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The Deepest Darkness #1
Running into the Darkness
Death follows Dr. Samantha Bartlett throughout her life until it claims everyone close to her. There's one powerful man responsible on whom Samantha sets her sights for revenge. The price is her soul. For centuries, sex has been the weapon of men...now it's her turn.
“I never intended to kill the President. As a doctor, I swore an oath to protect life – not take it. But that was before...”
Second year resident, Dr. Samantha Bartlett, is swept from the frigid New York winter to once again confront the sting of death back home – and face those she left behind. But she’s not alone. A strange man she dubs Shades haunts her every step as she seeks answers to the inferno which claimed her grandmother, an eerie reminder of her parents’ deaths. The secrets Samantha uncovers forever changes her image of those she only thought she knew.
Confronted by Shades, Samantha joins a secret underworld known only as the Elite, where a web of power and control is woven deep within governments worldwide. Their sights are set on the power structure of the United States, and Samantha becomes the unlikely key to infiltrating the White House at its most intimate levels.
The quest for blood threatens to destroy Samantha. From the darkness there is no escape.
“I never intended to kill the President. As a doctor, I swore an oath to protect life – not take it. But that was before...”
Second year resident, Dr. Samantha Bartlett, is swept from the frigid New York winter to once again confront the sting of death back home – and face those she left behind. But she’s not alone. A strange man she dubs Shades haunts her every step as she seeks answers to the inferno which claimed her grandmother, an eerie reminder of her parents’ deaths. The secrets Samantha uncovers forever changes her image of those she only thought she knew.
Confronted by Shades, Samantha joins a secret underworld known only as the Elite, where a web of power and control is woven deep within governments worldwide. Their sights are set on the power structure of the United States, and Samantha becomes the unlikely key to infiltrating the White House at its most intimate levels.
The quest for blood threatens to destroy Samantha. From the darkness there is no escape.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2011
402 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
D.A. Bale
10 books82 followersSometimes life emulates fiction.
Life is filled with tragedy and Ms. Bale's writing reflects this reality. However, there is always a silver lining...even if one must spend their entire life searching for it.
In her previous career, Ms. Bale traveled the United States as a Government Relations Liaison, working closely with Congressional offices and various government agencies. This experience afforded her a glimpse into the sometimes "not so pretty" reality of the political sphere. Much of this reality and various locations throughout her travels make it into her writing.
She dreams of the day she can return to visit Alaska.
Life is filled with tragedy and Ms. Bale's writing reflects this reality. However, there is always a silver lining...even if one must spend their entire life searching for it.
In her previous career, Ms. Bale traveled the United States as a Government Relations Liaison, working closely with Congressional offices and various government agencies. This experience afforded her a glimpse into the sometimes "not so pretty" reality of the political sphere. Much of this reality and various locations throughout her travels make it into her writing.
She dreams of the day she can return to visit Alaska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 24, 2017
This was science fiction, not espionage or suspense unless it had a qualifier of sci fi. The parts about probate were not at all researched. The headstone gimmick ended the value. Then the book muddled into stereotyping women while the main character repeated herself and reverted to little or not values. Even the plot twists could not pull this into the 3 star range.
May 14, 2014
When I first saw the summary for "Running into Darkness" I was excited to read it; but, if I am going to be totally honest, this is a vile and disgusting little story with less than likeable characters who sell their souls for what? Power, revenge? Additionally, I didn't even mention the act of incest the main character willingly participates in. I've read some reviews that justify the incest by saying it wasn't Samantha, the main character. It was her alter ego, Alexandra. I say, "Bullshit!" No matter how much cologne you spray, it still reeks.
I don't mind a dark story; but, this book didn't have much for me to relate to or want to relate to. No matter how much I needed revenge there is a line you do not cross because if you do, you are no longer you. You are just a shadow of any worthwhile human being. The only reason I read the book in its entirety is because one reviewer wrote that the story improves after the incest. Not!
I am in the minority on my disdain for this story. However, I am totally okay with that. There are some depths of depravity I will not tolerate and this is one of them. Read it for yourself and decide. I am done and definitely not moving forward to the other books in the series.
I don't mind a dark story; but, this book didn't have much for me to relate to or want to relate to. No matter how much I needed revenge there is a line you do not cross because if you do, you are no longer you. You are just a shadow of any worthwhile human being. The only reason I read the book in its entirety is because one reviewer wrote that the story improves after the incest. Not!
I am in the minority on my disdain for this story. However, I am totally okay with that. There are some depths of depravity I will not tolerate and this is one of them. Read it for yourself and decide. I am done and definitely not moving forward to the other books in the series.
June 4, 2013
I received this book for a fair and honest review. This book is a page turner and keeps you guessing. I can usually figure out the twists and turns. I did not with this book. I was constantly surprised and anxious to see what would happen.
Nothing in Samantha's life is what she thought it was. She got mixed up with the Elite and thought she was going to make things right. Unfortunately things even with the Elite things are not what they seem. I don't want to spoil it but wow was there a plot aspect I didn't see coming at all!
I think this book would make for a great movie. There were times when reading the book I thought if not a movie, it would make for a great episode the show 24 on Fox. It was that action packed.
I can't wait to read the sequel and see what happens with Samantha. The ending of this book left me gasping and wanting more!
Nothing in Samantha's life is what she thought it was. She got mixed up with the Elite and thought she was going to make things right. Unfortunately things even with the Elite things are not what they seem. I don't want to spoil it but wow was there a plot aspect I didn't see coming at all!
I think this book would make for a great movie. There were times when reading the book I thought if not a movie, it would make for a great episode the show 24 on Fox. It was that action packed.
I can't wait to read the sequel and see what happens with Samantha. The ending of this book left me gasping and wanting more!
September 30, 2018
"Unbelievable"
I've tried to write this review several times, but it's impossible to state how frustrating this book became. At the outset, it showed promise. The early chapters portrayed Sam as a doctor. There were a series of deaths of prostitutes carried out by someone with political connections. Sam returned to Wichita after the death of the grandmother and then... everything that followed was implausible. As for the cliffhanger of an ending. That was inevitable. Any more absurd plot twists would have been too much to swallow. Suspend belief in a real world before reading this book.
I've tried to write this review several times, but it's impossible to state how frustrating this book became. At the outset, it showed promise. The early chapters portrayed Sam as a doctor. There were a series of deaths of prostitutes carried out by someone with political connections. Sam returned to Wichita after the death of the grandmother and then... everything that followed was implausible. As for the cliffhanger of an ending. That was inevitable. Any more absurd plot twists would have been too much to swallow. Suspend belief in a real world before reading this book.
December 19, 2011
Dr. Samantha Bartlett is a personally flawed but likeable character that goes from the life of an ER resident into the life of a superspy. This page turning novel delves into current political intrigue, an “Elite” superspy organization, with page turning “oh my god” scenarios.
“Running into the Darkness” is a pulse pumping romp into the world of double agency that will leave you sweaty and wanting more. From the darkness there is no escape, but bring a flashlight to read by.
“Running into the Darkness” is a pulse pumping romp into the world of double agency that will leave you sweaty and wanting more. From the darkness there is no escape, but bring a flashlight to read by.
March 24, 2012
This is a great read that will keep you turning page after page well into the night as you follow the main character's path through danger and intrigue. It is full of unexpected twists that keeps the reader wanting to know more. I highly recommend this book.
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March 27, 2014DNF
Yeah, I'm out guys. Incest is a hard line for me. She's an adult and doesn't even ask the question why? If they want her to kill him, I get it. However they want her to screw him first? And she does.....repeatedly! NO! Just no.
Yeah, I'm out guys. Incest is a hard line for me. She's an adult and doesn't even ask the question why? If they want her to kill him, I get it. However they want her to screw him first? And she does.....repeatedly! NO! Just no.
September 24, 2016
A lot of action and mystery! Got to read more of her books. I won this book through the giveaways.
December 3, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Alright now, let me lay this out plain and simple. Running Into The Darkness comes charging in like a runaway bass boat with the throttle stuck wide open. This story has more twists than a country back road. It is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the collar and says, sit down, shut up, you are not going anywhere until I am finished with you.
Samantha is not your soft spoken doctor with a clipboard and a gentle smile. She never meant to kill the President, but when the man who is supposed to protect the country orders her family killed off, it changes everything. She then storms back to the Midwest like a ghost with unfinished business, trying to find out who lit the match that burned her whole world down.
Then along comes this strange man she calls Shades. He trails her like bad luck in cowboy boots. He is not just some odd fellow lurking around. Turns out he is part of a shadow outfit called the Elite, a bunch of behind the scenes puppets working inside governments all over the world. They have their eyes on the Oval Office like a hawk watching a field mouse, and somehow Samantha ends up right in the middle of their schemes.
The secrets she uncovers hit harder than a mule kick. Every chapter pulls her further into a darkness that does not give anything back. That Oath she swore is hanging on by a thread thinner than fishing line. And the deeper she walks, the more you feel that cold whisper that says there is not always a clean way out.
This book keeps your brain thinking, your heart pounding, like you are watching your cousins fight at a family reunion. It is dangerous, and addictive.
I give it a 4 outta 5 Catfish!
Alright now, let me lay this out plain and simple. Running Into The Darkness comes charging in like a runaway bass boat with the throttle stuck wide open. This story has more twists than a country back road. It is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the collar and says, sit down, shut up, you are not going anywhere until I am finished with you.
Samantha is not your soft spoken doctor with a clipboard and a gentle smile. She never meant to kill the President, but when the man who is supposed to protect the country orders her family killed off, it changes everything. She then storms back to the Midwest like a ghost with unfinished business, trying to find out who lit the match that burned her whole world down.
Then along comes this strange man she calls Shades. He trails her like bad luck in cowboy boots. He is not just some odd fellow lurking around. Turns out he is part of a shadow outfit called the Elite, a bunch of behind the scenes puppets working inside governments all over the world. They have their eyes on the Oval Office like a hawk watching a field mouse, and somehow Samantha ends up right in the middle of their schemes.
The secrets she uncovers hit harder than a mule kick. Every chapter pulls her further into a darkness that does not give anything back. That Oath she swore is hanging on by a thread thinner than fishing line. And the deeper she walks, the more you feel that cold whisper that says there is not always a clean way out.
This book keeps your brain thinking, your heart pounding, like you are watching your cousins fight at a family reunion. It is dangerous, and addictive.
I give it a 4 outta 5 Catfish!
October 26, 2019
This book is seriously disturbed on so many levels.
There's the "elite" whom are actually whacked out of their damn minds. Recruit Samantha into thinking they're on good side taking out evil and so will she. The nasty disgusting part is they have her seducing her birth father. Not only does she seduce him, but commits incest. Ill. Wait let's end it on a cliffhanger so you have to buy the next book to find out what happens. Hell No.
There's the "elite" whom are actually whacked out of their damn minds. Recruit Samantha into thinking they're on good side taking out evil and so will she. The nasty disgusting part is they have her seducing her birth father. Not only does she seduce him, but commits incest. Ill. Wait let's end it on a cliffhanger so you have to buy the next book to find out what happens. Hell No.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
Running into the Darkness" is a gripping, high-stakes thriller packed with espionage, revenge, and a haunting personal mission. Samantha Bartlett is a compelling lead torn between her oath to heal and the need for justice after unspeakable loss. With shadowy conspiracies, intense pacing, and twists that keep you guessing, this is a must-read for fans of dark, cinematic thrillers. A strong start to The Deepest Darkness series.
February 26, 2018
Running into the Darkness(Book 1 of series)
The writing and the events were a little out there. Many of the events I thought were unnecessary- taking away from the story. You were brought into a good read then I feel like you were taken out again. It didn't really work for me. Thank You though as many parts were I interesting.
The writing and the events were a little out there. Many of the events I thought were unnecessary- taking away from the story. You were brought into a good read then I feel like you were taken out again. It didn't really work for me. Thank You though as many parts were I interesting.
July 19, 2019
Finished this long ago but never posted. Samantha is good, strong character and D.A. Bale's writing style makes the story a compelling read. I don't agree with several who posted about a particular encounter between Samantha and her father. Though distasteful, it was an important piece of the tale and showed the reader just how far the protagonist was willing to go to right an injustice.
April 7, 2020
Samantha Bartlett is an emotional person who gets fired, loses her granny and finds out things in her life are not what thought they were. She gets almost blackmailed into a group called the Elite, who on the surface seem to be the good guys, and they transform her into a high class almost prostitute and killer with the name of Vanessa. There are many twists and turns in the story and a very surprising ending, which opens up the need for a sequel. Highly recommended
July 24, 2020
Great Crime Thriller!
Starting off, Samantha has a normal life and if she just ignored the past, she would have lived a normal life... But, she investigated her past... And then, it was too late! Her life was transformed into something horrible only to find herself running for her survival! A great read!
Starting off, Samantha has a normal life and if she just ignored the past, she would have lived a normal life... But, she investigated her past... And then, it was too late! Her life was transformed into something horrible only to find herself running for her survival! A great read!
July 20, 2017
Quite the adventure
Samantha journeys home after being fired. Her life spirals out of her control. I held my breath at some places, anxiety awaiting a turn of the page to find what comes next. You won't believe it but it is great entertainment. I will read the next in the series.
Samantha journeys home after being fired. Her life spirals out of her control. I held my breath at some places, anxiety awaiting a turn of the page to find what comes next. You won't believe it but it is great entertainment. I will read the next in the series.
August 1, 2018
Ends with cliffhanger
Did not realize this was a dystopian-like story with underground world and Chief of Staff pimping for sexual perverted President.
Well written, exciting story, incredulous though—author has a good imagination
Did not realize this was a dystopian-like story with underground world and Chief of Staff pimping for sexual perverted President.
Well written, exciting story, incredulous though—author has a good imagination
August 28, 2019
Samantha, a 2nd year physician resident, is caught up in uber-espionage tactics involving a remake of herself both physically and mentally by The Elite. The target is the US President, who is also her unacknowledged father. A bit out there...
August 10, 2021
Thriller
Highly entertain but overly dramatic. Its a good book to get lost in but it doesn't make much sense. The simple answer could be the bad guys are that twisted and Samantha that stupid but I hope its more complex.
Highly entertain but overly dramatic. Its a good book to get lost in but it doesn't make much sense. The simple answer could be the bad guys are that twisted and Samantha that stupid but I hope its more complex.
April 20, 2022
What A Ride
I loved the way the story unfolded. I thought what mind came up with this?! This book is so exciting I want everyone to read it. I have a reading buddy who will be first.
I loved the way the story unfolded. I thought what mind came up with this?! This book is so exciting I want everyone to read it. I have a reading buddy who will be first.
May 12, 2023
Deceptions
This story was beautifully written, with layers of character revelations that increased the tension as the plot developed. The cliffhanger ending set the stage for the subsequent stories in this series. I'm looking forward to reading them!
This story was beautifully written, with layers of character revelations that increased the tension as the plot developed. The cliffhanger ending set the stage for the subsequent stories in this series. I'm looking forward to reading them!
July 28, 2025
Who you really are
Samantha always thought she knew who she was until her mother died and then her grandmother died things got stranger and stranger the elite lie to her she falls in love she kills thinking she's doing what is right this is a fantastic book you'll enjoy it
Samantha always thought she knew who she was until her mother died and then her grandmother died things got stranger and stranger the elite lie to her she falls in love she kills thinking she's doing what is right this is a fantastic book you'll enjoy it
October 4, 2017
Great Book
This one has me hooked on the first chapter! Thrilling characters, lots of action. If you like a great crime story and have a vivid imagination then this book is for you!
This one has me hooked on the first chapter! Thrilling characters, lots of action. If you like a great crime story and have a vivid imagination then this book is for you!
May 28, 2018
Really different
I loved the storyline, but toward the end it became a little far fetched. Still most of the book was well written.
I loved the storyline, but toward the end it became a little far fetched. Still most of the book was well written.
November 5, 2019
The book was excellent until the end.
March 10, 2020
Very exciting
I’m ready for the next installment... such an exciting story! It was a little slow to start, but once it got going, I couldn’t put it down.
I’m ready for the next installment... such an exciting story! It was a little slow to start, but once it got going, I couldn’t put it down.
July 9, 2022
great
Conspiracy at its finest. Fast paced and exciting. If you want to read an unbelievable story, this one will keep your interest.
Conspiracy at its finest. Fast paced and exciting. If you want to read an unbelievable story, this one will keep your interest.
September 10, 2024
Way too much graphic sex. The story is meh, but leaving it on a cliffhanger makes me want to read the next book but I dont think I will.
April 19, 2021
Two Minds
A power struggle that will keep you in suspense throughout. Strong wills push and pull the characters from one extreme to the next.
A power struggle that will keep you in suspense throughout. Strong wills push and pull the characters from one extreme to the next.
February 10, 2022
seriously scary
Sam is caught up in more than she expected after almost dying. Can she stay alive and get her real life back.
Sam is caught up in more than she expected after almost dying. Can she stay alive and get her real life back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews