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Garden of the Gods #3.1

Master A-0011: Garden of the Gods

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Vol. 3, book 1

(All books in the Garden of the Gods series are standalones and can be read in any order. These are a "day in the life of" and are novella length, DARK reads that are great between other books or series you're already reading. Think of it as a DARK quick fix. Happy Reading!- A. A. Dark)

With the death of Whitlock, a new home for horror is born…

Garden of the Gods


GOTG Registry
Name: Ethan O’Brien
Master #: 0011
Occupation: Actor
Slave preference: b and d
Recruiter #: The Main Master
Experience
Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced ⌧

Main Master Notes:
Ethan O'Brien may have been the most famous actor in the world, but at the Gardens he has more problems than paparazzi. His new slave was meant to make his life easier. Cook. “Prepare” his meals. He wasn't supposed to fall for her.

Lust…Blood…Bargaining.

Pearl thought becoming Ethan’s slave would result in death far worse than her already mangled life, but death isn't the worst thing that can happen. The Master she fears is now one she can't escape. But Ethan is determined to set his hooks in, and he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Even if he has to bring in the Main Master to do it.


Love is a delicious delicacy, best served with a side of revenge. -Elec


MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S RATING:
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2024

13 people are currently reading
176 people want to read

About the author

A.A. Dark

45 books1,733 followers
A. 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.**

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5 stars
76 (42%)
4 stars
62 (34%)
3 stars
37 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Tatiana.
22 reviews
October 11, 2024
I’ve never read anything by A.A. Dark that wasn’t incredibly dark and captivating.
That being said, there’s something about The Garden Of The Gods that just has me in a chokehold. Master A-0011 had my jaw dropping to the floor. Pearl may be one of my favorite female characters and her story with Ethan had me feeling all the emotions. Definitely a must read as are all of the GotG books and everything in this disturbingly beautiful universe
Profile Image for Smut is MUST.
6 reviews16 followers
October 27, 2024
“Master A-0011” (“Garden of the Gods,” Vol. 3)” by A. A. Dark is now available on Kindle Unlimited and on Amazon, so what better way to celebrate it than with a book review! 🎊


(!) NO SPOILERS AHEAD (!)

Important notes:

1. I received this book as an advanced reader copy. THANK YOU author Alaska Angelini / A. A. Dark, Dee Trejo and Mad Girl Publishing (Pitch Black tm) for this, my very first A. A. Dark ARC ever.

2. I went into this book blindly: I didn't read any blurbs, reviews, watched any videos or listened to any spoilers about it.

3. This was not my first A.A. Dark book. I will share a link to a TikTok about “24690” at the end of my review.


. NO-SPOILERS REVIEW:

"Garden of the Gods” Volume 1 and 2 is a compendium of novellas that are interconnected, and this one is the first in “Garden of the Gods” Volume 3.

Although I recommend reading the previous stories first, “Master A-0011” (as the rest of the novellas) is a stand alone and starting here doesn’t take away from understanding this story in its entirety.

⚠️ A warning to the reader: This is not a Dark Romance book, these are Erot!c horror stories that explore very dark topics, so reading the tr!gger warn!ngs is highly recommended. I will share a list of tr!gger warn!ngs at the end of the no-spoiler review ⚠️

This book is a page turner and had me already hooked by chapter three. The story has everything: it made me laugh and it made me cry! And, of course, it shocked me and messed with my head.

I recommend this book to erot!c horror readers, seasoned horror readers, readers of the gore genre or open minded readers with little to no triggers.


- TROPES

. Touch her and d!e
. V!rg!n FMC

- K!NKS:

. Kn!fe Play
. Blo.od Play
. Breed!ng

- TR!GGERS:

. Go.re
. Cann!bal!sm
. S/A
. Mur.der
. Tor.ture
. Hu.man traff!ck
. Degradat!on
. !mpr!sonment
. Sla.very
. Phys!cal a.buse
. D!sfigurement
. Chi!d Ne.glect


. REVIEW WITH SPOILERS:

After reading A. A. Dark books I always seem to have one of those *sits and stares at the emptiness* moments. The good news is that this time around, I didn’t end up in a reading slump for months like I did after finishing “24690."

This novella reminded me of a Fairy Tale, with an evil stepmother and stepsister included, except this is a twisted Cinderella story that has tor.ture po.rn as well.

“Master A-0011” is more than a Fairy Tale retelling for several reasons, though. The first one being the surprising sprinkles of (dark) humor, and second and most importantly: the unsettling “love story“ and its dubious HEA.

Take a glimpse into the perfect lives of Ethan and Mrs. O’Brien! But, what happens next? Constant trips back for “maintenance” and "attitude adjustments” can become the perfect excuse for another staycation at The Gardens, and will practically guarantee a return of Elec’s clientele, for starters. The rabbit hole is bottomless.

The dynamics between Ethan and Pearl seems so… scripted! And Elec is the screenwriter and director of their lives. How will things end? I guess we need to wait for the next novellas, until then, it's all a guessing game...

To sum it up, this book is mindf*ucking and I wouldn't have it any other way.


If you want to see more of my not-so-healthy obsession with A. A. Dark books, click the Link for a sneak-peek into “24690” that I made on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@smutisamust/v...
Profile Image for Brooke (darkcoffeedarkerreads).
283 reviews26 followers
October 12, 2024
5⭐ 2🌶️

Uhm, WELCOME back to the Gardens! I’ve been dying for the next installment and A.A. Dark absolutely delivered with Master A-0011. This was dark, twisted, and quite a bit gorier than anticipated and I ate it right up–pun absolutely intended. The Gardens is truly where I feel A.A. Dark shines and it blows me away every time how much she can pack into these vicious novellas.

A.A. Dark may be Elec himself, as she bends my mind each time to feel so much sympathy for these dark, depraved characters. I was crawling right out of my skin at the brutality of both Ethan and Pearl, yet felt an unmistakable pull on my heartstrings as we got to know them and their trauma on a deeper level. I seem to always start off reading a Gardens novella horrified and somehow end up feeling a sense of relief and contentment by the end. And the end of this one was no exception–that dinner scene? Pure poetic perfection. Pearl and Ethan compliment one another so wonderfully, by the end I couldn’t even remember the initial hesitation. I adore that Ethan protects Pearl and couldn’t get enough of how Pearl keeps him grounded. Maybe it isn’t romance but by the end I felt like it could be and was wishing these two a stress-free ride off into the bloody sunset.

I also really enjoyed all the glimpses we got at Elec and the perfect cameo of our beloved June and Rhett. I’m so hooked on the subplot and the secrets Elec is trying to uncover. I can’t wait for more and will be waiting with bated breath for the next installment.

**Please note that this book is listed as static white and does have some extremely dark content. If you do have triggers, I highly suggest checking out Mad Girl Publishing’s website for a full list of content warnings. Your mental health is important. Take care.
Profile Image for Dee Trejo.
159 reviews34 followers
October 28, 2024
The forbidden was never hidden in the pitch black. It was conceived in the light; right in front of the faces of those who so blindly turned away.

Okay, I've loved every single one of these stories. With each one that comes out, I think this is my favorite then A. A. Dark goes and tops it with the next one. So Master 11 was just added to the top of that list again. Fair warning if you have any triggers maybe this series isn't for you, but for those that like to take a walk on the darker side, this is for you.

Ethan O'Brian the Hollywood face everyone knows. A beautiful face with a dark secret. I was surprised with how much I found myself smiling through this book. It's kinda scary that every dark thing that came out (or went in) his mouth I was loving it. And I loved that he found his Pearl. Main Master Elec is becoming quite the matchmaker don't know if thats always a great thing for masters or slaves. Now quit wasting your time reading this review and join Ethan for dinner at his place.

