THE LAST LEVEL OF SANITY

by Brenda Nighthawk

Hazel and Jack thought Mahkra was just another quiet town. A place where nothing happens.

Until they discovered Oblivion’s Embrace.

The game doesn’t just twist landscapes and summon nightmares. It learns. It feeds. It turns their deepest fears against them. And when the shadows of the game begin leaking into Mahkra’s streets, neither can tell where the screen ends and reality begins. For Hazel, it’s the fear of losing Jack. For Jack, it’s the memories he can’t bury. Both are trapped in a spiral where love, grief, and obsession blur into something monstrous. The deeper they play, the more it feels like the game isn’t asking them to win. It’s asking them to survive.

Genres: Psychological Thriller

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[BookSplatterBritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed this one. Imagine being stuck in a video game and doing anything and everything possible to escape. Some topics are heavy in this one, check triggers!

[Syn Daye · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the sake of transparency, I am an Alpha/Beta and ARC reader for Brenda Nighthawk. Having said that, she hid some things from us, so some of this was a first-time read.

I honestly love this book. It is fabulously written and flows beautifully between the dual POV. Brenda's skill at descriptive writing is intense. You can almost smell the mildew, rot, and blood throughout.

The psychological mind f*ckery is real as is the delving into some deep topics of depression and child loss.

Hazel and Jack struggle with their mental health after experiencing a mutual loss and deal with it by delving into their latest gaming obsession, Oblivion's Embrace.

At some point, reality starts to shift, and they start to doubt what is reality and what is the game. Has the game taken over, or has it dragged them inside it? Time shifts (damn you, Brenda) and reality blurs, hidden memories cut and makes you bleed.

If you enjoy psychological horrors, this book is for you. Highly recommend, but please heed the trigger warnings, as your mental health comes first.

[Dani-Lynn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮
N/A - 𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🔥🔥🔥 - 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽
🩸🩸 - 𝓰𝓸𝓻𝓮

🖤 𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼🖤
Hazel & Jack

🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼🖤
𝓹𝓼𝔂𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓸𝓰𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓵 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼
𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓾𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼
𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮
𝓲𝓷𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓼
𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻

🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤
“You’re only sorry now that she’s gone.”

(Black Mirror x Silent Hill)

This is a nail-biting experience that feels like Silent Hill combined with a Black Mirror episode. The multi-person POV focuses on both characters as they realize that what they partook in was more than what they expected as they fight to beat the game. This was suspenseful. This was nail-biting. The emotional impact on Hazel was compelling, as it helped her to become a stronger individual.

Hazel and Jack are extreme gamers to the point where they have played games without stopping. But when a new game Oblivion’s Embrace releases with no pausing and no escape, they may have met their match. As they start the game, Hazel starts to notice that his attention has diverted away from her which makes her question things. That is, until they both suddenly black out and wake up in an ominous version of their town.

Now, trapped in the twisted version of their world, they are out through levels that test the endurance of their dark pasts. This game brings out your darkest secrets to use against you. Down to the smallest details. And now, they'll have to survive through its emotionally scarring levels of they both want to escape alive. Nighthawk paints a visionary of dread through deep descriptions and explicit details that allow the reader to fully comprehend both sides to the same story. Her portrayal of Hazel is one of my favorite characters in the genre. Strong and finally understanding of her own worth.

This is a first time read by the author and I was on the edge of my seat for this. First of all, the bleak atmosphere and the discarded relationship between our main characters really has them testing their relationship while ensuring it's all just a game. A carefully executed plot that will have you seated until the end.

[Jessica Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Round of applause for Brenda Nighthawk! This one was so different from any book that i’ve read up to this point and I loved it. As a gamer, can you imagine being stuck inside the game? Crazy right?!
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when jumping into this one but boy was I not prepared for what it brought. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you definitely need to check this out.
Hazel and Jack, oh how I felt for them on their journey of navigating life after a tragic loss. They did what I feel a lot of us do and lose themselves in their guilty pleasure which is gaming. When reality and the game world begin to blend together they must find their way out but not without suffering even more.
I love how the characters were written and I love the way the story flowed without all of the hoopla that keeps you guessing what the heck is going on.

[Mickyla Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Brenda Nighthawk's debut novel, and you guys aren't ready for whats to come.

This book kept my heart racing, and lots of moments I was like WTF? That was so gross. Brenda describes things that make you feel like you are experiencing it right along with the characters. And I loved it!

Hazel and Jack have to navigate the twists and turns that they are thrown into, and find their way back to one another.

Hazel is a total badass. I loved watching her grow into such a strong and formidable character who is willing to fight for Jack...and fight hard

please check your trigger because this book isn't for the faint hearted.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book was bada**. I am blown away by how graphic this was. I loved the blurred lines between reality and the game. Hazel ands Jack are dealing with the tragic loss of a child, so they decide to go to the face game to try and find something outside of their grief. But as they play the game and time goes on, they start to realize that the game is in their everyday life. It gets to the point that they can’t differentiate. They’re stuck fighting for their lives trying to pull apart life and game. This book was intense and crazy. I absolutely loved how the two warped into one world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first review here and I would like to take a moment beforehand to say how impressed I was with the writing, plot, storyline, verbiage, creativity and character development of the author. Also to add make sure and read the TW list as well she cares about her readers mental health. Where shall we start? Everything about this book is fantastic! Hazel and Jack (MC) are taken on the ride of a lifetime in this suspense filled horror/thriller!. A normal night at home turns into a panic filled dark psychological thriller when their favorite video game comes to life and they have to figure out how to outsmart this horror game/world that takes them captive and also battle their own psychological battles/pasts in order to survive the world of Oblivion ( again read TW 🙃)

This book sucks you in and you cannot put it down! Get comfy because once you open this book the world of Hazel and Jack takes hold and doesn’t let go until the last page ☺️ enjoy!

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craziness

This book is crazy in all good ways! Hazel and Jack are lost in a game. It puts then through a lot and they have to find each other again. The game feeds off of their past and is very haunting.
This is a great horror book. I haven't read anything this creepy in a while.

[Cassidy Guffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book like this. It kept me interested - it was spooky - made you think - it was a really fun read. The ending was wild. I loved the characters. Super crazy/wild time would definitely recommend if you like books like this

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow 😳 this book was a crazy ride being trapped in a video game would scare me lol 🤣🤣 I loved how hazel and Jack did what they had to do to escape the game this book had a jump scares and this book had my heart pounding whew this book was a scary good time

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way this book had me hooked from the beginning was amazing. The twists, turns, storyline.... I thought I had the ending figured out and bam another loop. Loved!

[Zina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up most of the reading. I was mad when I had to go to work this morning. 😂 I wanted to keep reading!!! if I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would!!!
This book completely pulled me in and played mind games the whole way through — and I loved it! It kept me on edge, questioning what was real and what was fake at every turn.

Hazel and Jack already struggle with their mental health, but when they enter the game Oblivion Embrace, reality starts to unravel. The memories that surface throughout the story hit hard — emotional, haunting, and unforgettable.

Brenda Nighthawk’s writing makes you feel everything. She pulls you so deep into this world, it’s hard to escape — even after the last page.

🕹️ The real question is... can you survive the game?
⚠️ Don’t forget to check your trigger warnings — your mental health matters! 💚

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. While I did find myself needing to read it in stages, as the themes can become quite heavy at times, I was consistently captivated. The character development and the interactions between the characters were particularly well-done, and they played a significant role in propelling the story forward in a compelling way. I found myself easily immersed in the narrative, even when encountering some of the darker, more challenging elements within the story.

[Momma Murder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a gamer, this book touched my soul. It was raw. The trauma and regret was harsh and brutal.

Everything about this book was amazing.
-The playlist, the names & the haunting video game that twists and deforms reality. Mind binding and creepy.

I was freaked out in the beginning, crying halfway and then super proud of Hazel. She is strong and a new favorite character. 💜😂

That ending... Whoa.

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifying, twisted, and utterly unputdownable.

This is pure horror brilliance. The author doesn’t just scare you, she gets under your skin and stays there long after the last page.

The tension builds perfectly, the atmosphere is dark and claustrophobic, and the scares are equal parts psychological and shocking.

The story keeps you guessing at every turn.

If you love horror that messes with your mind, keeps you up at night, and delivers both suspense and chills, this is it.

The Last Level of Sanity isn’t just scary, it’s a haunting experience you won’t forget.

[Ashley Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, this book was incredible. The suspense, horror, and thrill ride were amazing. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning. I felt connected to the characters Hazel and Jack. All the trauma and pain they go through, man, I felt it deep. I can't wait to read more of Brenda Nighthawk's books.

[Screams & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! This book really caught be off guard. You have horror mixed in with gaming culture, along with self help and I felt like I was insider the world. This author had a very creative mind and very detailed mind. You always have to give kudos for that. I really do appreciate when somebody is describing something in detail in a book. It really helps you visualize it and what is going on.
There’s a part in the book where she is describing the clown and how they are chasing her, plus the way they look and it is absolutely brilliant.

That is things us reader need a book. Maybe the book would be longer but that is ok!

So you have a couple that is struggling with life, relationships and so much demons inside there head. With that said they get sucked into a game… and have to play their way out. But the game is there own demon in there head. So the past, and what they have longer to get off their head.

It really is something different and I am very glad I got to find this author and read her book.

4.5 🌟

~ Screams & Reviews

[Maria Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Brenda Nighthawk book did not disappoint. This book was perfectly named. Hazel and Jack thought Mahkra was just another sleepy little town—until this video game blurred the line between game and reality. What starts as a quiet night in front of the console spirals into a pulse-pounding nightmare where the game learns, feeds, and turns their fears against them. As shadows leak from the screen and crawl into the streets, Hazel and Jack must confront not only the horrors of the game but also the ghosts of their own pasts. Hazel’s fear of losing Jack and Jack’s buried trauma collide in a story that’s as emotional as it is terrifying. This suspenseful horror-thriller takes you on a wild, psychological ride filled with love, grief, and obsession. It’s dark, immersive, and will have you questioning what’s real long after you’ve turned the last page.

[nikkibookishlife · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎮💭 Review: The Last Level of Sanity by Brenda Nighthawk

Hazel and Jack thought Mahkra was just another quiet town… until Oblivion’s Embrace blurred the line between game and reality. 😳
This book pulls you deep into grief, love, and mental unraveling — the kind that makes you question what’s real and what’s not.

Brenda Nighthawk’s writing is so vivid you can almost feel the tension in every scene — the decay, the fear, the heartbreak. 💔
It’s dark, emotional, and raw… but also beautifully human. If you love a psychological thriller that makes your heart race and your brain spiral a little, this one’s for you.

🖤 Trigger warning: touches on loss, grief, and mental health struggles — take care of yourself first.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel and Jack are in a relationship. That relationship also extends to their love of playing video games. Hazel encounters an enemy in the game and loses. Only she realizes that she was not just playing the game but is in the game. Jack is in the game as well.

I can totally relate to the loss of hours when sitting down and playing a video game. There have been many times when I looked at the clock and said to myself, "Ok, just a half an hour more and that is it.", only to find that another hour or so has gone by.

This book was not just about the horror, but it also had an under laying, emotional story to it as well. It explored Jack and Hazel's relationship. I really did like this book and will be checking out other books by this author.

[Lian Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant read! This is a debut novel, and it is sooo good! I literally devoured it in one sitting!
The characters and plot are on point, has a great pace and you just fall in love with the FMC and her demon!
Want a book that mixes gaming with dark romance then this is the book for you, and perfect for spooky season.
This is on my re-read list, and is in my top 10 of the year!
I look forward to future books, cause I know I will just love them!
Cogratulations

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Level of Sanity by Brenda Nighthawk is a psychological thriller. This is Brenda Nighthawk’s first novel but you would not know that. It is so well written with exceptional grammar and excellent storytelling.

The plot was exciting and and filled with pulse pounding horror. Where a couple, Hazel and Jack, become so engrossed in a video game that they never realize how it us taking over their lives and quiet town. As the game tears through the town it also rips through every part of their lives and minds. It forces them to confront their fears and trauma. It is a dark psychologically gripping story that will have you on edge until the end.

If you end horror novels I definitely recommend this novel and author.

[Jessica Price · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just could not get into the book. Concept was something I thought would draw me in. This had me bored out of my mind and trying not to read it anymore.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shatana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a fun book to read through with the twist and turns. There is definitely heartbreak throughout but the way it’s written makes the characters so much stronger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.