and a lot of her inner thoughts were filled with humour. Lana could be childish at time, which under the circumstances was relatable and really made her shine!
The first chapter was enticing and really draws you in as a reader! I wanted to know exactly what had happened in the past and just how this would effect the future. This first chapter sets up the mystery that weaves through the plot.
Desolation is about Lana, who learns that she and her five mates have magic from the Goddess Gaia and must save the realm. These five mates consist of leader Hale, twins Leo and Luke, shy Zedd and angry Ash and obviously all of them are drool-worthy specimens! They’ve all been friends for years and share a history together. The boys are all so different and each one is lovable! They are just perfect; even with their baggage.
This book is told in multiple POV and I love a multiple POV. It means you’re never guessing as to a character’s feelings and can determine just exactly what everybody knows and when.
The story is a slow start but in the second half of the book, the action really starts to heat up – literally! The ending really makes up for the slower start and does set this book up nicely for the next in the series. I’m excited to see where this series goes!
Desolation is a Paranormal Romance Reverse Harem and as a fan of Reverse Harem, I recommend it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking for a paranormal, reverse harem story that is action packed, witty, full of steam and just an all around fun time this is your book. I loved this book so much. It was such a fun read. I laughed out loud so many times while reading. I was enchanted with this world and these characters from the first page. Lana and her guys are destined to be together. Their journey will be a hard struggle but they are strong and determined. This story is magical and the words seemed to flow across the pages. I was shocked to read this is a first novel by this very talented author. I have no doubts she will have a very successful career. I am now a dedicated follower after reading this book. I am excited for the next book in this series. I can’t recommend this book enough!
What an intro as an author. This book was amazing especially for a first! This book sucks you into a different version of Earth and lures you in with amazing character building. By the time the paranormal hits you’ve got a good handle on the characters which made the transition a lot smoother. Between adjusting to the blooming relationship(s), life changes, and the magic the reader is in for a ride. Lana definitely keeps things interesting as a quirky, sarcastic FMC though steps up to the task when needed. There’s a few twists and turns in the story, though the biggest didn’t take me by surprise. I can’t wait to see how their journey unfolds in the next book!
WTF!……. that was some crazy Amazingness right there! I swear I just fell through a pit of sarcasm, love, angst and everything in between. This is an incredible start to a new series! I love that it gets darker as you read and Lana is a sarcastic, independent female with a heart of gold that loves her men but struggles with self love. This book latches on to your mind as you read and holds on as you experience every detail that R.L. Caulder has put into this book. Love it!! Can’t wait to experience more with Anal…… I mean Lana and her men in the next part of this series!
Desolation by R.L. Caulder is a fantastic dip into the world of Lana and her magical adventures. This is a feisty, angsty, sometimes emotional, action packed read and I really enjoyed the realms created in Caulder’s imagination. If you enjoy Paranormal or Fantasy Romance, Reverse Harem, intrigue, a strong female lead, or lots of hot sexy guys with elemental powers, this should check all of your boxes! *Please note that this is book #1 in the Series and there is a cliffhanger. 4 Entertaining Stars!
I love this book! It is definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year! I love Lana’s sarcastic personality, her hilarious inner monologues, and her all around bada$$ness! I also love the theatrics of Leo and Luke’s. And of course I love Zedd, Hale, and Ash as well. The relationship and dynamics between Lana and the guys is fantastic. The overall storyline is amazing! It is magical, sexy, emotional, loving, and action packed, with a heartbreaking betrayal that you will see coming, but guts you all the same. I would highly recommend this book as a Must Read! I will absolutely be counting down the days until book two!
Desolation is the first book in the series Darkness Rising by brand new author R.L. Caulder. It is a paranormal reverse harem romance novel and it is hilarious!
“Men say they like a girl with personality. Luckily for them, I have multiple. Keeps them on their toes.” -Lana
I could not put this book down. The FMC is fucking hilarious and I loved her quirky thoughts, words and actions. I believe her humor is honestly what makes this book worth reading. She is always joking, making snide remarks or being awkward. The men in this book all range from class clown to fearless leader. The dynamic of all 6 of the people merges together perfectly as they all have different personalities so there’s never a dull moment to be had.
Lana finds herself in an emotional situation as she tries to hide her feelings from the 5 men in her life. Little does she know, they were all brought together as fate will have it for a much bigger reason. A tragic accident results in Lana learning of her true destiny along with unlocking other parts of herself she has kept hidden away. But there is a wolf in sheep’s clothing that threatens to tear their group apart. Will Lana be able to keep them all safe once she learns the truth, or will the truth destroy everything she has learned so far?
Great original ideas. Perfectly written and fully developed characters. Amazing world building and perfectly accompanied by a great story line. Well done! I will patiently abide my time until a sequal.is produced.
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Desolation is the first book in the Darkness Rising series by first-time author R.L. Caulder and she has done a fantastic job. The characters were interesting the story compelling and I had almost every reaction you can from reading the book, I loved it.
Lana is such a unique character, she is loud, abrasive, a little immature, dramatic, kind, caring, funny, and about a million different things. She has the kinda personality that is gonna vibe with every reader but I loved her. She reminds me of someone I might just so happen upon, she is more real. Lana has survived trauma and while she has overcome a lot some of it still echos in her life and while she thinks she is amazing she has to come to terms with being the “chosen one” she realizes that she has a lot to work on and she is willing to put in the work because she cares about people and I think that is what will make readers gravity to her even more.
The guys in this reverse harem are a bit of a conundrum. They all love her so much and she is so precious to them, however, with everyone growing up together and being really close the guys see her crazy, knows of her faults, and still love her. With the steam, I would say that the story is a medium burn although they all have been friends forever the romantic aspect is new and they are really trying to figure out their new relationship dynamic, and I find it fascinating since this is the first reverse harem I’ve read that the individuals knew each other beforehand. In general, I like all the guys no clear favorites yet but I like each of their personalities and I like how they are with Lana.
As for the story, I loved every single second of it. What I loved most about it though, was the fact that for about eighty percent of this book I was cackling like a crazy person. There were so many reasons for me to laugh, which had me really enjoying the story. There were so many reasons this book held my interest, from the supernaturals to multiple worlds, interesting characters, multiple perspectives, traumatic pasts and so much more. There was one aspect of the story that makes a big impact that I wish I could go into but I think readers are better left surprised by. Speaking of surprise, that plot twist at the end nearly got me, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Desolation was a good start to the series, it had everything going for it and Caulder has done an excellent job. The only problem I really had with the story is I wish there was a little more world-building but this is her first book and everyone needs a little leeway when it comes to this type of thing. If you like feisty heroines, swoony mates then this paranormal reverse harem is a good series to start.
This book will have you laughing and crying like what’s happening in the book is real. The character development is natural and happens organically while reading and the storyline stays consistent and doesn’t jump around or display plot holes. If you like to be on the edge of your seat and to get immersed in a good book then I highly recommend grabbing Desolation. Phenomenal first book for a brand new author!
This book by R.L. Caulder was a thoroughly enjoyable read and it is a definite 4.5-5!!
Our main character is Lana, who learns that she and her five best friends are actually fated mates that have magic given to them from the Goddess Gaia. Of course, the catch is that the fate of the world is on their shoulders as they must save Lana’s home realm in order to save every realm. Her five mates consist of Hale, twins Leo and Luke, Zedd and Ash.
Lana is a sassy, funny, and strong character. Her inner thoughts were filled with humor and sarcasm and a wit that I can totally get behind! Yes, she could be childish at times, but under the circumstances, I could understand.
The boys are all so different and each one is lovable! They are just perfect; they definitely come with their own baggage but I don’t know if any girl would say no to them!
This book is told in multiple POVs which is fantastic because it means you never have to guess what a character is thinking. The story is a slow start- with quite a bit of background story, but in the second half of the book, the action really starts to heat up. The ending really makes you wish more and leaves you on the edge of your seat! I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
Desolation is a Paranormal Romance Reverse Harem book and is definitely worth a read if you love those two genres!
Can someone please put my heart back together?
WTF I just read that shattered my heart and made me cried as a baby?… A phenomenal installment by this amazing new author to me, that now will have a new stalker for life
Lana and her mates story is so damn intense, I felt it deep into my heart, I couldn’t stop reading even as my heart was hurting and my eyes were moistened by my tears
Will definitely keep reading the rest of this series and following R.L. around, eager for more amazing stories!!!
Lana grew up in a foster family, together with her five foster brothers: Hale, Ash, Zedd and twins Luke and Leo. Earth around them is suffering from hurricanes, floods, hail storms and other disasters, but they are happy to have each other. When Lana is about to turn 21, their world is turned upside down by new revelations and grief, but at least they have each other. Right!?
This is R.L. Caulders’ debut, but I honestly only discovered that by reading earlier reviews. 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. I was a bit sad that a big part of that banter got lost later in the book when the storyline turned darker. For me the strength of this book lies in the interactions between the different main and side characters. The multiple POV helps to get to know all main characters better and to understand where they are coming from.
I liked Desolation as the start of a new series, and I am curious to find out what comes next for Lana and her men.
I absolutely loved reading this book it was an entertaining thrill ride and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Definitely recommend. Definitely five stars from me
This is book 1 of the Darkness Rising series. A great start for the series. The story has a well written plot with great character work. A book I would highly recommend.