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The Dark Sanctuary #2
Eden Falling
Six years ago, modern civilization perished in America’s deadliest gender war.
Now, despite her unstable mental state, Eve Malum continues to rule over Eden, a society of women governed by one rule: men are forbidden from entering.
But with resources becoming scarce and space limited, Eve is forced to make a difficult decision—allow her paradise to crumble, or break her own rule by trusting a man who promises survival.
Eden Falling, the second book of The Dark Sanctuary series, takes a leap into the psychological thriller genre, continuing where the first book left off—at the birth of a new beginning.
Now, despite her unstable mental state, Eve Malum continues to rule over Eden, a society of women governed by one rule: men are forbidden from entering.
But with resources becoming scarce and space limited, Eve is forced to make a difficult decision—allow her paradise to crumble, or break her own rule by trusting a man who promises survival.
Eden Falling, the second book of The Dark Sanctuary series, takes a leap into the psychological thriller genre, continuing where the first book left off—at the birth of a new beginning.
- GenresDystopia
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
179 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 12, 2024
Love it ! Can’t wait to read the next one.
August 1, 2023
Better than the first book in this series, and now I am stuck reading the next two!
August 7, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So, this is another of those books that is just so challenging to review without giving anything away.
What I can say is, I am loving the character development on Gabriel, Lucy, Eve and even Freyda.
There is so much implied, and so many questions that need answering, but also some clarity offered in this book.
Don't be surprised if you hate some of the characters in this book.
You need to read the first book in this series or you will have no idea what is going on.
I would also recommend, if you haven't read anything yet by the author that you read her other dystopian series The Immortal Ones.
This author definitely has a way of weaving intrigue in her books and she is well worth reading.
So, this is another of those books that is just so challenging to review without giving anything away.
What I can say is, I am loving the character development on Gabriel, Lucy, Eve and even Freyda.
There is so much implied, and so many questions that need answering, but also some clarity offered in this book.
Don't be surprised if you hate some of the characters in this book.
You need to read the first book in this series or you will have no idea what is going on.
I would also recommend, if you haven't read anything yet by the author that you read her other dystopian series The Immortal Ones.
This author definitely has a way of weaving intrigue in her books and she is well worth reading.
July 19, 2022
Eden Falling is the second book in The Dark Sanctuary series by Shade Owens. Eden Falling picks up where Eden Rising leaves off. When I read the summary for Eden Rising I knew right away that I had to read it and I couldn’t wait to dive into the next book Eden Falling.
I fell in love with The Dark Sanctuary, its world, and its characters with the first book Eden Rising. I must say that the second book Eden Falling was just as good if not better in some ways. Each book is so unique in its own way.
I loved Eden Rising as it had one of the greatest introductions to a new world I believe I have ever read. I don’t believe I have ever read anything like it before. I mean it did have similarities to other books that I have read but it had its own uniqueness and twist to it. I love Eden Falling for its world-building and all its great characters. Like Eden Rising, Eden Falling is also told from more than one point of view.
In Eden Rising, we learned how the world fell apart and how divided it was. Women outnumbered men 7-1. Men were becoming more and more dangerous to women day by day. Then one day the women decided they had had enough and fought back causing a division between men and women.
Women went out on their own to start their lives over without men. One woman stood up against all the men causing an uprising against them. This woman took these women to a new world, a new Eden. She made a safe place for the women to live. They only have one rule, no men are allowed entry into their new home.
In Eden Falling, a man saves some of their women from the men and brings them back to their compound safely. The women did not trust this man. No one wanted to let him in. They did not believe that any man could be good. They believed all men to be evil.
The little home that the women made for themselves is becoming too small to house all the women and children that they have taken in over the years and now they need a new place. This man knows where a better and safer place is that they can move to but the women do not trust him.
Eve is not sure if she should trust this man either but at this time she is not sure if they have a choice as sooner or later the men are going to find out where they are and if they do everything could go back to the way it was before the uprising. Eve knows she is going to have to trust this man for the safety of the women and children. But first, she must convince the women to trust him.
Can Eve convince the women to trust a man again? Will they make it to this new safe haven? Does it even exist? Can the women trust this man? Is he any different than all the other men?
I highly recommend Eden Falling to all dystopian fans! One-click your copy of Eden Falling today!
I fell in love with The Dark Sanctuary, its world, and its characters with the first book Eden Rising. I must say that the second book Eden Falling was just as good if not better in some ways. Each book is so unique in its own way.
I loved Eden Rising as it had one of the greatest introductions to a new world I believe I have ever read. I don’t believe I have ever read anything like it before. I mean it did have similarities to other books that I have read but it had its own uniqueness and twist to it. I love Eden Falling for its world-building and all its great characters. Like Eden Rising, Eden Falling is also told from more than one point of view.
In Eden Rising, we learned how the world fell apart and how divided it was. Women outnumbered men 7-1. Men were becoming more and more dangerous to women day by day. Then one day the women decided they had had enough and fought back causing a division between men and women.
Women went out on their own to start their lives over without men. One woman stood up against all the men causing an uprising against them. This woman took these women to a new world, a new Eden. She made a safe place for the women to live. They only have one rule, no men are allowed entry into their new home.
In Eden Falling, a man saves some of their women from the men and brings them back to their compound safely. The women did not trust this man. No one wanted to let him in. They did not believe that any man could be good. They believed all men to be evil.
The little home that the women made for themselves is becoming too small to house all the women and children that they have taken in over the years and now they need a new place. This man knows where a better and safer place is that they can move to but the women do not trust him.
Eve is not sure if she should trust this man either but at this time she is not sure if they have a choice as sooner or later the men are going to find out where they are and if they do everything could go back to the way it was before the uprising. Eve knows she is going to have to trust this man for the safety of the women and children. But first, she must convince the women to trust him.
Can Eve convince the women to trust a man again? Will they make it to this new safe haven? Does it even exist? Can the women trust this man? Is he any different than all the other men?
I highly recommend Eden Falling to all dystopian fans! One-click your copy of Eden Falling today!
August 2, 2022
I received a digital review copy of this book for free from the author and BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily as a courtesy.
Following the gender war in the United States, Eve created Eden, a safe place for the women she led out of Washington D.C. Located in an abandoned prison in the mountains, it's a place where women live relatively safe from the horrors outside the gates. The best part? No men are allowed. But resources are running low and leaving the safety of the walls surrounding them might be the only option for the women of Eden.
In this sequel to Eden Rising, we follow Eve, Lucy, and Gabriel through the perils they encounter in this new world without technology. Eve is increasingly unstable, Lucy has come of age and Gabriel unexpectedly joins the women of Eden in a new quest to find resources and safety.
I jumped right into this book after finishing Eden Rising and it kept me on the edge of my seat! I am all about the feminist dystopian vibe. The story throws some curve balls at you and the character development is outstanding! Another excellent book by Shade Owens. I highly recommend it to all dystopian fans!
CW (same as Eden Rising): Rape, sexual assault, general violence, violence against women, and war. Not for readers younger than 16!
Following the gender war in the United States, Eve created Eden, a safe place for the women she led out of Washington D.C. Located in an abandoned prison in the mountains, it's a place where women live relatively safe from the horrors outside the gates. The best part? No men are allowed. But resources are running low and leaving the safety of the walls surrounding them might be the only option for the women of Eden.
In this sequel to Eden Rising, we follow Eve, Lucy, and Gabriel through the perils they encounter in this new world without technology. Eve is increasingly unstable, Lucy has come of age and Gabriel unexpectedly joins the women of Eden in a new quest to find resources and safety.
I jumped right into this book after finishing Eden Rising and it kept me on the edge of my seat! I am all about the feminist dystopian vibe. The story throws some curve balls at you and the character development is outstanding! Another excellent book by Shade Owens. I highly recommend it to all dystopian fans!
CW (same as Eden Rising): Rape, sexual assault, general violence, violence against women, and war. Not for readers younger than 16!
August 24, 2022
I wish I could give half stars, because this one is a 3.5.
In this second book in the gender wars dystopian series, we continue with three narrators, one of whom is clearly nuts. The mental health issues of Eve (the leader of Eden, get it?) are drawn very broadly and not entirely believably. Admittedly, it's very tricky to have a narrator who is mentally ill, but it could have been done with more subtlety and depth.
Actually, given the recent history of the US, I'd have welcomed a sophisticated look inside the head of a megalomaniac leader…
In terms of believability, in this 2nd book one of the characters does bring up the issue of how a female-only enclave is supposed to reproduce, and whether a man or two might eventually be required. But I am baffled by the apparent lack of any sexual activity in a group of several hundred women isolated for years. Seriously? It's not a convent, and there must be some gayness in there somewhere.
Despite these qualms, I'm intrigued to see how the story plays out. The two non-crazy narrators are appealing characters, and the forward motion of the story has me hooked.
Full disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book for free (thank you!), and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed here are my own.
In this second book in the gender wars dystopian series, we continue with three narrators, one of whom is clearly nuts. The mental health issues of Eve (the leader of Eden, get it?) are drawn very broadly and not entirely believably. Admittedly, it's very tricky to have a narrator who is mentally ill, but it could have been done with more subtlety and depth.
Actually, given the recent history of the US, I'd have welcomed a sophisticated look inside the head of a megalomaniac leader…
In terms of believability, in this 2nd book one of the characters does bring up the issue of how a female-only enclave is supposed to reproduce, and whether a man or two might eventually be required. But I am baffled by the apparent lack of any sexual activity in a group of several hundred women isolated for years. Seriously? It's not a convent, and there must be some gayness in there somewhere.
Despite these qualms, I'm intrigued to see how the story plays out. The two non-crazy narrators are appealing characters, and the forward motion of the story has me hooked.
Full disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book for free (thank you!), and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed here are my own.
July 25, 2022
Plans? Cancel them. To-do list? Throw it away. House need cleaned? Ignore it. Seriously, stop what you're doing and read this book (start with book one, Eden Rising, though!). All of the questions I had from Eden Rising were answered in Eden falling. This series is hard to read and has some triggers but it is so fast paced and amazing. I had to set timers for reading breaks so I didn't just sit around all day and read it. Watching Eve fall apart in this book was heart breaking. I want to love her and hate her. She did things that were unforgivable and yet, I can clearly see her thinking. Even now, I am not sure if I view her as a hero or the ultimate villain. The characters are rich, the world building is amazing and I love all of the flashbacks! I highly, HIGHLY recommend and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series, Eden Collapsing!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2022
Eden Falling is the second book of The Dark Sanctuary series by Shade Owens and I can't get enough! The story continues right where it left off and continues to follow the three MCs Eve, Gabriel & young Lucy.
This is a post apocalyptical tale that takes place in the US after a war between the genders. The pace of this story with its intense scenes kept me flipping pages as my eyes soared over the text. Nothing is scary than a tale that you can foresee coming true. This series is a true nail biter and I can hardly stand to type this review because I'm all ready to start the next book!
This is such a wonder work with great character development. Strong situations which makes one think about what they would do in these characters shoes. This story continues to put my emotions in a blender and has me feeling empathy, sympathy, rage and suspicion all within the same moment to the next.
I received an free ARC from BookSirens and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a post apocalyptical tale that takes place in the US after a war between the genders. The pace of this story with its intense scenes kept me flipping pages as my eyes soared over the text. Nothing is scary than a tale that you can foresee coming true. This series is a true nail biter and I can hardly stand to type this review because I'm all ready to start the next book!
This is such a wonder work with great character development. Strong situations which makes one think about what they would do in these characters shoes. This story continues to put my emotions in a blender and has me feeling empathy, sympathy, rage and suspicion all within the same moment to the next.
I received an free ARC from BookSirens and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2022
I maybe was too harsh with my review of the first book because I snatched up the second book as soon as I could and I read it all in one session.
Oh and this was an ARC from Booksirens.com, you should sign up. It is so cool.
Anyway, Eve continues to be evil in this book but you get insight into why. I did figure out why she bothers me so much. She reminds me of a former boss. Did the author work at the same place? Because wow. This Eve is a deadringer to that woman. Just every motivation, all the manipulation, all the evil. It was spot on. I loved/hated it. I have some trauma.
I love watching Lucy work through teenage drama, the explanations about how they got there and who they left behind, and I liked Gabriels speech. I am excited for the next book.
Oh and this was an ARC from Booksirens.com, you should sign up. It is so cool.
Anyway, Eve continues to be evil in this book but you get insight into why. I did figure out why she bothers me so much. She reminds me of a former boss. Did the author work at the same place? Because wow. This Eve is a deadringer to that woman. Just every motivation, all the manipulation, all the evil. It was spot on. I loved/hated it. I have some trauma.
I love watching Lucy work through teenage drama, the explanations about how they got there and who they left behind, and I liked Gabriels speech. I am excited for the next book.
March 1, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author.
This is book two in the series and you should read the first book so that you understand what is going on.
Eden is a paradise for women only but one of the woman is pregnant. What if the child is a boy? Another woman turns up at the gates with her teenage son. Eve’s dilemma is whether to let him in or only his mother.
This book is well written, you can almost feel the women’s fear of men. The characters have become real to me as I read about their lives now and their backstory (everyone has a past, even the women).
I am excited to read what will happen next in book 3.
This is book two in the series and you should read the first book so that you understand what is going on.
Eden is a paradise for women only but one of the woman is pregnant. What if the child is a boy? Another woman turns up at the gates with her teenage son. Eve’s dilemma is whether to let him in or only his mother.
This book is well written, you can almost feel the women’s fear of men. The characters have become real to me as I read about their lives now and their backstory (everyone has a past, even the women).
I am excited to read what will happen next in book 3.
July 23, 2022
Eden Falling is Book 2 in The Dark Sanctuary by Shad Owens and Ash S-J. Eden Falling begins where book 1 ends, Gabriel is inside Eden and a prisoner of the women. The EMP has everything electric down and after the gender war, it's women vs men. Although the same main characters are in this book, some new characters are added. Gabriel is still not accepted by the women, but, he is urging them to leave Eden for a new and safer place. We also discover something new about Eve. Book 3 should be very exciting. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 3, 2022
Second book set in the near future about the demographic change to women greatly outnumbering men, where the war in the US between men and women is now over and 5 years in the past. Survival is the new priority. Again following Eve, now in charge, Lucy who is 16 and Gabriel who is with a gang of bad men. They find Eve's Eden and the story moves towards book three. The book pulled me in, more in depth characters about the central three and suddenly I was at the last page!! Now I need the next book!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2022
Book 2 doesn’t disappoint! It picks up from where book 1 left off. I liked this book because, even though less action than the first, the author really delves into the characters and builds the story that leads into book 3.
Questions begin to arise: is Eden really the perfect place Eve wants everyone to believe? Is Eve herself who she wants everyone to believe? And who can you trust? And will Area 82 be the new Eden that they need?
I am rooting for my three favorites: Lucy, Gabe and Freyda. I’ve already started book 3!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Questions begin to arise: is Eden really the perfect place Eve wants everyone to believe? Is Eve herself who she wants everyone to believe? And who can you trust? And will Area 82 be the new Eden that they need?
I am rooting for my three favorites: Lucy, Gabe and Freyda. I’ve already started book 3!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2022
Book 2 in The Dark Sanctuary series does not disappoint. We learn more of the back stories for each of the main characters, and what drives them. There is less action, but their stories are compelling. What kept coming back to me while reading this was the old saying about absolute power corrupting absolutely. It made it more clear in my mind to be careful who we choose as our leaders. I’m definitely moving on to book 3.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2022
Eve continues to rule Eden, reminding the women that men are not to be trusted, only to find herself in a precarious situation when Gabriel arrives at Eden, saving some of her women outside of their domain and telling her of a place bigger and better than Eden. Eve is faced with a decision which goes against everything she believes in. Well written, good plot and likeable main characters. Looking forward to see what happens next.
December 29, 2022
I often think that one of the worst parts of growing up is realizing that the adults around you aren't perfect. For Lucy that moment comes now and she doesn't know how right she is when she placed blame at Eve's feet. I would say that I enjoyed reading this story my only complaint is that is takes a few chapters to get to the big moment. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2025
This second book in the Dark Sanctuary series was just as good, if not better than book one. While not a lot of action happens, you delve further into the main characters from book one, seeing more into their psyche, as well experience flashbacks from when everything started going bad.
I’m really enjoying this series, and I’m glad there are still two more books to read! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I’m really enjoying this series, and I’m glad there are still two more books to read! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
August 28, 2022
I loved this book, the series is very poignant in the current US climate. One of my favorite things about this series is that I don't like the lead character! Honestly Eve's a #itch and it's refreshing to find a lead character unlikeable it adds a different perspective to my whole take on the story and I'm loving it!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
April 20, 2025
Eden Falling by Shade Owens is an exciting and powerful book. The story is full of tension and hard choices. Eve, the leader of a women-only world, must decide if she can trust a man to save her people. I couldn’t stop reading—it kept me wanting more! The characters feel real, and the world is dark but interesting.
September 7, 2022
I will be honest and say Shade Owen's has become one of my favorite authors.
This Eden series does not disappoint the reader at all.
Some times it takes me a second to remember who is speaking, since everything is in first person.
Just finished Eden Falling now on to number three. Enjoy
This Eden series does not disappoint the reader at all.
Some times it takes me a second to remember who is speaking, since everything is in first person.
Just finished Eden Falling now on to number three. Enjoy
January 21, 2024
Great sequel to book 1
Exciting sequel to book 1 with a more in depth look at the characters and their back stories. A feeling of unease throughout the book and a cliffhanger ending. On to book 3!
Exciting sequel to book 1 with a more in depth look at the characters and their back stories. A feeling of unease throughout the book and a cliffhanger ending. On to book 3!
May 7, 2024
Excellent read
Had me hooked from page 1. I love the story being told from multiple perspectives and jumping around on time. Keeps me on my toes. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Had me hooked from page 1. I love the story being told from multiple perspectives and jumping around on time. Keeps me on my toes. Can't wait to see what happens next!
August 14, 2022
Absolutely stunning. Less character jumping and past/present was much easier to navigate.
I’ve downloaded book 3.
I’ve downloaded book 3.
August 27, 2022
Gripping and entralling. Great character building. As always Shade Owens delivers a awesome read!
Note:I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Note:I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 27, 2022
Good
Pretty good. Not great but pretty good. I can't wait for the story to continue. I like this one but it's not my favorite.
Pretty good. Not great but pretty good. I can't wait for the story to continue. I like this one but it's not my favorite.
November 4, 2022
I liked Book 1 more than Book 1 and now onto Book 3.
May 23, 2025
Good second novel in the series. A quick read. Looking forward to reading the third novel.
October 20, 2025
didnt end on a huge cliff hanger but def left the door wide open for book three! I cant wait to see how this goes!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews