Tethered

by C.S. Jones

Ali Hussain, a student in Aberystwyth with an unusual past, has been suffering from migraines and sleep paralysis. Bit by bit, they're taking over his life, chipping away at his sanity until it becomes clear that something is hiding within, something dark and malevolent. It wants freedom to roam the earth, and when the lives of himself and those around him are threatened, Ali is left with no option but to face the lurking terror head on. With a group of friends, and a couple of strangers with their own agenda, Ali must fight to keep the darkness from breaking free into our world.

This is the second book by C S Jones and the second precursor to Do Not Unlock following the successful debut, Colours.

155 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2024

Reviews

[Leigh Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his newest offering, Tethered, C S Jones covers sleep paralysis, ancient evils, and so much more in so few pages! The story and characters are full and fleshed out in a manner more befitting a full-length novel, and yet it works. Though this is a quick read, it still allows the reader to become invested in the stakes. Jones' trademark brand of humour offers moments of levity throughout that serve to soften the reader up before slamming them headfirst into something terrifying.

The story is fresh and original and, much like Colours, has really just increased my appetite for Jones' first full-length work. I believe it may be coming sooner than we think!

Jones is one of those writers who I'm excited to watch progress. And you should be too!

[Corrina Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Colours, Jones' debut, where we were introduced to the title character, and was so excited to find out Chris had written another story. It was well worth the wait, but I wish I'd dived in sooner…

Jones does creepy, really fucking well, which was proven in Colours and just intensifies in Tethered.
Fraught with tense anticipation throughout, and short, sharp chapters, making this story a fast paced, action packed and blood soaked one. My favourite kind 😁

Grippingly awesome stuff.

And Fuck!! What a twist! 😲🖤

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.S. Jones does it again with another chilling tale!! Definitely read his other story “Colours” before or after as it’s also nightmare inducing!

A young man struggles with worsening migraines, nightmares, and sleep paralysis. Little does he know, this is more than just his past trauma affecting him. Something is coming… soon.

This was a great mix of bloody scenes, Welsh folklore, and the angst of being a young adult in a harsh world. With a crew of unique characters, well developed plot, and even a bit of humour thrown in, I really enjoyed this read. Loved the tie in to “Colours” and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!!!

I did get a bit tired of Ali saying “Fam” all the time- even in the most dire of situations.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite good! Soooo much happens in this short novel, and it was certainly action packed! It was also verrry well written, was is not always the case with demon/extreme gore books. But honestly, I couldn't fault the syntax, flow, pacing and word choices.
The characters were believable and I loved the lore as well as the gore! Some very gruesome parts and spooky moments that I simply loved! And the ending.... *chef's kiss*. Cannot wait for the sequel.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Sleep paralysis has never been this good... or scary! This book is a novel, but it went so fast it might have been a richly crafted novella - C.S. Jones wasted neither time nor words going straight into the heart of the story, putting poor Ali through the wringer. (And it turns out Ali's hardships are not even over; Jones has a larger vision for him, hinted at in the end of the book!) The plot is essentially a series of supernatural upheavals in Ali's life. Since he has a girlfriend and a couple of roomates, their lives are affected too. And the cast grows larger when two more characters are added, knowledgeable and capable to help. This is indeed a large cast, but Jones keeps a tight rein on everyone, continually ramping up the suspense - till the supernatural threat is revealed and the nightly attacks are shown to be even more sinister than initially suspected! The shocking ending maintains the story’s intensity, promising even more evils to come. Hard to believe this terrific story is just Jones' second book! That's a writer worth keeping an eye out for!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so creepy. The cover alone creeps me out. I've always been intrigued by sleep paralysis and I've read lots of creepy stories from people who suffer from it. This book makes sleep paralysis more terrifying. I don't suffer from SP, thank God, but I do suffer from migraines, and now when I have a migraine attack, I'll be a little freaked out that something might be tethered to me 😳

Ali suffers from migraines and sleep paralysis it's taking a tole on his life and his sanity, and then something evil makes its way through something that is tethered to him, putting his close friends in danger. Ali must try to sever the evil that is tethered to him before it can come out into the world.

I loved the ending, and I'm so excited that we are getting more in Do Not Unlock, I can't wait 😀

If you loved Colours, then you will definitely love this 😉

[Tammy Riner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Tethered and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
The characters felt realistic, and dialogue was sprinkled with humor and wit that made them quite lovable. Even the demon made me chuckle. That shouldn’t happen! But it made for a very fun reading experience.

This book started out focused around sleep paralysis, and if you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to experience that, you know it’s probably the most terrifying thing ever. Well, the author made it even more so. As someone who lives with a person with frequent sleep paralysis, I’m bare scared. No smells yet though. *fingers crossed*

The pacing is fantastic, with short chapters that pack a punch. You’ll be saying “just one more chapter” until you accidentally finish the whole book.
I loved the tie-ins to Colours, and I’m really excited for future books in this universe.

I also picked up on a nod to a book from another author and it honestly made me so happy. Very cleverly done.

I’ll read anything this author writes at this point. Keep them coming!

[Asia Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in less than a day! Once I started, I didn't want to stop.

Sleep paralysis is already such a terrifying notion, but C.S. Jones took this story and decided to amp that terror up even more! As someone who often has migraines, and has had my own experiences with sleep paralysis, this book hit all the right spots. I'm excited (and impatient lol) to see his character Ali continue his story in Jones' next book!

After reading his debut, Colours, and now Tethered, I can easily say that C.S. Jones is an auto-buy/read author for me and he deserves all the praise!

[Indieterror13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I finally found a minute to read this after having it for a bit! This book is creepy in an excellent way. It's well written and the characters are decently developed for the length.
The only complaint I have is there are a few parts that felt could have been fleshed out just a little bit more. But overall it is a really good read.

👹👹👹👹/5 for me. Pick this one up!

[Angelique Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down! Finished in a sitting, it was that good! A fast-paced read with short chapters and such a creepy vibe throughout, cannot wait to read more from this author.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a book that will genuinely scare you? This is it!

As a sufferer of sleep paralysis, this genuinely scared the living daylights out of me. The author describes that intensity of feeling and helplessness that it creates.

Already scared silly, the short chapters catapult you through the narrative; the imagery is freaking cinematic.

A fully immersive read. This author is one to watch.

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[Shannon Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hunched over, it absorbed all darkness around it to form a fragmented picture – a fractured visage of death itself.”
Is this nightmare real for our MC, Ali? Perhaps…
Is the imagery here (and all over the book) of this “nightmare”, absolute, well … “nightmare fuel”? Absolutely.

Our dear author delivers in Tethered a creep factor ghost story, horror tome and mystery thriller all wrapped up into one… with tiny little easter egg that ties into his previous novella, Colours (I will let you all find it…) and hints at his future full-length novel.

The characters were, for the most part, well developed, and ran the gamut from the ones you love to hate to the ones that you just plain love. There was one tie-in that I wish was better developed for my taste, but that didn’t impact the overall plot, nor my love of this book. Our MC, Ali, was particularly well nuanced and tugs at your heart in ways you never see coming…

The twist. I am very rarely caught off guard by any plot anymore, but that one moment near the end knocked the damn breath out of me. I was like “whaaaatttt… nooo… whatttt…”, I think I even said it out loud. This isn’t to take away from the actual ending, which was also really fucking well done.

“Something’s coming, Ali, and it’s headed our way”
I can see it on the horizon, and I am here for it. This was a great little novella, fast paced and engrossing. I cannot wait to read what happens next!

Highly recommend this one for fans of ghost stories, thrillers, horror and a bit of gore to top it all off.

[Honey Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

C S Jones has delivered one hell of a gripping, edge-of-your-seat horror thriller with his latest novel, Tethered.

From the moment I started this book, I couldn't put it down. It kept me on tenterhooks, making my toes curl and sending tingles up my spine. Delving into topics like sleep paralysis and ancient curses, this novel is a fast-paced read with short chapters that kept me turning pages without taking a break. I chose to read this book during the daytime because the cover alone, being so visually striking, hinted at nightmares, and if I were to let my imagination run wild, guaranteed, I'd get sleep paralysis too 😫

AND THAT COVER! I absolutely loved how C S Jones used the cover to set the stage for the story, providing an eerie backdrop keeping the theme consistent throughout from the first chapter to the end, making everything all connect so seamlessly.

Overall thoughts 💭💭💭
Tethered is a must-read for all fans of horror/ thrillers. C S Jones has the ability to create suspense, filling our heads with thoughts of the unknown, and constantly keeping me engaged from start to finish. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this is it.

Thank you, Cs jones, for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is if tethered is just a taste of what's to come, then I'm definitely going to keep my eyes and ears open for when his new story comes out.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't think Chris could top Colours, yet here we are! I'm absolutely in love with the world that he's building between Colours and Tethered; he's setting up for something really cool here, and I can't wait to see it. His world-building reminds me a little of Hitz, and it makes me so excited to see what Chris will come up with in the future!

Tethered is a quick read, but I really enjoyed learning some new folklore. I don't know much about Celtic/Welsh mythology, and it's not something I see very often in pop culture, so this was something completely new to me. I loved the helpful way that Chris taught the reader how to pronounce it as well; he slid in the pronunciation in a way that didn't make it obvious that's what he was doing, and it was very much appreciated!

Chris is really shaping up to be one of my favourite emerging authors, and if you haven't checked out his stories yet, you're really missing out on something really exciting! He has a unique way of storytelling that completely draws you into his words, and before you know it, you've devoured the whole story in one setting!

Now I guess I'll sit on pins and needles, waiting for the next installment!

[Darren Manoharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Supernatural, Insidious and Silent Hill this book is for you. The story centres around Ali, a student. Suffers from serious migraines and sleep paralysis. It all started recently. Things start getting stranger and stranger. People around him start getting hurt. Enter Theo, a demon hunter and police detective….. or is he just an oddball.

The book has an awesome pace to it and gets straight into it. Characters are given enough back story that you can really relate to them. As with all the stuff written by C.S. Jones the book is peppered with very British humour and references and made me chuckle. The action scenes are great but it is not too gory for those who are not into that. This is the second story that will tie into the bigger universe which will be coming up in Do Not Unlock, which I am eagerly awaiting.

Book is highly recommended along with the authors other work Colours, which is again an epic read. What are you doing still reading what I have to say about it, go download it and start reading!

[Svea Neitzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of factors that make Tethered terrifying. Ali Hussein’s parents immigrated from Pakistan to the UK for a better life. Though I don’t have experience being one, I imagine leaving everything behind and living in a country with a different culture is scary. Ali suffers from migraines and nightmarish sleep paralysis. He can’t get a logical explanation for his condition. I’ve only had sleep paralysis a couple times and felt trapped. A feeling that is hard to shake off. The paranormal aspects of this book create paranoia, and the spirit creates devastation. The idea that something evil and ancient can cling to a family like a parasite is horrifying. I love that CS Jones used Welsh mythology, which I don’t know much about. Now, I must learn more about the creepy spirits they believed in. For those who read Colours, you’ll love the Easter eggs. This book can be read as a stand-alone book, though. I really enjoyed this supernatural horror novel. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tethered is a dark tale steeped in folklore. Ali, a student at the local university, suffers from debilitating migraines that often signal something even worse: sleep paralysis. Too tired to stay awake, but too terrified to sleep, Ali knows what he will see when he wakes up, unable to move. His friends and girlfriend try to help him, and the arrival of two strangers who seem to know more about his affliction than they should sends Ali down a path of terrifying truths. Because his sleep paralysis isn’t normal, and the thing he sees actually exists and is tethered to him. And it wants its freedom.

This was a very enjoyable, quick read. Jones knows how to create an atmosphere of dread where the tension is palpable. The descriptions of the creature and all it could (and did) do were chilling. Ali was a fantastic character and one whom I felt a great deal of empathy for. There’s a brilliant connection to another of Jones’ books and sets the stage perfectly for that story. If you like folklore, dark creatures, and characters with heart, this is a must read.

[Sue and her books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali is a young college student going through a tough time in his life. After losing his father, he is plagued by debilitating migraines and recurring episodes of sleep paralysis. He is awake, but his body remains unresponsive. He is unable to move, even after he notices the presence of something dark and otherworldly lurking around him in these terrifying moments. Sleep is no longer safe, rest in an impossibility. This demon - 'a creature truly dreamed from a sculptor's delirium', becomes attached to Ali, getting closer and stronger with each encounter.

It's a chilling premise, considering that sleep paralysis is a very real condition. Add a demon to the mix and you have a truly disturbing tale. I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters that stood by Ali during this impossible ordeal - friends, allies, etc - and that provided some much needed comic relief amidst the tension, while working together to help him escape this creature. Fun!

[Rhiannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris brings the creepiness every time, and Tethered has it tenfold! A ghosty, folklore tale based in Wales (hoorah! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿), Chris takes us on the road with Ali, his girlfriend Amy, flate mate Patterson, and friends Joel and Hannah. Ali can't shake these terrible migranes, and with sleep paralysis thrown in, too, darkness surrounds him while he sleeps. Laced with Chris's humour, this quick read makes you so invested in the characters, and as usual with Chris, that twist leaves you reeling with a gasp! Tethered is filled with tension and leaves you flicking through the pages to find out what bloody mess occurs next. Will Ali win the race against time to stop the threat and sever its tether before darkness can seep in? Please pick it up and find out! I loved this, and I can't wait to get started on Do Not Unlock.
Also, if you've read Leigh Kenny's "Cursed," you'll love what Theo has in his boot (trunk)! 4 🌟

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tethered is a short novel that reads like a much bigger piece, and reads like it was written by someone with dozens of novels under their belt.
The characters are so well developed it is really hard to believe that this novel is under 200 pages. With Tethered you know you can sit back, safe in the knowledge that you’re in the hands of an expert, and you are guaranteed a great story. But don’t forget a second think you’ll be able to relax…
Tethered is a terrifying look at what happens when the demons of sleep paralysis are real. The entity is so well described they are absolutely harrowing, and I cannot wait to see how this adventure continues in C.S. Jones’ next book.

Tethered has a fair few 5 star ratings at this point, mine is just one more. Believe the star ratings, and run to get a copy of this one, you won’t be sorry.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book!! This story has an awesome premise; I love the dream type/sleep horror stories. There’s plenty of horror, gore and creepiness!
In the middle, it felt a bit rushed and a little confusing with the explanation of the creature and the family ties, but with more explanations, it all made sense.
It’s pretty cool how the story comes around to the “tether” with the monster/Pwca and Ali. I thought it was super original how they are linked.
Even though it’s a shorter story, it’s very well written and so exciting from start to finish! It’s a very past paced read, with short chapters, and the ending was super suspenseful and surprising!
I’m so excited for the next book to come out, to see what happens next!

Thank you to C.S. Jones for an arc copy of this awesome and unique story!
The book comes out on August 25th and is a must read!!

[Jim Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I received this book from CS Jones called Tethered. I was like, well it has an ominous cover that looks really cool. So I really wanted to give this story a shot. And holy shit am I glad I did.
It follows a college student named Ali, who suffers from migraines and sleep paralysis. He has some of the most messed up dreams. A roommate of his wants to do an experiment on him dealing with his sleep paralysis. This does not go to well and everything spirals out of control after that.
This book had me hooked from start to the fantastic finish. It’s so so good. I hated when it ended I wanted more and the ending leaves you wanting more! I cannot say enough good things about this book, just fantastic. This book comes out Aug 25th. Definitely check this out. Just phenomenal!!!!! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Jim Ody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from his great debut novella Colours, CS Jones unleashes a no holds barred novel that mixes up the supernatural and general eerie evil. We have the crisp storytelling, and fast-paced action mixed with his dashes of British humour that we’ve come to love to create a book that you’ll have finished before you realise it. I read it in 24hrs and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tethered follows the life of Ali Hussain, a guy who is suffering from headaches and sleep paralysis… and then things get darker, and he is pulled into a realm where it’s not easy to tell what is real and what is not. Add roommate, and a Demon Hunter/Police Detective and you can understand that Ali’s life is anything but normal.

Just as good as his first, Tethered wets your appetite for what else is in store…

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

University student Ali is plagued by migraines and sleep paralysis that are driving him and those around him crazy. But something is moving when he cannot, reaching out to him as he is frozen, trying to use Ali to manifest into our world and Ali must save his friends and himself from this tether.

A fabulously creepy novella that annihilates the presumed safety of sleep. Ali and his friends are typical university students when a dark force sets them all in a malicious firing line with their very existence at stake.

Welsh folklore, glorious gore, fantastic characters and the darkest humour, a tale of terror to tell, if only you could wake up!

[Sarah Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

CS Jones knows how to pack a punch. I was a huge fan of Colours, but Tethered is EVEN BETTER. This novella follows Ali, the last of his family line, who suffers from sleep paralysis - which is scary enough on its own without bringing demonic possession into the mix. This is horror with heart, and a cracking sense of humour. CS Jones is a name to watch out for. He's going to take the horror world by storm!

[Lisa Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and loving Colours by Chris, I knew I had to check this one out.
Tethered is a well written, fast paced horror that just straight in to the action. Within this brutal story, no one is safe, which sucks as you find yourself getting attached to the characters.
The story takes sleep paralysis to a whole new terrifying level, and that ending. *chefs kiss*
Chris is definitely one to check out, I can see why he won the Bookstagram Debut Author of the Year.

[Llrâc Nôdbé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris has done it again. He’s drawn me in, toyed with me, and added to my nightmares.
Tethered revolves around Ali, his migraines, and his regular bouts of sleep paralysis.
I won’t go into detail, as I’ll probably spoil things, but I will say that Chris’s writing is getting better with every story of his I read, and it was brilliant when I first read one of his flash fiction pieces.
If you haven’t read any of his stories, yet, what’re you waiting for?

[Kyle Rolinatis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tethered is another fast-paced, fear filled horror experience from CS Jones. He is one of my favorite authors who has that gift to be able to get that dreadful, creepy atmosphere on the page like few can. This book is short, but it is packed with nail biting scenes that will keep you up at night. If you like generational curses, sleep paralysis demons, and wicked twists - go and grab this one!

[Kirsty Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great offering from C S Jones. A disturbing book with well developed characters. The story made me feel dizzy and drained!

[Emma Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooooo! Boom!
C S Jones you beauty! Yet another dark and creepy book! This had me hooked from the very FIRST page!

Run and read this one... Now!