Chaos Beckons by Sophie Gabrielle

Chaos Beckons (The Chaos Chronicles #1)Chaos Beckons by Sophie Gabrielle

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: The Chaos Chronicles, #1

Release Date: October 14, 2024

Hidden away in an Eden-like paradise lies a village dedicated to the worship of the goddess Laastra and her husband Arthai. When villagers reach the age of eighteen, they are forced to marry and bear children – but Nadia has other ideas. Tired of the endless worship, torture and oppression of the fanatical cult, Nadia concocts a plan to flee the walled compound before her dreaded wedding day. Despite being an outsider and a troublemaker hated by all, Nadia enlists the help of her husbands-to-be, High Elder candidate Venne and warrior guardian Emiil. Yet along the way they discover terrifying secrets about their existence and all that has been hidden from them. After a life of being powerless and punished, Nadia and her friends begin to realize they may be something more than mere mortals. The world beyond the village walls is nothing like they had dreamed. Will the price of freedom be too much to pay?

The Chaos Chronicles is an exciting fantasy romance series, filled with action, morally grey characters and dark themes. Inspired by the Grishaverse and Dragon Age, this series offers a twist on mythology, magic and mayhem. It also features a variety of LGBTQIA+ characters and found family.

My thoughts: This was a well written, interesting book with a strong YA/Coming of Age vibe. I found the idea of the story to be intriguing – a group of young people who escape their village to learn that they are not who they thought they were. There is a lot of mythological inspiration, as well as magic, a love triangle, new friends, a bit of heartache, a dash of darkness, action and life-altering events. I personally felt it was a bit young for my taste, it was also a little wordy and dragged in places – but overall, it was a good read and if you prefer a YA fantasy – I am sure you will find this book to be a wonderful read. As it is the first book in the trilogy, this story is just the beginning of an epic adventure.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

My Demon Hunter by Aurora Ascher

My Demon Hunter (Hell Bent, #2)My Demon Hunter by Aurora Ascher

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Hell Bent, #2

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Enslaved to a demon queen, Mishetsumephtai “Mist” is bound to her and serves as her hunter – it is his job to track down rogue demons and drag them back to hell. He was sent to find Ash and his brothers, but when he did, instead of taking them back he makes a deal with them and now he is staying with them and taking a much needed break from his duties. He is in a corner store buying ice cream for Ash’s mate Eva, when he meets Lily. Instantly he is captivated and will do anything to possess her. Unfortunately, Mist’s mistress isn’t willing to let him go, and choices will have to be made. Can Mist break the brand that is tying him to hell and find true happiness with Lily or is he doomed to hunt forever?

Blood-born witches, Lily Donovan and her twin sister Iris moved to Montreal nine years ago after the death of their parents. Unlike her twin, Lily has no desire to practice magic and has turned her back on her heritage. When she meets Mist, she too is captivated, but she was completely taken aback when she learns he is a demon. Yet, the connection between them is undeniable and when hell recalls Mist, Lily is willing to embrace her witchiness and brave the depths of hell to save her demon. And doing so will reveal a past that will change her forever and will bind her to Mist for eternity – that is if they can actually escape hell.

This was a great audiobook – the narrator Kirsten Leigh did a wonderful job with the characters and paced the story perfectly. The story itself was amazing, and I will definitely be reading the previous book and looking forward to future installments. This book had everything I was hoping for; magic, witty banter, a possessive hero, an equally possessive, curvy heroine, secrets, good friends, steamy love scenes, nasty villains, laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few nail-biting moments, ending with a few twists and a happily ever after. This was a new to me author, but I am hooked and will be impatiently waiting for the next book! This was the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. If you have been searching for a sexy, paranormal rom com, you can stop looking because this it that book!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *