“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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What an amazing start to this series. Funny and I couldn’t put it down! RL Caulder is fast becoming a favorite. I love the writing style, holds you until you are left breathless wondering what time it is! Cliffhanger ending, leaves you buying the next book pronto!
Desolation is the first book in R.L. Caulder’s Darkness Rising series. This book begins in the Fae realm, but then shifts to Earth. Of course, things don’t stay there, so get ready for a roller coaster of a ride in travel. The story begins with a Fae Queen losing her life, but she gets a second chance at life and with her mates, but a fight is waiting for them, and its coming fast. The time to prepare…is now at hand as they each come into their powers and accept that their relationships with each other, initially foster brothers and sister, is forever changing as their true fate as mates is revealed.
Desolation really captured my attention with the prologue and then the shift to “present” day with Lana and her foster brothers i.e. crushes since her teen years if not sooner. I love how the author has changed the Earth that we know. It’s being torn apart by devastating storms and I was eager to get some backstory on that, but…no dice. Too bad though because it’s a bit of a missed opportunity, but maybe the author will write a short story about it one day. I like how different each of the guys are. I like that they aren’t all the same in personality, though there are twins, but they are really fun. These characters have had rough childhoods before they were taken in by Beth, and it honestly warms my heart that while they came from tragic backgrounds that they have grown up in a warm household with someone who truly cares about them.
Two things I don’t like about this book: Lana’s mentality/personality however you want to take it. The girl is a brat. All of these characters, Lana and her mates are supposed to be around the same age. So why is that Lana acts like an immature teenager whose 15-16 years old? She hates loosing and acts like a brat when she does, suffers something truly tragic that impacts ALL of them, and she acts like a brat. I get that things are changing for Lana and the guys, but her insecurities and her attitude…it’s just all wrong. She acts like she’s entitled to her behavior and that it’s perfectly acceptable when it’s obviously not because when it get dished back to her she gets snitty. Lana honestly needs to be taken down several pegs, so when Serenity shows up and gives her ego a good thumping…I applaud. Seriously.
Now, I don’t mind sarcastic sassy characters, but I have little to no patience for characters with easily bruised egos and bratty personalities. The storyline really saves this book, plus some of the other characters as well. The guys help, but that’s only when they aren’t catering to her spoiled behavior and encouraging it. There are some really interesting scenes and situations in this book which kept me engaged so I am choosing to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I honestly hope that Lana grows up…and I mean matures. She’s too much of a brat for my tastes and she acts like she’s owed things because life has been hard for her. This book isn’t for everyone due to some of the content, but overall it’s a decent read.
What a great debut book by this author!! It definitely makes me want to read more of her books I must say. Lana is a fantastic FMC who is no pushover. Her and her men have grown up together making them fit well together once things took a turn to the steamy side. They have had a rough life that has made them who they are and the multiple POV’s allows you to connect to each one of them. Set in a magical fantasy world that really comes to life as the book progresses. Does have a cliff hanger ending that will have you ready to dive into book two. Makes for a great read. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
*3.5 stars*
I feel a little bit on a swing with this story, but since it was the author’s first book, I’d give it a try and incline towards the four star rating instead of the three stars.
After reading the blurb and seeing the cover, I was really excited to read the book, with all the promises it held and even those unspoken for. There were some very interesting elements in the world building, it had a certain appeal, and I felt drawn to the world – and to the fae raised as humans not aware of their own magical abilities.
What I struggled with were two things – the not-so-smooth flow of the story, and the FMC. The plot development felt a little jumpy on occasions, dropping information when necessary without any real building, which resulted into that unwelcome feeling of superficial story instead of the in-depth I could see in other parts (like all the revelations about the characters’ backstories, to learn their triggers, and understand their behavior). Also the development in the RH relationship between Lana and her mates felt rushed in the beginning, stabilizing later at steadier pace, but before I could fully connect with the situation, the dark fae appearance changed the dynamics completely – story wise a great twist, but when it comes to Ash, I did not feel like I got enough time to get to know him, and it dimmed the effect. When it comes to Lana, I struggle to connect with her due to her immature behavior which does not fit her supposed age and the trauma she has lived through, plus the life afterwards – although this kind of behavior can be to certain extent accepted as coping mechanism, and her personality presented this way in order to have enough space for character growth. In that case, I hope she speeds up the growing up part in the next book. What I completely enjoyed on the other side were the twins with their mischievous natures, Zedd’s sweetness, and even Hale’s strength and protectiveness… Ash remains a dark mystery, more or less, now trapped. And I definitely enjoyed Serenity’s attitude and both sides of her personality. That chick is definitely badass.
I hope the next book brings to me more clarity in which direction the development will turn.
This book is amazing!
Love the multiple POVs and the amazing character development. This emotional cliffhanger is full of twists, action, and suspense. Definitley reading the whole series. Comes with trigger warnings so not for all.
She’s been through a lot huh? It takes a special author to pull me into what a character feels enough to bring the tears, but this author did it! And what twists! For those who aren’t a fan of cliffs, this one is safe for you. It ends at a spot where you want to find out what happens next, but you aren’t cursing the author for shoving you over the cliff.
Desolation completely threw me. When i first i started reading it i thought it was going to be YA book where Lana (FMC) was stuck in the middle of a romance book where she had several interested guys but in the end she could choose only one. Only that wasnt what this book was about at all which was the fine by me.
In a disastrous new world and having lost their parents Lana and her guys – Hale, Ash, Zedd and twin brothers – Leo & Luke are all brought up together in a family of their own making. Except friends turn into a lot more between all of them. Which they are all scared of acting on but life as well as love and circumstances take matter out of their hands. Thats not not the only story going on here though and that makes this a much more gripping read. Lana and the guys have a reason for being together. One that will either be their downfall or the salvation of the world.
Its a great start to this series. Full of Love, Laughs and Tears. With that ending i cant wait for the next book because this one was so good
This blurb got my attention so much I had to read it. It was so good it didn’t disappoint at all. The story is really good and is filled with humor. The caracters are well developed and feel real. The story is compelling to read and has all the feels. For some there may be triggering events as there are mentions of it. Now of to read the next book.
This is such a great read. It’s well written and addictive and has some great lines such as “Friends are like condoms. They protect you when things get hard.”
The world building is incredible and the characters are awesome especially Lana our kick ass, sassy and full of sarcasm female mc. Told in multiple povs creating depth and perspective and draws you in until you can’t let go. The harem are also special each in their own way and the character building believable and I look forward to seeing more of their growth as I dive into book two!
This does have some triggers so check them out before reading.
Such an amazing debut novel from this author. I am blown away. I love the main character and the storyline. The characters and real, each one having their own unique personality. I love that the chapters from the Male POVs actually sound like a male would talk. The transition from the group thinking they are human to developing their powers and learning about other realms is smooth and well thought out. I could not put this book down and I can’t wait to read the next novel!
This was a really good book! I love the characters and I can’t wait for the next book!! That CLIFFHANGER.
This book is amazing! You get everything a sarcastic female with an alpha, a bad boy, a sweet guy, and playful twins.
Caulder does an amazing job with the plot of this book. I couldn’t put this book down. The group is thrown one bad event after another. There is never a dull moment in this book.
The twists and turns were so unexpected that they throw you for a loop that will take some time to understand.
I’m starting the next book now because I can’t deal with the cliffhanger!
Amazing Book with a friends to lovers theme.
Larna is full of sass and snark but has a soft heart once you get through her defences.
Her made re made up of Brothers Leo and Luke’s pluse Zedd, Hale, and Ash who all have distinct personalities and who all have secretly loved Larna from a young age but distanced themselves initially to protect her.
Through into the mix that none of them are who they think they are and that they all have powers which the need to harness in order to save their world and you have an epic storey with some great moments, brilliant one liners and a doozy of a cliffhanger.
LOve this book and cant wait to read book 2
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this book, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me at the beginning, although it did get better so it was worth sticking with it to the end.
My biggest problem was with Lana (FMC), she was was a brat – childish, selfish and sometimes vulgar. I think she was suppose to come across as one of the guys, but for me it just didn’t work – I really struggled to like her at all and she barely redeemed herself by the end of the book. She was 20/21, but acted like she was barely 16.
Lana, Ash, Zedd, Hale, Luke and Leo all grew up together from the age of 6 in the same foster home, becoming a close knit family and their story starts with them having feelings for each other but unsure how to approach the situation. The multi POV was perfect for this, I love seeing this situation from all the different sides.
The world they lived in wasn’t explained a huge amount but seemed to lean towards dystopian, although its not too long before they are drawn into the Fae world.
Overall, the book got better towards the end, Lana seemed to grow up and the guys started to settle into their relationship – they all accepted the role they were going to play.
The ending has a bit of a cliffhanger.
This book is sass to the max and the main six characters are perfection.
One minute I was belly laughing and the next I was tense, clutching my pillow. There is a lot of comedy and snark, but it comes from painful pasts.
Even with the book taking a serious turn by the end, I hope the characters keep the inner strength and hilariius quips coming in books two and three.
Created all kinds of feels
Lana, a foster kid, has romantic feelings for her foster brothers Hale, Zedd, Ash, Luke, and Leo, that she thought they did not reciprocate. As the story progresses mother nature calls, heavy losses follow, and training will mean nothing if they cannot resolve the past. R.L. Caulder’s Desolation created all kinds of feels for me as Lana travelled along the path set for her by fate. This is set in a somewhat post apocalyptic world full of frequently occurring natural disasters. I don’t think my heart can take anymore pain after reading this one, I imagine it will get worse before it gets better. Reader discretion advised due to dark subject matter and/or possible triggers.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
This story broke me in a way I didn’t think possible. The main reason it lost a star was the last few chapters, there was no warning and I felt blindsided. With that being that Lana and her men’s relationship was beautiful, and I can’t wait to see how they make their way back to her in the next installment. Thank goodness book two is already out. That cliffhanger was intense!
I really enjoyed reading this debut book by R.L. it is about Lana and her five mates leader Hale, the twins Luke and Leo, shy and so cute Zedd and angry Ash they’ve all been friends for years. The boys and Lana find out they have magic from the Goddess .Gaia what happens next you will have to read and find out.
Great start to the series!
I really enjoyed reading this and love the already established relationship (not sexual) between the FMC and the guys, it made for a really interesting read getting to know all of them! The way the relationship develops over the course of the book feels natural and is great to read.
I’ve read a lot about people not liking the FMC because of x, y and z, but she’s gotta grow people! There is so much room for character development and this makes me excited! Not every character is for every person, I am not in love with her personality, but I love her as a character!
I really enjoyed the plot and the secrets and the intermingling between the past and present, which I find very captivating. I love trying to work out how all the pieces fit together.