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The Flayed: Broken Souls
86 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Tully Oldin
3 books11 followersTully Oldin is a writer and storyteller who brings cinema to the page.
His works blur the line between reading and watching, immersing readers in slow-burn horror, psychological drama, and surreal storytelling. Silentsomnia is where it all comes alive — a growing collection of interconnected stories and haunting mysteries.
His works blur the line between reading and watching, immersing readers in slow-burn horror, psychological drama, and surreal storytelling. Silentsomnia is where it all comes alive — a growing collection of interconnected stories and haunting mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Not much trauma, but boy, is it a bloody mess! Sometimes they come back for revenge. What a wild town filled with wilder people. Fantastic sequel to the first book. Give these quick reads a shot!
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Not much trauma, but boy, is it a bloody mess! Sometimes they come back for revenge. What a wild town filled with wilder people. Fantastic sequel to the first book. Give these quick reads a shot!
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
February 8, 2026
Thank you Tully Oldin and Book Sirens for the ARC
Great follow up to the first book. After the the events of the first book, we follow Lilli dealing with her feelings of what happened and more so the feelings form the people of the town. I will say, this book gets gross real fast. If you don't like grotesque scenes, maybe stay clear. I really enjoyed this novella, at just over 100 pages it is a nice quick read that will keep you entertained and is really hard to put down. It reads incredibly fast. If you like horror, and weird small town settings, give this a go.
Great follow up to the first book. After the the events of the first book, we follow Lilli dealing with her feelings of what happened and more so the feelings form the people of the town. I will say, this book gets gross real fast. If you don't like grotesque scenes, maybe stay clear. I really enjoyed this novella, at just over 100 pages it is a nice quick read that will keep you entertained and is really hard to put down. It reads incredibly fast. If you like horror, and weird small town settings, give this a go.
March 12, 2026
In the somber and evocative landscape of Broken Souls, Tully Oldin crafts a narrative that is as haunting as it is deeply human. This is not merely a story of survival, but a profound exploration of the fragile architecture of the human spirit when pushed to its absolute limits.
Oldin’s prose is a standout feature—lyrical yet visceral, it breathes life into a world that feels both otherworldly and painfully familiar. The author possesses a remarkable ability to describe the intangible: the weight of silence, the texture of grief, and the flickering light of hope that persists even in the deepest shadows.
The characters are the true heart of this novel. Far from being archetypes, they are "broken souls" in the most literal sense—fragmented by their pasts and struggling to find the pieces of themselves they thought were lost forever. Their journeys are messy and non-linear, mirroring the reality of healing. As a reader, you don't just observe their pain; you feel the resonance of their resilience.
Thematically, the book delves into the complexities of redemption and the power of connection. It asks difficult questions: Can a soul truly be mended? What does it cost to hold onto one's humanity in a world that seeks to strip it away? Oldin does not offer easy answers, which makes the eventual moments of grace feel all the more earned and beautiful.
Broken Souls is a testament to the endurance of the heart. It is a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned—a stirring, atmospheric, and ultimately hopeful masterpiece for anyone who has ever felt a little bit broken themselves.
Oldin’s prose is a standout feature—lyrical yet visceral, it breathes life into a world that feels both otherworldly and painfully familiar. The author possesses a remarkable ability to describe the intangible: the weight of silence, the texture of grief, and the flickering light of hope that persists even in the deepest shadows.
The characters are the true heart of this novel. Far from being archetypes, they are "broken souls" in the most literal sense—fragmented by their pasts and struggling to find the pieces of themselves they thought were lost forever. Their journeys are messy and non-linear, mirroring the reality of healing. As a reader, you don't just observe their pain; you feel the resonance of their resilience.
Thematically, the book delves into the complexities of redemption and the power of connection. It asks difficult questions: Can a soul truly be mended? What does it cost to hold onto one's humanity in a world that seeks to strip it away? Oldin does not offer easy answers, which makes the eventual moments of grace feel all the more earned and beautiful.
Broken Souls is a testament to the endurance of the heart. It is a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned—a stirring, atmospheric, and ultimately hopeful masterpiece for anyone who has ever felt a little bit broken themselves.
March 6, 2026
4.5 star rounded up
The Flayed: Broken Souls | Tully Oldin
Lili returns home to Ryan after the events of the first book. As Ryan becomes more distant, and the town becomes more hostile, gruesome murders begin to occur. Is the murderer one of their own, or something more sinister? Will Lili finally escape Providence Falls, or will she succumb to the hold that the town has over its residents?
This is a horror story at the core - bringing blood, trauma and gore. However, the topic of domestic abuse was depicted with raw and visceral emotion. The stages of grief that Lili went through while recovering from the loss of Oliver, and her brief glimpse of the life she could have had with him, was heartbreaking.
The religious theming was well played and, as the reader, made me angry and seek vengeance along with Lili. The town is stuck in a time in which religion drove politics. The double standard between men and women also helped to build tension within the story.
I loved the way in which vengeance presented itself and enjoyed watching that plot play out.
This is not a fairytale but I do feel as though it did have a HEA, just not in the traditional sense.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading more in the Silentsomnia universe.
Thank you Tully Oldin and BookSirens for this ARC.
The Flayed: Broken Souls | Tully Oldin
Lili returns home to Ryan after the events of the first book. As Ryan becomes more distant, and the town becomes more hostile, gruesome murders begin to occur. Is the murderer one of their own, or something more sinister? Will Lili finally escape Providence Falls, or will she succumb to the hold that the town has over its residents?
This is a horror story at the core - bringing blood, trauma and gore. However, the topic of domestic abuse was depicted with raw and visceral emotion. The stages of grief that Lili went through while recovering from the loss of Oliver, and her brief glimpse of the life she could have had with him, was heartbreaking.
The religious theming was well played and, as the reader, made me angry and seek vengeance along with Lili. The town is stuck in a time in which religion drove politics. The double standard between men and women also helped to build tension within the story.
I loved the way in which vengeance presented itself and enjoyed watching that plot play out.
This is not a fairytale but I do feel as though it did have a HEA, just not in the traditional sense.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading more in the Silentsomnia universe.
Thank you Tully Oldin and BookSirens for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
After the ending of the first book, I honestly didn’t know how the author could top it. But this story didn’t try to recreate the same kind of love it just completely transformed it.
Where the first book felt like an escape, this one felt like a descent into hell. The love that once felt like a secret we should hide to keep it safe was twisted into something darker, deeper, and far more complicated. It was hauntingly beautiful, but in a way that hurt.
This wasn’t a comforting continuation. It was brutal. Every consequence the town ever made came back leaving the entire town and myself emotionally wrecked.
By the end, it almost makes you question whether love was ever meant to survive in a world like this or if it is supposed to move into another reality. Transforming into something monsters cant even conquer and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Where the first book felt like an escape, this one felt like a descent into hell. The love that once felt like a secret we should hide to keep it safe was twisted into something darker, deeper, and far more complicated. It was hauntingly beautiful, but in a way that hurt.
This wasn’t a comforting continuation. It was brutal. Every consequence the town ever made came back leaving the entire town and myself emotionally wrecked.
By the end, it almost makes you question whether love was ever meant to survive in a world like this or if it is supposed to move into another reality. Transforming into something monsters cant even conquer and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
March 8, 2026
Set after the events in book 1 - Beating Hearts, Lili is trying to keep her head down and survive each day as it comes. The town hate her, her husband has her on a tight leash and someone or something is watching them.
This was a chilling, gruesome read that I loved. There’s lots of tension and suspense building throughout.
You really feel for Lili, she’s stuck in a small town with an abusive husband and no one will help her. She wants to grieve for Oliver but she has to hide any emotion and pretend everything is ok.
The towns people are all awful and you wonder what on earth is going on there. Is the town under some kind of curse? I need to know more.
Overall, I rate this 4⭐️. It’s a short dark read then you can read in under 2 hours. Perfect for psychological horror fans.
This was a chilling, gruesome read that I loved. There’s lots of tension and suspense building throughout.
You really feel for Lili, she’s stuck in a small town with an abusive husband and no one will help her. She wants to grieve for Oliver but she has to hide any emotion and pretend everything is ok.
The towns people are all awful and you wonder what on earth is going on there. Is the town under some kind of curse? I need to know more.
Overall, I rate this 4⭐️. It’s a short dark read then you can read in under 2 hours. Perfect for psychological horror fans.
March 11, 2026
I was hooked! I've read "The Flayed: Beating Hearts" before, which was a thrill, but this sequel had a slightly spookier vibe to it. This was a tad more unrealistic than the first considering, well..., everyone's condition and the circumstances, but it was cool.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2026
I have become a fan of this writer. And this story is another great writing.
Lili is being ostracized by her community and her husband is demanding. But something haunts her and she questions herself. But is it all in her head?
Strong characters and a unique storyline.
Lili is being ostracized by her community and her husband is demanding. But something haunts her and she questions herself. But is it all in her head?
Strong characters and a unique storyline.
March 11, 2026
This is the ending of Oliver and Lili's story. There is a lot of chaos and mutilation in the end. This showed me the depravity of people and how some souls rise above the hate to be with their other half. This is a sad but honest story.
February 9, 2026
What in the rapture…..
What a book, i read this straight after book 1 and it did not go how i thought it was going to go.
Wow, i could not read it fast enough.
I dont even know how to comprehend this book.
Yes i enjoyed it but i'm not even sure what i have read lol.
It went from a horror revenge type story to a biblical nightmare, then ended with some warped happy ever after but not a happy ever after.
Definitely worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a book, i read this straight after book 1 and it did not go how i thought it was going to go.
Wow, i could not read it fast enough.
I dont even know how to comprehend this book.
Yes i enjoyed it but i'm not even sure what i have read lol.
It went from a horror revenge type story to a biblical nightmare, then ended with some warped happy ever after but not a happy ever after.
Definitely worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this series. It was a 2 book story that were easy and quick reads. The author can really suck you in with descriptive atmosphere story telling. The ending was phenomenal.
February 8, 2026
"Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone" -John 8:7
Providence Falls is a town that never changed at the turn of the 19th century. Their beliefs and views nitpicked from their bible. Finding it easy to turn a blind eye to the cruel and disgusting nature Lili is treated.
After The Flayed: Beating Hearts Lili is now the outcast. Every little move she makes is under complete scrutinizing eyes. As seconds pass the stranglehold on her becomes tighter. Especially now that a dark presence has taken form.
Tully uses very detailed descriptions throughout the novella. Bringing the words to life visually and heightens your senses. You can almost taste the coppery iron of blood and smell the decay lingering in the air.
For me this was a tragic yet beautiful romance horror. I was rooting for Lili throughtout the story. Hoping and wishing for her life to become more. I loved the gory filled scenes, there are plenty. It's fast paced and easy to consume within one sitting.
Thank you for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Providence Falls is a town that never changed at the turn of the 19th century. Their beliefs and views nitpicked from their bible. Finding it easy to turn a blind eye to the cruel and disgusting nature Lili is treated.
After The Flayed: Beating Hearts Lili is now the outcast. Every little move she makes is under complete scrutinizing eyes. As seconds pass the stranglehold on her becomes tighter. Especially now that a dark presence has taken form.
Tully uses very detailed descriptions throughout the novella. Bringing the words to life visually and heightens your senses. You can almost taste the coppery iron of blood and smell the decay lingering in the air.
For me this was a tragic yet beautiful romance horror. I was rooting for Lili throughtout the story. Hoping and wishing for her life to become more. I loved the gory filled scenes, there are plenty. It's fast paced and easy to consume within one sitting.
Thank you for the ARC. This is my honest review.
February 19, 2026
First, I would like to thank Tully Oldin and Book Sirens for the ARC. Wow, I thought the first one in this series was pretty good. But Tully turned this one up about five notches. I know I am weird but like some grief in some of the stories I read. I don't know why. This one was full of dread and death and misery compared to the first one. In the horror books I have read I have never seen a writer be so descriptive in his writing then Mr. Oldin. He literally makes you feel like you are in the scene with main characters. I felt grief, misery and horror in that last scene of the book. It was crazy that's all I am going to say. I like the fact that his novellas are short, but they pack a punch. Definitely an author to look out for.
March 4, 2026
I want to start by saying that I'm a very avid reader, and I read all kinds of genres of books. I can honestly say that this was the most unique book that I've ever read. I've never read anything like it before. The first book pulled me in, took me on an emotional roller coaster, and broke my heart. And then this one left me in a little bit of confusion and sadness. I so wanted much better for Oliver and Lili, but you don't always get what you wish for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2026
This second Silentsomnia “The Flayed” novella proved to be somewhat less engaging for me than the first. While the overarching concept still feels promising, I don’t feel particularly invested in the relationships that comprise the “beating hearts” at the centre of the story.
The author’s writing includes some great scene-setting and descriptive language, but the plot and characters still lack the depth I would prefer to see.
This is an unpaid and honest review, willingly provided in kind for access to an ebook review copy of this title.
The author’s writing includes some great scene-setting and descriptive language, but the plot and characters still lack the depth I would prefer to see.
This is an unpaid and honest review, willingly provided in kind for access to an ebook review copy of this title.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews