Ensnared: Escaping New Age and Occult Practices Through Biblical Truth and Gospel Hope

by Jac Marino Chen

Saved by Jesus from a life immersed in the occult, Jac Marino Chen exposes New Age lies with the truth of God’s Word.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”—John 1:5

Jac Marino Chen was a drug-and-alcohol addicted, self-described sorceress practicing ritual magick in a masonic temple. Trapped by darkness, deception, and hopelessness, she didn’t think there was a way out—until Jesus rescued her.

In a world where occult and New Age practices are becoming increasingly mainstream, Ensnared will help

understand the basics of New Age and occult teachings and see what really happens behind closed doors;

identify the demonic elements behind occult practices involving numerology, crystals, tarot cards, alchemy, alien contact, witchcraft, and more; and

break free from false promises of connection, identity, and control, and be empowered to reach out to others caught in deception.

Brimming with the hope only Jesus can bring, Ensnared reveals not only what occurs in the darkness, but how to proclaim the glorious gospel, exalt Christ, and rightly wield the Word of God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Religion

384 pages, Paperback

Published July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Tristany Corgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After hearing parts of Jac’s story and testimony on a few different podcasts, I was very eager to read her book and get a little bit of a deeper look into her experiences with New Age and the occult. What she shares is fascinating, while also at times disturbing. I’m so glad that she has come to know Jesus and found some spiritual healing after everything she has gone through, and I appreciated how many Bible passages and biblical truths she included in this book.

For any sensitive readers, I would recommend approaching this book with caution as it does cover some dark topics. Jac discusses her previous experience of abuse and drug and alcohol addiction, as well as various beliefs and practices of the occult and her own demonic encounters. I didn’t find myself bothered by the content for the most part; however, I could see how others would find the content disturbing. Use your own discretion and discernment when deciding to pick this book up.

Thank you to Harvest House for sending me a free copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

[Todd Burgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only an engaging autobiography of one woman’s pursuit of meaning through the occult and her ultimate rescue through Jesus, but a great biblically focused resource addressing a variety of occultism practices. If you were dabbling in the occult, or fully entrenched in a cult, or know someone who is, this is an invaluable resource of Hope.

[Jurene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. This explains so many things I have seen and heard and experienced in my lifetime. There were so many aha moments.

Jac's life testimony is so beautiful because of what God has done. All glory to Him and for His grace!

This is written with a large audience in mind, I haven't been involved in most of what she describes and yet in her "Heart Checks," I found myself in the same shoes, repenting and praising God for his grace toward me.

If you're in the occult, if you're questioning the occult, if you're flirting with occult practices, if your loved one or when neighbors are involved with the occult, this is a great read for Truth. I recommend it for apologetics in sharing the gospel with ourselves and with others. I've also had great conversations with my kids over these topics, which they encounter in movies and books.

I thank God for Jac's grandpa and his honesty. May we all be honest like him..

JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE, AND NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM. John 14:6

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so touching and raw and truthful!!! It was very eye opening to learn that those things Jac believed before are the truth to some people. I'm so thankful that she wrote this book, not only so I could read her story (I followed her on YouTube first) but so others can learn more about God through her experiences and trials. I pray that anyone who reads this book, it would be an eye opening experience to them as well!! I love how she ended the book, To God be the Glory!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this an eye-opening examination of occult practices in the light of scripture, but this book also contained multiple beautiful, in-depth presentations of the gospel. I'm not sure I've read another resource, especially not an autobiographical one, that unpacked the message of the Bible in such an accessible but thorough way. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs to be reminded of the truth of Jesus Christ in a fresh way, and especially to anyone who finds themselves confused about the intersection of occult or New Age practices with Christianity.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Amen. Praise God!

[Mary Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible and beautiful testimony of God’s grace. I like how all things are compared and related immediately back to the truth. Jac does a great job of telling her story without engrossing you so much in it that you forget that this is a real life that lived through those lies and has now been redeemed. And you don’t have to be deep in the occult to be convicted by the calls to reflect throughout the book. A good read for many reasons, but mainly because God is so good!