01/17/2026 - Danielle's Dark Corners
- Danielle Yvonne
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Happy Saturday! I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!
I am beyond excited to see what 2026 has in store. So far, so good, and today I am thrilled to bring you reviews for these new releases. First, we have John Ward’s debut adult horror novel, then we try not to die in Mark Tullius’s first solo entry into the beloved interactive series! Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
A BLACKENED HEART, A BLACKENED SOUL
By John Ward
“People always think, ‘Oh, that will never happen to me.’ What a crock of shit. We go through our lives taking everything for granted – bitching and moaning and bitching and moaning about little things that, in the end, don’t really matter.”
This book ruined me. This book ruined me in ways I wasn’t expecting at all. I was warned too. I was explicitly told this would be a heavy read with soul ruining themes, but all that did was suck me in more. I refused to read the synopsis, and I avoided all posts and reviews about it. The thing that had me sold was literally the warning that it would rip my heart apart. So I went in blind, and wow, I think I now have a blackened heart and a blackened soul.
I had never even read anything by Ward before this. I’ve known who he was since I entered the community, and I am familiar with his Scareville Series. Many of those books had been sitting on my Kindle and TBR for over a year, but this was my official introduction to his writing… and you could have knocked me over with a feather when I found out this was truly his debut adult horror novel. Like, oh, ok, where have you been hiding, sir?! Because this book and the way it's written are freaking incredible. It feels personal. It feels raw. It’s soul-crushing. It’s written beautifully. This is Grief Horror done exactly how I like/want it to be, and I don’t see myself being the unpopular opinion with that.
A BLACKENED HEART, A BLACKENED SOUL took on some of my favorite elements when it comes to horror. It has possession, demons, paranormal activity, grief… so much grief. OH, and the suspense? Yeah, edge of your seat type. Between the tone, the writing style, and how it’s broken up into two timelines–one when the MMC is a child, and one when the MMC is an adult- I found myself reading this in two sittings. I know I’m a fast reader, but I give myself time with 300+ page novels. Not this one, it sits at around 365 pages and had me in a chokehold from the very start. I couldn’t swipe the pages on my Kindle fast enough.
I have been sitting on this review for months now. Typically, I read and write my review right away, but when I finished A BLACKENED HEART, A BLACKENED SOUL, I felt like I had to take the time to come up with the perfect words to do this book justice, but I simply don’t think any amount of time will allow me to do an adequate job.
Okay, confession: I’m going to be super transparent here. I have no clue why, but when I saw the cover, title, and that it was threatening to ruin me, A BLACKENED HEART, A BLACKENED SOUL became one of my most anticipated releases for 2026, and rightfully so. This book is going to be a community favorite. I am calling it now. I am also claiming that it will win awards and make a bunch of top lists this year.
Five freaking stars, easily. I cannot recommend it enough to everyone! Just prepare yourself for the book hangover that will come with it. Then prepare to “patiently” (wink wink) wait for Ward to release his next adult novel. (No pressure. Okay, maybe a little pressure.)
SYNOPSIS:
Evil walks among us. It watches. It waits.
John Tinsley’s life was shattered as a child when he lost his mother in a tragic car accident—but that was only the beginning. From that moment, a dark entity marked him, one intent on destroying everything and everyone he loves. Haunted by visions, hunted by shadows, and carrying the scars of his childhood, John must now confront the darkness as an adult, facing a malevolent force that has followed him into every stage of his life.
A Blackened Heart, A Blackened Soul is a gripping tale of supernatural horror and psychological suspense, chronicling one man’s lifelong battle against a being determined to consume his life, his love, and his very soul. Will John survive, or will the darkness finally claim him?
Amazon: https://a.co/d/4m9PBqs
TRY NOT TO DIE: WITH SATAN INSIDE
By Mark Tullius
“Sorry, this soul’s occupied.”
I am obsessed with this book. Tullius is another author in the community whom I am very familiar with. I have quite a few of his books on my TBR and already loaded on my Kindle, and after reading this one, rest assured, I will be binge-reading the others.
This was such a fun book for me. I love some good extreme horror, and I am a sucker for a good interactive / “choose your own adventure” book, so this was right up my alley… and it did not disappoint one bit. If anything, I am the disappointment–if there was a wrong choice to make… I made it. So, while apparently, I suck at these types of books, I don’t care; I love them, and so will you. Probably.
I didn’t realize until I read the author’s note at the end that this was Tullius’s first solo drive with a TRY NOT TO DIE book in the series, and quite frankly, he freaking nailed it. The whole plot, no matter what you choose, is a wild descent into madness, tough choices, and just overall diabolical as can be.
Oh, but Danielle, there’s a survivor option, so you don’t have to do all the guessing. YOU SURE ABOUT THAT? BECAUSE NOT IN THIS ONE! Hehe.
Tullius sold me on this book alone, so if you’re already a fan of the series, you are going to love this one… and if you haven’t read anything by him yet, start here like I did. You will not be disappointed!!!
SYNOPSIS:
Try Not to Die: With Satan Inside – Evil Is Closer Than You Think.
You should be celebrating the happiest night of your life. But as churches burn, suicides spread like wildfire, and brutal murders shatter your town, your engagement quickly descends into hell on earth.
When your fiancée becomes possessed by Satan himself, you’re forced to make impossible choices—each one dragging you further into darkness. The Devil doesn’t just want her soul… he wants yours.
Can you resist his influence? Save the woman you love? Or will you embrace the evil already growing inside you?
From Mark Tullius, creator of the Try Not to Die series, comes his first solo entry—a brutal descent into madness, temptation, and the price of survival. With over a dozen horrific deaths and one true path to salvation, every decision carries damnation or deliverance.
Evil isn’t waiting outside.
It’s already inside you.
Over a dozen paths to die. One to survive.
Extreme Horror Edition—For Adults Only.
This novel contains graphic violence, disturbing imagery, religious horror, possession, and psychological torment.
Reader discretion is strongly advised.
For mature audiences only.
Amazon: https://a.co/d/dl3ggN1
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