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Wastelander #2.5
Darkness I Become: A Post-Apocalyptic Dark Romance
The only way to survive the darkness is to become its mistress, darling.
Thirty years after the apocalypse, Asha Agarwal lives in a secure, walled compound created to protect the world’s most powerful from those who live outside—the Wastelanders. After she survives an attack that destroys her home, she soon learns that the Wasteland is every bit as unforgiving as she was taught.
After she and her best friend run afoul of a group of bloodthirsty cannibals, Asha finds herself alone and stranded in a world she has no skills to navigate, with nary a rugged Prince Charming in sight. Instead, she’s kidnapped and put up for auction at a notorious slave market as an unusually beautiful prize. To avoid being sold into slavery, Asha strikes a bargain with Cade, a lethal gang member with shady be his woman, and gain his protection against the rest of the gang, including its cruel leader, Angel.
But Angel has other plans for her—pain and torture chief among them. As Cade struggles to protect her from the brutal lifestyle she’s unwittingly fallen into, and a deal with the devil rocks the fragile trust between them, Asha soon learns that the price for her escape might just be the one thing she has her soul.
Darkness I Become is a standalone post-apocalyptic dark romance that stars one of the supporting characters from The Wastelander Series. You do not need to read The Wastelander to enjoy it, but readers of that series will have a richer, more complete experience. Please note that this book is a dark romance, and as such, it features even darker themes than the original series. Review content notes carefully.
Thirty years after the apocalypse, Asha Agarwal lives in a secure, walled compound created to protect the world’s most powerful from those who live outside—the Wastelanders. After she survives an attack that destroys her home, she soon learns that the Wasteland is every bit as unforgiving as she was taught.
After she and her best friend run afoul of a group of bloodthirsty cannibals, Asha finds herself alone and stranded in a world she has no skills to navigate, with nary a rugged Prince Charming in sight. Instead, she’s kidnapped and put up for auction at a notorious slave market as an unusually beautiful prize. To avoid being sold into slavery, Asha strikes a bargain with Cade, a lethal gang member with shady be his woman, and gain his protection against the rest of the gang, including its cruel leader, Angel.
But Angel has other plans for her—pain and torture chief among them. As Cade struggles to protect her from the brutal lifestyle she’s unwittingly fallen into, and a deal with the devil rocks the fragile trust between them, Asha soon learns that the price for her escape might just be the one thing she has her soul.
Darkness I Become is a standalone post-apocalyptic dark romance that stars one of the supporting characters from The Wastelander Series. You do not need to read The Wastelander to enjoy it, but readers of that series will have a richer, more complete experience. Please note that this book is a dark romance, and as such, it features even darker themes than the original series. Review content notes carefully.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
16 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
E.S. Luck
5 books78 followersE.S. Luck is a copywriter by day and an author when no one is watching. She enjoys reading, writing genre-bending fiction, and extolling the virtues of grammar, much to the collective dismay of all who meet her. She owns too much makeup and lives in Ontario with her husband and their adorable dog, Rosie. The Wastelander is her debut novel.
If you'd like to receive occasional updates on my writing, including the sequel(s) to The Wastelander and free bonus material, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (linked on my official website). You may also follow E.S. Luck on Facebook, or @e.s.luck_author on Instagram, where I share excerpts and videos, and occasionally host free book giveaways.
If you'd like to receive occasional updates on my writing, including the sequel(s) to The Wastelander and free bonus material, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (linked on my official website). You may also follow E.S. Luck on Facebook, or @e.s.luck_author on Instagram, where I share excerpts and videos, and occasionally host free book giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 12, 2025
Set within the Wastelander universe this is the back story of Asha who appears in books 1 and 2. This is a dark installment, if you need to, read the trigger warnings.
Asha is separated from her friend Claire after escaping the relative safety of the compound she grew up in after a violent overthrowing by men in black masks. Leaving Asha alone with the Wastelanders she has grown up fearing, and her fear is well placed. Facing being sold as chattel she pleads for help from a stranger and just when she thinks she might be in for some better luck her world is shattered again.
This book is not a lighthearted piece, there is a lot of emotional and physical events happening, and they are not dealt with in the most healthiest of ways. Why would they be in a post apocalyptic world when survival is the main drive of everyone exisiting?
Author ARC, thank you.
Asha is separated from her friend Claire after escaping the relative safety of the compound she grew up in after a violent overthrowing by men in black masks. Leaving Asha alone with the Wastelanders she has grown up fearing, and her fear is well placed. Facing being sold as chattel she pleads for help from a stranger and just when she thinks she might be in for some better luck her world is shattered again.
This book is not a lighthearted piece, there is a lot of emotional and physical events happening, and they are not dealt with in the most healthiest of ways. Why would they be in a post apocalyptic world when survival is the main drive of everyone exisiting?
Author ARC, thank you.
November 7, 2025
Beta Read ❤️
Y'all know I love my post-apocalyptic books, so I was so excited to beta read for Darkness I become. I had super mixed feelings going in because the FMC did some messed up stuff in the wastelander books! But this book brought me around to her because of what a back story she has. I loved this book so much, the spice was spicing, and it just has everything a good post apocalypse books needs. There are some super dark themes in this book, and I strongly suggest you check the TWs before starting this, while I think they were handled really well, you should always protect your mental health. I loved that our world is now expanded more in the book as well, I am so excited for future books.
Cade, our MMC, what is it about men called Cade? They are always *Chefs kiss* . I just loved Cade so much, flaws, and all the beginning is really rough, but oh, does he get so swoony!! He relationship at the start is super transactional, but with Asha, they are one hell of a couple. I really can't wait to see them in future stories
Asha, our FMC, i had so much beef with her going into this, which is mostly squashed now cause, omg what a horrid life she has had. A truely good morally grey FMC and black cat to boot! I really loved her character development through this book!!
5 ⭐️
4 🔥
Y'all know I love my post-apocalyptic books, so I was so excited to beta read for Darkness I become. I had super mixed feelings going in because the FMC did some messed up stuff in the wastelander books! But this book brought me around to her because of what a back story she has. I loved this book so much, the spice was spicing, and it just has everything a good post apocalypse books needs. There are some super dark themes in this book, and I strongly suggest you check the TWs before starting this, while I think they were handled really well, you should always protect your mental health. I loved that our world is now expanded more in the book as well, I am so excited for future books.
Cade, our MMC, what is it about men called Cade? They are always *Chefs kiss* . I just loved Cade so much, flaws, and all the beginning is really rough, but oh, does he get so swoony!! He relationship at the start is super transactional, but with Asha, they are one hell of a couple. I really can't wait to see them in future stories
Asha, our FMC, i had so much beef with her going into this, which is mostly squashed now cause, omg what a horrid life she has had. A truely good morally grey FMC and black cat to boot! I really loved her character development through this book!!
5 ⭐️
4 🔥
November 14, 2025
★ “I can feel all that pain you’re holding onto. All that anger. It’s so much for you. Give it to me. Let me carry it for you. It’s just me and the dark.” ☠
Diving back into the “Wastelander” universe, even in the form of a spinoff, was incredibly exciting, and finally learning what happened to Asha during her time away from Claire felt immensely satisfying. This book takes a much heavier tone than the main series, so readers who are sensitive should absolutely check the trigger warnings beforehand. Throughout the story, I often found myself frustrated with Asha, but based on the main series, I don’t think we were meant to love her right away. If that was intentional, Luck executed it very well; she makes readers feel strongly against Asha early on, only to gradually unravel the truth of what Asha endured. As more of her past came into focus, her choices became far more understandable; even if I still didn’t always agree with them, especially some of her later decisions knowing their consequences.
★ “She’s claimed now. Mine. Now. Always.” ☠
Asha’s arc in the middle portion of the book was my favorite, where she truly felt at her strongest: physically, emotionally, and narratively. Her growth during her time in the compound with Cade was compelling and gave her character a depth I’d been craving. And speaking of Cade, I wasn’t sure what to expect from him at first, but he completely won me over. Beneath the mask, he was unexpectedly tender and compassionate, and the scenes with him, Asha, and the dark were some of my absolute favorites. In a world where survival is never guaranteed, seeing these two find each other and form something real was incredibly rewarding.
☠ “You’re made for me, Asha. Your darkness matches mine, and you know it.” ★
My only real wish is that we had received more chapters from Cade’s perspective. The entire book is written in third-person limited, and while that choice works for the story, I found Cade’s chapters the most engaging and would’ve loved additional insight into his internal world. Still, this installment adds meaningful depth to the “Wastelander” universe, and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Asha’s story at last.
Spice: 3/5
Tropes:
★ Post Apocalyptic ☠
☠ Slow Burn ★
★ Hurt x Comfort ☠
☠ Forced Proximity ★
★ “Burn down this ugly world and we’ll make a new one together. I’m handing you the match.” ☠
☠★☠---ARC Review---★☠★
Diving back into the “Wastelander” universe, even in the form of a spinoff, was incredibly exciting, and finally learning what happened to Asha during her time away from Claire felt immensely satisfying. This book takes a much heavier tone than the main series, so readers who are sensitive should absolutely check the trigger warnings beforehand. Throughout the story, I often found myself frustrated with Asha, but based on the main series, I don’t think we were meant to love her right away. If that was intentional, Luck executed it very well; she makes readers feel strongly against Asha early on, only to gradually unravel the truth of what Asha endured. As more of her past came into focus, her choices became far more understandable; even if I still didn’t always agree with them, especially some of her later decisions knowing their consequences.
★ “She’s claimed now. Mine. Now. Always.” ☠
Asha’s arc in the middle portion of the book was my favorite, where she truly felt at her strongest: physically, emotionally, and narratively. Her growth during her time in the compound with Cade was compelling and gave her character a depth I’d been craving. And speaking of Cade, I wasn’t sure what to expect from him at first, but he completely won me over. Beneath the mask, he was unexpectedly tender and compassionate, and the scenes with him, Asha, and the dark were some of my absolute favorites. In a world where survival is never guaranteed, seeing these two find each other and form something real was incredibly rewarding.
☠ “You’re made for me, Asha. Your darkness matches mine, and you know it.” ★
My only real wish is that we had received more chapters from Cade’s perspective. The entire book is written in third-person limited, and while that choice works for the story, I found Cade’s chapters the most engaging and would’ve loved additional insight into his internal world. Still, this installment adds meaningful depth to the “Wastelander” universe, and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Asha’s story at last.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spice: 3/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes:
★ Post Apocalyptic ☠
☠ Slow Burn ★
★ Hurt x Comfort ☠
☠ Forced Proximity ★
★ “Burn down this ugly world and we’ll make a new one together. I’m handing you the match.” ☠
October 16, 2025
*Received as an ARC*
I have read a couple books in The Wastelander series by E. S. Luck so I knew a little bit of the world that Darkness I Become was going to be in. DIB can be read as a standalone, but I think you get more out of it if you've, at least, read Wastelander. Asha was introduced in book 1 of that series with Claire but they ended up getting separated pretty quickly. This is her story.
Darkness I Become has writing that pulled me into the disaster area that Asha has been stranded. She has fought for her life the entire time. She falls into the hands of slave traders and her spite is what keeps her going. Asha sees Cade, the leader of the Blackguard, and takes a leap to ask for help. He sees her, he feels like he knows her. He helps but is it worth it since she was brought into the same treatment she would have gotten elsewhere if she were sold to anyone but Angel. Angel is the self-proclaimed king of The Nest where Asha will be living. Asha must learn to trust people around her, even if it is the same people that has been the nightmare she was taught to fear growing up.
I think this is the best book of this world yet! I really enjoyed getting to know more about Asha and I'm VERY happy I got to meet Cade, if you know what I mean. I cannot wait for book 3 of the Wastelander series now that I've got Asha's story!
Be aware of violence, death, sexual assault, and descriptive consensual sex scenes all on page.
I have read a couple books in The Wastelander series by E. S. Luck so I knew a little bit of the world that Darkness I Become was going to be in. DIB can be read as a standalone, but I think you get more out of it if you've, at least, read Wastelander. Asha was introduced in book 1 of that series with Claire but they ended up getting separated pretty quickly. This is her story.
Darkness I Become has writing that pulled me into the disaster area that Asha has been stranded. She has fought for her life the entire time. She falls into the hands of slave traders and her spite is what keeps her going. Asha sees Cade, the leader of the Blackguard, and takes a leap to ask for help. He sees her, he feels like he knows her. He helps but is it worth it since she was brought into the same treatment she would have gotten elsewhere if she were sold to anyone but Angel. Angel is the self-proclaimed king of The Nest where Asha will be living. Asha must learn to trust people around her, even if it is the same people that has been the nightmare she was taught to fear growing up.
I think this is the best book of this world yet! I really enjoyed getting to know more about Asha and I'm VERY happy I got to meet Cade, if you know what I mean. I cannot wait for book 3 of the Wastelander series now that I've got Asha's story!
Be aware of violence, death, sexual assault, and descriptive consensual sex scenes all on page.
October 26, 2025
When the description says a Post-apocalyptic dark romance, it means it! This is quite dark, and the romance is quite spicy. This spinoff from the Wastelander series tells the story of Asha, from books 1 & 2 of the Wastelander, and Cade, who she meets in this book.
Asha is highly unlikeable in the other two books, and while you feel a little more sympathetic to her character in this one, in the end, I still didn’t like her much.
Full of action and fighting, this book is grim. From the selling of women as slaves, to cannibalism, and murder, this one goes way dark. But amidst all that, love can still be found.
This series is very entertaining, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to seeing where Asha and Cade’s story goes, as well as the other characters from the Wastelander series.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Asha is highly unlikeable in the other two books, and while you feel a little more sympathetic to her character in this one, in the end, I still didn’t like her much.
Full of action and fighting, this book is grim. From the selling of women as slaves, to cannibalism, and murder, this one goes way dark. But amidst all that, love can still be found.
This series is very entertaining, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to seeing where Asha and Cade’s story goes, as well as the other characters from the Wastelander series.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2025
Thanks to Book sirens and E S Luck for giving me an advance copy of this book.
I in the end enjoyed this book and would place it at a 3.5. This book was slow to start and once you got to the 40% mark you started to fly through it. Love the post apocalyptic world created in this writing.
Asha story had a lot of past and present trauma that shaped the premise of this story, that being the darkness in the end. I didn’t care for the character in the beginning and actually at the end. Felt she could have chose better. Cade I loved everything about him. He is the definition of a man trying to survive and think ahead. Not always the best choices but you know deep down he has a good heart. Did not care for the side character in the end. Leo the aka DR was the best and we need his story.
I in the end enjoyed this book and would place it at a 3.5. This book was slow to start and once you got to the 40% mark you started to fly through it. Love the post apocalyptic world created in this writing.
Asha story had a lot of past and present trauma that shaped the premise of this story, that being the darkness in the end. I didn’t care for the character in the beginning and actually at the end. Felt she could have chose better. Cade I loved everything about him. He is the definition of a man trying to survive and think ahead. Not always the best choices but you know deep down he has a good heart. Did not care for the side character in the end. Leo the aka DR was the best and we need his story.
December 4, 2025
Content Warnings; available on the author's website.
Tropes;
⛓️🩸𝓓𝔂𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓹𝓲𝓪𝓷 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭
🩸⛓️𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓽-𝓐𝓹𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓵𝔂𝓹𝓽𝓲𝓬
⛓️🩸𝓜𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓮𝔂 𝓕𝓜𝓒 & 𝓜𝓜𝓒
🩸⛓️𝓒𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓸𝓻/𝓒𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓗𝓾𝓻𝓽/𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽
🩸⛓️𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓢𝓵𝓸𝔀-𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷
🩸⛓️𝓐𝓵𝓹𝓱𝓪/𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓜𝓜𝓒
⛓️🩸𝓕𝓲𝓮𝓻𝓬𝓮/𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓕𝓜𝓒
🩸⛓️𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓗𝓮𝓻 & 𝓓*𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓸𝓻 𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱
🩸⛓️𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂
⛓️🩸𝓗𝓲𝓰𝓱 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🩸⛓️𝓑𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭 & 𝓖𝓸𝓻𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
🩸⛓️𝓗𝓔𝓐
This book is a standalone in the same world of "The Wastelander Series" and can be read as a standalone. I haven't read any of the books before this one in this series, but the synopsis really caught my attention, so here I am! I'm so happy for the opportunity. The plot is extremely heavy, and I recommend that please check your triggers: find them all on the author's website.
Asha, our FMC, is a strong and persevering character. She's fierce in the sense that how much she has gone through, her hardships and trauma will make your heart ache, but you love how she fights for herself and doesn't give up no matter how hard, how dark and scary the world becomes. Through her journey, she faces life-threatening danger and yet decides to face her fears, growing into an admirable individual. A strong spirit who doesn't let evil taint her pure heart. Her character truly brings out the protective side of you, as it does mine: I just want to hug her! A true survivor. You will root for her and cheer her on from start to end. It's easily one of my favourite FMCs.
Next, we meet Cade, our mysterious and strong MMC, who is in many ways her saviour. I like how gentle and patient he is with her: especially at the start of their encounter and how protective he is over her wellbeing. His possessive streak is a cherry on the cake, of course. And the way this man yearns for her? Excuse me? Chef's kiss! Their relationship isn't perfect, and you will experience a rollercoaster of emotions, which actually creates an aura of realism. It's not an insta-love, definitely a slow-burn, but does build into something that is steamy, intense, and HAWT. He's such a delicious man.
This story is honestly quite dark, so please check your triggers before diving in. It's raw, gritty, and wild. The spice is another aspect that makes it so brilliant: it's so well written that I must say, causes me to blush and fan my face in recollection. The world building is simply immaculate: the details and explanation is shown, just thrown at you, which I appreciate. I can imagine everything vividly. The pacing is good, doesn't drag at all, keeps the intrigue. Every character brings their own vibes, good or bad - Angel can get this flying kick to the dark side of the moon, thank you very much. Some of the other side characters are fun.
If you like a darkly tragic world of post-apocalyptic romance, that has cannibals, action and danger, trauma and healing, trust and pain, heavy spice and morally grey characters, inner demons and more, then this one is for you!
~I received an advance review copy for free via Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.~
Out of Fives;
⛓️🩸𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
🩸⛓️𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
⛓️🩸𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🩸⛓️𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🥀🥀🥀🥀
⛓️🩸𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈:🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
🩸⛓️𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈:💋💋💋💋💋
⛓️🩸𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
🩸⛓️𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆:🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓
⛓️🩸𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅/𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆:🩸🩸🩸🩸
🩸⛓️𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:💥💥💥💥💥
⛓️🩸𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏:❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
🩸⛓️𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓:⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
⛓️🩸𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
🩸⛓️𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲
⛓️🩸𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒂 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🩸⛓️𝑪𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
⛓️🩸𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
🩸⛓️𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
⛓️🩸𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🩸⛓️𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
⛓️🩸𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
🩸⛓️𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 2.5
⛓️🩸𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 360.
🩸⛓️𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 36.
⛓️🩸𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑫𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒂𝒏, 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒄.
🩸⛓️𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 : 7 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 2025.
⛓️🩸𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🩸⛓️𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes;
⛓️🩸𝓓𝔂𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓹𝓲𝓪𝓷 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭
🩸⛓️𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓽-𝓐𝓹𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓵𝔂𝓹𝓽𝓲𝓬
⛓️🩸𝓜𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓮𝔂 𝓕𝓜𝓒 & 𝓜𝓜𝓒
🩸⛓️𝓒𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓸𝓻/𝓒𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓗𝓾𝓻𝓽/𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽
🩸⛓️𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓢𝓵𝓸𝔀-𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷
🩸⛓️𝓐𝓵𝓹𝓱𝓪/𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓜𝓜𝓒
⛓️🩸𝓕𝓲𝓮𝓻𝓬𝓮/𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓕𝓜𝓒
🩸⛓️𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓗𝓮𝓻 & 𝓓*𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓸𝓻 𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱
🩸⛓️𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂
⛓️🩸𝓗𝓲𝓰𝓱 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🩸⛓️𝓑𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭 & 𝓖𝓸𝓻𝓮
⛓️🩸𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
🩸⛓️𝓗𝓔𝓐
This book is a standalone in the same world of "The Wastelander Series" and can be read as a standalone. I haven't read any of the books before this one in this series, but the synopsis really caught my attention, so here I am! I'm so happy for the opportunity. The plot is extremely heavy, and I recommend that please check your triggers: find them all on the author's website.
Asha, our FMC, is a strong and persevering character. She's fierce in the sense that how much she has gone through, her hardships and trauma will make your heart ache, but you love how she fights for herself and doesn't give up no matter how hard, how dark and scary the world becomes. Through her journey, she faces life-threatening danger and yet decides to face her fears, growing into an admirable individual. A strong spirit who doesn't let evil taint her pure heart. Her character truly brings out the protective side of you, as it does mine: I just want to hug her! A true survivor. You will root for her and cheer her on from start to end. It's easily one of my favourite FMCs.
Next, we meet Cade, our mysterious and strong MMC, who is in many ways her saviour. I like how gentle and patient he is with her: especially at the start of their encounter and how protective he is over her wellbeing. His possessive streak is a cherry on the cake, of course. And the way this man yearns for her? Excuse me? Chef's kiss! Their relationship isn't perfect, and you will experience a rollercoaster of emotions, which actually creates an aura of realism. It's not an insta-love, definitely a slow-burn, but does build into something that is steamy, intense, and HAWT. He's such a delicious man.
This story is honestly quite dark, so please check your triggers before diving in. It's raw, gritty, and wild. The spice is another aspect that makes it so brilliant: it's so well written that I must say, causes me to blush and fan my face in recollection. The world building is simply immaculate: the details and explanation is shown, just thrown at you, which I appreciate. I can imagine everything vividly. The pacing is good, doesn't drag at all, keeps the intrigue. Every character brings their own vibes, good or bad - Angel can get this flying kick to the dark side of the moon, thank you very much. Some of the other side characters are fun.
If you like a darkly tragic world of post-apocalyptic romance, that has cannibals, action and danger, trauma and healing, trust and pain, heavy spice and morally grey characters, inner demons and more, then this one is for you!
~I received an advance review copy for free via Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.~
Out of Fives;
⛓️🩸𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
🩸⛓️𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
⛓️🩸𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🩸⛓️𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🥀🥀🥀🥀
⛓️🩸𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈:🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
🩸⛓️𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈:💋💋💋💋💋
⛓️🩸𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
🩸⛓️𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆:🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓
⛓️🩸𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅/𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆:🩸🩸🩸🩸
🩸⛓️𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:💥💥💥💥💥
⛓️🩸𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏:❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
🩸⛓️𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓:⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
⛓️🩸𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
🩸⛓️𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲
⛓️🩸𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒂 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🩸⛓️𝑪𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
⛓️🩸𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
🩸⛓️𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
⛓️🩸𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🩸⛓️𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
⛓️🩸𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
🩸⛓️𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 2.5
⛓️🩸𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 360.
🩸⛓️𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 36.
⛓️🩸𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑫𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒂𝒏, 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒄.
🩸⛓️𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 : 7 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 2025.
⛓️🩸𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🩸⛓️𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 8, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Fierce and Unforgettable Dystopian Saga of Loss and Leverage
E. S. Luck’s Darkness I Become is a truly compelling addition to the post-apocalyptic genre, delivering a story that is as morally complex as it is action-packed. We begin in the isolated Compound, home to Asha Agarwal, a setting that feels safe until it is violently destroyed. The initial devastation serves as a terrifying catalyst, brutally pulling Asha out of her carefully constructed reality and into the lawless, unforgiving Wasteland. The world-building here is top-tier; it is visceral and immediate, showcasing the dark extremes of humanity that have surfaced thirty years after the collapse. This rapid, forced transformation is captivating, setting Asha on a path of unrelenting trials. 💀
Asha’s rapid descent into a world of pure survival quickly follows. After surviving a harrowing encounter with bloodthirsty cannibals, her luck runs out at a slave market. Facing certain degradation, she makes the most pivotal decision of her life: trading her precarious freedom for a calculated alliance with Cade, a ruthless figure in a powerful local gang. Cade is not a typical hero; he is complex, dangerous, and operates purely on self-interest, making the trust between them fragile and highly charged. Their dynamic creates an immediate, intense romantic tension that is compelling because of the life-or-death stakes.
The primary conflict is magnified by Angel, the gang leader, whose depraved interest in torturing Asha becomes a constant, terrifying threat. Asha faces hurdle after hurdle, not just from outside threats, but from the internal politics and brutal demands of gang life. E. S. Luck masterfully explores the emotional and psychological toll of compromise. Asha’s struggle is deeply personal; she fights to hold onto the last shreds of her integrity against the escalating darkness required for survival. The writing is utterly compelling, maintaining a rapid pace and a sense of mounting dread as the "deal with the devil" looms over the protagonists. Characters like Angel are detestable in the best way, making the tension between Cade's protective yet dangerous nature and Asha's resilience totally unforgettable. This novel is emotionally charged and ultimately provides a deeply satisfying resolution to Asha's immediate conflicts, although the conclusion is hard-earned and far from a simple fairy-tale ending. 🔥
Thank you, E. S. Luck, for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion
Woo Hoo!
A Fierce and Unforgettable Dystopian Saga of Loss and Leverage
E. S. Luck’s Darkness I Become is a truly compelling addition to the post-apocalyptic genre, delivering a story that is as morally complex as it is action-packed. We begin in the isolated Compound, home to Asha Agarwal, a setting that feels safe until it is violently destroyed. The initial devastation serves as a terrifying catalyst, brutally pulling Asha out of her carefully constructed reality and into the lawless, unforgiving Wasteland. The world-building here is top-tier; it is visceral and immediate, showcasing the dark extremes of humanity that have surfaced thirty years after the collapse. This rapid, forced transformation is captivating, setting Asha on a path of unrelenting trials. 💀
Asha’s rapid descent into a world of pure survival quickly follows. After surviving a harrowing encounter with bloodthirsty cannibals, her luck runs out at a slave market. Facing certain degradation, she makes the most pivotal decision of her life: trading her precarious freedom for a calculated alliance with Cade, a ruthless figure in a powerful local gang. Cade is not a typical hero; he is complex, dangerous, and operates purely on self-interest, making the trust between them fragile and highly charged. Their dynamic creates an immediate, intense romantic tension that is compelling because of the life-or-death stakes.
The primary conflict is magnified by Angel, the gang leader, whose depraved interest in torturing Asha becomes a constant, terrifying threat. Asha faces hurdle after hurdle, not just from outside threats, but from the internal politics and brutal demands of gang life. E. S. Luck masterfully explores the emotional and psychological toll of compromise. Asha’s struggle is deeply personal; she fights to hold onto the last shreds of her integrity against the escalating darkness required for survival. The writing is utterly compelling, maintaining a rapid pace and a sense of mounting dread as the "deal with the devil" looms over the protagonists. Characters like Angel are detestable in the best way, making the tension between Cade's protective yet dangerous nature and Asha's resilience totally unforgettable. This novel is emotionally charged and ultimately provides a deeply satisfying resolution to Asha's immediate conflicts, although the conclusion is hard-earned and far from a simple fairy-tale ending. 🔥
Thank you, E. S. Luck, for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion
Woo Hoo!
October 30, 2025
Survival in a brutal post-apocalyptic world.
Asha Agarwal grew up in a compound that was created to protect the world's most powerful from the people who survived the apocalypse and who live outside the walls and that have always been referred to as Wastelanders. After an attack on her compound, Asha and her best friend Claire are thrown out of the compound and quickly realize that no matter the level of education they received, the chances of their survival in the outside world is slim. After being attacked by cannibals they are separated and Asha has to assume that her best friend is dead. Wandering alone in the Wasteland Asha is soon captured by one of the many gangs that roam throughout the wastelands and will find herself up for auction as a slave. She catches the eye of a member of one of the gangs, Cade, and makes a deal with him; she will be his woman for his protection from the other gang members and more importantly, their brutal leader, Angel.
I absolutely loved this book, although I have to say that there is some very disturbing and graphic content that could be triggering for some readers. I have to admit that more often than not, I did not find Asha to be a verylikeable character. While I could empathize with her, I found some of her actions and reactions quite disturbing, and I could say pretty much the same about Cade. This is their love story though, so while I might not have liked them very much, they have some sizzling hot chemistry, and their interactions were very steamy. Bottom line they are two damaged individuals who manage to find love in a brutal and unforgiving world full of violence. This author has built a fascinating and savage world. Whether the characters were in one of the compounds, in the Wasteland, or the farming community referred to as the Valley, each of these communities(?) has a complex and intriguing system of social hierarchy and governance that is stunningly realistic and sometimes unsettling. This book is packed with action, brutal violence and murder, intimate and steamy interactions between the main characters, and best of all a happily ever after. I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a fantastic, and very dark romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provide by the author.
Asha Agarwal grew up in a compound that was created to protect the world's most powerful from the people who survived the apocalypse and who live outside the walls and that have always been referred to as Wastelanders. After an attack on her compound, Asha and her best friend Claire are thrown out of the compound and quickly realize that no matter the level of education they received, the chances of their survival in the outside world is slim. After being attacked by cannibals they are separated and Asha has to assume that her best friend is dead. Wandering alone in the Wasteland Asha is soon captured by one of the many gangs that roam throughout the wastelands and will find herself up for auction as a slave. She catches the eye of a member of one of the gangs, Cade, and makes a deal with him; she will be his woman for his protection from the other gang members and more importantly, their brutal leader, Angel.
I absolutely loved this book, although I have to say that there is some very disturbing and graphic content that could be triggering for some readers. I have to admit that more often than not, I did not find Asha to be a verylikeable character. While I could empathize with her, I found some of her actions and reactions quite disturbing, and I could say pretty much the same about Cade. This is their love story though, so while I might not have liked them very much, they have some sizzling hot chemistry, and their interactions were very steamy. Bottom line they are two damaged individuals who manage to find love in a brutal and unforgiving world full of violence. This author has built a fascinating and savage world. Whether the characters were in one of the compounds, in the Wasteland, or the farming community referred to as the Valley, each of these communities(?) has a complex and intriguing system of social hierarchy and governance that is stunningly realistic and sometimes unsettling. This book is packed with action, brutal violence and murder, intimate and steamy interactions between the main characters, and best of all a happily ever after. I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a fantastic, and very dark romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provide by the author.
November 8, 2025
Rating: 4/5 stars
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Thoughts:
Darkness I Become is a dark romance that takes place in a futuristic, gritty post-apocalyptic world. Similarly to how I felt about this author’s previous books, I am once again in awe of the compelling way she describes action scenes and fear.
In the previously released book within this series, Asha is an antagonist and a former friend of the female lead. A lot happened in the previous stories, and several conclusions were intentionally left on mysterious terms–each one to be answered in a later book. These questions made Asha's perspective and individual journey feel so essential to her character's depth and the enjoyment of the overarching plot. As expected from this author’s storytelling style, this book’s complex struggles are rendered intricately but in a way that is easy to understand.
Cade and Asha’s relationship is messy but filled with endearing moments. There is a lot of romantic development that happens in their quiet moments, which feels impactful given the precarious world they live in. They live a harsh life, and witnessing their romance blossom in the worst of moments gives this story an unexpected sweetness. Additionally, their unique pairing paves the way for memorable steamy interactions, including one that involves another partner casually.
Although there were so many strong storytelling elements to this story, I could not fully connect with the motivations of either character in this book, but this is purely related to my own taste and not the quality of the book. Both main characters are complex, and it is clear that they lived a life of survival and desperation.
I believe that readers who appreciate darker characters who are changed by war and trying situations will appreciate this book. Please mind the trigger warnings that the author has written prior to reading!
I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Thoughts:
Darkness I Become is a dark romance that takes place in a futuristic, gritty post-apocalyptic world. Similarly to how I felt about this author’s previous books, I am once again in awe of the compelling way she describes action scenes and fear.
In the previously released book within this series, Asha is an antagonist and a former friend of the female lead. A lot happened in the previous stories, and several conclusions were intentionally left on mysterious terms–each one to be answered in a later book. These questions made Asha's perspective and individual journey feel so essential to her character's depth and the enjoyment of the overarching plot. As expected from this author’s storytelling style, this book’s complex struggles are rendered intricately but in a way that is easy to understand.
Cade and Asha’s relationship is messy but filled with endearing moments. There is a lot of romantic development that happens in their quiet moments, which feels impactful given the precarious world they live in. They live a harsh life, and witnessing their romance blossom in the worst of moments gives this story an unexpected sweetness. Additionally, their unique pairing paves the way for memorable steamy interactions, including one that involves another partner casually.
Although there were so many strong storytelling elements to this story, I could not fully connect with the motivations of either character in this book, but this is purely related to my own taste and not the quality of the book. Both main characters are complex, and it is clear that they lived a life of survival and desperation.
I believe that readers who appreciate darker characters who are changed by war and trying situations will appreciate this book. Please mind the trigger warnings that the author has written prior to reading!
I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2025
✨BETA REVIEW✨ Darkness I Become by @e.s.luck_author
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Welcome to the Wasteland! Darkness I Become is a stand alone in the Wastelander series based on Asha’s experience after being spared from the compound and forced into the Wasteland. This book shows the darker path that our FMC Asha was forced to take and endure to survive in the Wasteland. Having read both Wastelander and Outsider, you can absolutely read this book first OR third.
I highly recommend you read the trigger warnings before opening this book. The Wasteland has a darker side and Asha experienced it. After being sold into the slave trade and purchase by gang member Cade, Asha needs to learn how to live as a second class citizen, owned by Cade in public. However, her cherishes her behind closed doors.
Much like the other two books in this series, Darkness I Become is a spicy post-apocalyptic romance that will give you all the feels. In this book you’ll find forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and touch her and ☠️
This is a must read!
Last but not least, a big thanks to E.S. for honoring me with a beta read! This was my first time beta reading a book and I LOVED IT!
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Welcome to the Wasteland! Darkness I Become is a stand alone in the Wastelander series based on Asha’s experience after being spared from the compound and forced into the Wasteland. This book shows the darker path that our FMC Asha was forced to take and endure to survive in the Wasteland. Having read both Wastelander and Outsider, you can absolutely read this book first OR third.
I highly recommend you read the trigger warnings before opening this book. The Wasteland has a darker side and Asha experienced it. After being sold into the slave trade and purchase by gang member Cade, Asha needs to learn how to live as a second class citizen, owned by Cade in public. However, her cherishes her behind closed doors.
Much like the other two books in this series, Darkness I Become is a spicy post-apocalyptic romance that will give you all the feels. In this book you’ll find forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and touch her and ☠️
This is a must read!
Last but not least, a big thanks to E.S. for honoring me with a beta read! This was my first time beta reading a book and I LOVED IT!
October 3, 2025
“Darkness I Become” is set in the Wastelander universe. It’s a standalone from Asha’s perspective after she is separated from Claire to the point where “The Outsider” takes place. Her journey is dark and full of trauma, so please read trigger warnings carefully. I think the book can be read on its own or after “The Outsider,” which is also nice.
Asha is such a strong character, and I was so excited to see what happened to her after life on the compound. She is dealt a horrible hand (no spoilers here), but she perseveres and grows stronger. The characters remain true to themselves throughout. Then there’s Cade.
Cade is such a strong character. I loved his dual nature of who he was to everyone else, and then the connection between him and Asha. Their relationship, while forced to start, was a journey of its own. The spice was well placed, which gave realism to their relationship. The worldbuilding was on point, and the plot pacing was well done.
If you like high spice, secrets, morally grey characters, hurt/comfort, groveling, in a post-apocalyptic setting then this is one you don’t want to miss.
Asha is such a strong character, and I was so excited to see what happened to her after life on the compound. She is dealt a horrible hand (no spoilers here), but she perseveres and grows stronger. The characters remain true to themselves throughout. Then there’s Cade.
Cade is such a strong character. I loved his dual nature of who he was to everyone else, and then the connection between him and Asha. Their relationship, while forced to start, was a journey of its own. The spice was well placed, which gave realism to their relationship. The worldbuilding was on point, and the plot pacing was well done.
If you like high spice, secrets, morally grey characters, hurt/comfort, groveling, in a post-apocalyptic setting then this is one you don’t want to miss.
October 3, 2025
I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to read this book! Throughout the reading of wasteland, especially when Claire and Asha are reunited again I was played constantly with the questions of where was Asha at all this time, what truly happened to her to make her so bitter, And of course, did she die? While I loved Wastelander, I truly empathized with Asha’s character, there was a draw to her, even with the things that she said, and she behaved. Reading this book, I truly understood why I felt that towards her. I’ve experienced many similar things in my life to her, but in reality, never got to truly express how I felt because I never had someone that I completely trusted the way that she trusts Cade . Their dynamic is beautiful, upfront and raw.. He allows her to unburden herself and she also gives him the space to do so as well. Their love is more more primal and brutal in some ways, but more realistic as well. I absolutely loved this book and was riveted from beginning to end! I definitely can’t wait to see what else E.S. Luck writes next, I know it will be amazing! Definitely one of my favorite reads!
October 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW -
I devoured this book. I have The Wastelander series on my TBR and got the opportunity to ARC read this amazing story. Holy smokes Batman. The story is dark, gritty, uncomfortable at times and I genuinely could not put it down. The world building, the settlements, the journey, the wilderness, it all gave me Mad Max meets Book of Eli vibes. It had romance, it had thrills and it made you FEEL.
Asha has had such a difficult life and you learn that it just keeps getting harder for her. But E wrote her journey so beautifully. As a survivor, Asha never lost her fight and I truly appreciated giving back the fight to survivors. Asha struggled, broke her soul, fought and survived yet she was still fighting to survive and I think that is beautiful.
Cade is a new book boyfriend, the yearninggggggg was delish. Their relationship throughout the book gave me ups and downs, just like a real life relationship would give you. I loved how their darkness spoke to each other’s and the comfort they found in each other as well.
I cannot wait to read more on Dom, Leo, and Lana! I’m truly hooked on this universe now!
I devoured this book. I have The Wastelander series on my TBR and got the opportunity to ARC read this amazing story. Holy smokes Batman. The story is dark, gritty, uncomfortable at times and I genuinely could not put it down. The world building, the settlements, the journey, the wilderness, it all gave me Mad Max meets Book of Eli vibes. It had romance, it had thrills and it made you FEEL.
Asha has had such a difficult life and you learn that it just keeps getting harder for her. But E wrote her journey so beautifully. As a survivor, Asha never lost her fight and I truly appreciated giving back the fight to survivors. Asha struggled, broke her soul, fought and survived yet she was still fighting to survive and I think that is beautiful.
Cade is a new book boyfriend, the yearninggggggg was delish. Their relationship throughout the book gave me ups and downs, just like a real life relationship would give you. I loved how their darkness spoke to each other’s and the comfort they found in each other as well.
I cannot wait to read more on Dom, Leo, and Lana! I’m truly hooked on this universe now!
November 6, 2025
This was a really good read, but boy was this was a dark one. Make sure to check the TW if needed. Darkness I Become is technically a standalone set in the Wastelander universe, but I think you get a better understanding with knowledge of the other books and their characters. The author does do a good job of explaining things though, so its not 100% necessary.
This is Asha's side of the story, and man she is put through some hell. Women are not treated kindly at all in this world and Asha is no exception. What she goes through is pretty tragic and there is a lot of healing that she needs to do, luckily Cade is there to help. Cade, whew, he is a good MMC. There is a lot of trust building and its a slow burn for good reason, but when the spice hits, its really good:
"Please," she finally whispered. "I want more."
"Ah," Cade said knowingly. "Good. She knows how to beg."
This is is intense, dark and very steamy, so definitely recommend if you like dark romance and especially in a Post Apocalypse setting.
MF Dark Romance
Post Apocalyptic
Captor/Captive
Forced Proximity
Hurt / Comfort
Survival Training
Possessive MMC
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
This is Asha's side of the story, and man she is put through some hell. Women are not treated kindly at all in this world and Asha is no exception. What she goes through is pretty tragic and there is a lot of healing that she needs to do, luckily Cade is there to help. Cade, whew, he is a good MMC. There is a lot of trust building and its a slow burn for good reason, but when the spice hits, its really good:
"Please," she finally whispered. "I want more."
"Ah," Cade said knowingly. "Good. She knows how to beg."
This is is intense, dark and very steamy, so definitely recommend if you like dark romance and especially in a Post Apocalypse setting.
MF Dark Romance
Post Apocalyptic
Captor/Captive
Forced Proximity
Hurt / Comfort
Survival Training
Possessive MMC
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
October 14, 2025
ARC Review- BookSirens
Darkness I Become by E.S Luck
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pub Date: Nov 7, 2025
Genre: Post Apocalyptic/Dark Romance/Dystopian
I really liked this Post Apocalyptic Romance. Asha was in a compound away from the evil and bad in the world and one day her compound gets raided and she escapes not wanting to go out to the wastelands. She is kidnapped and put on the sl*ve market and comes across unusual man Cade. So then come up with a plan of being together and she is protected. They start really falling for each other and I absolutely hate the leader Angel. He tries so much to take advantage of Asha but she can’t stand it so to prove her worth she begs Cade to join his military forces and go out in the old with him and his men and she trains vigorously and doesn’t take anything from anyone. This was pretty good plot with lots of action and stuff. I enjoyed this read. There’s a lot of spicy romance between Asha and Cade and something else happens that I’m not gonna spoil.
Darkness I Become by E.S Luck
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pub Date: Nov 7, 2025
Genre: Post Apocalyptic/Dark Romance/Dystopian
I really liked this Post Apocalyptic Romance. Asha was in a compound away from the evil and bad in the world and one day her compound gets raided and she escapes not wanting to go out to the wastelands. She is kidnapped and put on the sl*ve market and comes across unusual man Cade. So then come up with a plan of being together and she is protected. They start really falling for each other and I absolutely hate the leader Angel. He tries so much to take advantage of Asha but she can’t stand it so to prove her worth she begs Cade to join his military forces and go out in the old with him and his men and she trains vigorously and doesn’t take anything from anyone. This was pretty good plot with lots of action and stuff. I enjoyed this read. There’s a lot of spicy romance between Asha and Cade and something else happens that I’m not gonna spoil.
November 7, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better!
This a spin off book following Asha on a parallel timeline to Claire and John's story and is by far the darkest book of series to date.
Going in, I wasn't sure how I would feel about Asha's story given what we know about her from The Wastelander and The Outsider. That being said I now have a better understanding of her life and how it influenced her personality and the choices she made. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Asha from her POV.
Through her journey we meet Cade (hello new book husband) our morally grey MMC and from the moment Cade locks eyes with Asha, there is literally nothing he wouldn't do for her.
I loved their story and relationship. How they understand each other on a soul deep level and even through all their faults and morally grey tendencies still managed to be vulnerable with each other and love deeply - after all they've been through they still found their own piece of happiness 🖤❤️🖤
This book was a perfect accomplement to The Wastelander series.
This a spin off book following Asha on a parallel timeline to Claire and John's story and is by far the darkest book of series to date.
Going in, I wasn't sure how I would feel about Asha's story given what we know about her from The Wastelander and The Outsider. That being said I now have a better understanding of her life and how it influenced her personality and the choices she made. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Asha from her POV.
Through her journey we meet Cade (hello new book husband) our morally grey MMC and from the moment Cade locks eyes with Asha, there is literally nothing he wouldn't do for her.
I loved their story and relationship. How they understand each other on a soul deep level and even through all their faults and morally grey tendencies still managed to be vulnerable with each other and love deeply - after all they've been through they still found their own piece of happiness 🖤❤️🖤
This book was a perfect accomplement to The Wastelander series.
December 20, 2025
Loved this! And the dynamic? And how he saves her? But also how she saves herself?
Yes, more please.
I ate this up, every juicy bit of it.
Flawed characters? Yes, but a damn good time.
She is so much stronger than she ever thought and he shows her that. But she shows him that it's okay to be vulnerable and it's safe with the right person.
The world is awful and so is Angel, but this man makes up for the bad we see. He truly makes up for his mistakes and how sweet and gentle he is with her is just precious. But he's also harsh with her when she needs it. It provides a strength for her to test boundaries and find the version of her that makes her happy and has been buried so deep because of her trauma.
Also knew this was part of a series, but to find out after the fact that the base series is about her friend who she thought she left behind? My god, I guess I know what I'm reading next by this author.
Yes, more please.
I ate this up, every juicy bit of it.
Flawed characters? Yes, but a damn good time.
She is so much stronger than she ever thought and he shows her that. But she shows him that it's okay to be vulnerable and it's safe with the right person.
The world is awful and so is Angel, but this man makes up for the bad we see. He truly makes up for his mistakes and how sweet and gentle he is with her is just precious. But he's also harsh with her when she needs it. It provides a strength for her to test boundaries and find the version of her that makes her happy and has been buried so deep because of her trauma.
Also knew this was part of a series, but to find out after the fact that the base series is about her friend who she thought she left behind? My god, I guess I know what I'm reading next by this author.
October 10, 2025
Darkness I Become is a spin-off from The Wastelander series. It's advertised as a standalone, but I would definitely read The Wastelander books first. Characters from the other books make appearances, and part of Asha's story is told very quickly to avoid repetition of the other books, which I appreciate because I've read other authors who would have completely retold the entire story. Check your trigger warnings because this one is dark. Asha was not likable in the original books, but in this book, you start to really understand her and empathize, until you're reminded of her previous actions. However, it's the apocalypse, and you do what you have to do, so I'd say it's realistic to how things would really be. Then there's the spice. Oh my, it's spicy, so get ready! I enjoyed it a lot and loved seeing a new perspective on this world. 5 stars!
November 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️4
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book, and I’m so grateful to the author for the chance to read it. It’s a standalone in the Wastelander series and had me hooked from the very first chapter. I’ll admit I found the main character, Asha a little frustrating at times since some of her choices didn’t always make sense for someone without any training, but her determination and will to survive quickly won me over. Cade, the MMC was everything I love in a character. He was compassionate, resourceful, and brutal when he needed to be.
This story explores some dark themes and includes plenty of spice, so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. Overall, it’s a gripping read that I’d highly recommend to anyone who enjoys dark post-apocalyptic romance.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️4
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book, and I’m so grateful to the author for the chance to read it. It’s a standalone in the Wastelander series and had me hooked from the very first chapter. I’ll admit I found the main character, Asha a little frustrating at times since some of her choices didn’t always make sense for someone without any training, but her determination and will to survive quickly won me over. Cade, the MMC was everything I love in a character. He was compassionate, resourceful, and brutal when he needed to be.
This story explores some dark themes and includes plenty of spice, so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. Overall, it’s a gripping read that I’d highly recommend to anyone who enjoys dark post-apocalyptic romance.
November 9, 2025
Top Tier Read for 2025
This is the best new dark romances I have read in a while. This is definitely going on my top reads of 2025. This is a dystopian science fiction survival story (although, light on the sci-fi because really society has gone backwards, Lord of the Flies style). This book will not be for everyone, because there is rape by a non-MC and there also is one FFM threesome with a focus on the FMC.
I loved this book because the world building is stellar and the character development of the MCs is top tier. There is yearning and it is a bit of a slow burn. The FMC is independent, strong and sarcastic. The MMC is tough, possessive and alpha male when necessary, but also is a green flag MMC in a red flag world. Honestly, I don't know if I have ever seen a character like him. The chemistry between these two is perfect.
This is the best new dark romances I have read in a while. This is definitely going on my top reads of 2025. This is a dystopian science fiction survival story (although, light on the sci-fi because really society has gone backwards, Lord of the Flies style). This book will not be for everyone, because there is rape by a non-MC and there also is one FFM threesome with a focus on the FMC.
I loved this book because the world building is stellar and the character development of the MCs is top tier. There is yearning and it is a bit of a slow burn. The FMC is independent, strong and sarcastic. The MMC is tough, possessive and alpha male when necessary, but also is a green flag MMC in a red flag world. Honestly, I don't know if I have ever seen a character like him. The chemistry between these two is perfect.
October 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Darkness I Become was such a great read! It’s connected to The Wastlander Series however, it can easily be read as a standalone. This book follows Asha, a character who in my opinion wasn’t very likable in book two of the main series.. but after reading this, my entire view of her completely changed. It dives deep into her past & everything she went through, showing how her experiences shaped the person she became. It really makes you love her character so much more.
I loved getting to see her story & side of things & understand why she acted the way she did in the main series. It was emotional, dark, & full of heart. I loved seeing Asha's strength, growth & the love story between her & Cade. The way everything tied back into book two made it so good!
Darkness I Become was such a great read! It’s connected to The Wastlander Series however, it can easily be read as a standalone. This book follows Asha, a character who in my opinion wasn’t very likable in book two of the main series.. but after reading this, my entire view of her completely changed. It dives deep into her past & everything she went through, showing how her experiences shaped the person she became. It really makes you love her character so much more.
I loved getting to see her story & side of things & understand why she acted the way she did in the main series. It was emotional, dark, & full of heart. I loved seeing Asha's strength, growth & the love story between her & Cade. The way everything tied back into book two made it so good!
Read
November 7, 2025I was very lucky to get this books ARC version as i wanted to see what had happened to Asha and her story when she got separated from Claire and I wasn't disappointed this is a book about 2 broken people Asha and Cade who come together and help heal each other as they go true a lot of hardship together to get to where they can be together as i got to know Asha in this book I like her more than Claire with what she went trough she is stronger than Claire I love Cade and think he is a better Man then John as he did More to help Asha then John did for Claire . John and Claire had it a lot easier then Asha and Cade I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the waste lander series The one thing I would recomend you do before you read this book is to read the wast lander books first
November 7, 2025
This spin off book is from the Wastelander series, I recommend you read the first book to follow along. But, this book gives enough insight that alludes to what happens in book one.
With that being said: Check ALL TRIGGERS!!!
Spice 3.5/5 Survival 10/10 touch her and died!!
FMC: Asha was sheltered all her life in a bunker then fights for her life in a post-apocalyptic world, will she survive? Cannibals? Being held captive? Her rage?
MMC: Cade a soldier through and through try’s to keep his men alive and keep the peace amongst the lands. Morally grey, sure multiple shades. Will he survive her? We will see.
This book will have you asking yourself,”what would you do in their cases?” “What choice does she have?” And “I what happens next?”
With that being said: Check ALL TRIGGERS!!!
Spice 3.5/5 Survival 10/10 touch her and died!!
FMC: Asha was sheltered all her life in a bunker then fights for her life in a post-apocalyptic world, will she survive? Cannibals? Being held captive? Her rage?
MMC: Cade a soldier through and through try’s to keep his men alive and keep the peace amongst the lands. Morally grey, sure multiple shades. Will he survive her? We will see.
This book will have you asking yourself,”what would you do in their cases?” “What choice does she have?” And “I what happens next?”
November 7, 2025
The story started off strong and definitely caught my attention, but the pacing and writing felt uneven in places. Some scenes felt rushed, and the repetitive use of certain words like “leer” (which showed up five times in just two pages) pulled me out of the story a bit.
That said, the author clearly has a lot of potential and a strong foundation for what could easily become an amazing book for me. I genuinely liked Cade as a character, but the emotional moments felt a bit forced, and the lack of deeper characterization made it harder to fully connect.
Even though this one wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, I know plenty of readers who will absolutely love it. There’s definitely promise here, I’ll be keeping an eye out for what this author does next.
That said, the author clearly has a lot of potential and a strong foundation for what could easily become an amazing book for me. I genuinely liked Cade as a character, but the emotional moments felt a bit forced, and the lack of deeper characterization made it harder to fully connect.
Even though this one wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, I know plenty of readers who will absolutely love it. There’s definitely promise here, I’ll be keeping an eye out for what this author does next.
October 31, 2025
I am grateful to have received this ARC for free and my opinion is entirely my own.
I really liked this book! Our fmc Asha has to flee for her life and find a way to survive in an unfamiliar world. The things that she had to endure completely breaks my heart as well as what the other girls go through.
Our mmc Cade, is so gentle with Asha, it is actually adorable. His background as to why he had to flee is so sad and I understand what he had to do to survive.
Overall, I think this is a great book and will definitely be checking out the main series. This book does contain strong subjects, so definitely read trigger warnings.
I really liked this book! Our fmc Asha has to flee for her life and find a way to survive in an unfamiliar world. The things that she had to endure completely breaks my heart as well as what the other girls go through.
Our mmc Cade, is so gentle with Asha, it is actually adorable. His background as to why he had to flee is so sad and I understand what he had to do to survive.
Overall, I think this is a great book and will definitely be checking out the main series. This book does contain strong subjects, so definitely read trigger warnings.
October 14, 2025
What’s so great about this story is its expansion on ES Luck’s Wastelander series. The post apocalyptic world that ES Luck creates is dark, heartbreaking, and nail bitingly good as you follow her characters. The FMC Asha is not the easiest to love, but coupled with the gripping setting and seeing the reasons behind why she does the things she does makes this read a 5/5. I look forward to reading more from ES Luck’s Wastelander series, as well as a continued expansion of her post apocalyptic world as she writes the unique stories of newly introduced side characters in Darkness I Become.
October 20, 2025
This could be read as a standalone, but in my opinion, you really need to read the other books to get the full picture and experience. Cade is my favorite MMC, but Claire still holds the top spot as my favorite FMC. Asha's story is one of true tragedy and heartbreak. Finding her happy ending in the middle of the apocalypse is both devastating and beautiful. I love this world; it's so intense and exciting. My biggest complaint is the big fight that happens... but honestly, if it hadn’t, she wouldn’t have reconnected with Claire, so I get it.
October 29, 2025
Darkness I become❤️
I got this book as an Arc and i loved it❤️😍
Dark romamce , dystopian 🤯😍immediately sold
I lobe dystopian books so much they are my soft spot , combined with romance they are masterpieces ❤️🥰
Well i loved the protagonists and i loved the bunder of the couple.❤️ their connection was interesting, deep and not superficial at all. I didn’t felt like they were insta love and i really appreciated that❤️
The plot was interesting and i really enjoyed the world the author has created. It wasn’t complex to understand.
At the beginning it was a little weird because they literally sold her in an auction 🥹🙂
But i really liked the book
Check the trigger warnings please❤️
The book is not the darkest book but it is dark so please check them out
Rating: 4⭐️
I got this book as an Arc and i loved it❤️😍
Dark romamce , dystopian 🤯😍immediately sold
I lobe dystopian books so much they are my soft spot , combined with romance they are masterpieces ❤️🥰
Well i loved the protagonists and i loved the bunder of the couple.❤️ their connection was interesting, deep and not superficial at all. I didn’t felt like they were insta love and i really appreciated that❤️
The plot was interesting and i really enjoyed the world the author has created. It wasn’t complex to understand.
At the beginning it was a little weird because they literally sold her in an auction 🥹🙂
But i really liked the book
Check the trigger warnings please❤️
The book is not the darkest book but it is dark so please check them out
Rating: 4⭐️
October 27, 2025
Honestly, to say I binged this book is an understatement. The descriptions of scenes in the book paint a vivid picture in your mind like a movie. The way that the FMC, Asha, stands against the norm throughout the story, despite the rising challenges she faces, is admirable. Her obstinate determination makes her a strongly relatable character. I think that the suspense on each page keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next and when. While this story has some dark moments, I found myself enjoying it with every chapter read.
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