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MasterMind is a STANDALONE, but it's suggested that you read Mad Girl (The Chronicles of Anna Monroe) and Never Far if you wish to connect more with the characters.
Being a victim was something Anna Monroe knew all too well. When three girls go missing, she’s pulled back into the haunting memories of her past. Not just as a captive to a serial killer…but as a killer, herself. She knows she has to do everything in her power to get them back. What Anna doesn’t prepare for is the latest victim’s obsessive boyfriend.
Boston Marks will stop at nothing to find Lucy. With girls showing up dead, he doesn’t have much time. Anna is the key to unraveling this mystery, but will their special skills be enough to outsmart a killer? Or is their paring exactly what he wants?
Anna and Boston think they have everything figured out. Little do they know, nothing is as it appears. Every clue they discover, I’ve strategically placed. Every suspicion they get, I’ve already calculated. They think they stand a chance against me. They’re wrong. I’m not just the messiah to murders. I’m the mastermind behind them all.
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE
OBLIVION ⌧
WARNINGS: This story is categorized as OBLIVION on the PITCH BLACK scale. It is the DARKEST of DARK.
Proceed with caution.
Being a victim was something Anna Monroe knew all too well. When three girls go missing, she’s pulled back into the haunting memories of her past. Not just as a captive to a serial killer…but as a killer, herself. She knows she has to do everything in her power to get them back. What Anna doesn’t prepare for is the latest victim’s obsessive boyfriend.
Boston Marks will stop at nothing to find Lucy. With girls showing up dead, he doesn’t have much time. Anna is the key to unraveling this mystery, but will their special skills be enough to outsmart a killer? Or is their paring exactly what he wants?
Anna and Boston think they have everything figured out. Little do they know, nothing is as it appears. Every clue they discover, I’ve strategically placed. Every suspicion they get, I’ve already calculated. They think they stand a chance against me. They’re wrong. I’m not just the messiah to murders. I’m the mastermind behind them all.
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE
OBLIVION ⌧
WARNINGS: This story is categorized as OBLIVION on the PITCH BLACK scale. It is the DARKEST of DARK.
Proceed with caution.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2018
66 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Dark
45 books1,730 followersA. A. Dark is an International Bestselling Author. She doesn’t live in one place for long and is known to move at the drop of a dime. From mountains and snow to tropical beaches, she could be at one in the morning and the other by night. A. A. is a Goodreads Choice Award Finalist in Horror. She is also the President and CEO of Mad Girl Publishing, and the founder for the Pitch Black brand.
Look for the boxes to see the rating.
PITCH BLACK ⌧
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION ⌧
**CAUTION when reading.**
Look for the boxes to see the rating.
PITCH BLACK ⌧
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION ⌧
**CAUTION when reading.**
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 14, 2020
Cuidado! esta reseña tiene spoiler de Mad Girl y de MasterMind.
MasterMind es el segundo y ultimo libro de la saga The Chronicles Of Anna Monroe, y continua narrando la historia de Anna y Braden.
La palabra que me viene a la mente para describir este libro es perturbador, la novela lleva la idea de thriller a un extremo con el que me he topado en muy contadas ocasiones, no solo la trama es oscura y agobiante sino que ademas sus personajes son igual de retorcidos, lo que da como resultado una lectura muy dificil de olvidar pero tambien muy dificil de leer, verdaderamente hay escenas con las que tuve que tomar un descanso entre medias por lo muy escalofriantes que eran, y eso que no me considero demasiado sensible, pero realmente la autora sabe como narrar para conseguir que tu piel se llene de escalofrios.
Como ya habia leido su predecesora, la parte " intensa " no me afecto tanto como en mi debut con la serie, aun asi, en esta segunda parte no disminuye la violencia, las escenas sangrientas y retorcidas, es mas, si es posible son aun mas impactantes.
Despues de todo lo que he dicho se preguntaran porque continuo leyendo estas novelas, y la respuesta es que no tengo idea, las lecturas de A. A. Dark no son sencillas pero al igual que lo retorcido te impresiona tambien te atrapa, no se explicarlo, pero estas historias por muy crueles y complicadas de leer que me resulten, tambien me hechizan y ya no puedo dejar de pasar las paginas.
Durante la primera mitad de MasterMind estuve gratamente sorprendida, no obstante, en la segunda mitad suceden ciertas revelaciones que no me agradaron nada, senti que no encajaban con lo que venia conociendo de Boston y Anna, en ese sentido tuve la impresion de que la escritora erro un poquito con su forma de llevar el asunto.
En cuanto al final debo decir que no me tomo por sorpresa, me lo esperaba de esa forma, tal vez porque durante todo el libro te va preparando para un solo desenlace, aunque este no sea completamente de tu agrado, a mi personalmente me dejo satisfecha, creo que es un cierre muy muy adecuado y realista, sobre todo despues de todo lo que han atravesado Anna, Braden, Lucy, Boston y compañia.
En resumen, este cierre de bilogia me gusto, no se lo recomendaria a cualquiera porque creo que no es para todo el mundo, sin embargo, no descarto leer algo mas de la autora en un tiempo, ahora mismo tengo las emociones a flor de piel y no creo que pudiera " aguantar " otro libro de este estilo pero en unos meses puede que repita.
3 Estrellas!
Read
May 5, 2018I am speechless and I honestly don’t know how to process what happened to one of my favourite couple by this author. I think I will await the next book before giving rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2018
Noooo
I am i the only one that didnt like the way this heart breaking story went? I wish i didnt read it. :(
I am i the only one that didnt like the way this heart breaking story went? I wish i didnt read it. :(
January 10, 2023
Mastermind is the Anna and Boston crossover. It's ugly, dark, and emotional. As you continue to read each book, each book is darker than the previous one. On my dark scale, it's pitch black.
My heart broke for Anna and Braden in the aftermath while trying to heal. Boston's obsession with Luxy is still strong as ever. After Lucy is kidnapped, he finds a friendship with Anna. After all, they are alike—each other. When together, they flow perfectly without trying.
I love Boston; sometimes, his responses are childlike. Yet he knows it. He is intelligent and will do anything in the name of love.
I wanted to throw my kindle across the room a time or two with this book; I was outraged. I took a deep breath and grabbed some tissue, and decided to trust the author’s process.
Read with caution. The book is dark. Not my darkest, but up there. It’s not for everyone, and that is okay.
For all my dark followers, it’s a must-read.
August 5, 2020
WOW. WOW. WOW. A. A. Dark lives up to her name with Mastermind. If a book could be classed darker than 'pitch black' then this would be that book. (It is so dark and disturbing and the acts that were)
This is the joining of two books, Never Far and Mad Girl and boy is this creation spectacular.
This psychological thriller is going to fuck you right up and leave you a rambling mess curled up in the corner, rocking back and forth. Your limits are going to be tested, but for me, who has not limits so far, thrived on this story. Anna Monroe and Boston Marks are explosive and I loved each and every character. Yes even the Villian, he was spectacular in his madness.
So if your love for gore, a storyline that is going to screw with you and make you question your own sanity then Mastermind is for you.
A. A. Dark you have out done yourself.
This is the joining of two books, Never Far and Mad Girl and boy is this creation spectacular.
This psychological thriller is going to fuck you right up and leave you a rambling mess curled up in the corner, rocking back and forth. Your limits are going to be tested, but for me, who has not limits so far, thrived on this story. Anna Monroe and Boston Marks are explosive and I loved each and every character. Yes even the Villian, he was spectacular in his madness.
So if your love for gore, a storyline that is going to screw with you and make you question your own sanity then Mastermind is for you.
A. A. Dark you have out done yourself.
May 24, 2023
Omg...... my heart, my fragile little heart just wanted a little more of Boston and Lucy.... 💔💔💔
May 15, 2021
Este libro hace mucho lo quería leer, pero siempre lo dejaba a un lado, mejor hubiese hecho caso a mi instinto :/ porque me cargó! No quería ese final para Lucy ni Braden, osea el fue un personaje principal y que se desasieran de el en un párrafo, creo que la autora lo quizo eliminar de una. Y Lucy, mi pobre Lucy la mayor parte del libro sufriendo torturas de esa maldito, en algún momento pensé que se iba a salvar y ella sí que se merecía tener un final felíz.
Ahora me entero que existe otro libro, que NO lo voy a leer, además que estoy más que segura que Anna y Boston terminarán juntos, porque eso es lo que quería e hizo la autora eliminar a personajes inocentes para juntar al parcito.
DECEPCIÓN TOTAL EL LIBRO!
Ahora me entero que existe otro libro, que NO lo voy a leer, además que estoy más que segura que Anna y Boston terminarán juntos, porque eso es lo que quería e hizo la autora eliminar a personajes inocentes para juntar al parcito.
DECEPCIÓN TOTAL EL LIBRO!
August 1, 2022
No no no, this was not how it was supposed to be 💔💔😭😭
I literally can't breathe. This book really killed me. I wanted anything but that for Casey and Anna.
I liked Boston, his sickness kind of matched Anna's but it was the beautiful chemistry between Casey and Anna which I loved the most.
I hated M but I did admire his mindfuck skills. He sure did had the talent to twist the thoughts of a person.
I really want another book. I don't what I expect, perhaps just to witness Boston and Anna to spread their brand of evil since they are alike like that, but I want another book.
As for Brandon. I loved him in book 1, I loved him in book 2 and I will continue to love the guy. He really fought for the fathomless love he and Anna shared. Just when everything became so perfect for them .... Bam and it shatters. I literally wished that it was a nightmare, hell I slept and woke up to re read ,in hopes that I dreamt that awful part of the story!!!! I honestly am still hoping for a miracle.
Tbh I really wanted to give it a 1 star based on that last part of the story,but the true reader in me recognised this masterpiece and no matter how angry and betrayed I felt towards the author, I couldn't do such an injustice to such a beautiful yet heartbreaking masterpiece.
❤️❤️💔💔❤️❤️💔💔
I literally can't breathe. This book really killed me. I wanted anything but that for Casey and Anna.
I liked Boston, his sickness kind of matched Anna's but it was the beautiful chemistry between Casey and Anna which I loved the most.
I hated M but I did admire his mindfuck skills. He sure did had the talent to twist the thoughts of a person.
I really want another book. I don't what I expect, perhaps just to witness Boston and Anna to spread their brand of evil since they are alike like that, but I want another book.
As for Brandon. I loved him in book 1, I loved him in book 2 and I will continue to love the guy. He really fought for the fathomless love he and Anna shared. Just when everything became so perfect for them .... Bam and it shatters. I literally wished that it was a nightmare, hell I slept and woke up to re read ,in hopes that I dreamt that awful part of the story!!!! I honestly am still hoping for a miracle.
Tbh I really wanted to give it a 1 star based on that last part of the story,but the true reader in me recognised this masterpiece and no matter how angry and betrayed I felt towards the author, I couldn't do such an injustice to such a beautiful yet heartbreaking masterpiece.
❤️❤️💔💔❤️❤️💔💔
June 24, 2024
Fue una lectura sorprendentemente buena pero confusa en partes.
May 21, 2018
I'm not really sure how I'm going to do this review......so I'm just gonna do my best.
This book is definitely not for the weak or faint of heart. It is very dark and extremely intense. There were quite a few twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Had me white knuckling my kindle several times. I kinda felt like a blubbering mess huddled in the corner by the end....... still questioning why I loved it so dang much!!
This book is definitely not for the weak or faint of heart. It is very dark and extremely intense. There were quite a few twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Had me white knuckling my kindle several times. I kinda felt like a blubbering mess huddled in the corner by the end....... still questioning why I loved it so dang much!!
May 15, 2018
Buckle up Buttercup, because you are in for a ride!
I want you to take everything you think you know about Anna Monroe and toss it to the side. We finally get to see Anna in her element, her calling has come and she is a Bad (you know what). I think I fangirled over her, just a little!
I was in awe of the development of these characters. This is a crossover between Madgirl (Anna Monroe) and Never Far which are two of my all-time favorite books, but this book is out of this world and into a pitch black world. The psychological elements in this book kept me refilling my wine glass and had me completely blocking out the rest of the world around me until I was done. I have actually read this book twice already because I just feel like I need to be in it again.
Do yourself a favor pick up this book and disappear for a while into another world, that is what this author does she gives you the gift of dissolving into a world of lovers, psychopaths and killers and you just never know who will make it out.
I want you to take everything you think you know about Anna Monroe and toss it to the side. We finally get to see Anna in her element, her calling has come and she is a Bad (you know what). I think I fangirled over her, just a little!
I was in awe of the development of these characters. This is a crossover between Madgirl (Anna Monroe) and Never Far which are two of my all-time favorite books, but this book is out of this world and into a pitch black world. The psychological elements in this book kept me refilling my wine glass and had me completely blocking out the rest of the world around me until I was done. I have actually read this book twice already because I just feel like I need to be in it again.
Do yourself a favor pick up this book and disappear for a while into another world, that is what this author does she gives you the gift of dissolving into a world of lovers, psychopaths and killers and you just never know who will make it out.
May 17, 2018
MasterMind by A.A. Dark is an extremely dark erotic horror novel. It is the crazy baby of her books Never Far and Mad Girl, however it could be read alone. If you read the first two books first, it will make this a better experience....and by better, I mean even more messed up in the best of ways.
I am afraid to say much about the actual plot because I don't want to give away the endings of her previously written books. I can promise that you will not be disappointed with either of them. Although parts of this were extremely hard to read, they provided the necessary results for this story. I felt like it was one of those things where I am angry but I knew it had to go that way.
As always, I absolutely loved this book and her writing. Her story telling is amazing and always leaves my mind scrambled. I can't wait to see what wicked possibilities will come next!
I am afraid to say much about the actual plot because I don't want to give away the endings of her previously written books. I can promise that you will not be disappointed with either of them. Although parts of this were extremely hard to read, they provided the necessary results for this story. I felt like it was one of those things where I am angry but I knew it had to go that way.
As always, I absolutely loved this book and her writing. Her story telling is amazing and always leaves my mind scrambled. I can't wait to see what wicked possibilities will come next!
May 18, 2018
So this book is a little hard to review without giving things away. This is definitely one of the darkest psycho thrillers Ive ever read. And I LOVED it. But please note the warnings, this is NOT for the faint of heart. So do NOT read it then whine about the content. Youve been warned multiple times.
There are many twists and turns. One major twist might have been seen coming but not the how or when. I feel a little left hanging just because I also like to know the whys etc.
What do you do after the one thing your whole world revolves disappears? Especially if you are one of the few who knows EXACTLY what is really happening in the dark.
Very well written (maybe a little creepily well). In depth characters, setting, and storyline.
There are many twists and turns. One major twist might have been seen coming but not the how or when. I feel a little left hanging just because I also like to know the whys etc.
What do you do after the one thing your whole world revolves disappears? Especially if you are one of the few who knows EXACTLY what is really happening in the dark.
Very well written (maybe a little creepily well). In depth characters, setting, and storyline.
May 26, 2018
Man... I see why this book was called Mastermind. There were so many twist an turns throughout the story. I didn't know what was going to happen next. Anna Monroe and Boston Marks were such a dynamic duo. They were two killers that didn't want to cross.
The killers' significant others, Braden and Lucy. showed in this story and I didn't know if they were going to make it out on the other side of be caught in the cross fire. I won't say what will or won't happen because I don't want to give spoilers. I will say though you will be flipping the pages.
The killers' significant others, Braden and Lucy. showed in this story and I didn't know if they were going to make it out on the other side of be caught in the cross fire. I won't say what will or won't happen because I don't want to give spoilers. I will say though you will be flipping the pages.
February 3, 2025
I literally don’t even have the words to comprehend how I’m feeling right now. The plot in this book was sensational as always, but it’s 2am and I’m sobbing. I’m crying for the characters and I cannot stop, WHAT THE FUCK
Why did I not see it coming, I wish I saw a spoiler to prevent me from the heartbreak. Anyway, if you want some books to mentally and physically destroy you, pick up anything AA Dark.
Absolutely smashed it outta the park once again.
I will be sending you my therapy bill ;)
Why did I not see it coming, I wish I saw a spoiler to prevent me from the heartbreak. Anyway, if you want some books to mentally and physically destroy you, pick up anything AA Dark.
Absolutely smashed it outta the park once again.
I will be sending you my therapy bill ;)
Read
May 25, 2018What a great crossover!!
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend that you read Boston's story (Never Far) and Anna's (Mad Girl) first. Its not necessary, but will help you understand the charters. Besides the books are amazing so you should read them anyway.
I am not sure how to review this book without giving too much away, from either this one or the ending to the other two. This one is well written, very dark and twisted. Defiantly not for the faint of heart. There were points where I had to put my kindle down and walk away for a few.
Bring on the next book!!!
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend that you read Boston's story (Never Far) and Anna's (Mad Girl) first. Its not necessary, but will help you understand the charters. Besides the books are amazing so you should read them anyway.
I am not sure how to review this book without giving too much away, from either this one or the ending to the other two. This one is well written, very dark and twisted. Defiantly not for the faint of heart. There were points where I had to put my kindle down and walk away for a few.
Bring on the next book!!!
May 25, 2018
O.M.G.!
This book was dark and it was so twisted and not for the faint at heart people . Wow hold on to see what happens to Anna and Boston .
This book was dark and it was so twisted and not for the faint at heart people . Wow hold on to see what happens to Anna and Boston .
January 4, 2026
This ending broke me. I thought the ending of the last one was rough, but this one tore my heart out.
May 4, 2018
A Crazy, Brilliant, Dark Read!
Anyone who likes extremely dark reads will love this book! It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Read it in one day, I couldn't put it down. Brilliantly written, the characters are intertwined into the book so smoothly, it was a very dark pleasure to read! I highly recommend this book!
Anyone who likes extremely dark reads will love this book! It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Read it in one day, I couldn't put it down. Brilliantly written, the characters are intertwined into the book so smoothly, it was a very dark pleasure to read! I highly recommend this book!
May 14, 2018
I did a fangirl scream when A.A. Dark announced a crossover. I am a lover of all her books so this was the icing on the cake. She did not disappoint! A rollercoaster of emotions with an explosive ending will leav you shocked. I've already read the book twice and I rarely do that!! You will not be disappointed!!
May 15, 2018
A.A. Dark has surpassed herself in this book while using a crossover of two of her most vilain heroes. This definitely a must read if you are not afraid of extreme darked themes and if you’re ready to go on one of those psychological messed-up ride. This book took me a couple of days to come back from my emotion.
August 8, 2025
I have to reduce a star because this book P!SSED me off so much. I was angry and yelling throughout. why I continued reading I'm not sure.. because I was hooked and had to know what happens next..
DO NOT READ IF YOUR OKAY WITH MAIN CHARACTERS DYING!!!
it was a great story but I just am not well now. I think I've come to a conclusion i cannot read books about characters who I've become attached to and rooting for dying.
my gosh wtf was that. I'm shook. This book is intense. you've been warned.
DO NOT READ IF YOUR OKAY WITH MAIN CHARACTERS DYING!!!
it was a great story but I just am not well now. I think I've come to a conclusion i cannot read books about characters who I've become attached to and rooting for dying.
my gosh wtf was that. I'm shook. This book is intense. you've been warned.
May 14, 2018
A story double dipped in dark by A.A. Dark. Anna Monroe and Boston Marks together in one hair raising, mystery filled, heartbreaking murder mayhem story. Grabs you be the throat and holds you three until it rips your heart out.
May 15, 2018
Dark, devious but so very delicious. I can't wait for the next book in the series. 5 heartbreaking stars.
May 12, 2018
Do you love dark books? Books that screw with your mind and truly make you think? Then don’t pass this one up! No spoilers here go into with a open mind and let the author bring you into Anna’s world 5/5 stars
May 10, 2018
I loved Mad Girl and Never Far so when this author announced that she was writing a crossover novel with Anna Monroe and Boston Marks I was like a little girl waiting for Christmas morning. These two fabulous psychopaths in one book? Yes please!! I loved this book so hard. Anna and Boston worked together and complimented each other so well. The villain of the story was smart and viciously demented. The things that he did made me want to bleach out my brain. And I mean that in the best possible way. The warnings in this book are there for a reason so enter at your own risk. If you love all things vile, disgusting and bloody give this author a try.
May 3, 2018
Although Mastermind can be read independently of Mad Girl: The Chronicles of Anna Monroe and Never Far, it is a crossover and it is recommended you read both to be able to appreciate the story in a deeper way.
Normally, I would start my review with a brief synopsis of the book. I would go on to describe my impressions of the work including quality of the characters and their development, etc. I would then proceed to describe certain aspects of the work that I particularly enjoyed before ending my review. With AA Dark’s Mastermind, I find I am unable to do this. Unlike works if the past, I have yet to be able to move on and find myself utilizing this platform as a form of therapy:
I'm broken. In both mind and soul. AA Dark has destroyed me, and I'm not sure if I should weep for the manner in which she gutted me, or rejoice that she was able to elicit such depth of feeling with her words.
I went into Mastermind knowing it would be a difficult read and had even been warned to expect heartache. I just hadn't anticipated how strongly I would be affected by the story. How I would cling to the brief glimpses of joy afforded to both character and reader alike and how my heart would soar. . . Only to be dropped into the deepest pit of despair.
I wasn't prepared for the fall.
Five stars isn't enough for Mastermind. A hundred stars wouldn't be enough. Beautiful and brutal, Mastermind is where Pitch Black ends and Oblivion begins.
Normally, I would start my review with a brief synopsis of the book. I would go on to describe my impressions of the work including quality of the characters and their development, etc. I would then proceed to describe certain aspects of the work that I particularly enjoyed before ending my review. With AA Dark’s Mastermind, I find I am unable to do this. Unlike works if the past, I have yet to be able to move on and find myself utilizing this platform as a form of therapy:
I'm broken. In both mind and soul. AA Dark has destroyed me, and I'm not sure if I should weep for the manner in which she gutted me, or rejoice that she was able to elicit such depth of feeling with her words.
I went into Mastermind knowing it would be a difficult read and had even been warned to expect heartache. I just hadn't anticipated how strongly I would be affected by the story. How I would cling to the brief glimpses of joy afforded to both character and reader alike and how my heart would soar. . . Only to be dropped into the deepest pit of despair.
I wasn't prepared for the fall.
Five stars isn't enough for Mastermind. A hundred stars wouldn't be enough. Beautiful and brutal, Mastermind is where Pitch Black ends and Oblivion begins.
April 25, 2023
5⭐ 2🌶️
“There were no words for the despair that crept deep into one’s soul, shredding through it like tissue paper when a piece of you was taken away. But that was life–love. Time always found ways to rip jagged, gaping holes in us all. Especially me.”
It’s been 24 hours and I’m still not okay. I don’t think I will be for a while. A.A. Dark warned us that her oblivion-rated books are not for the faint of heart and that’s nothing to be taken lightly. While the horror elements were all there in their gruesome glory and magnified tenfold, the absolute heart wrenching emotional rollercoaster this book took me on is what truly had me speechless in the end. I wanted so much better for Lucy, Boston, Anna, and Casey–anything but the ending that they received. And yet, it was so unspeakably beautiful in its savagery and sadness, I can’t imagine a more fitting outcome.
“I love Anna, but I also know her better than anyone. The two of you are awfully similar. When you’re together, you move in sync. She turns, you have her back. She looks one way, you’re covering the territory she’s oblivious to. Be honest with me because I am no fool.”
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Anna and Boston here. While completely platonic, their energies and sickness were just so in sync and it warmed my dark, murderous heart to see them both finally have someone that understands them and can provide support like no one else ever has/will be able to. I also really appreciated the additional insight into Boston’s motivations and after coming across as a complete psychopath in Never Far (which I still loved), he really grew on me throughout this book as his complexity unfolded. Meanwhile, watching Anna grapple with her dark desires, longing for Braden, and overwhelming need to protect Braden (and herself) from her Annalise side had my heart absolutely shattering. I can’t wait to see what these two team up to do in future books as they unleash their evil and vengeance into the world.
“No way. He may get off to our confessions, but murderer? I can’t see him going that far. The guy is a mastermind. He’s not a killer.”
While I was utterly in love with all four of our MCs here, the villain we got was just as captivating. The demon you love to hate, M was a complete lunatic, yet so meticulous and convincing that he had me questioning what was real half the time and I could see inside his head! Manipulator to the highest degree, he warped the minds of everyone around him, even the strongest of those and was able to hide in plain sight for far longer than I could have ever imagined possible. The depths of his efforts just kept surfacing and each time, I gasped a little more.
The overall plot line had me right on the edge of my seat from page one to the very end and to say this was an adrenaline rush would be an understatement. From the shocks, surprises, and twists to the moments when I was SCREAMING at the main characters to make a different choice, I was deeply engrossed in it all. I laughed, screamed, held my breath, sweat, and sobbed throughout the entire book and there was a time or two that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep reading. The ending, while absolutely earth shattering and tragic, was worth it though and this is a MUST read for lovers of the darkest horror-filled reads.
“There were no words for the despair that crept deep into one’s soul, shredding through it like tissue paper when a piece of you was taken away. But that was life–love. Time always found ways to rip jagged, gaping holes in us all. Especially me.”
It’s been 24 hours and I’m still not okay. I don’t think I will be for a while. A.A. Dark warned us that her oblivion-rated books are not for the faint of heart and that’s nothing to be taken lightly. While the horror elements were all there in their gruesome glory and magnified tenfold, the absolute heart wrenching emotional rollercoaster this book took me on is what truly had me speechless in the end. I wanted so much better for Lucy, Boston, Anna, and Casey–anything but the ending that they received. And yet, it was so unspeakably beautiful in its savagery and sadness, I can’t imagine a more fitting outcome.
“I love Anna, but I also know her better than anyone. The two of you are awfully similar. When you’re together, you move in sync. She turns, you have her back. She looks one way, you’re covering the territory she’s oblivious to. Be honest with me because I am no fool.”
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Anna and Boston here. While completely platonic, their energies and sickness were just so in sync and it warmed my dark, murderous heart to see them both finally have someone that understands them and can provide support like no one else ever has/will be able to. I also really appreciated the additional insight into Boston’s motivations and after coming across as a complete psychopath in Never Far (which I still loved), he really grew on me throughout this book as his complexity unfolded. Meanwhile, watching Anna grapple with her dark desires, longing for Braden, and overwhelming need to protect Braden (and herself) from her Annalise side had my heart absolutely shattering. I can’t wait to see what these two team up to do in future books as they unleash their evil and vengeance into the world.
“No way. He may get off to our confessions, but murderer? I can’t see him going that far. The guy is a mastermind. He’s not a killer.”
While I was utterly in love with all four of our MCs here, the villain we got was just as captivating. The demon you love to hate, M was a complete lunatic, yet so meticulous and convincing that he had me questioning what was real half the time and I could see inside his head! Manipulator to the highest degree, he warped the minds of everyone around him, even the strongest of those and was able to hide in plain sight for far longer than I could have ever imagined possible. The depths of his efforts just kept surfacing and each time, I gasped a little more.
The overall plot line had me right on the edge of my seat from page one to the very end and to say this was an adrenaline rush would be an understatement. From the shocks, surprises, and twists to the moments when I was SCREAMING at the main characters to make a different choice, I was deeply engrossed in it all. I laughed, screamed, held my breath, sweat, and sobbed throughout the entire book and there was a time or two that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep reading. The ending, while absolutely earth shattering and tragic, was worth it though and this is a MUST read for lovers of the darkest horror-filled reads.
January 18, 2024
I am broken! My heart is broken.
This has to be the most broken I have felt for 2 people that loved with everything they had only to lose it to someone who wanted them out if the way for their own personal gain. Whether it was good or bad. This book made me bawl my eyes out and I truly felt the pain for these characters.
A.A. Dark has said she lets the story play out even if it's not the way SHE wanted it to go, but the way the story tells itself and the direction it goes. She wants to stay true to the story.
Anna has been through hell her entire life. Now in comes Boston with his own set of demons.
Lucy is everything Boston wants and he went to extreme measures to make sure he would have her. He protects her as if someone will take her from him. Boston's love for Lucy never stops, or diminishes.
Anna is trying to maintain distance from Dec. Casey to protect him and herself though the trauma they both have endured. Anna with her emotionally, physically and mentally damaged self is suddenly seeing a kindred spirit in Boston as like draws to like.
I will forever be changed due to the story of this series. It is hard truths and things people want to hide from and not speak about but it is real.
This series is a must read and is also interconnected with 24690 Series.
Well done Alaska!! It broken my heart, mind and soul and left me bare.
This has to be the most broken I have felt for 2 people that loved with everything they had only to lose it to someone who wanted them out if the way for their own personal gain. Whether it was good or bad. This book made me bawl my eyes out and I truly felt the pain for these characters.
A.A. Dark has said she lets the story play out even if it's not the way SHE wanted it to go, but the way the story tells itself and the direction it goes. She wants to stay true to the story.
Anna has been through hell her entire life. Now in comes Boston with his own set of demons.
Lucy is everything Boston wants and he went to extreme measures to make sure he would have her. He protects her as if someone will take her from him. Boston's love for Lucy never stops, or diminishes.
Anna is trying to maintain distance from Dec. Casey to protect him and herself though the trauma they both have endured. Anna with her emotionally, physically and mentally damaged self is suddenly seeing a kindred spirit in Boston as like draws to like.
I will forever be changed due to the story of this series. It is hard truths and things people want to hide from and not speak about but it is real.
This series is a must read and is also interconnected with 24690 Series.
Well done Alaska!! It broken my heart, mind and soul and left me bare.
September 2, 2025
Going into the Boston & Anna chronicles, I figured they would have to end up together, but losing Lucy & Braden the way we did HURTS !! A.A Dark does it again, I’m literally hooked. This book was dark, devastating, captivating! Both Boston & Anna have such unredeemable qualities.. but I find myself rooting for them. Like.. there’s still GOOD in them, right ?? 🤣 Then I remind myself, it’s just a book!
‘Everything felt perfect. She was all I saw. All I ever see.’
“Boston. I really don’t want to talk about this. I’m trying to help you.”
“And I thank you for that. But do you have anyone to help you?”
“I’m never moving on. Never. I will wait, and you will see.”
‘Boston Marks grieved a woman destined for death.. I knew exactly what he was feeling. I’d lived it.’
“I’ve been on both sides, victim and killer.. My hands are dirty, and my mind is marred. And I’m smarter for it. I’ll find this killer, Braden.. I’ll find him long before you.”
“I won’t hurt your precious detective. Unless he hurts you.”
“This is not how our story ends. This is a dream. A nightmare. But I’m not going to wake up, am I?”
“No. I’m sorry.”
“See. You feel it? My heart bleeds from hurting you. It’s bleeding, Anna. Hurry. Tell me you forgive me.” 🤣🤣 This scene had me giggling.
‘I held her for hours — days — weeks. Every night I still held her.’
‘Everything felt perfect. She was all I saw. All I ever see.’
“Boston. I really don’t want to talk about this. I’m trying to help you.”
“And I thank you for that. But do you have anyone to help you?”
“I’m never moving on. Never. I will wait, and you will see.”
‘Boston Marks grieved a woman destined for death.. I knew exactly what he was feeling. I’d lived it.’
“I’ve been on both sides, victim and killer.. My hands are dirty, and my mind is marred. And I’m smarter for it. I’ll find this killer, Braden.. I’ll find him long before you.”
“I won’t hurt your precious detective. Unless he hurts you.”
“This is not how our story ends. This is a dream. A nightmare. But I’m not going to wake up, am I?”
“No. I’m sorry.”
“See. You feel it? My heart bleeds from hurting you. It’s bleeding, Anna. Hurry. Tell me you forgive me.” 🤣🤣 This scene had me giggling.
‘I held her for hours — days — weeks. Every night I still held her.’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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