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Three Reasons You Should Read This Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy:
- Creatures of Chaos by Julie Hall is an action-packed competition to see who can outfight, outsmart, and outmagic the rest of the competition (hard when you’re the only one without magical powers).
- Locklyn’s friendships and unlikely alliances make for a fun mix of characters with a variety of powers and motives.
- There is definitely a cliffhanger at the end, but the surprise is worth it – I did not see it coming at all.
About Creatures of Chaos by Julie Hall
Title: Creatures of Chaos
Author: Julie Hall
Series: Creatures of Chaos #1
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Chaos, the vicious supernatural competition where heroes are born and riches are won.
To most, it’s just an urban legend whispered in the darkest shadows, but that all changes when my best friend drags me into a savage world where vampires, shifters, and fae compete for glory and fame.
As a creature without magic, I’d be a fool to enter Chaos, but the prize—a dagger of untold power—could change my powerless existence. With that dagger, I could wield magic, earn respect, and maybe, just maybe, win the heart of the dragon heir… it’s a risk I have to take.
Now, I’m pitted against beasts in a ruthless battle with no powers, no plan, and an infuriatingly attractive ally who’s just as likely to slit my neck as save it. Every round of Chaos leads me closer to seizing my deepest desires or losing everything.
In Chaos, survival is the only rule. And winning is all that matters.
My review of Creatures of Chaos:
Creatures of Chaos by Julie Hall hits my YA fantasy itch in all the right spots. You have an underdog. In this case, a non-magical person in a magical world. The best-friend trifecta with a dash of unrequited (or is it?) love. The dark, brooding new kid that seems like bad news, but maybe it’s all an act. A contest of all the things (will, strength, magic) to see who is the “best” and be rewarded with all the power.
Locklyn is a mostly likeable character. There are a few times she gets a little too down on herself, but I also understand the mentality of always feeling less than those around you. Ensley was the character that really stood out to me, though. I loved her attitude and the way she interacted with everyone. It seemed so genuine.
Now, the Chaos game, what the entire book seems to revolve around. I’m thrilled to say that they don’t completely take over the story. Are they super important? Yes! But I really didn’t need another Hunger Games series that was all about overcoming the game and other contestants. Chaos is important, but the author used it to push the characters forward and learn to adapt and grow.
There is a bit of a love triangle/who will she choose storyline. And the book ends on a cliffhanger, but it’s such a good cliffhanger with a great buildup and a few surprise reveals. Otherwise, there are a few typical aspects of the story that come with the genre. The bullies at the school, the least powerful rising and finding her way towards the top, and of course everyone is beautiful and handsome.