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Garden of the Gods #1

Garden of the Gods Vol. 1: Books 1-5

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This is Vol. 1 of the Garden of the Gods series, books 1-5. These books are DARK and despite having romantic elements are considered HORROR.

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


Book 1:

Main Master

Beauty. Drive. Desperation.

Charlotte Wyce spent years captivating the world on the big screen. Hollywood never stood a chance against her lure, but how will her slaves fair under her control? Will Mistress 0003 thrive with her new position, or will the darkness of the Gardens be too much for her to handle?

Most wonder if monsters can be created by circumstance. The best ones are. -Elec
MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE
OBLIVION


Book 2:

Main Master

Rob Delgado grew up in the public eye. From being the root of sympathy for his politically driven father, to getting abused for never being good enough. Rob never stood a chance at becoming the perfect son. Now, he’s here to deal with his indiscretions, and he’s my responsibility. Will he come to accept the Gardens, or will he continue to deny a truth he can’t seem to comprehend?

Does privilege create delusion or does delusion lead to privilege? -Elec
MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE
OBLIVION


Book 3:

Main Master

Jealousy? Anger? Secrets?

Vera’s done nothing but love her husband through the good and the bad. Despite the struggles, she knows something isn’t right with Shane. The couple was meant to find ways to combat their problems. Is the Gardens the place, or will Vera not be able to stomach what it is she finds herself trapped in?

Shane was born into our world. His family’s status and loyalty secured his place at not only Whitlock, but at the Gardens as the Main Board Member as well. Now, he’s ready to let his wife in on the secret. After all…he’s prepared Vera for this moment for ten years. Shane’s always been into the darker things. Soon, she’ll discover just how deep the truth goes.

It’s said love triumphs all. The Gardens is ready to put it to the test. -Elec
MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION


Book 4:

Main Master

Pistol Stephens never had an easy life. Losing his mother to an overdose as a teen, he blamed his father for the hardship of his tragic childhood. It didn’t help discovering his deadbeat dad had a few secrets of his own.

Secrets…that found their way to the Gardens.

His hate can’t be denied, and the moment Pistol sees Ashlee, her fate is sealed. His focus is to make her pay for the father’s sins. Little does Pistol know, the mystery of Ashlee’s past may very well determine his future.

Blood is thicker than water…especially when you introduce it to heat. -Elec

MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S
PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION


Book 5:

Main Master

Edward Voss isn’t new to being a Master. In Whitlock, he thrived in his role, but he was never quite satisfied. The Gardens can give Edward something he’s never had…a repeat of his past.

565 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2022

169 people are currently reading
294 people want to read

About the author

A.A. Dark

45 books1,719 followers
A. A. Dark is an International Bestselling Author. She doesn’t live in one place for long and is known to move at the drop of a dime. From mountains and snow to tropical beaches, she could be at one in the morning and the other by night. A. A. is a Goodreads Choice Award Finalist in Horror. She is also the President and CEO of Mad Girl Publishing, and the founder for the Pitch Black brand.

Look for the boxes to see the rating.

PITCH BLACK ⌧

STATIC WHITE ⌧

OBLIVION ⌧

**CAUTION when reading.**

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Community Reviews

5 stars
146 (52%)
4 stars
80 (28%)
3 stars
43 (15%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Everything Bookish  Blog.
779 reviews32 followers
April 29, 2023
deliciously sinful delight.

Oh hot damn. A.A. Dark is back at it again and I am here for it. If you’ve read and loved the previous Whitlock stories you won’t want to miss these deliciously sinful delights. If you enjoy dark and twisted reads with that grit and fire that keeps you wanting more, these are for you.

This volume is short stories following a Mistress, Master, or Couple as they partake in the Garden of the Gods. In each book we get a different perspective of the world. From beginner to true Master. Be warned these stories go beyond pitch black into Static White. Enter at your own risk.

I loved every disturbing moment. It takes you to those dark corners of depraved minds, had me questioning my own sanity at times. This was pure mindfuckery at its best and I could not get enough. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs it gave such insight into the story to know what was going on inside their heads. I'm the type that loves to figure things out and this kept me guessing at every step. It drove me crazy in the best way. Her darkness speaks to my soul. I can’t wait to see this world grow even more.

Profile Image for Brooke (darkcoffeedarkerreads).
282 reviews26 followers
May 26, 2023
Mistress B-0003
5⭐ 2🌶️

Toto, I don’t think we’re in Whitlock anymore. HELLO, Garden of the Gods. Same concept, new setting, new characters, new vibes. Elec has arrived and he’s here to play, or at least make sure everyone else has a good and bloody time doing so. I love the new dark and twisted world we’ve been introduced to and to start with a mistress? Yes, please. We all know I love me a wild, unhinged FMC. Mistress B-0003 is just that–a women’s activist, the voice for domestic violence, and everyone’s favorite gorgeous actress on the outside–but there’s a darkness deep within and I loved watching her explore it in the safety of the Gardens. I was utterly entranced by her relationship with M-0088, and while I knew in my heart of hearts it wasn’t right, their complete passion and over the top energy couldn’t keep me from falling for this depraved, twisted pair.


Master B-1212
5⭐ 0🌶️

Well, that was dark. And I know, I know…all of A.A. Dark’s writing is dark, but this was unexpectedly twisted and depraved, yet still somehow so poetic and heartbreaking. I don’t know how she does it but she better never stop. Robert was not well, my friends, and for a majority of this novella, he was in complete denial. I really enjoyed his connection to Clara, though, and I was absolutely NOT anticipating that ending…I’m still not sure I’ve processed it. It was tragic and startling, yet really brought the story full circle and I’ve come to appreciate these moments from A.A. Dark so much because while it yanks your heart right out of your chest, it feels so intentional and necessary. I’m really loving how this GOTG series is unfolding and I’ll be barreling right into the next novella asap.


Couple B-0001
5⭐ 0🌶️

Y’all! A.A. Dark just keeps getting better and this installment of Garden of the Gods is the best one yet. I’m loving how all of this is unfolding and how we keep getting glimpses of new dynamics and new pieces of this dark, depraved world. These “blank slate” slaves are really starting to glitch out and I’m utterly fixated on how this is all going to play out.

Shane was one of the OG masters, raised in the life at Whitlock, and he’s kept this deep, dark secret from his wife for YEARS. Watching Vera’s exploration of the Gardens and having her come to terms with her own desires and how these align with Shane’s was fantastic. The twisted reveal at the end was shocking and so well thought out–I would love some more backstory of Shane and Vera’s relationship and how they got to this point together without Vera even realizing it. My heart really ached for the slave in this one and it was all the darker being inside his head as he struggled to remember who he was, how he got there, and what he had done while still trying to please both Shane and Vera.

The Gardens certainly are not Whitlock but A.A. Dark has me in a chokehold with these novellas nonetheless and I can’t wait to see where the next story takes us.


Master B-0077
5⭐️ 0🌶️

She’s broken me. I’m broken. I’m officially a victim of A.A. Dark….Y’ALL! This topic is usually a full stop for me—I have VERY few triggers, but this has always been something I had zero interest in reading. Well, Alaska said “not today, lady. Hold my beer,” and here I am writing a five star review.

Listen, Pistol is messed the fuck up, but by the end I was really feeling for him and my icy black heart was warming at the wildly inappropriate, twisted, depraved bond he had formed with Ashlee. I love a good vengeance story and A.A. Dark delivered here in spades. I don’t want to say too much and give away the details but this was gory, unhinged, and mindblowingly perfect. I know I’ve said it about each novella but this is yet again my favorite read of the series so far and after this, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Master B-0999.


Master B-0999
5⭐️ 0🌶️

Alaska, Alaska, ALASKA! What are you doing to me?! Each new story of the Gardens brings about a new kink and depraved dynamic and apparently, I’m here for them all. Master B-0999 is no different and we’ve finally reached the breeders. Let me tell you, I SCREAMED when I realized how this connected to Boston and Anna (iykyk)–I’m absolutely obsessed with this world building that has been occurring and it makes me crave more and more of any and all things Alaska will give us. Master B-0999 was oddly likable despite his depravity and I really loved the fight, pushback, and manipulation FC-1315 shot right back at him. She was one of our smartest, feistiest slaves yet and I’m absolutely here for it. I was GASPING at the ending and I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that we will see more of this pair in future novellas.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
5 reviews
April 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed each book in Vol.1, each story brings something special to the table...

Especially Book 2, Rob and Clara. That brought me to tears!!

HOWEVER...

I have discovered a limit. Out of five stories, M-0077 is the one that stood out the most. I am no stranger to step siblings, but HALF siblings is crossing my line. Straight up incest. No matter how much people twist it, it ain't right. Now, I pushed through the book because that is what I do, but any intimate scenes did nothing for me.

With that being said, I do enjoy the psychological aspect the author brings in each story. That truly does show in Vera and Shane's story and how the blank slate was confused on how dynamics work. I can't wait for what Vol. 2&3 will bring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pasquina Santina.
228 reviews
December 28, 2024
Volume 1 - A little short for the storyline. Would have liked to see it develop further but hopefully the second book has more info about this story.
Volume 2 - Really good!!!!! I'm glad that this one wasn't too disturbing with its content.
Volume 3 - The grammar and spelling errors get to me every time. But this was a good storyline. Loved the new idea of a couple being introduced into this type of life
Volume 4 - Not a fan of sibling... behaviour. But the storyline was cool
Volume 5 - VERY unrealistic plotline. A “killer” can’t go from wanting to kill, to wanting to marry… in one scene. Not my fave one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Breanne.
45 reviews
March 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

I enjoyed this read!

Some of the short stories weren’t long enough in my opinion… I could have read a whole book about the characters from the first short story. I loved that one!

Some of the other short stories didn’t catch my attention all that well and I thought they could have been shorter or more interesting.

Overall though I think these short stories make a good addition to the AA Dark universe and if you’re invested in the universe like I am, then I would definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Kelsey Stone.
490 reviews20 followers
May 1, 2023
Each novella is increasingly darker and just long enough that I can read one of them in one sitting usually, but I’m also a pretty quick reader.

Elec is such a mastermind and master manipulator in every single one of these savory stories and he truly shines in some of them. The twists? Some of them absolutely rocked my world. Her writing is not for the faint of heart and I’ll always recommend checking triggers before reading ANY of her novels.
45 reviews
August 20, 2023
A worthy addition

For those who read 24690, this is not that series. GOTG is something similar, but the focus isn't on the characters we watched descend into madness in the previous series. Here, we see individual cases of madness, unique examinations into the extremes of a human psyche. I'm still in awe of how amazingly awful these characters are.
Profile Image for Shelby.
30 reviews
January 21, 2025
Man, oh mannnnnnnn. A.A. Dark knows how to write some good stories. I recently read her Whitlock series and absolutely loved it🖤 I decided to try this series out and fuuuuuck it’s so good. I love how dark her books are. I didn’t want this to end.. I was HOOKED. Before you read, check your triggers.
Profile Image for Chavonne .
33 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2025
It was fine. Not good. Not bad. Just fine. I feel like u wrote the 24690 series much better than these books. I only read the first book, I'm not gonna read the other books. But I'll give it a three star rating!

Peace ✌️
Profile Image for Ashley Bender.
20 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
Here we follow the new masters, mistresses, and slaves at the new Garden of the Gods. These are 5 short novellas from 5 sets of masters/mistresses and their slaves.

A.A. Dark is a literary genius and I fear I’ll never be the same after I finish her universe.

Please read the TW’s!
Profile Image for Jessica Wilson.
128 reviews
July 15, 2025
Holy crap AA Dark has done it again. While 24690 is still one of my most favorite pitch black series this one ranks quite highly. I definitely need my head examined but the GOTG is a book that I would recommend. The individual stories from the master and slaves was everything.
Profile Image for Kayla McKinney.
6 reviews
July 30, 2025
NEED MORE OF THE STORY!

I loved the Whitlock series and figured I'd give these a try. I love the different perspectives and stories, I just really wish they all didn't end on a cliffhanger! I can't stand not knowing what happens and it makes me not want to read the other volumes.
Profile Image for Carrie Sprouse.
23 reviews
November 23, 2025
As a huge fan of the 24690-Whitlock series, I was super excited to read the Garden of the Gods books. While 1-5 were good they were a bit of a let down. 1-3 were a bit dull for me but 4-5 were better.
I rated this only 3 stars because I expected more. Still worth the read though!
Profile Image for Hilarie.
66 reviews
December 14, 2025
Wow….. just wow.
This series is all sorts of fucked up, but it’s soooo well written.
If you read these novellas, be aware of the warnings! These are NOT for the faint of heart and can be very triggering for some. Human trafficking is vile and horrific, and this series does not hold back.
Profile Image for A.M..
465 reviews13 followers
February 11, 2023
You need this series in your life, if you’re into dark romance.
22 reviews
February 6, 2025
deliciously twisted

As usual don’t read if you have any triggers. This collection of novellas was so wonderfully sick and twisted. Hoping to get more Elec in the next ones.
Profile Image for Carrie Barber.
26 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2025
Neat stories.

I like the different stories with each master and slave. I hope the next book starts bringing together an underlying story.
146 reviews
June 4, 2025
This book was a bit harder to read than the others
Profile Image for Janexia Molina.
1 review16 followers
August 21, 2025
I enjoyed reading it. It kept me wanting to read more of the story line until it left me all with cliffhangers 😣 I need to know what happens afterwards. I need closure. 🥲
Profile Image for Crookedhouseofbooks.
370 reviews43 followers
May 11, 2024
I was mortified with myself when I realized that I hadn't written a review for this book 🤦🏻‍♀️ (I did a star rating but then neglected to return with an actual review)

Thankfully... I found my notes.

So I feel like it's important for me to do this because there are so very few reviews posted. This short story collection is something that I immensely enjoyed as part of the 24690 universe and I wish more people would read it.

Each story is about a master/mistress and their slave...giving both povs in alternating chapters.

We are essentially being given a glimpse of the underbelly of this secret society, the Gardens, which functions similar to how Whitlock was ran. It's a dark world where the rich and powerful come to fulfill their most primal fantasies without the fear of repercussion. Slaves are made available for purchase and there are different levels and classifications available to choose from.

Book 1. B0003: This was a mistress x blank slate scenario...I do believe? My notes are a bit lacking on this one but I did reference Elizabeth Bathory and that the slave was one who had been molded into a protector for his mistress. I had ranked this particular story the highest at ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 2. B1212: This particular master is one that is hesitant to even be in the Gardens. He is part of a legacy and his father sends him there so that he can "safely sate his needs"

This story was extremely interesting, as the master and slave ended up forming an actual romantic relationship which only becomes irrevocably tainted by the toxic environment they are surrounded by. ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 3. Couple B0001: Here we are introduced to a board member and his wife. Actual married couples are a rarity in the Gardens. The dynamics between the two...their jealousy, insecurities and fetishes are slowly revealed and the outcome was very unexpected. ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 4. B0077: The master is a rockstar in the outside world. I really enjoyed this storyline because of how it took on a very taboo angle. It was definitely different than any of the other stories but reminds us that there is truly nothing off limits in the Gardens. ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 5. B0999: This master is a transplant from Whitlock and purchases a "breeder". The games and manipulations from both sides are complex and the stakes have never been higher. ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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