BOOK REVIEW
Enthralled
    

Genre: Thriller, Horror, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Writer(s): J.T. McGee
Pages: 244
Where To Read: available January 14, 2025, by Valenza Publishing; pre-order Kindle edition here: www.amazon.com; 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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[photo courtesy of VALENZA PUBLISHING]

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