Either way what a way to start Vol. 3. You don't absolutly need to read these in order but honeslty why wouldn't you trust me your gonna love every one of these books.
My heart had never been so consumed by bliss, yet so cold with abandon. Even as we held and lost ourselves in each other, the missing piece that lingered in the shadows always walked the razor’s edge of my mind. Cutting a little here. Carving out a little there. What happened when it finally cut itself free?


Profile Image for Erin.
3,528 reviews78 followers
October 21, 2024
OMG! We are definitely being thrown right back into the Gardens and NOTHING is off limits. Things are incredibly darker, crazier, bloodier and more brutal. If you can’t handle pitch-black horror, this story will not be for you.

As soon as I put my mind back into the darkness that is the Gardens, I was instantly captivated, addicted and craving all of the sinfully wicked, corrupt and depraved moments that are constantly thrown at us.

Master A-0011 is unhinged, broken inside, dangerous, brutal and violent. He craves violence and blood like you wouldn’t believe. He needs something that only the Gardens can give him.

Pearl was perfect in her extreme brokenness. She is fierce when she needs to be, submissive when the situation calls for it and will do what is necessary to keep herself alive for just a bit longer. And OMG did her past story brake my heart.

I was so swept up into this story that I found myself yelling WTF, a couple of times my jaw dropped and there were definitely moments when I found myself feeling all kinds of love for a this crazy and unhinged man and his ability to feel something heartfelt for Pearl.

This is a well written and incredible mind-fuck of epic proportions. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, the gore may make you gag a bit, and the spice will definitely titillate you and make you question your morals a bit.

Now are you ready to be thrown down a rabbit hole of extreme darkness and gore!
Profile Image for Caroline.
99 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2024
4/5⭐ 5/5🖤
What are you doing to me!?!? This book felt like the author was laying out the table with all of the puzzle pieces, each one having been previously upside down during the other books. I felt like I should be able to connect the pieces. Garden of the Gods, Seeking Stalker, all of these individual pieces coming together and this was a teaser to finally seeing the whole picture. Except my brain itches and I just can't quite connect the dots.

In a place filled with monsters, this author has a way of building a love story that even convinces you, the reader, that maybe there's an HEA in sight only to remind you that in the dark all you find is monsters. I went in with trepidation because I've been gut punched before. By itself it was good, predictably so, but not in a bad way, but I almost feel like AA Dark is toying with us setting the stage for something big and glorious and I am 1000% here for it. It felt like a teasing windup and I have never been more ready to see what comes next. This was an appetizer and I am starving for the main course!
Profile Image for Karen Denise Foster.
1,074 reviews26 followers
December 31, 2024
This author never fails to give the reader another OMG moment. This first book of volume 3 is as dark as you expect and want, and teases us with another taboo with wicked pleasure. However, this one is not for the weak of stomach...lol. Happy reading.

4 stars
Profile Image for v0id_93.
216 reviews56 followers
October 28, 2024
I devoured this like Ethan devours…something? someone? 😳😏

Being back in the depraved, mind fuckery of the Gardens is a morbid little hug I needed. Alaska never fails to deliver on serving intentional, well thought out motives and how trauma or desires can twist and manifest in really fucked up ways. I also can’t wait to see where the running thread of Main Master Elec’s twisted mind will leave us once and for all👹
518 reviews86 followers
October 15, 2024
Master A-0011, aka Ethan O’Brien, is my latest obsession and, honestly, my deepest revulsion. In true A.A. Dark fashion, this Hollywood A-lister is both. He's like the Hellraiser box—get the puzzle right, and you’ll have your heart's desire. Mess it up? Welcome to hell. Or in this case, welcome to Elec Wexler’s twisted playground, the Garden of the Gods 🌹

Let me tell you—this is by far A.A. Dark's darkest book yet. 🖤 Have there been bloodier stories? Hell yes. But this one isn’t just about gore. Cannibalism has its own horrors, and the way she paints those pictures with words… whew. It’s the darkest of the dark, the sickest of the sick 😳 A wild, unhinged ride that made my stomach flip and my grip on my phone tighten. And guess what? I was completely hooked 🤪

Now, Elec... Oh, Elec... 😈 This man collects people like trophies, and his obsession with bloodlines? A delectable puzzle we get more pieces of here. 🧩

This book actually felt like a rewrite of Master A-0005 from Volume 2, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Both Masters are elite, both considered Elec a friend. Where Jake Princeton fell from grace, Ethan O’Brien soared. His loyalty never wavered, and he got his rewards 🏆

But there’s one burning question I NEED answered: In Seeking Stalker, Elec gave June and Rhett their fairy tale for just two years... Does that mean Ethan and Pearl only get two years too?! 🤔💔

And seriously, I’m still dying to know who Elec’s mysterious friend was in Volume 2... the one he killed a slave for. If you’re like me, and you can’t get enough of the Garden’s twisted secrets, this book will keep you coming back for more 🖤
Profile Image for Jana Natalie.
156 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2024
What an earth …. how is it that it is both utterly repulsive and compelling in the same way?! We’re back at the GotGs and Master A0011 is another league we haven’t encountered before. The emotions and the twisting in this story and with this couple is outstanding. And finally WE MEET A CROW… yesssss I was delighted to see what he chooses for himself and their encounter will or will not work out. Nonetheless and although this is a short novel, I felt a little thrown off when I reached the last page. I think I’ve got more questions now than I had before diving into this book. So many more things came up and all I noticed is that nothing is what it seems. I am mad at you, A. A., for loving this guy so much and I can hardly contain my anxiety and excitement for the next stories to come. Thanks for letting me read this in advance. I really enjoyed it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah.
85 reviews
November 30, 2025
I actually love these short novellas and am excited to finish the rest of the garden books. This is a spin-off to Whitlock so you get the same vibe, just different and each book is of a different master or mistress. This book was a master and a breeder, but not just any breeder its an elite who got her crown stolen from her and was thrown to the wolves. These books get better and better as you go, and learning more about Elec, YES PLEASE. im going to need a book only about Elec and his story asap. WE LOVE ELEC! Maybe he wont get an FMC, but we can hope for it. Elec is probably the most twisted one of them all. Clearly he will need a very twisted FMC to rule beside him in his underground fortress. ORRRRR maybe just maybe his first love is still alive???
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,328 reviews146 followers
October 9, 2024
So we've had a mini break from the Garden, but if you think the author eases us back in gently THINK AGAIN.
This was one of the darkest and goriest books she's written to date, and that's saying a lot especially since it's novella size.
I have zero triggers yet even I was pulling faces while reading.
Don't let the page count fool you, there was SO much packed into so few pages.
Not only will the main characters pull at your heart strings (literally) but so many secrets and agendas come to light now we're coming close to the end.
It was a no brainer (pun not intended) adding it to my top reads list.
Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Everything Bookish  Blog.
782 reviews32 followers
October 11, 2024
dazzling. delicious. dark. twisted.

If you’re new to the gardens you might not want to start here. I’ve loved this world for years and so enjoy to get a different perspective of the world and meeting new characters with each novella.

I’ve been waiting for this one FOREVER and it does not disappoint!!! The fear and the trauma are real and so well written. Their relationship blooms so naturally I could not get enough. The way they fit together is like a dream come true. Their rough edges and splintered souls collide. Pure perfection.

With each page I fell deeper into the rabbit hole and never looked back.

Major triggers in this one. Check TWs.
Profile Image for c_g.77.
287 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2024
she did it again

Words cannot express to you how obsessed I am with this series.

This novella does not disappoint. There was no confusion where we left off in volume 2. I fell right back in like a trained slave. I may not have received my numbers yet, but I am a slave to this world as much as the rest.

No one should enter this world lightly. Fear it. Take all precautions. Because once you enter it, you may not make it back. At least not in one piece.

I cannot wait to devour the next Mistress or Master in this incredible Volume.
1,241 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2025
Cannibalism

More to the story comes out from the main master. He’s definitely playing chess for sure.

Master 11 is definitely not my favourite but I feel like some of his story was taken over with main master.
He’s dark, animalistic and obsessed with routine. Then we have the slave who shocks the story and we have another plot twists. Main master is at it again.

Talk about a full on plot twist. These reads are so addicting and binge worthy.

I think I will be joining the psychopath group soon with how much I’m enjoying these reads.
Profile Image for Luralyn.
126 reviews17 followers
October 12, 2024
Another amazing Garden of the Gods series. It's as dark, taboo and oh so forbidden as all of A.A. Dark's books from 24690 series to GOTG Volumes! I love seeing easter eggs I recognized like the Rivera's ! Setting in the Underworld of Masters, the Elites, slaves-- this was gory and. F*cked up in so many levels! I love how grossed out I was throughout the entire book! I sometimes question my sanity everything I dive in A.A. Dark's Underworld.
316 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2024
IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK IN THE GARDEN!

For novellas, the character building is always fantastic in these books. The stories are so tight it pulls you in immediately. These are very dark reads, so I'm always surprised when they pull a laugh out of me. This is one of the more dark and twisted of them so far. Make sure you heed the trigger warnings. If you have done that, enjoy the darkness and you will be waiting impatiently for the next as I am. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Nicole Johnson.
864 reviews30 followers
October 11, 2024
Oh, man. The Gardens are getting darker. This book pushed my limits with the things Master 11 is into. I don't have many limits when it comes to dark reads. However, his Garden craving is just gross. Ethan's cravings aside, Pearl is an awesome character. This book is an awesome addition to this expansive series. And a great choice to kick off this new volume.
Profile Image for Karen - Kazza's Books Blog .
647 reviews38 followers
October 12, 2024
It’s time to go back to The Gardens Of The Gods and meet Ethan O’Brian.
This story will grab you and drag you back to the dark and disturbing ways of the Masters of the gardens. I really enjoyed Master A0011, his dark side pushed the boundaries and his slave Pearl was willing/unwilling participant.
This is a fantastic start back into the Gardens
145 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
The Best Yet!

This was by far the best GOTG Novella! While this Novella contained the usual blood and gore, it is emotions that drive this book. Heck, even the killings were emotionally driven! We also get to see a rare side of "Main Master Elec" and a deeper look into his past. I honestly can't put into words how deeply impacting this novella is.
Just read it for yourself!
Profile Image for Natalie Oury-Moseley.
20 reviews
October 18, 2024
Welcome back!

Back with a bang! Let me just say that I don't care for short books but these just pull you in every time..... we get another elite woman added to Elec's growing list! I love Pearl and i can't wait to see to see where this is all goin
68 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2024
As always, a unique voice

One click. That’s all it takes to enter a complex world where there’s always a satisfying story (only if you like the darkness in your reads). All while giving breadcrumbs of something big to come in the future. No one does that like Ms. Angelini. Next?
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
246 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2025
Is that considered a cliffhanger? What were Pearls flicker of memories about? I felt a little let down by the ending, but perhaps we will find out about Pearl and Main Master's pasts in later installments of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
68 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2024
It's a deliciously good story

Master Elec comes back with a deliciously good story! This is a dark book. Be sure read the warnings. I cannot wait to see what A.A Dark writes next.
Profile Image for Sharie Barker.
512 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2024
A.A does it again. This one was darker than a few in Vol 2 and I loved it!
Profile Image for Nadia.
Author 7 books30 followers
November 3, 2024
I love this series so much. I feel like this is one of the darker books as of yet, and that’s really saying something for this author.
Profile Image for Emmy.
207 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2024
Ah finally somewhat of a happy ending! And a peek into the mind control at the gardens. This was different than usual and I’m loving it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Reader0192.
136 reviews
Read
March 21, 2025
I like the author’s other books but this one was too much for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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