Chaos Between: Mercy and Malice

by Taylor Goode, Melissa Bingham (editor), Meghan Kleinschmidt (editor)

While civilization fears another demonic invasion following the Unhallowed War, Jessebel Winters lives quietly in an apothecary, distancing herself from humans, supernaturals, and worst of all… angels.

Jessebel’s quiet life changes when an accident exposes her less-than-human origins, forcing her to join EXO, the elite force of supernaturals who preserve the angels’ “New Peace.”

Plagued by her untamed powers, nightmares, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, a reaper, and the handsome but obnoxiously optimistic angel Zak, Jessebel is desperate to survive while finding her purpose within EXO. Mastering control of her powers and solving the mystery of her existence will require some faith — but can she trust an angel?



After all, she is half demon.

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Taylor is a subjectively superior sentence seamstress. She prefers the world of fiction; enjoying magic and whimsy to beautify reality. Really, she's a huge dork, loves her nerdy husband, video games, movies, and of course, reading!
Much of her time is spent with her adorable family or at a coffee shop, typing away to expel the stories dancing around in her head.

Reviews

[britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

the plot is amazing but there was something about the writing that wasn’t for me which is a shame bc i’d love to see how this story continues

[Lisette Skippings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an avid fantasy reader but this was one of my first fantasy books that dealt with multiple supernatural elements and I must say, it was brilliantly done! The FMC Jess, is so likable and relatable which I found refreshing compared to some of the leads in other fantasy series that I’ve read. The way the other characters are described will have you loving them, loving to hate them, or wanting them as your best friend. There are plenty of romantic sparks happening as a side plot, but the main story line is so much deeper than just another romantasy! The book has a great pace to it, with plenty going on to keep you gripped. I also appreciate when a book wraps up one story line nicely (no cliff hangers) but leaves you desperate for more and that’s how you’re going to feel after finishing this!! I felt closure but at the same time, I’m not sure how I’m going to cope until the next one comes out! 10/10. No notes.

[Graham Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this world that the Author, Taylor Goode, created! It has everything "cool" wrapped into it, Angels, Demons, Reapers, and Vampires, and yet it all somehow works! The way the author explains the world felt very real, and some descriptions of monsters were pretty horror centric and that was a huge plus for me! (bring me the spooks!)

The main Protagonist, Jessebel Winters, is very unique.and relatable.You find out very quickly she is half Demon, and because of that it brings unique challenges, like being unable to touch other people (kinda like Rogue from the X-Men) The world building is well thought out and watching Jessebel exist in a world that's pretty anti demon brings a lot to explore, and a lot of tension as well.

I give Chaos Between: Mercy & Malice by Taylor Goode 4 out of 5 stars! Can't wait for the next one!

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaos Between: Mercy and Maloce is a fast paced urban fantasy. Jessebel Winters finds herself in a predicament after running, having to choose between jail or joining an elite supernatural force. Jess struggles to find the answers she’s looking for while trying to Navigate her chaotic powers, dangerous enemies, and unlikely allies.

I need the next book. The story line is intriguing and engaging. I wasn’t sure where we were going untill it happens and I love that. I have questions still, side eyeing “the aunt” hard. Jess is thrown a lot in a short amount of time but she rolls with it and makes the best of what she can. I’m really intrigued to see what is going to happen next and where she will go.

Overall, definitely recommend for a fun ride. Did I mention I need the next book, please?

[Clayton Moreland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Jessebel Winters, who, after an accident reveals her half-demon heritage, is thrust into the world of EXO, an elite supernatural force maintaining the angels' "New Peace". The blend of urban fantasy elements - vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and a reaper - keeps the plot engaging.

Jessebel's struggle to control her powers and her interactions with the optimistic angel Zak add depth to her character. The pacing is brisk, making it hard to put down. However, some parts felt a bit rushed, and I wished for more background on the EXO organization.

Overall, it's a compelling read with a unique take on the supernatural genre. Looking forward to the next installment in the series!

[Sarah Cruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild ride! Demons, angels, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and reapers, its got all the creatures. The character development was beautifully written. It takes a while to get started and lay the groundwork, but the last fourth of the book is action-packed. The plot twists are sprinkled throughout and were unpredictable. The way different characters' backstories were told and how they changed throughout the book was so thoughtful. It walks the line on what is morally right and how to be true to yourself. I would have liked it to have more world building. The realms and lore was left open, and I'm hoping the next book expands on it.

[Books of Juno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this after some post book blues, and so glad I did. The world building was intriguing, and the inner dialogues of the FMC were relatable. There was just enough left unanswered at the end that makes me very intrigued for the next story. won’t give too much away, but you should read it for yourself 😜
And can I just say I LOVED Guy.

My only question: when am I getting the next book Mrs. Goode??

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threesomes?

Heaven, Hell, and in between. A young woman on her first date having lived a sheltered life nearly kills her first date with her first ever kiss. After killing a ghoul she tries to escape with her aunt but is captured by angels and peace keepers. So new we have angels, demons, and those between. Add in werewolves, vampires and ghosts to have an exciting read about good, evil and whatever one calls a little of both.

[Libbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was really hard to get through, but I was interested in the plot, so I kept going. It remained boring until about halfway through before it really started picking up. The writing isn’t my favorite, and definitely needs more editing, but I am curious where the story goes and will probably read future installments.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this so quick. You’ll be hooked from the first few pages. This book leaves you wanting more and asking all the questions. We know, and Jessebel knows so little about herself. Who her parents were, what’s going on with her aunt, why she was targeted, and her feeling for the different people coming into her life.

You feel all the tension and sexual tension and have the questions like I do. This book is super well written and weaves a super interesting story about the world after Demons tried to take over and how society lives with supernaturals. Grab this and enjoy!
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Who can blame Jessebel for just wanting to be a normal girl. She wants to have a kiss, but her aunt has kept her hidden away for being part demon is a death sentence.

When she ends up saving people from a monster she crosses paths with EXO. The ruling agency after the demon war. Running doesn’t actually get her away like her Aunt hoped and she is left with a Grim Reaper and being taken by EXO.

The puppy dog Angel, Zak, gives our girl an option of working at EXO (the team that takes down supernatural threads to society) instead of being sent to hell since she is still a mystery.

After we wind up at EXO our girl is assigned a team and starts working a bunch of different folks and sups. We still don’t really know who is friend and who is foe. Who might be the romantic interest or what we will find out next. It makes the story even more interesting.

Grab this baby and enjoy the amazing world building, the relationships, the background of the different characters, the sexual tension, and the mystery.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needed some major proofreading and editing. Some sentences and structure and word usage errors were very confusing. BUT I loved the characters, the humor, and the storyline/pacing/plot.

[Derrien Blosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Finished it in 3 days! Book had my attention the whole time and had me wanting to know the answers. Gave it a 4 of 5 just because I thought we’d get a bit more answers in this one. But I Can’t wait for book 2!

[Alysa Kalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book! Mystery, action, love triangles, it has it all. Jessebel's 3 main love interests are so different from each other but are all likable characters. Zak gives golden retriever vibes, Guy has black cat energy, and Aiden is a mix of Klaus/Damon (TVD). It is a slow burn and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Chapter 25 is my favorite part of the book (you'll know why when you read it)! The overall concept and storyline of the book is incredibly clever! The book left me wanting more, and I can't wait for the 2nd book.