Thrall

by Katey Hawthorne

On tour with The Rade, music’s out and proud glam rock darlings, drummer Wren is having the time of their life. That is, until their worst knocker-fae nightmare suddenly They’re sucked off stage and into a witch’s summoning circle mid-show. A powerful binding keeps them from leaving their enthraller’s side, and the annoyingly hot witch claims it’s all just a mistake. But since when has a human ever passed up the chance to use fairy magic for their own financial gain?

August Minotte should’ve been trained as a hereditary witch, but instead he was forbidden to use the grimoires his infamous grandmother left him. The Minottes lost a huge fortune for mysterious reasons, and now Augie’s barely keeping his head -- and his dwindling family -- above water. When he finds a spell to get back their lost riches, he’s just desperate enough to use it. Then the spell summons and enthralls a beautiful, spicy fairy rockstar instead delivering a long-lost pile of money.

They’ll both have to face their families’ dark histories to set Wren free. Then, and only then, they can think about acting on all this pent-up attraction that’s driving them both absolutely wild.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2025

About the author

Hi! I'm Katey. I write superpowered and fantasy romance of an LGBTQIA bent. I live at Superpowered Love -- kateyhawthorne.com.

I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:

Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks

Reviews

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story for Wren and August in a paranormal mystery romance. my blog review link

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Thrall is the third book in Katey Hawthorne’s The Rade series, following the members of a world-famous fae rock band. While we met Wren in prior books and the other band members show up here, the story stands alone well for new readers who want to jump in here. The set up here is interesting and the story does a nice job addressing the consent issues with regard to August accidentally summoning Wren. While it was unintentional, August has essentially captured Wren and placed them under his thrall. Not only can Wren not stray far from August, but August can also control Wren if he chooses. So this is obviously a huge violation and Wren is understandably angry and terrified.

This is another entertaining installment and a great pick for folks who like rock star romances, as well as fae fantasy.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series! Harper and John's stories were fantastic, so I've been looking forward to seeing fae drummer Wren find their own true love. When August accidentally summons them, it's not a promising start to an everlasting romance, but these two are so sweet together.
I like Augie's gentle nature and his determination to make things right. While Wren is horrified and devastated to find themself enthralled to a witch, they soon realize that Augie isn't evil like the grandmother who provided the spell and kept Wren's own father enthralled for years. The other band members provide unwavering support for Wren, and beginning with John, they all end up seeing the good in Augie and supporting him, too, as they look for a way to break the spell.
This romance is a great addition to the series, and each couple has ended up being such a perfect match. Now that Robin is the only band member still unattached, I'm looking forward to his story, and to seeing how this wonderful group supports him and his potential partner. I know it will be so good!

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

​One minute Wren is feeling pretty good about being on tour with their band, The Rade, and enjoying drumming and being in concert. And then they get sucked off stage and find themselves in the company of an untutored witch who had inadvertently summoned them to his space and placed them under his thrall. And Augustus is not sure how to reverse the spell which traps Wren to him and gives him control over Wren. They are in a bit of a quandary where trust has been violated and in order to unravel what was done both have to deal with some secrets that are a part of their respective family histories while their growing attraction to one another evolves. But first, they have to deal with the thrall, then they can see where their attraction will go. A fascinating story that deals with lots of thorny issues well.A good addition to the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wren The Rades drummer accidentally gets summoned and trapped by an ancestral witch/designer named August, it’s their worst nightmare come to life as this same thing happened to their father. But as they get to know August, they realize that he’s not like his ancestors and is horrified he’s trapped them and will do anything to stop having ownership of Wren. They also bond over clothes. This book takes time to explore the different sexualities and genders. Wren is nonbinary and pansexual and August is trans masc and as well as pansexual. The author really takes the time to explain the importance of using the right terminology because not everyone’s journey or identity are the same. It also delves into themes about acknowledging your family’s past and working to be better. Not to hide but embrace it happened and prove that it’s your choice to end the cycle. I can’t wait to read book 4.

[Nate Elune · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've loved every Rade book so far, and Thrall is no exception. I wasn't too keen on the premise for a romance (a witch unknowingly enthralls a fae), for obvious consent reasons, but Katey does a great job navigating that. As a consequence, there is very little spice in this book until the end, and honestly, I am here for that.

Instead, it has a whole lot of trans rep, enby rep, bi rep, generational trauma, found family, actual family, fae being fae, and attempting to make reparations for the harm your ancestors have done.

It's funny, it's feisty, but it also addresses a lot of very serious matters without pontificating. Fully recommend.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for (The Rade-3) Thrall by Katey Hawthorne

I felt so lucky I have been able to read another book in this world by Katey Hawthorne. Again, I loved the way this series has been written. I love paranormal, like it's my top 3 tropes that are written. This is about Wren, who is the drummer in their band. I loved the way Katey Hawthorne wrote about what this group is thrown into. I love the paranormal/human trope since who doesn't want to live part of that life if you love paranormal stories? I loved August Minotte and Wren's story. I can't get enough of this wonderful series. I want more, that's all I know.

Nicole Harvey

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enthralling from the other side. These books make no secret of the fact tte fae steal humans and take them away. This book explores tge fact the humans can be just as dangerous. Wren's people have history of being enslaved so even though this is accidental there is sone trama to get over. The author does a good job of making it clear that involvement during the enthallment is not OK but that does mean that there is not a whole lot of romance until later in the book as Wren and Augie consider what thier connection is and can be.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is third in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
Wren has been my favorite character since I read Rival, their energy is so great and unashamed, I love them.
I picked this with some fear because of consent, but the author treats that masterfully, same with a plethora of other serious issues written in this novel, without being overwhelming or taking it out the romantic plot.
I enjoyed this story, Augie is perfect for Wren and they work seamlessly together.
I liked the optimist feeling the book conveys.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren and Augie were absolutely adorable together in this, despite the situation. While we meet Wren in the previous books, this one shows more about how their mind works. Augie is an introvert in a rough spot financially, but he was definitely the right one to break the cycle. Augie accidentally summons Wren, and then is so careful not to use the power he has over them. Through trying to solve the situation, Augie finds out his family's horrible past, and Wren's generational trauma is highlighted. Read this series in order for maximum enjoyment.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story felt a little different from the others but it was no less fun. I loved the trans and non-binary representation. While this book dealt with some pretty heavy and dark themes and a whole lot of trauma, it always had a positive vibe and outlook and I really appreciated that. Wren is an absolute firecracker and it was great seeing them grow more into themself, while Augie's sweetness and vulnerability gave the whole story a little more depth.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Wren and Augie together even if their start was definitely not promising. The spell gone wrong reminded me a bit of a genii wish that goes completely awry but in reality, although Augie didn't initially summon the pile of money he and his family needed, he did end up with a treasure. I loved the way the band rallied round first for Wren and then for both of them. Another great entry in the series.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

August finds himself in quite the bind when he accidentally summons Wren, and their rocky start quickly turns into something deeper and heartfelt. The band steps up with unwavering support for Wren, and they all begin to see the good in Augie as well. Together, they work to uncover a way to break the spell binding them. A magical tale that adds beautifully to the series, this story is a standout.

[Anonymous Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved and enjoyed this book and also the previous books, it has all; fluff, spice, plot and also the perfect amount of angst (not too much not too little) :)
I totally recommend reading this series in order and falling in love with these amazing characters. I can't wait for the next book!!
(I received an ARC of this book)

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book.
I really enjoyed the world building and magic system.
Wren and August have a mystery to solve in order to free Wren and finally help their respective families be at peace.
The dynamic between them was amazing.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and August were great together, I really enjoyed the dynamic between them. Their journey to free Wren made for an engaging and entertaining addition to the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of The Rade series and this is another good addition, this is Wren and August’s story and is different in that they have to solve a mystery to free Wren before they can help their families and act on connection and chemistry to each other. Good read.

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series of fae rockstars finding love. In this book, Wren finds their happiness with August - despite their beginning being inauspicious. This was a great addition to the series, and I can't wait to read the final story!

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the trans representation in this book. It was a very good and emotional read.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series and this one was a great one.

[Geboyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series just keeps getting better and better!

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a brilliant trio of books. Fantastic last book as we follow Wren and August who has such a great dynamic between them. A highly entertaining storyline as they free Wren kept me completely engaged throughout. Loved the "rock band " but paranormal element to keep it intriguing!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review