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Red Island
Red Island is a STANDALONE, but would be better enjoyed if you've read the 24690 series and the Garden of the Gods series by A. A. Dark. For those not aware, ALL books by A. A. Dark share the same book world.
Once upon a time , a stolen princess from a faraway land fell in love with a terrifying Dragon. He was tough and unbending. Gavin Draper was scarier than the devil, himself, but he saved Layla from the monsters of the realm. He loved her, and they quickly looked forward to their happily-ever-after.
But fairytales don’t exist when they’re rooted in evil. Not even when you live in a castle. Not even…when you rule the land.
Where love is taboo and power is everything, Gavin and Layla may face their toughest battle of all.
Themselves.
In a world where everyone wants to rule, sometimes death is the only way to survive.
MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S RATING:
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION
WARNING: THIS BOOK IS STATIC WHITE (OBLIVION for some) and meant for the HORROR genre. If you are not familiar with Mad Girl Publishing's rankings, please go by their website and read their 3 tiers of darkness on the Home Page.
Once upon a time , a stolen princess from a faraway land fell in love with a terrifying Dragon. He was tough and unbending. Gavin Draper was scarier than the devil, himself, but he saved Layla from the monsters of the realm. He loved her, and they quickly looked forward to their happily-ever-after.
But fairytales don’t exist when they’re rooted in evil. Not even when you live in a castle. Not even…when you rule the land.
Where love is taboo and power is everything, Gavin and Layla may face their toughest battle of all.
Themselves.
In a world where everyone wants to rule, sometimes death is the only way to survive.
MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S RATING:
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION
WARNING: THIS BOOK IS STATIC WHITE (OBLIVION for some) and meant for the HORROR genre. If you are not familiar with Mad Girl Publishing's rankings, please go by their website and read their 3 tiers of darkness on the Home Page.
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About the author
A.A. Dark
44 books1,785 followersA. A. Dark is an International Bestselling Author. She doesn’t live in one place for long and is known to move at the drop of a dime. From mountains and snow to tropical beaches, she could be at one in the morning and the other by night. A. A. is a Goodreads Choice Award Finalist in Horror. She is also the President and CEO of Mad Girl Publishing, and the founder for the Pitch Black brand.
Look for the boxes to see the rating.
PITCH BLACK ⌧
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION ⌧
**CAUTION when reading.**
Look for the boxes to see the rating.
PITCH BLACK ⌧
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION ⌧
**CAUTION when reading.**
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 29, 2023
I have never been on edge from page one and throughout the book to the end. Ever! I freaking loved it! My mind is blown away 🤯. I love when a book gives me a hangover, and I have a doozy.
My review will be vague as I don’t want to give away any spoilers and honestly go in blind. You will have the best reading experience.
After the thinkable happened, Gavin, Aka Dragon, is out for vengeance, and nothing will stop, sets forth a plan, and moves forward.
I love reading Between Darkness and Death. Not one detail was overlooked. We also read about survival and strength. If you follow me, you know the darker, the better. Here is why, it steps you out of your comfort zone and makes you think. The author does just that.
On the one hand, I was trying to figure out who and what will happen next. On the other hand, oh no, I didn't see that coming. WTF. ( bitting my nailing, sitting on the edge)
I love the cameos from previous books and the dark humor. Red Island put me on a wild and emotional rollercoaster.
June 2, 2023
5⭐️ 0🌶️
Alaska kept warning us that this book was fucking epic…and I’m here to tell y’all it was FUCKING EPIC. I’m always pulled so deeply into A.A. Dark’s writing, but this was on a whole new level. Our favorite players are back in the game and this book was packed full of suspense, action, despair, depravity, and vengeance. I was on the edge of my seat from page one (trust me, the prologue will GET you) and I couldn’t put this book down if my life depended on it.
Gavin and Layla are ready to live their happily ever after at the beginning of this book, but after tragedy strikes, the Dragon is out for blood and revenge and Layla is left to piece herself together so they can build something stronger once they’re reunited. I loved Gavin’s emotional, protective, and softer side when it came to Layla and his family, while I devoured his darkness and fire that he reserved for his enemies. And Layla is an absolute QUEEN–she is giving Ev a run for her money as my favorite A.A. Dark FMC (though let’s be realistic, every FMC Alaska writes is gritty, fierce, beautiful perfection). My heart broke for these two for all they went through but seeing their plans finally come together in the end and watching them enact their darkest desires on those that hurt them most sparked a blazing fire in my cold, black heart.
This is definitely one of the darker books in this world and while I think I’ll be tucking it away nicely into Static White, there are definitely Oblivion elements thrown in throughout and they had my heart aching, eyes tearing up during a few of the more tragic moments. But A.A. Dark never leaves us in despair forever and this book is full of triumphs over tragedy and pain, while giving us the HEA we so desperately crave, all the sweeter for having worked so hard for it.
I love that we continue to get cameos from our previous characters and the world building Alaska does just keeps getting better and better. From Whitlock to the Gardens to Red Island, there is an intricate system of leaders, masters, and those beneath them that come together flawlessly under Alaska’s pen. Red Island can certainly be read as a standalone but it was all the better and more immersive having read both the Whitlock and GotG series beforehand and I cannot recommend them accompanying this story enough.
