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Darkness Rising #1-3

Darkness Rising: The Complete Series

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"Friends are like condoms. They protect you when things get hard."

That’s what my five best friends said when we were younger. But that was before we found out our souls were fated and that we were destined for more.

I don't know if there's a condom out there that's strong enough to protect us from what's coming our way now.

In the midst of natural disasters wreaking havoc on earth, we must claw our way out of the pit of grief we find ourselves in after a tragic loss, because another realm is counting on us to save it from a great evil.

A realm that we apparently used to call home and can't remember.

Welcome to the disaster that is my life.

Grab a seat and buckle up, because no way am I letting us die.

Content warning: Darkness Rising is a series that touches on some dark themes such as noncon and child SA. This book has a 18+ warning. This set contains all three books in the series—Desolation, Detonation, and Devastation—as well as a brand-new bonus prequel and extended epilogue.*

1 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2022

212 people are currently reading
161 people want to read

About the author

R.L. Caulder

46 books1,797 followers
R.L. Caulder is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistants, MeowMeow and Winrey. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told.

If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group

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5 stars
101 (66%)
4 stars
35 (23%)
3 stars
13 (8%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
171 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2022
Great series

I love series with character development and this has it. A slow burn Paranormal Reverse Harem with some mythology that I enjoyed very much.
Profile Image for Kira.
1,702 reviews
April 15, 2022
I first have to say the covers for this series are absolutely gorgeous! Darkness Rising has everything from incredible characters to amazing world building and a heart pumping storyline!

We are introduced in Desolation, book 1, to Lana, a phenomenal MFC, and there is so much that happens in this first book that readers will not be able to put it down for a moment. I loved the interactions between her and her men, who also happen to be her best friends, and I was very excited to delve into book 2, Detonation. We get a lot of great backstory on Lana's life and further fantastic moments between her and her men in book 2. Lana has some really interesting growth in Detonation that makes her character that much enjoyable to follow, and it just makes me that much more interested to find out what will happen next for these characters. Once we hit book 3, Devastation, this page tuner was off the charts! The journey for these characters has been wild and difficult, but Lana and her men continue to persevere. There were some great steamy moments between them, and a lot of action and adventure. Definitely an epic conclusion for the Darkness Rising series!

This was a captivating series and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,446 reviews33 followers
April 14, 2022
💥Action packed and full of heart!!

I absolutely L O V E D this series. It all centers around Lana...a fierce, witty, snarky, playful, big hearted warrior who will cut you with words if you harm those she loves. She and her guys/BFF's are all turning 21 on the same day. Having been raised most of their lives by the same beloved foster mother, they're incredibly close...one unit. Twenty one is a major milestone for anyone, however none of them could've forseen just how drastically ALL their lives would change in ONE day. In a world where extremely harsh/dangerous weather kills indiscriminantly, everyone lives each day to the fullest. They'd need their bond to get through the revelations and changes to come. There's tons of action, suspense, snarky comments, magic, past lives, gods and goddesses, steamy scenes and ohhhhhh sooooo much more within these pages. Get ready for an AMAZING cast of characters and world building that will quickly draw you in. Gear up everyone, things are about to get REALLY interesting 😉💗.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,097 reviews63 followers
April 15, 2022
A brilliant trio of books (Desolation, Detonation and Devastation) in The Darkness Rising series. Which follows Lana in a disastrous new world where having lost their parents Lana and her guys - Hale, Ash, Zedd and twin brothers - Leo & Luke are all brought up together in a family of their own making. Except friends turn into a lot more between all of them. Thats not not the only story going on here though and that makes this a much more gripping read. Lana and the guys have a reason for being together. One that will either be their downfall or the salvation of the world. Its filled to the brim with love, tears and a few laughs too. Its a cracking trilogy with plenty of fast paced action, tension and a great characters too. I just loved it
779 reviews18 followers
July 9, 2022
This book is a compilation of Desolation, Detonation, and Devastation. It also includes a bonus Prequel and a bonus extended epilogue. I’m so glad that I went ahead and purchased this series in this format. I loved the additions of the prequel and extended epilogue, because you got to know more of the character’s stories.

This series follows Lana and her foster brothers, Ash, Hale, Zedd, Leo, and Luke. All six of these people have such different personalities and traumatic backgrounds that it adds depth to what goes on in the story. The storyline moves at a good pace and does not disappoint. I recommend giving this a try.
Profile Image for Andrea Green.
831 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2022
Such a fab series of bingable books!
I love teh way this author introduces you to the characters in book 1 where they are fairly niave and just finding themselves and the journey she takes you on as tehy develop and grow in strength
This final part of teh storey will answer all teh questions you had and some you didnt even know existed.
I also felt an emotional connection to thsi book and character so expect to shed teh off ter or two
Wonderful storey with a satisfactory ending that wont dissapoint!
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
5,046 reviews120 followers
April 14, 2022
This is an amazing collection. Each of the books will grab you and keep you interested and reading until the end. They each move along at a pace which is the perfect fit for the stories. They each have characters that are unique and you want to know them better and you cannot help but love them and the great thing about them being together in a collection is that when you finish one you have another there ready for you. This is a series that needs to be read, you will not be sorry that you did.
Profile Image for Kerri Vogel.
621 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2022
Such an amazing debut series from this author. I am blown away. I love the main character and the storyline. The characters and real, each one having their own unique personality. I love that the chapters from the Male POVs actually sound like a male would talk. The transition from the group thinking they are human to developing their powers and learning about other realms is smooth and well thought out. There's humor, lots of steam, one strong heroine who has come into her powers and now kicks butt, and lots of action. A fantastic series. I couldn't put it down
284 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2022
Simply Wonderful

This series is one of my go-to favorites. Friends to lovers, epic love, and a villain you hate to love and love to hate. It’s a wonderful series, and now it’s available in one binge-able book!

I love the bonus prologue and epilogues, as any extra time with these characters, in this world, is appreciated.

If you haven’t read this before, DO IT! It’s a lovely series, with a truly unique story that you won’t be able to put down. Definitely one of my all time favorites!
Profile Image for Shannon Zell.
299 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2022
What a rollercoaster!

This series is just SO ba#@$$! I loved the storyline because it was very unique and I loved how the main characters interacted with each other. At first, the attraction seemed like it was taking forever, but finally it all clicked into place and the chemistry started flowing.

The action and suspense scenes were pretty cool! There were so many oooo and awww moments, I really enjoyed them!

Overall, the series is really good! It was a really good happy ending, so that made me happy :)
Profile Image for Lauren Taylor.
53 reviews
September 16, 2022
This series is absolutely AMAZING. It's got everything you could ever hope for! Action, drama, love, loss, heartbreak, and the list goes on and on. The characters are absolutely amazing and their growth is phenomenal. It's so relatable on so many levels. Yes, they show so much immaturity for their age, but that just makes their glow up SOOOO much more spectacular. I absolutely love Lana and her crazy nick name. Especially Witch Bitch and her nick name, Anal 🤣🤣🤣🤣. If you don't read these books, you are absolutely missing out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly Bugler.
1,879 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2022
Amazing boxset. I loved these books.
Lana is reincarnated, destined to hopefully not make the same mistakes and devestate the world all over again. Surrounded by her men... Who have more secrets than the little crush they have harbouring for lana. The Goddess Gaia is looking over them, but even she is not being as forthcoming as she could be .
These were fantastic books and i could not put them down.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,252 reviews13 followers
April 17, 2022
A dark and twisted journey

R.L. Caulder’s Darkness Rising series is set in a somewhat post apocalyptic world full of frequently occurring natural disasters and populated by a host of supernatural creatures. Desolation created all kinds of feels for me as Lana travelled along the path set for her by fate. Detonation took a turn to the darker side from Desolation. Devastation brought out the sass and strength in all the characters. Reader discretion advised due to dark subject matter and/or possible triggers.
2,680 reviews15 followers
April 13, 2022
I've been na fan since book 1 and now it's a series boxset. Great deal. The blurb there about best friends are like condoms caught me and I had it on pre-order a long time. It has everything you want in a good story. Heartache, love, steamy and everything in between. I love Lana and the woman she was destined to become along with her guys who she did need to achieve this. A must read series!
652 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2022
Awesome Series!!!

So much tragedy and sadness that I was almost in tears throughout parts of this story. The action and adventure never cease. The people captured my heart. The twists were captivating and so very interesting. I'm so glad I read this series and I look forward to reading more.
1,972 reviews10 followers
April 13, 2022
This series will have you hooked from beginning to end. We have friends that learn more about who and what they are as well as discover the feelings they all have for each other. This series has plot twists and enimies that need to be beat.
280 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2022
Loved this series!

I really enjoyed reading this series. The progression was done well and the characters kept you intrigued. The special scenes between Lana and her men didn’t hurt at all. I definitely recommend this box set!!
Profile Image for MandyViolete.
1,074 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2022
I love how the author pulls me into the character where I can really feel the emotion! Lots of twists and intrigue, with an ending that has lots of action and heat! If you like sweet, hot HEA's, you're going to love this set!
8 reviews
July 21, 2022
they were all adopted in same home, find out fated mates, she is queen to another realm there was a battle and they all lost, they are reborn on earth and now need to go back and fight she becomes the Goddess Mother Nature in the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
66 reviews
August 5, 2022
It was ok. Skimmed to get thru it. Started good then kinda fell for me. Story is heartfelt but it was just missing something. I felt like it more about her and less of the relationships and then by the time it got there I was over it and started skimming to get to the end. Slow burn.
Profile Image for Jacquie Stolz.
579 reviews
May 28, 2023
Amazing trilogy

It is an amazing story with magic, a made family, and a war between darkness and light. Lana is a strong and resilient woman who doesn’t let her troubled past deter her from being a wonderful queen who attempts to fox a broken world.
2 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2025
awwww it was so good

The triggers, and the backgrounds, and the comebacks. All pretty compelling. :) I fell in love with them all. I would love to read Eros’ story and hopes he catches hell! lol
773 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2022
I enjoyed Lana and her mates thru all the ups and downs it brought them closer. Kudos to R.L Caulder on a hit series. I could not put this down.
Profile Image for Rachel Joi Maples.
3,127 reviews36 followers
April 17, 2022
love this series so much! … enemies and lovers, twists and turns, all the feels!
2,416 reviews
April 18, 2022
This is a really great series. I love the characters and found them well developed. The story throughout is well written and keeps you engaged. I would definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Ness.
606 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 7, 2022
DNF’d at 40%.


Made it through the first book, but no real desire to keep going. Some good lines.

Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Laura Donaldson.
203 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2022
OMG one of my all time top 10 series to read.
I loved every minute of it and wish there was going to be more.
you will not be disappointed but be prepared to get lost in an epic adventure!
737 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2022
Great read

Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews