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Chaos and Creation - Book One: The Coming of Darkness
"Wait! This may be your only chance... seize it... don't let it pass you by! - The feelings of dread… the sense of despair and foreboding... they have been growing in you like a dark shadow since you found it?"
Arthar thought for a moment. A look of realisation passed over his face and he started to nod. “Yes… Yes, that's it!”
When Arthar finds a mysterious amulet, Morbydd’s dark intent turns toward the West, threatening to plunge all that he knows and loves into unending chaos.
Morbydd's dark army threatens the empire’s holy city and Arthar’s people see their chance to cast off the shackles of imperial might. But Cradoc, a wise philosopher, warns that this is a distraction, that Morbydd’s true aim is to find and destroy a lost gateway revealed when Arthar discovered the amulet. As this compelling epic fantasy begins, Warder arrives to call upon Arthar’s people to rekindle the ancient alliances of man and beast. To convince them, Warder casts a terrifying image of the future should Morbydd succeed. Will Arthar rise as a hero to face the darkness, or will he succumb to the shadows that threaten to engulf him? Only time will tell as this epic tale takes you to where the empire’s might has waned and dark forces gather to fulfil an ancient prophecy. Feel the excitement as Arthar raises the mighty Solstice to pierce the darkness, armoured Battle-bears and War-wolves join forces and the horse-born Aelf, emerge to resist Morbydd’s dark army.
Cliff-hanger Part One of this epic tale has a nail-biting end that will compel you to want to read Part Two! You have been warned… See my Author Page for details!
Editorial It is important to understand that this epic fantasy series was originally written as one story but as a previously unpublished author that one book would have been too expensive. As a consequence, I have re-written the original story as three books (possibly four) to make it less expensive. That means you need to read all three in order of publication! I truly hope you enjoy it...
Arthar thought for a moment. A look of realisation passed over his face and he started to nod. “Yes… Yes, that's it!”
When Arthar finds a mysterious amulet, Morbydd’s dark intent turns toward the West, threatening to plunge all that he knows and loves into unending chaos.
Morbydd's dark army threatens the empire’s holy city and Arthar’s people see their chance to cast off the shackles of imperial might. But Cradoc, a wise philosopher, warns that this is a distraction, that Morbydd’s true aim is to find and destroy a lost gateway revealed when Arthar discovered the amulet. As this compelling epic fantasy begins, Warder arrives to call upon Arthar’s people to rekindle the ancient alliances of man and beast. To convince them, Warder casts a terrifying image of the future should Morbydd succeed. Will Arthar rise as a hero to face the darkness, or will he succumb to the shadows that threaten to engulf him? Only time will tell as this epic tale takes you to where the empire’s might has waned and dark forces gather to fulfil an ancient prophecy. Feel the excitement as Arthar raises the mighty Solstice to pierce the darkness, armoured Battle-bears and War-wolves join forces and the horse-born Aelf, emerge to resist Morbydd’s dark army.
Cliff-hanger Part One of this epic tale has a nail-biting end that will compel you to want to read Part Two! You have been warned… See my Author Page for details!
Editorial It is important to understand that this epic fantasy series was originally written as one story but as a previously unpublished author that one book would have been too expensive. As a consequence, I have re-written the original story as three books (possibly four) to make it less expensive. That means you need to read all three in order of publication! I truly hope you enjoy it...
444 pages, ebook
Published April 5, 2024
13 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
AJ Andersson
2 books2 followersA. J. Andersson is a student of Western European mythology, writer, and author of this new three-part Epic Fantasy series ‘Chaos and Creation.’
Inspired by the classic age of folktales and mythology, Chaos and Creation features the myths and symbolism of the ancient world that continue to be influential in Western culture.
With a BSc Hons in Psychology and BSc Hons Criminology, the author has developed an insight into the way culture and environment impact character and behaviour, as such, he has been able to create an “unashamedly epic fantasy, packed with believable characters, belief systems and landscapes that deploy the much-loved tropes of the ‘quest’ the ‘hero’ and the conflict between good and evil.”
“I believe that fantasy fiction fulfills an important role in the modern world by retelling tales of how belief, and reality, compete amidst the eternal struggle between chaos and creation, revealing the simple truth, that peace and happiness are gifts that should never be taken for granted, and strength and truth, must be deployed whenever it is threatened, in a complex and ever-changing world…”
Chaos and Creation - PART ONE 'The Coming of Darkness' is A. J. Andersson's first foray into the world of fantasy fiction with PART TWO 'Dawn of Chaos' due for release in July 2024 and PART THREE 'Dragon Dawn Chronicles' planned for release in October 2024 with a view to publishing PART FOUR in the summer of 2025.
"I try to write epic fantasy that focusses on storytelling and character development. I would describe my writing as 'old school' based on Norse heroic legend, with 'coming of age' themes. I know many would (and do) say this style of fantasy is 'old hat' but I think that classic storytelling in the fantasy fiction genre will always have an audience. I just have to find it! That said, I write fantasy in this way because I enjoy it, although it is always nice when someone else enjoys it too.
I joined the Royal Air Force 1972 where I worked as a firefighter. I later transferred to physical education, where I specialised in adventure sports and outdoor activities. During this period I became involved in officer selection and pre-selection training, which promoted my interest in leadership skills and personal development. In the latter part of my Air Force career, I became involved in working with young offenders. I found that taking young offenders into the outdoors and providing them with structured adventurous activities, helped them develop discipline and self-awareness. In 1994, I went into education as an adult student. After I completed my education I trained to become a Probation Officer. I remained with the Probation Service for 20 years working with adult offenders in community and custodial settings.
I believe my education and experience has helped me to better understand what motivates us and how we operate in groups. This helps me when trying to craft believable characters in the context of complex value systems and cultures. For me, writing fantasy is an opportunity to explore and test out our preconceived ideas about ourselves, our values and what motivates us as human beings. It also allows us to ask 'what if' and 'why' questions about the way we behave and in what circumstances, without risking offense or challenging real-world sensibilities."
Inspired by the classic age of folktales and mythology, Chaos and Creation features the myths and symbolism of the ancient world that continue to be influential in Western culture.
With a BSc Hons in Psychology and BSc Hons Criminology, the author has developed an insight into the way culture and environment impact character and behaviour, as such, he has been able to create an “unashamedly epic fantasy, packed with believable characters, belief systems and landscapes that deploy the much-loved tropes of the ‘quest’ the ‘hero’ and the conflict between good and evil.”
“I believe that fantasy fiction fulfills an important role in the modern world by retelling tales of how belief, and reality, compete amidst the eternal struggle between chaos and creation, revealing the simple truth, that peace and happiness are gifts that should never be taken for granted, and strength and truth, must be deployed whenever it is threatened, in a complex and ever-changing world…”
Chaos and Creation - PART ONE 'The Coming of Darkness' is A. J. Andersson's first foray into the world of fantasy fiction with PART TWO 'Dawn of Chaos' due for release in July 2024 and PART THREE 'Dragon Dawn Chronicles' planned for release in October 2024 with a view to publishing PART FOUR in the summer of 2025.
"I try to write epic fantasy that focusses on storytelling and character development. I would describe my writing as 'old school' based on Norse heroic legend, with 'coming of age' themes. I know many would (and do) say this style of fantasy is 'old hat' but I think that classic storytelling in the fantasy fiction genre will always have an audience. I just have to find it! That said, I write fantasy in this way because I enjoy it, although it is always nice when someone else enjoys it too.
I joined the Royal Air Force 1972 where I worked as a firefighter. I later transferred to physical education, where I specialised in adventure sports and outdoor activities. During this period I became involved in officer selection and pre-selection training, which promoted my interest in leadership skills and personal development. In the latter part of my Air Force career, I became involved in working with young offenders. I found that taking young offenders into the outdoors and providing them with structured adventurous activities, helped them develop discipline and self-awareness. In 1994, I went into education as an adult student. After I completed my education I trained to become a Probation Officer. I remained with the Probation Service for 20 years working with adult offenders in community and custodial settings.
I believe my education and experience has helped me to better understand what motivates us and how we operate in groups. This helps me when trying to craft believable characters in the context of complex value systems and cultures. For me, writing fantasy is an opportunity to explore and test out our preconceived ideas about ourselves, our values and what motivates us as human beings. It also allows us to ask 'what if' and 'why' questions about the way we behave and in what circumstances, without risking offense or challenging real-world sensibilities."
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 24, 2025
Great Classic Fantasy
If you’re searching for a classical Western European epic fantasy to get lost in, Chaos and Creation is the book for you! Lots of great characters, human and otherwise (Love the bears and wolves). And Arthar is so charming, in a rapscallion sort of way. In-depth world-building and philosophical insights abound. Totally enjoyed it with a cup of Earl Grey tea and a copy of the Lord of the Rings next to me. My only pet peeve is that some of the dialogue is clunky and there is a bit of info-dumping that makes some conversations unrealistic. I found it somewhat disrupting when a character called out the other person’s name repeatedly. However, this seems to improve as the book goes on, so I think the next book in the series will be even better. Can’t wait to read the sequel. Tea is brewing.
If you’re searching for a classical Western European epic fantasy to get lost in, Chaos and Creation is the book for you! Lots of great characters, human and otherwise (Love the bears and wolves). And Arthar is so charming, in a rapscallion sort of way. In-depth world-building and philosophical insights abound. Totally enjoyed it with a cup of Earl Grey tea and a copy of the Lord of the Rings next to me. My only pet peeve is that some of the dialogue is clunky and there is a bit of info-dumping that makes some conversations unrealistic. I found it somewhat disrupting when a character called out the other person’s name repeatedly. However, this seems to improve as the book goes on, so I think the next book in the series will be even better. Can’t wait to read the sequel. Tea is brewing.
September 8, 2025
Chaos and Creation - Book One: The Coming of Darkness by A.J. Andersson reminds me of a recently released very good movie, The Northman, with Alexander Skarsgård, only this story features dragons and a lot more magic. Both are very intense and involve complete world-building.
Our protagonist, Arthar, is a true warrior—strong, courageous, and highly skilled—who becomes involved with an amulet that may influence the entire world. This story has all the fantasy tropes: magical amulets, a strong-willed main character, dragons, old men with long beards who speak and nod wisely, a phenomenal bad guy who just happens to be a dark warlord whose a multidimensional character, Conan-the-Barbarian-style menacing creatures, beautiful maidens, colossal wars, and a very detailed map that takes us on a great journey that titillates the imagination.
The prose is solid, and Andersson balances it with just the right amount of action—just enough at the right places to keep you hooked. He knows how to build tension, then, almost Bond-like, adds some subtle humor to keep things in check.
All in all, a wonderful effort by A.J. Andersson. If you like Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, or George R.R. Martin (who he kind of looks like), you will definitely enjoy Chaos and Creation.
Our protagonist, Arthar, is a true warrior—strong, courageous, and highly skilled—who becomes involved with an amulet that may influence the entire world. This story has all the fantasy tropes: magical amulets, a strong-willed main character, dragons, old men with long beards who speak and nod wisely, a phenomenal bad guy who just happens to be a dark warlord whose a multidimensional character, Conan-the-Barbarian-style menacing creatures, beautiful maidens, colossal wars, and a very detailed map that takes us on a great journey that titillates the imagination.
The prose is solid, and Andersson balances it with just the right amount of action—just enough at the right places to keep you hooked. He knows how to build tension, then, almost Bond-like, adds some subtle humor to keep things in check.
All in all, a wonderful effort by A.J. Andersson. If you like Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, or George R.R. Martin (who he kind of looks like), you will definitely enjoy Chaos and Creation.
August 24, 2025
A Classic Fantasy Adventure with Depth
Chaos and Creation blends old-world fantasy with some refreshing contemporary elements. The world is vivid and immersive, full of battles, prophecy, and political intrigue, with maps and deep character histories that make it feel epic in scope. Characters like Warder and Arthar are fun to follow, with Arthar’s doubts and choices adding a relatable, human touch.
The story balances action with quieter, reflective moments, and while there are familiar tropes and clear nods to classics like LOTR or even Star Wars, the book also challenges some of those tropes in interesting ways. At times, the dialogue could be clearer, and the ebook would benefit from tighter copy editing, but overall the writing flows well and keeps you engaged.
If you enjoy immersive, character-driven epic fantasy with a classic tone, this is a strong and promising start to a larger saga.
Chaos and Creation blends old-world fantasy with some refreshing contemporary elements. The world is vivid and immersive, full of battles, prophecy, and political intrigue, with maps and deep character histories that make it feel epic in scope. Characters like Warder and Arthar are fun to follow, with Arthar’s doubts and choices adding a relatable, human touch.
The story balances action with quieter, reflective moments, and while there are familiar tropes and clear nods to classics like LOTR or even Star Wars, the book also challenges some of those tropes in interesting ways. At times, the dialogue could be clearer, and the ebook would benefit from tighter copy editing, but overall the writing flows well and keeps you engaged.
If you enjoy immersive, character-driven epic fantasy with a classic tone, this is a strong and promising start to a larger saga.
April 12, 2024
I enjoyed reading this story and learning more about the creeping darkness that threatens the realm and life as its inhabitants know it. I loved the natural elements in the story, especially the wolves and bears. Kawwak, the Raven, and the Warder are two of my favorite characters. The dark warlord is quite the villain. I would not want to go toe-to-toe with him or his minions. I'm looking forward to reading book two when it comes out and seeing where this epic tale leads.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
February 12, 2025
Epic fantasy in full effect! Big sweeping world building, strong character voices and a story of Arthur and the fight of their lives. Magic and mystery abound here and we see the development of a company of men and strange allies joining to defeat the great darkness coming.
I listened by audiobook and with the addition of songs throughout, the narrator does a great job of all the voices. Quality of production is also very good. This was an audiobook I couldn't speed up beyond 1.5 or I lost the flow. Slowing down really gave depth to the narration.
I listened by audiobook and with the addition of songs throughout, the narrator does a great job of all the voices. Quality of production is also very good. This was an audiobook I couldn't speed up beyond 1.5 or I lost the flow. Slowing down really gave depth to the narration.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews