Gavin Cross, with the assistance of detectives Madson and Becker, struck a devastating blow to the Glam. The shadowy ancient group seduced his brother Nathan into their ranks and now threatens the lives of all those around him. He has been forced to hide away from their far-seeing eyes. But even unseen, their influence remains expansive, even among those who appear to be the most trustworthy allies.
While Gavin seeks to preserve not just himself, but the safety of his family as well, the Glam are beginning to face conflict on more than one front. Xavier Thrallson and his new pupil Nathan discover a conspiracy that has been embedded in their organization for far too long, putting their entire race at risk.
In this sequel to J.T. McGee's debut novel "Thrall," allegiances are tested, and brother will be reunited with brother, but will their paths reconvene as family... or enemies?
J.T. McGee is a former teacher in Saratoga Springs, New York. He is an artist, adventurer, writer and crafter. He takes great pride in the impact that he has had on his students over the years. Since JT was born in the wrong era and can't charge headlong into battle, instead he writes books and recreates ancient weaponry.
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First off, thank you to both the publisher and the author for providing this digital ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
In 2024 I read Thrall and was very impressed with the authors work and excited to see where he would go with the sequel. Sequels are always a hit or miss kind of thing, and this one I’m happy to say is definitely a hit.
Enthralled starts off strong, sending the reader straight into some creepy, supernatural action. Fears and heightened emotions come to life and stakes are high.
This sequel better explores the relationship between Gavin and Nathan which I enjoyed, revealing layers of the overall mystery.
I’m a really big fan of myths and legends, and this series has some really interesting and dark ones woven in.
Without spoiling too much, lovers of horror, thrillers, ancient mysteries, the supernatural, and so much more will fall in love with this series, the characters, and McGee’s writing overall.
This was a fantastic sequel, and again, I look forward to seeing what the author cooks up next.
Wow! Great sequel that tied up a lot of plot lines from book one. I really enjoyed the growth between all the characters as well as things clearing up in regards to the Glam. The siphons were a really cool touch and I think the ending unfolded really well. This book is pretty fast paced like the first one, making it a great action-packed read. I also really enjoy this authors way of showing the human sides of his characters (even the non-human ones lol).
This series does a great job at keeping the plot moving forward while giving you insight into the Glam and their mysterious ways in a way that isn't overwhelming. Highly recommend this series to those who love a quick, but dark read that resolves in a satisfying way, leaving you wanting more.
Where To Read: available January 14, 2025, by Valenza Publishing; pre-order Kindle edition here: https://amzn.to/41SEBiL; more information on the works of Andrew Valenza can be found at www.valenzapublishing.com
RAVING REVIEW: J.T. McGee’s latest creation, ENTHRALLED, returns to the eerie, haunted landscapes he began exploring in THRALL. This sequel doesn’t pick up where its predecessor left off; it catapults the reader into a heightened whirlwind of supernatural stakes and intense emotional turmoil. McGee blends the terror of otherworldly horrors with the internal battles that come with confronting one’s darkest fears, creating a narrative that is as much a psychological exploration as the dark tale being told.
In the heart of ENTHRALLED, Gavin’s cabin is a refuge and a fortress. McGee crafts an environment that is a living, breathing extension of Gavin as a person as Gavin fortifies his cabin against the nightmarish Gläm—a grotesque fusion of supernatural dread and biological monstrosity—each trap symbolizes his internal defenses against his deepest anxieties and past traumas.
The saga deepens as we explore Gavin’s relationship with his brother Nathan, whose scars and sorrows create a counter-narrative of loss and defiance. Nathan’s alliance with the Gläm and his dealings with the manipulative Xavier peel back the layers of mystery shrouding this shadowy world, enriching the story with a web of betrayal and power.
Xavier emerges as a fascinating study of leadership gone awry. Although initially portrayed as the epitome of control, his composure frays as Gavin’s newfound capabilities pose unforeseen threats. Xavier’s descent from dominance to desperate actions offers a dramatic glimpse into the instability of power when it meets unpredictable resistance.
Becker and Madson offer a stabilizing influence counter to the other characters. Their down-to-earth presence and insights ground the supernatural elements. Their roles underscore the themes of loyalty and planning, emphasizing the human capacity to confront the uncanny and the unknown with courage.
McGee twists the terrifying traits of the Gläm with allusions to ancient myths, enriching the story with a layer of intrigue that suggests the Gläm’s terror is as old as time. These mythological references deepen the backstory and elevate the tale, casting Gavin’s struggles within a broader context of age-old human fears and battles.
The climax of ENTHRALLED is both a literal and metaphorical battle. McGee details Gavin’s preparations leading up to a final confrontation that tests his physical and moral nerve. This climactic battle is depicted by blending heart-stopping action with profound emotional resonance and emphasizing the growth and inner strength gained through adversity.
Underneath its surface, ENTHRALLED is a meditation on identity, legacy, and the human condition. Gavin’s dual battles—against the Gläm and himself—serve as a metaphor for the universal struggle to reconcile one’s past with one’s present.
ENTHRALLED is a formidable narrative continuation that mixes suspense with existential questions. McGee’s talent for twisting an intellectually engaging tale ensures that this book will not only delight fans of THRALL but also draw in new readers with its thoughtful, eerie charm. This book helps to solidify McGee’s standing as a craftsman of supernatural fiction, capable of capturing the intricacies of the human spirit.
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3.75/5 — this would probably be ranked higher for me if scifi was a go to of mine, but it’s not a genre I typically reach for. HOWEVER, this duology I actually really liked. I binged both of them in one day and I think that speaks volumes from a girl who reads primarily fluffy romance/romantasy?! This sequel was exactly what I hoped it would be!
JT’s writing kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I think that’s why these two books were so bingeable. These would have been perfect to read around Halloween time for me!
- Multiple POV’s - Supernatural - Ancient mythology - Thriller/suspense - Perfect for those wanting to step into horror - Set in Saratoga Springs, NY