Turning Point will be available On Demand and Digital on August 25. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.
Movie Premiere: DJ Qualls Stars in the High-Stakes Horror Thriller Turning Point
If you’re looking for a horror movie that refuses to play by the rules, Turning Point deserves an immediate spot on your watchlist. Fusing the nail-biting suspense of a home invasion thriller with the relentless chaos of a zombie outbreak, it delivers edge-of-your-seat tension from start to finish.
Every knock at the door and every shadow could spell disaster, creating a gripping atmosphere that never lets up. Packed with intense action, unexpected twists, and high-stakes survival, Turning Point offers horror fans a fresh, adrenaline-fueled experience that stands out in a crowded genre.
A Simple Heist Becomes an Absolute Nightmare
Directed and written by Joshua Wagner, Turning Point is a claustrophobic, high-tension thriller coming directly to Digital and On Demand courtesy of Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)
The story follows two thieves trapped inside a house with a mutating victim. To stay alive, they must rely on a bizarre neighbor in a race against time before they become the monster’s next meal.
“There is danger in the night, but the true terror is inside the house.”
Official Synopsis
Margot and her partner-in-crime break into a home, only to find themselves locked inside with the owner, who is in the middle of transitioning into a zombie. They must find a way out before they become the ghoul’s first victims. Their only hope for survival is a bizarre neighbor with expert knowledge of the undead and the lingering flicker of humanity in their mutating stalker.
Cast & Crew
DJ Qualls as “Casper” (Road Trip, Hustle & Flow, The Man in the High Castle)
Jillian Lee Garner
Mike Apple
Shane Brady (Ballers, Synchronic, Doctor Sleep)
Lydia Hearst (The Haunting of Sharon Tate, Z Nation, Slayers)
Sanchita Malik (Happy Anniversary, Love, Escape the Night)
Film Specifications
Detail
Information
Title
Turning Point
Street Date
August 25, 2026
Release Format
Video on Demand / Electronic Sell-Through (Lionsgate)
Genre
Thriller / Zombie Horror
Rating
R (Violent content, gore, language, and some drug use)
The Descent: Part 2 will be available on 4K for the first time in the U.S. Photo: Lionsgate Limited, used with permission.
For physical media collectors and horror enthusiasts alike, the depths are calling once again.
Lionsgate has officially announced that The Descent: Part 2 is making its way to 4K Ultra HD for the very first time in the United States. This claustrophobic 2009 sequel is getting a gorgeous, limited-edition Steelbook release on August 11, 2026. Featuring terrifyingly vibrant custom artwork designed by the talented Matt Ryan Tobin, this is a must-have addition to your horror shelf. (EG PR, 2026)
Return to the Cave: The Story
Picking up immediately where the bone-chilling events of the first film left off, The Descent: Part 2 follows Sarah Carter (Shauna Macdonald). Dazed, covered in blood, and completely speechless, she emerges alone from the Appalachian cave system.
When authorities force her back underground to help a rescue team search for her missing friends, Sarah’s fractured memories begin to resurface—and with them, the realization of what truly lurks in the pitch black. Worse yet, the team is about to encounter a new, even more viciously feral tribe of deformed “crawlers.”
Release Details & Technical Specs
This limited release is packed with premium technical details, bringing the movie’s dark, atmospheric dread to life with gorgeous Dolby Vision HDR and crushing 5.1 surround sound.
Feature
Specification
U.S. Release Date
August 11, 2026
Format
16×9 (2.35:1) Dolby Vision Presentation
Audio
English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™
Subtitles
English SDH
Run Time
94 minutes
Rating
R (Strong bloody horror violence, grisly images, terror, and language)
The Cast & Crew
Directed by: Jon Harris
Written by: James McCarthy, J Blakeson, James Watkins
Produced by: Christian Colson, Ivana Mackinnon
Starring: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Douglas Hodge, Krysten Cummings, Gavan O’Herlihy, Josh Dallas, and Anna Skellern
Special Features Guide
The 4K + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack comes loaded with both brand-new exclusive content and classic legacy special features that take you deeper into the filmmaking process.
🎬Lionsgate Limited New Extras
Flashback on The Descent: Part 2 – Shauna Macdonald: An exclusive retrospective interview with the lead actress.
Flashback on The Descent: Part 2 – Krysten Cummings: A brand-new look back with co-star Krysten Cummings.
💀Legacy Special Features
Audio Commentary: Featuring Director Jon Harris alongside actors Shauna Macdonald, Krysten Cummings, and Anna Skellern.
The Making of The Descent: Part 2: Deeper & Darker
The Genesis (Behind-the-scenes featurette)
Deleted Scenes: Complete with optional director commentary.
EPK B-Roll & Interview Clips
Production Design & Storyboard Galleries
U.S. & International Trailers
Note on regional playback: The 4K UHD disc is entirely region-free and plays worldwide, while the included standard Blu-ray disc is locked to Region A (North America).
The Descent: Part 2 4K Steelbook is available for pre-order now. Will you be descending back into the darkness this August?
Book Review: I Know a Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours
By: Nat Cassidy
Featuring an Introduction by: Stephen King
The first collection from author Nat Cassidy features his unique blend of gleefully terrifying short fiction, including the hit novella Rest Stop.
“These stories are f*cking great. They rule. So read them.” — Stephen King, from his introduction
Synopsis
There are locations in this world where the light doesn’t seem to reach. Where, no matter how illuminated the place might be, shadows creep in too strongly to fight back.
These locations and more are your destination, and bestselling author Nat Cassidy will be your guide. Featuring the Bram Stoker Award-nominated, critically acclaimed novella Rest Stop (one of Esquire’s Best Horror Books of 2024), along with a number of other original short stories—some of which have never been published before—I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours is a travelogue down twisting side streets and through alleyways where the darkness has eyes and teeth.
Let’s hope you make it home in one piece.
The Table of Contents (Stories):
Rest Stop
Meet-Cute #1: The Unluckiest Girl
Generation
Nice
The Art of What You Want
The Lunar Eclipse
Laughlines
Run for Your Life
Jubilee
Juncture
Come Into the Life of Things
Meet-Cute #2: The Scariest Thing
A Fruiting Body
My Review: Creeping Dread in Everyday Places
Nat Cassidy is a Stephen King fan, and his influence absolutely shows. King has a keen gift for turning ordinary situations into absolute nightmares, and this collection proves that Cassidy has that exact same superpower.
I Know a Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours is a chilling collection that proves horror doesn’t need haunted castles or isolated mansions to unsettle readers. Instead, Cassidy transforms the mundane—a lonely highway rest stop, a doctor’s office, a cramped apartment, even a modern kitchen—into landscapes of creeping dread where something always feels just a little wrong.
Anchored by Rest Stop, which absolutely lives up to its award-nominated reputation, the book delivers relentless tension and a growing sense of unease. Throughout the collection, Cassidy expertly blends psychological horror, supernatural terror, and deep human emotion. His characters feel completely authentic, making their encounters with the bizarre all the more impactful.
Standout Highlights
Rest Stop – Abe is in a band that has a gig coming up, but for now, he’s on the road in the middle of the night to visit his grandmother in the hospital. He has a complicated relationship with her, but she’s the only grandparent he has ever known. When he sees a sign for a gas station, he takes the next exit for a much-needed break. What could possibly go wrong? Next time you stop at an isolated gas station in the middle of the night, try not to think about this story.
Nice – Mitchell is a six-year-old boy obsessed with Santa, much to his parents’ chagrin. When Twinklebottom the Elf visits him in the middle of the night to ask for his help in easing the elves’ workload by not being too nice, he’s unprepared for how far Mitchell will go.
The Lunar Eclipse – A woman waiting for an eclipse looks back at her life and the man she met when they were six years old. They eventually became romantically involved but have since moved on. He has passed away, but she can’t help but remember the promise they made 50 years ago while witnessing another eclipse: no matter what happened, they’d be together for the next one. No matter what…
The Verdict
Each story explores different shades of fear, from grief and guilt to obsession and isolation, while maintaining a distinctive voice that is equal parts unsettling and compassionate. Cassidy’s vivid prose creates immersive settings where darkness seems to seep through every crack.
“This parking lot has gotten too dark and it feels like that van, with its impenetrable windows, is swelling in size, blotting out what little light there is.”
He takes places we all instinctively distrust, like an empty midnight gas station littered with googly eyes, and injects them with a creeping, visceral malice. The atmosphere throughout the anthology is thick and heavy; no matter how well-lit these venues claim to be, the shadows always fight back with teeth.
Cassidy’s writing is remarkably adaptable. He bounces effortlessly between psychological unease and sharp, bloody terror, ensuring that each detour feels uniquely dangerous. It’s a sharp, terrifying read that reminds us exactly why we look over our shoulders in empty rooms.
For those brave enough to step off the main highway, I Know a Place is a brilliant, dark journey that’s well worth taking. Just be prepared for the nightmares that may follow. Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and unsettling short fiction, this exceptional collection showcases Nat Cassidy’s remarkable imagination and storytelling skill.
“It was a joke, more or less. He had to have known that.”
According to Deadline, Gary Dauberman’s Coin Operated has secured the rights to Rest Stop for a future feature film. Cassidy will adapt the screenplay with Dauberman and Mia Maniscalco as producers.
** Thank you to Eve Bailey and Flo Communications for my gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Sight Unseen will be available on digital and on demand on May 19. Photo: One Tree Entertainment
Movie Review: Sight Unseen
Every Gift Has a Price
The Synopsis
Three siblings inherit their estranged father’s rural cabin after his mysterious death. But the longer they spend in the house, the more apparent it becomes that someone, or something, still lives there. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)
Sight Unseen traps viewers in a rural nightmare where something waits in the dark. You can’t hide from what you can’t see.
Film Credits
Release Date: Digital and On Demand — May 19, 2026
Written & Directed by: Stephen Packhurst
Starring: Lauren Pisano (Law & Order), Daniel Burns (Inventing Anna, Insomnia), and Kellie Spill.
Atmosphere & Tension
Sight Unseen is a tense and atmospheric horror thriller that leans heavily into isolation and the fear of the unknown. It begins as an uncomfortable family reunion and quickly spirals into something far more terrifying. As strange noises, missing objects, and unsettling encounters mount, it becomes clear the siblings are not alone.
The film’s atmosphere is its greatest asset. The rural setting feels cold, empty, and claustrophobic all at once. By keeping the “presence” largely obscured, the director taps into the primal fear that our imagination is far scarier than any physical monster.
The Verdict on Dread: Rather than relying on cheap jump scares, the cinematography turns darkness into a living threat. The true star, however, is the sound design. Every creaking floorboard and distant whisper builds a layer of anxiety that makes the tagline feel like a personal threat.
The Sibling Dynamic
The emotional weight of the movie rests on the shoulders of the three leads. Their chemistry feels authentic, with years of resentment and unresolved trauma bubbling to the surface.
Grounded Performance: Their bickering provides a realistic contrast to the escalating supernatural absurdity.
Personal Stakes: Their fractured relationships make the survivalist nightmare feel earned, turning a standard family drama into a fight for their lives.
Final Thoughts
While some plot beats may feel familiar to veteran horror fans, Sight Unseen succeeds through sheer mood and suspense. It is an eerie, nerve-rattling experience that keeps audiences guessing until the final moments.
The takeaway? Some doors are better left locked, and the secrets we inherit can eventually hunt us down.
**Thank you to One Tree Entertainment for the screener link for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Adam Scott stars in Hokum, now in theaters. Photo: NEON
The Unseen Terror: Why Supernatural Horror Still Haunts Us
Supernatural horror films tap into fears that transcend the physical world. Unlike realistic horror, which relies on tangible threats like serial killers or survival scenarios, supernatural horror explores the unknown. It leans into ghosts, demons, curses, and otherworldly forces that defy both logic and human control.
This genre appeals to a deep-seated psychological unease: the unsettling idea that forces beyond our understanding are lurking just out of sight, watching and waiting.
The Evolution of the Eerie
Over the decades, the appeal of supernatural horror has evolved alongside our cultural anxieties:
Early Era: Films often reflected religious fears or moral consequences, portraying evil as a direct result of sin or a terrifying glimpse into the afterlife.
Modern Era: As society became more secular, the focus shifted toward internal struggles. Today, supernatural threats often serve as metaphors for trauma, grief, and the fragility of the human mind.
These movies stand the test of time because they confront us with the limits of human understanding. They invite viewers to imagine a world where the rules of physics and logic no longer apply, making the fear feel existential and lingering long after the credits roll.
New Movie Spotlight: Hokum
If you’re looking to test your nerves with the latest in supernatural cinema, Hokum is now playing in theaters.
Synopsis
Written by Damian McCarthy, the film follows novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) as he retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. His stay takes a dark turn as he becomes consumed by local legends of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Before long, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance force Bauman to confront the darkest corners of his own past. (IMDb, 2026)
Film Details
Category
Information
Director/Writer
Damian McCarthy
Starring
Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot
Genre
Supernatural Horror
Rating
R
Runtime
1h 47min
Bottom Line:Hokum promises to be a gripping addition to the genre, blending isolation with the psychological weight of the past. Catch it on the big screen… if you dare.
‘Deadly Vision’ by T.D. Severin. Photo: Partners in Crime Tours, used with permission.
Part of Partners in Crime Tours Virtual Book Tours
Book Review: Deadly Vision by T.D. Severin
“How much is a human life worth?”
Overview: A Breakthrough Worth Killing For
Imagine a technology so advanced that people would commit murder to keep it buried. In the high-stakes world of medical biotechnology, Dr. Taylor Abrahms is a pioneer. An expert in Medical Virtual Reality, Taylor is leading the “Virtual Heart Project,” a revolutionary fusion of AI and microsurgery at San Francisco University Medical Center.
But San Francisco is a political war zone. With a national healthcare crisis looming, Taylor’s research becomes a convenient scapegoat for warring factions. It’s supposed to be a scientific achievement but it quickly spirals into a fight for survival. Caught in a web of scientific sabotage, career destruction, and a string of murders targeting his team, Taylor must battle overwhelming odds to save his project and the life of someone he loves.
The Review: Where Sci-Fi Meets Suspense
Deadly Vision is a fast-paced medical thriller that expertly blends cutting-edge science with high-stakes political intrigue. The concept of performing life-saving procedures inside a digital simulation feels both futuristic and eerily plausible.
A High-Octane Opening
The story kicks off with a pulse-pounding sequence: Robert Chan is attacked in his own home and left for dead. When he arrives at the ER, he falls into the hands of Dr. Taylor Abrahms, who is just finishing an exhausting 24-hour shift. This single case becomes the catalyst for Taylor’s life to unravel.
Why It Stands Out
Severin creates a hostile environment within the medical procedural where the tension never lets up. Here is what makes this a must-read:
Political Relevance: The backdrop of a healthcare system in crisis adds a layer of depth that makes the plot feel incredibly timely.
The Horror Element: As a horror fan, I was pleasantly surprised. In an attempt to drive Taylor insane, his enemies sabotage the Virtual Heart Project coding, leading to “Stephen King-esque” hallucinations of his late mother and brother.
Vivid Imagery: Severin has a knack for atmospheric prose:
“The wind ran through the oak in the backyard, its branches scratching against the windows like a phantom clawing to get in. Or get out.”
Memorable Moments
Two scenes, in particular, will stick with you:
The ER Crisis: The visceral moment Taylor takes a patient’s heart in his hands to keep it pumping.
The Ghostly Vision: A horrific hallucination where Taylor’s mother reaches out to him, blurring the line between reality and simulation.
The Verdict
While the technical details are dense at times, they provide an authenticity that fans of Robin Cook or Michael Palmer will appreciate. Taylor is a resilient protagonist, balanced perfectly by his team: the comic-relief research partner Malcomb Bernard and the serious biomedical engineer Helen Yang.
Overall, Deadly Vision is a gripping exploration of greed, power, and the enduring strength of family.
“Anger rose in Taylor’s temples. This nightmare was never going to end. He was a faceless pawn in a game that he didn’t understand; manipulated and deceived by those he trusted.”
At a Glance
Feature
Details
Genre
Medical Thriller / Suspense
Themes
Innovation vs. Greed, Bio-ethics, Family, Survival
T.D. Severin is a physician, surgeon, and internationally renowned professor of medicine. A prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction since 1994, his work has appeared in journals worldwide.
Deadly Vision has garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2025 American Fiction Award and the 2025 International Impact Book Award. It’s also a finalist for several prestigious honors, including the Clive Cussler Adventure Writers Award.
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours and the author for my gifted copy for review as part of the tour. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Photo: Partners in Crime Tours
Partners in Crime Tours is hosting a giveaway. There will be ONE (1) winner, US ONLY, for this tour. The winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond or the prize will be awarded to a different contestant. Enter here.
The Master of Horror trades monsters for institutionalized cruelty.
Overview: A Nightmare in Broad Daylight
In the middle of the night, in a house on a quiet street in suburban Minneapolis, intruders silently murder Luke Ellis’s parents and load him into a black SUV. The operation takes less than two minutes. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)
Luke wakes up at The Institute, in a room that looks just like his own, except there’s no window. Outside his door are other children with special talents like telekinesis and telepathy: Kalisha, Nick, George, Iris, and ten-year-old Avery Dixon. They are all in “Front Half.” Others, Luke learns, graduated to “Back Half.”
“Like the roach motel,” Kalisha says. “You check in, but you don’t check out.”
In this sinister facility, the director, Mrs. Sigsby, and her staff are ruthlessly dedicated to extracting the force of these children’s extranormal gifts. There are no scruples here. If you go along, you get tokens for the vending machines. If you don’t, the punishment is brutal. No one has ever escaped from The Institute, but Luke is getting desperate.
TV Note:The Institute has been adapted into an MGM+ series starring Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker, with a second season already confirmed.
My Review: Human Monsters vs. The Supernatural
Stephen King has always been the undisputed master of making the mundane feel predatory. In The Institute, he swaps supernatural clowns and haunted hotels for a far more terrifying monster: institutionalized cruelty.
A High-Stakes Thriller: The story kicks off with a precision that feels more like a thriller than a classic horror novel. King excels at grounding the “extranormal” in the visceral. The true horror isn’t just the experiments; it’s the cold, corporate indifference of the staff who treat children like disposable batteries.
The Heart of the Story: Inside the facility, Luke finds comfort in Maureen, an employee, and his fellow captives. The camaraderie among the kids provides the heartbeat of the novel, contrasting sharply with the clinical soullessness of their captors.
The Payoff: While the pacing in the middle stretches thin as Luke plots his escape, the conclusion is a propulsive collision between small-town heroism and shadowy conspiracies.
The Bottom Line: This is a suspenseful, emotionally engaging story. It isn’t just a horror novel; it’s a gripping exploration of friendship, resilience, and the “human monsters” who justify unthinkable means to reach their ends.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Expanded Reading: Entering the King Multiverse
If you enjoyed the psychic themes of The Institute, you’ve stepped into the interconnected world of the King Multiverse. King often refers to these abilities as “The Shine” or “The Touch.” If you want more, check out these four essentials:
Doctor Sleep – The sequel to The Shining. It follows an adult Dan Torrance and Abra Stone, a girl with a “Shine” so powerful she is hunted by a predatory group called the True Knot.
The Dead Zone – A grounded, melancholic thriller about Johnny Smith, who wakes from a coma with clairvoyant powers that force him into a high-stakes moral dilemma.
Carrie – The one that started it all. This is a tragic look at the raw, destructive side of telekinesis when it is suppressed by abuse and fanaticism.
Later – A recent “Hard Case Crime” novel following Jamie Conklin, a boy who can speak to the recently dead. It shares the “loss of innocence” vibe found in The Institute.
‘I Know a Place’ is the new short story collection by Nat Cassidy. Photo: Shortwave Publishing.
The King of Horror Joins Forces with Nat Cassidy for New Collection
PORTLAND, OR – In a massive win for horror fans, Shortwave Publishing has announced that the legendary Stephen King will write the introduction to bestselling author Nat Cassidy’s upcoming short story collection, I Know A Place. (Shortwave Publishing, 2026)
King, who rarely lends his pen to contemporary introductions, has previously written forewords for literary staples such as Lord of the Flies and The Haunting of Hill House. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Cassidy, placing him among a select few living authors to receive such an endorsement from the “King of Horror.”
A Record-Breaking Release
The buzz surrounding I Know A Place is growing. Since its announcement, the collection has:
Peaked in the Top Ten Most Requested Books on NetGalley.
Remained the #1 Most Requested title in the Horror category.
This follows the massive success of Cassidy’s most recent novel, When The Wolf Comes Home, which was both a USA Today bestseller and a Goodreads Choice Award nominee.
About the Collection
I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours
There are locations in this world where the light doesn’t seem to reach. Where, no matter how illuminated the place might be, shadows creep in too strongly to fight back.
From a suspiciously empty gas station littered with googly eyes to a tech millionaire’s haunted kitchen, Cassidy takes readers on a travelogue through the macabre. The collection features:
“Rest Stop”: The Bram Stoker Award-nominated novella named one of Esquire’s Best Horror Books of 2024.
New Material: A number of original short stories, including several never-before-published pieces.
“I Know A Place is a travelogue down twisting side streets and through alleyways where the darkness has eyes… and teeth. Let’s hope you make it home in one piece.”
Meet the Author: Nat Cassidy
Nat Cassidy is a multi-talented force in the horror genre, writing for the page, stage, and screen.
The Novelist: Named one of the “writers shaping horror’s next golden age” by Esquire, NPR, Harper’s Bazaar, and the NY Public Library have featured his work.
The Playwright: A winner of multiple NY Innovative Theatre Awards, Cassidy has written everything from one-man shows about H.P. Lovecraft to commissions for the Washington National Opera.
The Actor: You may recognize him as a “Bad Guy of the Week” on shows like Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, and Quantico.
Mark Your Calendars
I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours officially drops on May 5.
Ready to secure your copy? The collection is available for pre-order now at Shortwave Publishing and wherever books are sold.
‘To Die Alone’ is now streaming in the UK. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
To Die Alone Review: A Haunting Survival Thriller Now Streaming in the UK
Following its successful release in the US and Canada, To Die Alone is now available on major digital platforms in the UK. Directed by Austin Smagalski, this indie survival thriller blends physical danger with psychological depth, delivering a tense and emotionally resonant experience. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)
A stark survival nightmare where injury, isolation, and buried trauma collide and the only way out is facing your past.
To Die Alone is an emotionally charged survival drama that strips its story down to the essentials: one injured woman, an unforgiving wilderness, and the weight of unresolved trauma. After a devastating accident while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Irving must fight to survive while confronting the emotional scars she has long avoided.
Hiking alone in an attempt to come to terms with her past, Irving’s inner turmoil is revealed through subtle flashbacks. Her journey takes a turn when she meets Ford, a paramedic and experienced forager who hikes recreationally. Though initially wary, Irving agrees to join forces with him as the dangers of the trail escalate.
Both characters are burdened by past trauma and appear to be searching for escape. As their bond develops, Ford confesses his greatest fear: dying alone. When Irving is violently injured after being pulled into a lake by an unknown assailant, the film shifts into full survival mode. Although Ford treats her injury, it becomes clear that escaping the wilderness will be far more difficult than anticipated.
The film’s long stretches of silence and sweeping wilderness cinematography create an atmosphere that is beautiful and brutal, emphasizing human fragility in isolation. Irving’s injury is portrayed with unflinching realism, making every movement feel earned. Ford’s presence transforms the story from a survival thriller into an emotional reckoning, exploring trust, vulnerability, and human connection.
Ultimately, To Die Alone is less about conquering nature and more about confronting oneself. Its ambiguous ending and unexpected plot twist deepen the film’s emotional impact, making it a haunting and intimate exploration of survival, grief, and resilience.
The Jinja of Blood: Of Shadows and Lost Souls is the exciting new fantasy novel by Vivian Bell. Photo: Amazon
The Jinja of Blood: Of Shadows and Lost Souls (Book 1)
By Vivian Bell
An ancient jinja is home to the Wind and Ice clans, vampires who spend eternity fighting loneliness and boredom. In modern-day Japan, the New Bloodline must navigate everyday life, love, and increasingly ferocious yokai.
Shun Holynorth, a vampire, lives in the frost of eternity, while Haruki Akayama, a mortal, exists within the fragility of human time. Their meeting becomes the crack through which both light and darkness seep.
Story Overview
The novel opens with Shun admiring the sun’s final rays at sunset. Even after centuries, sunsets still mesmerize him, though they stir an ancient unrest within his soul. Shun belongs to the New Bloodline, children born of vampires and immortals. As the youngest, he’s seen as delicate, earning him the nickname the Cub. Adam and Ryuu are assigned to protect him as he begins university at Aizawa Academy, where vampires and humans study side by side.
Haruki Akayama and Yoshi Yamamoto are among the human students attending Aizawa Academy. Haruki is a 20-year-old billionaire with no immediate direction in life, aside from his determination to find his mother, who disappeared during his childhood. He’s dating Sam, unaware that Sam is a vampire.
As the group begins school, friendships form and secrets surface. Shared struggles and personal drama draw them closer together, revealing unexpected similarities. Beneath their everyday lives, however, a lurking danger emerges, only briefly introduced here, as this is the first book in the series.
Review
The Jinja of Blood: Of Shadows and Lost Souls blends ancient myth with modern unease. Set within an ancient shrine, it explores what happens when immortality collides with change. The New Bloodline must balance mundane university life with the growing threat of increasingly dangerous yokai, creating a compelling tension between the ordinary and the supernatural.
Shun and Haruki’s connection acts as a bridge, allowing light, darkness, longing, and fear to seep into each other’s worlds. Bell writes their relationship with emotional sensitivity, making it feel earned rather than merely symbolic.
As the opening volume of The Jinja of Blood, the novel sets the tone for a saga focused less on spectacle and more on belonging, friendship, and love in all its complexities. While the central romance between two young men places the book firmly within queer fantasy, the broader cast adds depth and diversity.
The vampires and immortals are portrayed as beings seeking normalcy rather than reveling in blood and gore. Their longing for ordinary lives makes them relatable, despite their centuries-long existence.
The narrative flows smoothly, supported by vivid, poetic language:
“The leaves, no longer resisting, surrendered to the wind’s invitation and danced over gardens and rooftops, skimming aerials and skyscrapers.”
Because the story is set in Japan, Japanese terms appear throughout. While this occasionally slows the pacing, the included glossary is helpful. The incorporation of Japanese folklore, such as the story of Hachiko, the faithful dog who waited for his long dead owner at Shibuya Station for ten years, adds cultural richness.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Jinja of Blood: Of Shadows and Lost Souls is a strong and atmospheric beginning to a dark urban fantasy saga. It explores themes of friendship, identity, coming of age, and love. Though categorized as LGBTQ+ fiction due to its central romance, the story’s emotional core and diverse cast give it broad appeal.
Fans of fantasy, vampire lore, and Japanese culture will find this an engaging and promising start to what is sure to be an exciting series.
“Yoshi was the only anchor that allowed him to maintain a connection to reality. Without him, he would have capsized in the tidal waves of his own soul.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
About the Author
Vivian Bell is a shadow behind shrine doors, writing queer gothic tales of vampires, jinja, and cursed bloodlines. The Jinja of Blood is her debut dark fantasy, set between university corridors and yokai-haunted districts in modern-day Tokyo.
*Thank you to Vivian Bell for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
SA Examiner 