Creatuers of Chaos by Julie Hall

 

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.

Review: 

First of all, the cover on this book makes it 100% worthy to sit on any reader's shelf. I personally started reading Julie Hall's books with her Life After series. If you haven't read it, you should. The Life After series continues to be one of my favorite comfort reads. It follows the story of a young girl who dies (she thinks) and lands up in heaven...with a job to do. It is a beautiful series.

Anyway, this review is about Creatures of Chaos. Overall, I liked this book! I have a weakness for shape shifters, dragons, stories with strong and loyal friendships, and academy-based adventures. This book checks all those boxes. When I picked up this story, I wasn't expecting "Chaos" to be an underground 'hunger games' type competition (love it!). That was a twist (one of many) that hit throughout. Chaos was a fantastic plot driver and was so creatively done!

Let's chat about Locklyn. It was refreshing to read a story where the FMC wasn't the 'all powerful' one gifted with mega magic. In a world where all the creatures are gifted, Locklyn only has what she's worked for: combat skills and a quick mind. Everything she has and everything she gains during this adventure she has to earn. Props to this. 

Creatures of Chaos does feature a love triangle, or at least, the beginning of one. It's not a trope that I love...but it was well done. Personally, I'm a huge fan of loyalty and dedication, and Locklyn's struggle between her attraction and friendship with Beck and her new draw to Talon made me uncomfortable. However, the questions and doubts that she has about both guys are legit. Talon and Beck both have some very attractive features (physically and otherwise) but they also have some less attractive tendencies. I'm really interested to see how these relationships play out in the next installment. 

Looking forward to reading the next book!