The Endarkening

by J.T. Ellison

A Dark, Sensual, Scary Tale

Art is her refuge, her passion—and her hell.

American art student Evie Williams is studying abroad in Edinburgh and having the time of her life—especially when she falls hard for Thomas MacBean, a sexy art dealer with a Highlander's brogue. But as Thomas and Evie’s romance heats up, so does Evie’s fascination with a special exhibit of dark art at a local gallery. Normally frightened by sinister subjects, sensitive Evie finds herself entranced by one painting in particular, and soon, can’t pull herself away.

Who, or what, has she really encountered?

Genres: Thriller, Novella, Gothic, Fantasy, Paranormal

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 27, 2017

About the author

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.

J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Reviews

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Endarkening by J.T. Ellison is a short story -- horror.


First, let me thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
22 year old Evie Williams moved from Nashville to Scotland, to continue her education and be more involved in the art scene.
When she meets Thomas MacBean, it is like an electric charge goes off. They click. As they attend an art show entitled "The Enlightening", Evie finds herself unsettled. The paintings were designed to make the viewer feel this way, but Evie finds herself more than unsettled, and needs to leave the the exhibition. However, she is drawn to one particular painting...and it doesn't let her go....neither does Thomas.

My Opinions:
This was definitely a dark and creepy tale....I did enjoy it. Although it was well-written, and the suspense continued to build, I felt something was missing. It felt rushed at the end.
Apparently this book was inspired by a real art exhibition...not sure I want to see those paintings.


For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Chandra Claypool (WhereTheReaderGrows) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I was never a big fan of art except for the macabre kind and this book won't deter me from my love of darkness but I certainly won't be going near a painting anytime soon nor going anywhere near a dude named Thomas. Short, deadly and bloody sweet, horror lovers.... come hither. ;)

[Sheila Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dark, creepy, intriguing short story. But I might want to steer clear of visiting any art exhibits for a while!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was just creepy & bizarre!

[Rubina G Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was creepy. God help me sleep tonight. And I'll think twice before going to an exhibition.

[Janet Totten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book that JT Ellison has written and loved them all... This one was no exception. While I didn't feel this was a thriller in the general sense ... It does have that creepy, thought provoking psychological factor that will make you take a deep long look inside yourself and it became personal for me. After all, we all have a dark side ... Imagine yourself in an art gallery ... You come across one painting that just seems to pull you in... Evoking so many thoughts and emotions you never knew you had ... That's just what happened to Evie while attending a showing with a strapping Scotsman named Thomas. From the moment they met there was an instant attraction but little did she know what lay ahead. A scratching at the bedroom window ... whispers barely audible ... Then you find yourself completely consumed by that painting ... What if that painting came alive? ... What if you opened yourself completely to those deep dark sensual feelings ... There is a fine line between pleasure and pain ... Evie is about to find out how thin that line really is ... Are you?

*** This has been a really hard review to write as I'm not sure how to put my thoughts into words without giving anything away ... It made me think about how each of us have that dark side that we keep so well hidden from the world and admittedly, ourselves and, if given the chance, would we allow ourselves to explore that dark side? I was reminded that each of us has a different view on what we see... This book, although short, is well written and well thought out. I found myself lost in the story and not only were the characters vivid, I could see and feel the paintings. I hope to read more like this by JT. ***

[Sonia Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark short story

I enjoyed this short story. Love the author, have read all of her books and was not disappointed. Dark and has your mind wondering what's next. Amazed this story came from a viewing of dark art in the real Dovecot. Excellent choice for a short read if you have an open mind to the possibilities.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, creepy short story. Ellison keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what's really happening and where the story is going. It has (what I considered to be) a surprise ending as well.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earning an Art History degree at the University of Edinburgh is mostly wonderful for transplanted-from-Nashville Evie Williams. She’s twenty-two, school is good, she has wonderful friends, and she’s just met the oh-so-charming Thomas MacBean, an intriguing art dealer. She enjoys taking in the shows at the art galleries, but the current dark art exhibit at the Dovecot is not her particular cup of tea. Too dark, too uncomfortable.

But there’s one painting in the exhibit, the one she calls The Crevasse, that keeps calling to her . . . .

Inspired by an actual art exhibition, this dark and disturbing tale of missing girls and eerie paintings that can be more than they seem is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Readers looking for chilling and creepy will find that this perfectly spooky novella hits all the right notes.

Highly recommended.

[Elusive · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 'The Endarkening', art enthusiast Evie meets an attractive art dealer named Thomas and from there on out, they are usually inseparable. Although she is disturbed by some paintings at a gallery, she finds herself being drawn to one that is indecipherable.

The poster regarding the mysterious disappearance of a young woman, followed by the intricate descriptions of the artworks on display drummed up the sense of unease and danger. Then there was Evie and Thomas' rapidly blooming relationship to keep one on one's toes.

The horror hit hard, supported by a strong revelation. My favourite scene was Evie painting the entire apartment. It was simple yet so bizarre, creepy and unsettling.

True to its title, 'The Endarkening' blended art, horror and romance in such a way that would make one wary of paintings.

[karin whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books by J.T. Ellison, so was sort of disappointed with this little number. First I didn't realize it was a short story until it ended abruptly. It was getting bizarre when it just ended. Don't get me wrong, bizarre is okay, after all I'm a fan of Stephen King!! It was entertaining, what was written, I guess I felt there should have been more. This the three stars rating.

[William Walter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dystopian future, possibly realistic, but the darkness makes for a bitter story with little redeeming value. The fatalistic outlook of the protagonist leads to a trigger-happy man with no good rationale for anything but shooting those who disagree with him. Leads to an unending population decline in his small part of the disintegrating country. . . . good luck with that

[Judy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a couple of weeks before Halloween - this is a dark tale that took me by surprise. I was intrigue since the story took place in Edinburgh, Scotland and about an artist with unexpected twist. This is a short, quick read that's scary.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Linda Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serious creepy factor with girls missing and dark art the lure. An intriguing short story to read from an author I enjoy. 3.5 stars for entertainment factor.

IG: @bookbimbo

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

That was creepy. I think I may put off the visit to the art museum for a bit. Some day...

[Barry Medlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this & didn’t get the entire story sent 🤷‍♀️. I would have liked to have read till the end

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scariest story ever read!

[Selina Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little short story.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure how to rate this story. It was well written and sucked me in. It also creeped me out as I don’t like horror. Just not for me.

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this creepy book about a dark painting that took over her life. I embraced her passion for art and the man she thought she fell in love with.

[Arlette · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
audiobook, the voices were not fitting , bringing down the quality

[Anneke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brrr, a very spooky short story. Well written!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little short read. I enjoyed. Would have loved for more.