Alaska kept warning us that this book was fucking epic…and I’m here to tell y’all it was FUCKING EPIC. I’m always pulled so deeply into A.A. Dark’s writing, but this was on a whole new level. Our favorite players are back in the game and this book was packed full of suspense, action, despair, depravity, and vengeance. I was on the edge of my seat from page one (trust me, the prologue will GET you) and I couldn’t put this book down if my life depended on it.
Gavin and Layla are ready to live their happily ever after at the beginning of this book, but after tragedy strikes, the Dragon is out for blood and revenge and Layla is left to piece herself together so they can build something stronger once they’re reunited. I loved Gavin’s emotional, protective, and softer side when it came to Layla and his family, while I devoured his darkness and fire that he reserved for his enemies. And Layla is an absolute QUEEN–she is giving Ev a run for her money as my favorite A.A. Dark FMC (though let’s be realistic, every FMC Alaska writes is gritty, fierce, beautiful perfection). My heart broke for these two for all they went through but seeing their plans finally come together in the end and watching them enact their darkest desires on those that hurt them most sparked a blazing fire in my cold, black heart.
This is definitely one of the darker books in this world and while I think I’ll be tucking it away nicely into Static White, there are definitely Oblivion elements thrown in throughout and they had my heart aching, eyes tearing up during a few of the more tragic moments. But A.A. Dark never leaves us in despair forever and this book is full of triumphs over tragedy and pain, while giving us the HEA we so desperately crave, all the sweeter for having worked so hard for it.
I love that we continue to get cameos from our previous characters and the world building Alaska does just keeps getting better and better. From Whitlock to the Gardens to Red Island, there is an intricate system of leaders, masters, and those beneath them that come together flawlessly under Alaska’s pen. Red Island can certainly be read as a standalone but it was all the better and more immersive having read both the Whitlock and GotG series beforehand and I cannot recommend them accompanying this story enough.
May 31, 2023
Red island is a continuation into the same dark universe that incorporates crossovers from our favorites from Whitlock and GotG. It is the bridge between those series that’s peaked my curiosity to exploring more into the RI and the Dragon. This book is more action and plot driven that expands us further into world building in bite size pieces that isn’t overwhelming. I love that feeling when it’s like I’m watching a movie. There is some suspense, comfortable predictability, and then surprise and gory delight. No one is safe and trust no one.
As a reader initiated in since 24690, it’s been a journey to delve deeper into the different povs with each series and novella to see what it’s like on the other side of the fence. It’s all too often when a book hooks your interest with a formula that the author will drag a series by “rinse and repeat” it to death. This is NOT the case with this universe.
A.A. Dark has been true to her original characters by remaining consistent to their motivations and complexities without missing a step on why and how they naturally fit into this world. As well as when is it appropriate for them to stay or leave and what intensity do they bring that lets me know which predator in the room should I be more scared of. Don’t play favorites because this isn’t a fairytale. I’m excited to see how this world unfolds more.
As a reader initiated in since 24690, it’s been a journey to delve deeper into the different povs with each series and novella to see what it’s like on the other side of the fence. It’s all too often when a book hooks your interest with a formula that the author will drag a series by “rinse and repeat” it to death. This is NOT the case with this universe.
A.A. Dark has been true to her original characters by remaining consistent to their motivations and complexities without missing a step on why and how they naturally fit into this world. As well as when is it appropriate for them to stay or leave and what intensity do they bring that lets me know which predator in the room should I be more scared of. Don’t play favorites because this isn’t a fairytale. I’m excited to see how this world unfolds more.
June 2, 2023
This book is static white on the scale of darkness, I would suggest you lookup on madgirl publishing how they rate their books before you dive in. It’s a dark romance. Lots of triggers (Non consent/death/torture ect.)
It’s a standalone book but to really appreciate all the cameos featured in this book and to understand the world buildingI would suggest you read all of Whitelock series from A.A. Dark and then continue your reading with the Garden of Gods.
The Red Dragon is out to avenge his son’s and wife death and learned how love and happy ever after is not possible in his world. Will he be able to avenge?Will he lose his island? Will the tribal overrunhis ruling?
It’s a must read!
It’s a standalone book but to really appreciate all the cameos featured in this book and to understand the world buildingI would suggest you read all of Whitelock series from A.A. Dark and then continue your reading with the Garden of Gods.
The Red Dragon is out to avenge his son’s and wife death and learned how love and happy ever after is not possible in his world. Will he be able to avenge?Will he lose his island? Will the tribal overrunhis ruling?
It’s a must read!
May 28, 2023
• ••´º´•»𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑰𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅«•´º´•• •
𝒃𝒚 𝑨.𝑨. 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
❌this book is considered static white , which is darker than dark romance. Check trigger warnings, and Mad Girl Publishing for better details❌
𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑰𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 is a stand-alone but can be better understood of read after the 24690 series.
Layla was a slave on Red Island, where love is taboo, and power is the ultimate goal. When Layla and her main master Gavin, or The Dragon as he’s known, fall in love, they’ll do anything to protect it.
When the unimaginable happens, the dragon sets off to avenge his family (not giving spoilers). This story had me feeling every emotion. My heart even broke a few times along with the characters. I really connected with Layla, and her struggles, past, and as a mother.
What I loved the most was even though this book is considered beyond dark, it showed how we can triumph through pain, and come out stronger than before. It didn’t hide the horrors of this world either, even if their world is made up. We still have slavery to this day, in the form of human trafficking, and the sex trade.
𝒃𝒚 𝑨.𝑨. 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
❌this book is considered static white , which is darker than dark romance. Check trigger warnings, and Mad Girl Publishing for better details❌
𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑰𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 is a stand-alone but can be better understood of read after the 24690 series.
Layla was a slave on Red Island, where love is taboo, and power is the ultimate goal. When Layla and her main master Gavin, or The Dragon as he’s known, fall in love, they’ll do anything to protect it.
When the unimaginable happens, the dragon sets off to avenge his family (not giving spoilers). This story had me feeling every emotion. My heart even broke a few times along with the characters. I really connected with Layla, and her struggles, past, and as a mother.
What I loved the most was even though this book is considered beyond dark, it showed how we can triumph through pain, and come out stronger than before. It didn’t hide the horrors of this world either, even if their world is made up. We still have slavery to this day, in the form of human trafficking, and the sex trade.
May 28, 2023
I was so not expecting the path in which this story took. Surprises galore, wow moments and my mind was spinning with just how dark and gory this story took. A. A. Dark is know for pitch black reads but this one is static white and she didn’t disappoint.
There are cameo appearances from a few certain alpha males from previous books and I loved the banter between them. At one point I thought they were going to whip out their dicks to see just who was the winner. Lol.
Just heed all the warnings and remember to beware of the Dragon, he is on a path of vengeance.
There are cameo appearances from a few certain alpha males from previous books and I loved the banter between them. At one point I thought they were going to whip out their dicks to see just who was the winner. Lol.
Just heed all the warnings and remember to beware of the Dragon, he is on a path of vengeance.
June 1, 2023
I knew this book was going to be phenomenal but what I didn’t expect was for it to start off so intense from the beginning of the prologue! I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire book.
The Dragon has always peaked my interest so when I heard him and Layla were getting their own book, I was so excited. Being able to see their love more was so great and just melted my heart at times. Also, being able to see more from characters I loved in the 24690 series was such a treat!
I laughed, I cried and I even got angry towards certain characters throughout the book. I highly recommend reading Red Island. It can be read as a stand-alone but reading the 24690 series first definitely enhances the story and gives you a better understanding of the world it is set in. 🖤
The Dragon has always peaked my interest so when I heard him and Layla were getting their own book, I was so excited. Being able to see their love more was so great and just melted my heart at times. Also, being able to see more from characters I loved in the 24690 series was such a treat!
I laughed, I cried and I even got angry towards certain characters throughout the book. I highly recommend reading Red Island. It can be read as a stand-alone but reading the 24690 series first definitely enhances the story and gives you a better understanding of the world it is set in. 🖤
May 30, 2023
The Dragon and his Layla will take you on an incredible, DARK, heartwrenching, and perhaps AA Dark's most captivating masterpiece of a twisted tale yet. If you loved 24690 but craved more, this story falls somewhere after the fall of Whitlock and before The Garden of the God's. You'll get a peek into Bram and Everleigh's new life, incredible foreshadowing of Elec's transformation to the Main Master we've fallen for in GOTGs, and all while turning the pages as fast as you can read to keep up with Red Island where nothing is as it seems but everything ends as it was meant to be. What are you waiting for! Scroll over to Amazon, or set an alarm for June 2nd when Red Island is released on KU or whatever platform you read from and download/pre-order this 5 star dark twisted romance that will exceed every expectation you thought you had!
June 3, 2023
I am a newbie (sort of) when it comes to AA Dark Books - started with Pistols book, then arc read Vol 2 books of GOTG. So I had some homework to do in anticipation of this release. I finally met the infamous Bram - and of course within the 24690 series we met the Dragon.
From the min I met the Dragon in that series I knew his story would be epic and very bloody!! And boy did he not disappoint. As always AA kept me on my toes, kept it vengeful, and had me at the edge of my seat! From the first page I was hooked, but again not surprising!
I’m not giving anything away, y’all just need to go read it! Like now!!! But as always check ya trigger warnings bc AA isn’t AA Dark for no reason 😈
From the min I met the Dragon in that series I knew his story would be epic and very bloody!! And boy did he not disappoint. As always AA kept me on my toes, kept it vengeful, and had me at the edge of my seat! From the first page I was hooked, but again not surprising!
I’m not giving anything away, y’all just need to go read it! Like now!!! But as always check ya trigger warnings bc AA isn’t AA Dark for no reason 😈
May 30, 2023
4.5 stars
Red Island by A. A. Dark was a wild ride from start to finish. And I mean the tension and the action never stopped. It was so hard to put down this book because I needed answers on what would happen to all the characters, and the fact of that matter is that no one felt safe. For anyone looking to start this book, please make sure to check the triggers as it is not an easy book to read at times, and therefore not for everyone. I for one very much enjoyed this latest installment in the dark, evil world A. A. Dark has created. As dark and corrupt as it is, it’s so hard to turn away from these books and I once again found myself enthralled by the world she has created and the story she spins.
Now, for anyone who has read an A. A. Dark book before, you know the men she writes are very dark at heart. Gavin, AKA The Dragon, is no exception. This darkness in these men written is what makes them so appealing, however, and what makes myself at least need to keep reading on. There manages to be a bit of pureness amongst all this terror and horror though, in the way these men love their woman with all their being. His love for Layla is what makes Gavin human, and such a successful main character. I loved every minute of his overwhelming love for Layla, and the lengths he would go for her. Not least because she is the light to his darkness and it seemed like the only thing that kept him from entirely embracing the worst side of himself.
Layla is quite simply one of the toughest cookies I may have ever read about. Without going too deep into spoiler territory, she goes through some hell and then some, and she fights tooth and nail every step of the way. Her perseverance was out of this world and I sincerely admired her for everything she endured.
There are a lot of tough moments throughout this book but the journey is certainly worth it. I was completely sucked in to this book and could not put it down. I very much resented the need to work and be a functioning adult when I did have to put it down. But I had to sneak in every extra second I could just to continue with this book and see what would end up happening. Needless to say, I was not disappointed and I enjoyed Red Island immensely. I am so ready for more of this world and cannot wait for A. A. Dark’s next release.
Red Island by A. A. Dark was a wild ride from start to finish. And I mean the tension and the action never stopped. It was so hard to put down this book because I needed answers on what would happen to all the characters, and the fact of that matter is that no one felt safe. For anyone looking to start this book, please make sure to check the triggers as it is not an easy book to read at times, and therefore not for everyone. I for one very much enjoyed this latest installment in the dark, evil world A. A. Dark has created. As dark and corrupt as it is, it’s so hard to turn away from these books and I once again found myself enthralled by the world she has created and the story she spins.
Now, for anyone who has read an A. A. Dark book before, you know the men she writes are very dark at heart. Gavin, AKA The Dragon, is no exception. This darkness in these men written is what makes them so appealing, however, and what makes myself at least need to keep reading on. There manages to be a bit of pureness amongst all this terror and horror though, in the way these men love their woman with all their being. His love for Layla is what makes Gavin human, and such a successful main character. I loved every minute of his overwhelming love for Layla, and the lengths he would go for her. Not least because she is the light to his darkness and it seemed like the only thing that kept him from entirely embracing the worst side of himself.
Layla is quite simply one of the toughest cookies I may have ever read about. Without going too deep into spoiler territory, she goes through some hell and then some, and she fights tooth and nail every step of the way. Her perseverance was out of this world and I sincerely admired her for everything she endured.
There are a lot of tough moments throughout this book but the journey is certainly worth it. I was completely sucked in to this book and could not put it down. I very much resented the need to work and be a functioning adult when I did have to put it down. But I had to sneak in every extra second I could just to continue with this book and see what would end up happening. Needless to say, I was not disappointed and I enjoyed Red Island immensely. I am so ready for more of this world and cannot wait for A. A. Dark’s next release.
June 2, 2023
Stunned. Broken. Angry. This book hooked into my mama heart starting at page 1 with massive dragon claws. Twists, turns, at times I felt like I was maybe on fire myself ?! Ugh. Amazing. I was hooked and on the edge of my seat every single time I opened my kindle.
This book is TECHNICALLY a standalone, but I still recommend reading the 24960 series if you haven’t. It will help make sense of this world, and gives you the back stories on some of the people who make their appearances (*cough* Bram and Everleigh *cough*)
Honestly I would have read this book just based on the cover…like COME ON it’s gorgeous 😍 but also you know this fire runs deep, and the woman is going to use it.
Read this. Welcome to the island and the world of A.A. Dark. We are so happy to have you 🖤
This book is TECHNICALLY a standalone, but I still recommend reading the 24960 series if you haven’t. It will help make sense of this world, and gives you the back stories on some of the people who make their appearances (*cough* Bram and Everleigh *cough*)
Honestly I would have read this book just based on the cover…like COME ON it’s gorgeous 😍 but also you know this fire runs deep, and the woman is going to use it.
Read this. Welcome to the island and the world of A.A. Dark. We are so happy to have you 🖤
June 4, 2023
what the …
That was my favorite AA Dark book so far. I’m floored!! I am so drawn in to this story right now. I need to go back and read more of the stories in this world.
The way I just experienced all of these emotions was intense. I typically listen to my books but u can’t do that with this book. U need to read this slowly and take in and savor every single word that’s written. It’s poetry. It’s an abnormal psychology textbook describing the effects of trauma on the human mind. No one can do this quite like Alaska can.
That was my favorite AA Dark book so far. I’m floored!! I am so drawn in to this story right now. I need to go back and read more of the stories in this world.
The way I just experienced all of these emotions was intense. I typically listen to my books but u can’t do that with this book. U need to read this slowly and take in and savor every single word that’s written. It’s poetry. It’s an abnormal psychology textbook describing the effects of trauma on the human mind. No one can do this quite like Alaska can.
June 2, 2023
rated: all the stars
I've been a fan of the 24690 series since day one, so I've been anticipating the Dragon's story for years. When I finally got my hands on it, I was almost too scared to read it.
What if it was nothing like what I expected? Or worse, what if it tore my heart out of my a**hole like AA Dark's Mastermind had done? I couldn't read for literal years after that one. I wasn’t sure my heart could take more devastation like that.
I finally put on my big girl panties and read Red Island... Holy shirt balls it was amazing. I cannot put into words how enthralled in this book I was.
A A Dark has always had a poetic turn of phrase, but Red Island was next level. I wasn’t sure what I was anticipating, and I still don’t know if I can pinpoint where the story lies genre wise, but it was perfection and I can't wait to dive back in.
Please be sure to read the TWs listed on the author's website, because the story goes into some dark places, but it is so worth the ride.
Take all my stars AA Dark.... Red Island is worth all of that and more.
I've been a fan of the 24690 series since day one, so I've been anticipating the Dragon's story for years. When I finally got my hands on it, I was almost too scared to read it.
What if it was nothing like what I expected? Or worse, what if it tore my heart out of my a**hole like AA Dark's Mastermind had done? I couldn't read for literal years after that one. I wasn’t sure my heart could take more devastation like that.
I finally put on my big girl panties and read Red Island... Holy shirt balls it was amazing. I cannot put into words how enthralled in this book I was.
A A Dark has always had a poetic turn of phrase, but Red Island was next level. I wasn’t sure what I was anticipating, and I still don’t know if I can pinpoint where the story lies genre wise, but it was perfection and I can't wait to dive back in.
Please be sure to read the TWs listed on the author's website, because the story goes into some dark places, but it is so worth the ride.
Take all my stars AA Dark.... Red Island is worth all of that and more.
June 2, 2023
This book Started out with a bang!! I was enthralled from the beginning to the end! While reading this book it felt like I was watching a movie that kept me on the edge of my seat. The way the author wrote this book was superb!! Thank you to the author for this wonderful world you have created in all these books. I’m excited to see where else she goes!!
December 29, 2023
I had been waiting for this story since The Dragon first appeared in 27009. I needed Layla and Gavins story especially getting glimpses of them in 27011 and Black Out. A.A. didn't disappoint in their messed up tragic story because in this world how can you get anything but that. As dark and twisted this book was it was also beautifully romantic the way A.A. dark writes it's almost poetry I was in love with Gavin and Layla the scarred princess with her ferocious dragon. It wouldn't be an A.A. Dark book with out some murder and mayhem and nothing is better than a revenge journey to give us just that.
And of course it's not an a.a. book without the heroine coming into her own power. I would definitely read the 24690 series before reading Red Island you're gonna fall in love with the Dragon. A million revenge and burn the world down for her stars!!
And of course it's not an a.a. book without the heroine coming into her own power. I would definitely read the 24690 series before reading Red Island you're gonna fall in love with the Dragon. A million revenge and burn the world down for her stars!!
July 8, 2024
Unfortunately, this one just fell a bit flat for me.
It didn't seem as dark as the other books, and I absolutely hated that a major section of the book and the reason Layla gets raped AGAIN is because of some ridiculously stupid decision Gavin makes that everyone says is a bad idea. It felt like the character was dumbed down for the plot, or there was no other way the author thought to include this besides have the MMC be and idiot?
And the epilogue was such a letdown. Between the glimpses of Layla and the Dragon in the other books, I was so excited to read about them but they are only in the book together for like 2 pages and the epilogue was just some cheesy kid scene.
Still LOVE all the others books in this universe.
It didn't seem as dark as the other books, and I absolutely hated that a major section of the book and the reason Layla gets raped AGAIN is because of some ridiculously stupid decision Gavin makes that everyone says is a bad idea. It felt like the character was dumbed down for the plot, or there was no other way the author thought to include this besides have the MMC be and idiot?
And the epilogue was such a letdown. Between the glimpses of Layla and the Dragon in the other books, I was so excited to read about them but they are only in the book together for like 2 pages and the epilogue was just some cheesy kid scene.
Still LOVE all the others books in this universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
"Life. Death. Red Island was my curse."
This book. WOW. It was PERFECTION in every way possible. Every single time I read a book by A.A. Dark something happens to me. It's like I succumb deeper and deeper into the pit of darkness that surrounds the worlds they create with each new story. I never want to come back into the light and it takes me a little while to get back into that mindset to where I want to read NON dark romance or NON horror books. There aren't many authors that do that to me. I can read just about anything. But when I read this author it is like I get sucked in each and every time and I never want to leave this place.
"The only one Layla's soul belongs to is me."
I am so in love with how depraved, fathomless and just INSANE Gavin's love ran for his Lovie, Layla. That man would cut off his own heart and give it to her if she needed it to live. But through this deep all consuming love he never changed himself. He still stayed in character and gave us all those insane parts of him we loved but showed us so much vulnerability that literally MELTED me. The lengths he would go to save and protect his family was something fierce.
"He was more than a knight to me, he was the ruler of my world, my God."
While we got to see The Dragon let some of his guard down and show us those raw moments in the beginning, we got to see Layla flourish right before our eyes after. This Lovie quite literally rose above the ashes like a mama bear and became a QUEEN (LeeLee). With Gavin's vengeance and Layla's rage, these two made the best pairing in Red Island that any couple has in this author's book.
"Gavin and I may have been handed our fairytale, but the nightmare inside of it still waked in the shadows of our pages."
This book, like all of A.A. Dark's, was just so brutal, so triggering in every way possible. There was your normal non-con, rape, torture, beatings, killings and blood, but the child suffering hurt my heart. A lot of dark authors try to stay away from that level of darkness but I love that this author just does whatever feels natural to the story, even if it has to get to the worst of the worst.
I LOVED seeing the characters coming in from Whitlock (I really love Bram and Everleigh) and then seeing Elic (Garden of the Gods is one of my favorite series EVER) and seeing just how he evolves, it just made this book even BETTER for me.
Release and own.
This book. WOW. It was PERFECTION in every way possible. Every single time I read a book by A.A. Dark something happens to me. It's like I succumb deeper and deeper into the pit of darkness that surrounds the worlds they create with each new story. I never want to come back into the light and it takes me a little while to get back into that mindset to where I want to read NON dark romance or NON horror books. There aren't many authors that do that to me. I can read just about anything. But when I read this author it is like I get sucked in each and every time and I never want to leave this place.
"The only one Layla's soul belongs to is me."
I am so in love with how depraved, fathomless and just INSANE Gavin's love ran for his Lovie, Layla. That man would cut off his own heart and give it to her if she needed it to live. But through this deep all consuming love he never changed himself. He still stayed in character and gave us all those insane parts of him we loved but showed us so much vulnerability that literally MELTED me. The lengths he would go to save and protect his family was something fierce.
"He was more than a knight to me, he was the ruler of my world, my God."
While we got to see The Dragon let some of his guard down and show us those raw moments in the beginning, we got to see Layla flourish right before our eyes after. This Lovie quite literally rose above the ashes like a mama bear and became a QUEEN (LeeLee). With Gavin's vengeance and Layla's rage, these two made the best pairing in Red Island that any couple has in this author's book.
"Gavin and I may have been handed our fairytale, but the nightmare inside of it still waked in the shadows of our pages."
This book, like all of A.A. Dark's, was just so brutal, so triggering in every way possible. There was your normal non-con, rape, torture, beatings, killings and blood, but the child suffering hurt my heart. A lot of dark authors try to stay away from that level of darkness but I love that this author just does whatever feels natural to the story, even if it has to get to the worst of the worst.
I LOVED seeing the characters coming in from Whitlock (I really love Bram and Everleigh) and then seeing Elic (Garden of the Gods is one of my favorite series EVER) and seeing just how he evolves, it just made this book even BETTER for me.
Release and own.
July 7, 2023
I went into this with pretty low expectations, seeing as I had no desire to really learn more about the Dragon, nor did I really care about what happened with Layla, to be honest. In the Whitlock series, these were not standout characters to me.
That being said, I have to say, I was actually pretty disappointed in this one. God, I hate even typing that as an avid Alaska fan; she’s one of my favourite authors. I can see the passion she pours into all her stories, this one included.
But it just didn’t deliver for me. I don’t understand how this was deemed to be Static White, bordering on Oblivion. Maybe I’m starting to become immune to the darkness in these stories, but I would have barely rated this Pitch Black. For those who have followed along so far, I am sure you can remember the scissor scene, Everleigh’s signature face stealing scenes, and so many of the disturbing stories in the Gardens. This is where Red Island, in my opinion, fell flat.
Layla wasn’t really all that strong in my opinion, and she did what many ordinary women would do in the situations she was put in. What I mean is that nothing she did went above and beyond, IMO.
I’m devastated because I was super excited about it. I downloaded it from Kindle Unlimited on release day and even read it in one sitting… however I found myself BORED. If anything, I’d say Red Island could be used as an introductory book for those new to the A.A. Dark world, due to the lack of “dark”. Again, maybe I’m becoming more disturbing as a reader lol.
Honestly, I’m still super excited for Garden of the Gods Volume 3, and will continue to love this author. This is not a bad book, by any means. It just wasn’t for me. Because of all this, I’m really not sure how to rate Red Island. The writing was great, minus a few missed spelling/grammatical errors, and the story maintained continuity with ALL the other books in the series.
I’m going to sit on this for a while before I give an actual star rating though. I need time to think about it.
ALSO: check your trigger warnings please! If you ever need to know about a book I’ve read, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can almost always reach out to an author or check their website as well. This book contains MANY trauma triggers such as infant death, caesarean section birth, and more.
That being said, I have to say, I was actually pretty disappointed in this one. God, I hate even typing that as an avid Alaska fan; she’s one of my favourite authors. I can see the passion she pours into all her stories, this one included.
But it just didn’t deliver for me. I don’t understand how this was deemed to be Static White, bordering on Oblivion. Maybe I’m starting to become immune to the darkness in these stories, but I would have barely rated this Pitch Black. For those who have followed along so far, I am sure you can remember the scissor scene, Everleigh’s signature face stealing scenes, and so many of the disturbing stories in the Gardens. This is where Red Island, in my opinion, fell flat.
Layla wasn’t really all that strong in my opinion, and she did what many ordinary women would do in the situations she was put in. What I mean is that nothing she did went above and beyond, IMO.
I’m devastated because I was super excited about it. I downloaded it from Kindle Unlimited on release day and even read it in one sitting… however I found myself BORED. If anything, I’d say Red Island could be used as an introductory book for those new to the A.A. Dark world, due to the lack of “dark”. Again, maybe I’m becoming more disturbing as a reader lol.
Honestly, I’m still super excited for Garden of the Gods Volume 3, and will continue to love this author. This is not a bad book, by any means. It just wasn’t for me. Because of all this, I’m really not sure how to rate Red Island. The writing was great, minus a few missed spelling/grammatical errors, and the story maintained continuity with ALL the other books in the series.
I’m going to sit on this for a while before I give an actual star rating though. I need time to think about it.
ALSO: check your trigger warnings please! If you ever need to know about a book I’ve read, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can almost always reach out to an author or check their website as well. This book contains MANY trauma triggers such as infant death, caesarean section birth, and more.
May 30, 2023
Marvelous. Amazingly brutal and addictive to the max.
If y’all haven’t read 24690 and the rest of the series, you’re missing out. HOWEVER, if you don’t read Red Island… you’re missing out on some much more. This novel is polished up and tugs you in from the first page.
First — the island being split between the fortress and the island natives and the stark differences between their ways including the way they treat Layla. The trials and everything involved with how their fates change and intertwine shocks you at every turn.
Damn near everybody deserved what they got handed but my heart absolutely broke when it came to Mandy. Plus the entire beginning that starts the flame in this story, but, it’s a necessary evil in that case.
The ending was absolutely marvelous and well pulled together and I honestly hope we see this series continue on with all the talk of the machine and new main master.
If y’all haven’t read 24690 and the rest of the series, you’re missing out. HOWEVER, if you don’t read Red Island… you’re missing out on some much more. This novel is polished up and tugs you in from the first page.
First — the island being split between the fortress and the island natives and the stark differences between their ways including the way they treat Layla. The trials and everything involved with how their fates change and intertwine shocks you at every turn.
Damn near everybody deserved what they got handed but my heart absolutely broke when it came to Mandy. Plus the entire beginning that starts the flame in this story, but, it’s a necessary evil in that case.
The ending was absolutely marvelous and well pulled together and I honestly hope we see this series continue on with all the talk of the machine and new main master.
June 1, 2023
I thought this was a very good book. I had a little trouble with the flow of some of it but that straightened out after a bit. It wasn't bad, just a little off for me. Now, the great stuff. I am always amazed at the attention to world creating and character building this author puts into all of her books. The storylines that are always kept straight but constantly being added to, built upon, layering the stories to make them so rich with emotion ( not always hap0py or healthy) but always making them become so real. This book has heart break, revenge, gore... But even though this is a dark book, love of family shines through. It begs the question-What are they willing to do for them? I highly recommend this book.
July 9, 2023
I’m convinced Alaska must have a room filled with red string because I don’t know how this women can keep all her plot twists and connections together! She’s an incredible writer, no one can deny that but Red Island fell flat for me.
Having read the 24690 series and meeting Gavin and Layla in their novellas I was so excited to read their “love” story and see their beginning and their relationship formed, but we didn’t get that. I didn’t end up feeling connected to the characters and I felt like nothing really happened. Also I was waiting for Gavin to break out his “dragon” side and go full throttle but didn’t get that.
I do appreciate that Alaska has a lot of her FMC’s save themselves which is refreshing, Layla definitely holds her own in here!
Having read the 24690 series and meeting Gavin and Layla in their novellas I was so excited to read their “love” story and see their beginning and their relationship formed, but we didn’t get that. I didn’t end up feeling connected to the characters and I felt like nothing really happened. Also I was waiting for Gavin to break out his “dragon” side and go full throttle but didn’t get that.
I do appreciate that Alaska has a lot of her FMC’s save themselves which is refreshing, Layla definitely holds her own in here!
January 5, 2025
Ohh... there is so much to say about this story, but I feel like the sections I desire to get into will be spoilers. The whole what and why is what will makes the pages turn in the Kate hour… impossible to walk away
AA begins by shocking the reader with a horrific, catastrophic loss that causes a cascade of mayhem.
You'll be clutching your pearls at the manner AA depicted love, support, retaliation, trauma, madness, and corruption.
Layla and Dragon’s story is thrilling and intense. Many familiar people are linked and critically important to the events of Red Island.
I adore the relationship and origin of Elec and the Garden of the Gods, which makes my move to volume 2 of the series ideal.
Highly recommend to read responsibly
AA begins by shocking the reader with a horrific, catastrophic loss that causes a cascade of mayhem.
You'll be clutching your pearls at the manner AA depicted love, support, retaliation, trauma, madness, and corruption.
Layla and Dragon’s story is thrilling and intense. Many familiar people are linked and critically important to the events of Red Island.
I adore the relationship and origin of Elec and the Garden of the Gods, which makes my move to volume 2 of the series ideal.
Highly recommend to read responsibly
December 15, 2025
Gavin and Layla
Who knew the dragon could be tamed, it definitely helps if you read the first series of 24690 which was based at Whitlock. The Dragon played his part and he sure made the devil look weak. I’m so happy he got his story. For me wasn’t as dark as 24690. Still these books are amazing and dark to a core.
It’s a great read and I love the idea it’s a continuously evolving with each series. There is a very cruel and sick world we live in and so much we don’t know half of it so these books are so believable. Can actually believe things like this happen.
Written so well, can’t appreciate the authors enough. Love it when they deliver and more. I’m here for it. Highly recommend 10/10
Who knew the dragon could be tamed, it definitely helps if you read the first series of 24690 which was based at Whitlock. The Dragon played his part and he sure made the devil look weak. I’m so happy he got his story. For me wasn’t as dark as 24690. Still these books are amazing and dark to a core.
It’s a great read and I love the idea it’s a continuously evolving with each series. There is a very cruel and sick world we live in and so much we don’t know half of it so these books are so believable. Can actually believe things like this happen.
Written so well, can’t appreciate the authors enough. Love it when they deliver and more. I’m here for it. Highly recommend 10/10
January 6, 2026
wow!! this book was good. I did not expect it to take the turns it did. But you do not need to read all the gardens books to understand. I actually wish I started this right after Whitlock. Then read gardens of gods to get better perspective on that and understanding Elec. The dragon is fierce but so is his queen. Layla Is no longer a weak scared slave girl. She is the queen of the island right beside her Dragon. There is some tragic loss in this book so be warned. Also we get to see Ev and Bram again!! which actually has some connections to Anna and Bostons books. If I could reread again from the beginning I would read all of Whitlock, and then red island, then Anna and Bostons books, and then garden of gods.
June 5, 2023
This was another disturbing but brilliant read from this talented author.
With her clever but graphic detailing I've spent the last few days feeling like I was roaming Red Island alongside the characters.
I found myself torn between wanting to rush through the pages and forcing myself to put it down for a while so I could pretend to be a stowaway as long as possible.
Right from the get go I knew this would be a really vague review with so much blood and loss from cover to cover.
My best advice is to go in blind, trust me, you won't regret it.
With another carrot dangling ending, I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
With her clever but graphic detailing I've spent the last few days feeling like I was roaming Red Island alongside the characters.
I found myself torn between wanting to rush through the pages and forcing myself to put it down for a while so I could pretend to be a stowaway as long as possible.
Right from the get go I knew this would be a really vague review with so much blood and loss from cover to cover.
My best advice is to go in blind, trust me, you won't regret it.
With another carrot dangling ending, I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
April 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Another excellent piece of the A.A. Dark universe!!
The main characters from this book were part of the first series, the 24690 series, but they didn’t get a lot of time to have their own story in that series, so this book was really enjoyable for that reason. We got to experience more from these characters which I of course loved. We also had a little bit of overlap in the future tense with the Garden of the Gods series at the end of this book which was really cool too.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!
(Side note: I am happy with the order in which I read this book in. Iykyk… 🥲)
Another excellent piece of the A.A. Dark universe!!
The main characters from this book were part of the first series, the 24690 series, but they didn’t get a lot of time to have their own story in that series, so this book was really enjoyable for that reason. We got to experience more from these characters which I of course loved. We also had a little bit of overlap in the future tense with the Garden of the Gods series at the end of this book which was really cool too.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!
(Side note: I am happy with the order in which I read this book in. Iykyk… 🥲)
February 12, 2024
Mixed Feelings …3.5⭐️
This one was definitely different than the rest of the books in this universe. For starters, there was action from the very beginning, yet it felt like a slow burn that kinda dragged on for a bit. To me, it didn’t really pick up until around 60 percent or so. There also really wasn’t any spice either (except for towards the end if that’s your thing/if you’d even consider that spice?). I did appreciate that Bram and Everleigh returned as well as the chance to learn more about Elec. Definitely curious as to what he’s up to…
This one was definitely different than the rest of the books in this universe. For starters, there was action from the very beginning, yet it felt like a slow burn that kinda dragged on for a bit. To me, it didn’t really pick up until around 60 percent or so. There also really wasn’t any spice either (except for towards the end if that’s your thing/if you’d even consider that spice?). I did appreciate that Bram and Everleigh returned as well as the chance to learn more about Elec. Definitely curious as to what he’s up to…
June 2, 2023
Wow, wow, wow! This book hits you in the gut and holds you captive right from the start. It's incredibly emotionally driven, dark, graphic, and written brilliantly. The love Dragon has for Layla is beautiful and makes his pain over what happened truly felt by this reader. That ending is something too; it makes me think of all the possibilities. Great book!
I highly suggest reading the 24690 series before reading this. It'll heighten your reading experience tenfold.
I highly suggest reading the 24690 series before reading this. It'll heighten your reading experience tenfold.
June 3, 2023
Omg I have been waiting for this book!!! Ever since we visited The Dragon with the twins I had so many questions. Boy were they answered and then some. This book goes back to Red Island about 9 months since we left previously. But oh man do things change in a blink of an eye. A family destroyed, loyalties tested, and a Dragon ready to watch the world burn to the ground kept me up late hours turning the pages and yes there were a few sniffles too.
June 7, 2023
Holy Shiiiiit! I took my sweet time reading this book. I wanted to savor it. I knew it was going to be amazing. Gavin and Layla were fucking EVERYTHING!!! The shock, the awe, the ANGST!!! There’s so many amazing scenes in this book. I had to set it down so I didn’t rush to the end. I was on the edge of my seat throughout. It honestly has me double guessing my feelings on Elec. This is a standalone, but enjoyed best if you’ve read 24690 or Garden of the Gods. AA Dark books are the same world
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