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Seven Twisted Shades
When Darius Cole’s reflection starts talking back, it’s only the first crack in a reality splintering beyond repair. Pulled into a shifting world of broken mirrors and shadow selves, Darius discovers he’s not alone; seven dangerous “shades” of himself roam free, each with their own motives, secrets, and blood on their hands.
To survive, he must navigate uneasy alliances, betrayals, and the terrifying interest of the faceless Collectors, beings who want to erase him from existence entirely. But the deeper he goes, the more he realizes the greatest threat isn’t the monsters outside…it’s the version of himself that wants control.
Seven lives. Seven lies. One fractured soul. And if the glass shatters completely, no one gets out alive.
To survive, he must navigate uneasy alliances, betrayals, and the terrifying interest of the faceless Collectors, beings who want to erase him from existence entirely. But the deeper he goes, the more he realizes the greatest threat isn’t the monsters outside…it’s the version of himself that wants control.
Seven lives. Seven lies. One fractured soul. And if the glass shatters completely, no one gets out alive.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 26, 2025
HOOKED!
When I read a book if it doesn’t catch me on the first page I stop reading it, this one HOOKED me right away! I took a walk down the psychological thriller road and if they are all like this one I might have found myself a new genre. Let’s just say once I started I didn’t put it down until the last page!
10/10 story
10/10 writing style
What are you waiting for?! Add it to your TBR !!
When I read a book if it doesn’t catch me on the first page I stop reading it, this one HOOKED me right away! I took a walk down the psychological thriller road and if they are all like this one I might have found myself a new genre. Let’s just say once I started I didn’t put it down until the last page!
10/10 story
10/10 writing style
What are you waiting for?! Add it to your TBR !!
January 31, 2026
Thank you so much, author Deyuan Williams, for providing me with a copy of Seven Twisted Shades. I wanted to reach out and let you know how much I enjoyed the journey.
From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The concept of the mirror dimensions and the personification of the seven deadly sins is so unique that it’s rare to find a thriller that feels this fresh. I ended up finishing it in one sitting because the pacing was so relentless! I particularly loved how you captured the "battle within" the mind; it was both harrowing and thought-provoking.
Seven Twisted Shades is a sharp, unsettling psychological thriller novella that hooked me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the last. If you are the type of reader who decides a book’s worth by the end of the first page, Seven Twisted Shades will have you locked in instantly. I went into this psychological thriller expecting a quick read, but I didn't expect a story that would keep me glued to my seat until the very last sentence. It’s rare to find a novella that balances high-concept horror with such a deep, thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
The story centres on Darius Morgan, a man trapped in a nightmare of his own making or perhaps his own reflection. Darius is thrust into various "mirror dimensions," surreal landscapes where he is forced to confront seven different versions of himself. Each reflection represents one of the Seven Deadly Sins (Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, and Envy).
As if the psychological warfare wasn't enough, Darius is being hunted. Eerie, shadowy entities stalk these dimensions, trying to eliminate him before he can escape or understand the reflections talking back to him. It turns the old saying "our mind is our own worst enemy" into a literal, terrifying reality.
The writing style here is 10/10. The author has a way of making the narrative feel beautifully ambiguous and harrowing all at once. I particularly loved the "numbered" feel of the characters; it was as if I were observing parts of a machine or fragmented memories rather than traditional people. This added a layer of mystery: Are these just sins, or are they actual shards of Darius’s past trauma coming back to haunt him?
The pacing is lightning-fast. It is a short read, but it packs a punch that many full-length novels fail to deliver. It’s clever, it’s "harrowing," and it successfully introduced me to a new sub-genre of psychological thriller that I am now eager to explore further.
The "Twisted" Flaws
No book is perfect, and there are a few things to keep in mind:
The Abstract Nature: The writing is excellent, but the scenes can become very abstract. Because the mirror dimensions operate on their own logic, it can occasionally be difficult to "see" the world-building clearly. You have to be comfortable with a bit of surrealism.
The Seven Sins: I found myself wishing the seven reflections were a bit more distinct. While the concept of sin is present, some versions of Darius felt similar in tone. I would have loved to see the specific traits of "Gluttony" or "Sloth" pushed to their absolute, terrifying extremes. This is an indie gem, which means it hasn't gone through a major corporate publishing house. There are some formatting inconsistencies that might distract readers used to "traditional" book layouts.
My Final Thoughts:
Seven Twisted Shades is a masterclass in unique concept design. It’s a "one-sitting" kind of book, impossible to lay aside once the horror begins. If you want something that is both a quick thriller and a deep dive into the battle within the human mind, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for a quick, unique thriller that challenges your mind and keeps you turning pages, add this to your TBR immediately.
From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The concept of the mirror dimensions and the personification of the seven deadly sins is so unique that it’s rare to find a thriller that feels this fresh. I ended up finishing it in one sitting because the pacing was so relentless! I particularly loved how you captured the "battle within" the mind; it was both harrowing and thought-provoking.
Seven Twisted Shades is a sharp, unsettling psychological thriller novella that hooked me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the last. If you are the type of reader who decides a book’s worth by the end of the first page, Seven Twisted Shades will have you locked in instantly. I went into this psychological thriller expecting a quick read, but I didn't expect a story that would keep me glued to my seat until the very last sentence. It’s rare to find a novella that balances high-concept horror with such a deep, thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
The story centres on Darius Morgan, a man trapped in a nightmare of his own making or perhaps his own reflection. Darius is thrust into various "mirror dimensions," surreal landscapes where he is forced to confront seven different versions of himself. Each reflection represents one of the Seven Deadly Sins (Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, and Envy).
As if the psychological warfare wasn't enough, Darius is being hunted. Eerie, shadowy entities stalk these dimensions, trying to eliminate him before he can escape or understand the reflections talking back to him. It turns the old saying "our mind is our own worst enemy" into a literal, terrifying reality.
The writing style here is 10/10. The author has a way of making the narrative feel beautifully ambiguous and harrowing all at once. I particularly loved the "numbered" feel of the characters; it was as if I were observing parts of a machine or fragmented memories rather than traditional people. This added a layer of mystery: Are these just sins, or are they actual shards of Darius’s past trauma coming back to haunt him?
The pacing is lightning-fast. It is a short read, but it packs a punch that many full-length novels fail to deliver. It’s clever, it’s "harrowing," and it successfully introduced me to a new sub-genre of psychological thriller that I am now eager to explore further.
The "Twisted" Flaws
No book is perfect, and there are a few things to keep in mind:
The Abstract Nature: The writing is excellent, but the scenes can become very abstract. Because the mirror dimensions operate on their own logic, it can occasionally be difficult to "see" the world-building clearly. You have to be comfortable with a bit of surrealism.
The Seven Sins: I found myself wishing the seven reflections were a bit more distinct. While the concept of sin is present, some versions of Darius felt similar in tone. I would have loved to see the specific traits of "Gluttony" or "Sloth" pushed to their absolute, terrifying extremes. This is an indie gem, which means it hasn't gone through a major corporate publishing house. There are some formatting inconsistencies that might distract readers used to "traditional" book layouts.
My Final Thoughts:
Seven Twisted Shades is a masterclass in unique concept design. It’s a "one-sitting" kind of book, impossible to lay aside once the horror begins. If you want something that is both a quick thriller and a deep dive into the battle within the human mind, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for a quick, unique thriller that challenges your mind and keeps you turning pages, add this to your TBR immediately.
February 8, 2026
Is it weird if your own reflection starts moving a bit later than when you move or giving you directions that help you avoid trouble?
Well, that certainly isn’t even the weirdest thing to happen in this book.
From the blurb I was so intrigued. I’ve never heard of this kind of story, it was so different. Getting into it was even more enthralling. Oh, and fast.
The prose is so direct and straightforward and the pace is fast too, I’m like “cool then what happens next?” and I get slapped with the answer one millisecond later haha.
I personally believe the story requires that. The pace suits it. Of course there were times I had to slow down to read and really assimilate (because I am a very fast reader) and it was worth it.
I will give this story a good 3.75 stars. The story does pull you in, but there are inconsistencies at some parts of it. I even at first thought our main character was a ghost because he had zero personality. He just does what he’s told and he even expresses how bored he is of his “perfect” life. But as I kept reading I made up my own theory, that his personality is so because he’s fragmented. That’s what brought up my rating, I love when books have me theorizing.
Though the story may just be fiction, it makes you accept every part of yourself as human. That every facet of yourself no matter how numerous is still YOU ultimately and it’s normal, and I love that. I really love getting lessons from books.
Thanks to the author, Deyuan Williams for providing me with an e-copy of this excellent book. I have loadsss of questions and I can’t wait for the next part!
Well, that certainly isn’t even the weirdest thing to happen in this book.
From the blurb I was so intrigued. I’ve never heard of this kind of story, it was so different. Getting into it was even more enthralling. Oh, and fast.
The prose is so direct and straightforward and the pace is fast too, I’m like “cool then what happens next?” and I get slapped with the answer one millisecond later haha.
I personally believe the story requires that. The pace suits it. Of course there were times I had to slow down to read and really assimilate (because I am a very fast reader) and it was worth it.
I will give this story a good 3.75 stars. The story does pull you in, but there are inconsistencies at some parts of it. I even at first thought our main character was a ghost because he had zero personality. He just does what he’s told and he even expresses how bored he is of his “perfect” life. But as I kept reading I made up my own theory, that his personality is so because he’s fragmented. That’s what brought up my rating, I love when books have me theorizing.
Though the story may just be fiction, it makes you accept every part of yourself as human. That every facet of yourself no matter how numerous is still YOU ultimately and it’s normal, and I love that. I really love getting lessons from books.
Thanks to the author, Deyuan Williams for providing me with an e-copy of this excellent book. I have loadsss of questions and I can’t wait for the next part!
January 27, 2026
Seven Twisted Shades is an interesting psychological thriller novella. It has a unique concept where a man (Darius Morgan) interacts with seven different reflections of himself, each representing one of the seven deadly sins (wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, lust, pride, envy), inside of various "mirror dimensions" while eerie entities try to eliminate him. The pacing is quick, the story unique, and the writing very well done. If you are a fan of short thrillers, this is the book for you!
However, it is not without its flaws. For me, while the writing was excellent, the scenes were a bit abstract, making it difficult for me to picture exactly what was happening with all of the different mirror dimensions and such. Also, I wish that the seven reflections were more distinct and representative of the seven sins, as many of them felt overall similar. Additionally, while this is an indie book, I need to mention the formatting, which has some issues that could be distracting if you're expecting the quality of a traditionally published book.
However, overall, for being a thriller story, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a quick and unique read!
However, it is not without its flaws. For me, while the writing was excellent, the scenes were a bit abstract, making it difficult for me to picture exactly what was happening with all of the different mirror dimensions and such. Also, I wish that the seven reflections were more distinct and representative of the seven sins, as many of them felt overall similar. Additionally, while this is an indie book, I need to mention the formatting, which has some issues that could be distracting if you're expecting the quality of a traditionally published book.
However, overall, for being a thriller story, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a quick and unique read!
February 17, 2026
This book held my attention all the way. In the beginning we learn that Darius sees reflections/shades of him self in mirroring images that talk to him, help him make choices. By listening to them he has established a "perfect life," but perfect is boring and empty, so he goes through a mirror into the realm of shades. But we never learn what the perfect life is. I was teased so hard with this notion that the meaning of life is overcoming adversity, and that without it, everything seems hollow, or that each choice shapes us into who we are and all the shades are just parts of him, he could have become. It's not this. But it is action packed, eerie, creepy and over all has a sweet message of self acceptance. There is fairly strong religious elements and undertone to it as well, so keep that in mind when going in. Despite being a 'phycological' thriller, the thrilling is there but we learn remarkably few things about Darius, not nothing, he is likable, I enjoyed his journey but, I just wished for more.
3.5 rounded up.
3.5 rounded up.
December 20, 2025
In this chilling read, Darius Cole encounters seven different versions of himself, and the horror begins when his reflection starts talking to him.
I felt as though I was reading a book where each character had a number rather than a name, and that it wasn't possible to know or understand any of the characters, but that was something I liked. It seemed that each interpretation of the character represented one of the seven deadly sins, and I wondered if they might also represent memories or parts of Darius’ past.
I had to read this in one sitting, as it was impossible to lay it aside once I started. I found it harrowing to read in parts, thinking about the old saying that sometimes our mind is our own worst enemy, as no one else understands the battle within it. It was a short read but it was very clever, thought-provoking and wonderfully ambiguous.
I felt as though I was reading a book where each character had a number rather than a name, and that it wasn't possible to know or understand any of the characters, but that was something I liked. It seemed that each interpretation of the character represented one of the seven deadly sins, and I wondered if they might also represent memories or parts of Darius’ past.
I had to read this in one sitting, as it was impossible to lay it aside once I started. I found it harrowing to read in parts, thinking about the old saying that sometimes our mind is our own worst enemy, as no one else understands the battle within it. It was a short read but it was very clever, thought-provoking and wonderfully ambiguous.
December 8, 2025
A complicated yet captivating journey into the mind of Darius, who suffers from multiple-personality disorder. This thriller is a two-way mirror; it takes a look at his personalities, awareness, struggles, and healing. It also reflects on our lives; the hypocrisy of being ashamed, denying and trying to bury attributes/emotions we deem negative.
The canon event was later revealed to be ... (where is the fun in it, if I reveal that?). Got me hooked from the prologue; a little hard to keep up with due to the different personalities that pop up, but they are intriguing to keep you reading.
"Perfection is a prison" is one phrase I am taking with me forever.
The canon event was later revealed to be ... (where is the fun in it, if I reveal that?). Got me hooked from the prologue; a little hard to keep up with due to the different personalities that pop up, but they are intriguing to keep you reading.
"Perfection is a prison" is one phrase I am taking with me forever.
April 17, 2026
Psychological Thriller novella that starts off with a man's reflection talking back...not just his ONE reflection though...I would say this was a simple and quick read. While it isn't as descriptive as most thrillers are (not a bad thing) its a great start for someone wanting to read this particular genre. And honestly...I think I would be a little scared if my reflection started talking back to me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews