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Chaos Magic
While haunted by a violent past, the life that took her so long to rebuild is in jeopardy when Lissa's ex-husband is released from prison. Both Lissa and her mother, a retired psychologist, become convinced that the only way to move forward is to get rid of him. While Lissa turns to the very magic her partner warned her would come with dire repercussions, her mother has a more pragmatic plan in mind. This is a story about strength and power, magic and community, and what it takes to learn to trust the voice within.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
About the author
Jen Knox
23 books498 followersThe Founder and Executive Director of Unleash Creatives, Jen Knox is an educator and storyteller who teaches writing, leadership, and meditation.
Her books include the short story collection The Glass City (Hollywood, CA: Winner, Prize Americana for Prose), and the novels We Arrive Uninvited (Steel Toe Books) and Chaos Magic (Kallisto Gaia Press).
Her first essay collection, At Work, will be released by Cornerstone Press UWSP in 2027.
Jen's writing has earned multiple awards. Her short stories, poetry, and essays have been featured in textbooks, classrooms, and publications in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Turkey, India, and Scotland. Her fiction appears in The Best Small Fictions (Braddock Avenue Books), The Adirondack Review, Sivana East, Chicago Tribune's Printers Row, Chicago Quarterly Review, Cosmonauts Avenue, Crannog, Cutthroat Magazine, Elephant Journal, Fairlight Books, Fiction Southeast, Juked, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, MJI News, Poor Claudia, The Saturday Evening Post, The Santa Fe Writers Project Quarterly, NPR, Short Story America, and Sequestrum, among over a hundred other publications. Read many of her stories here.
Her books include the short story collection The Glass City (Hollywood, CA: Winner, Prize Americana for Prose), and the novels We Arrive Uninvited (Steel Toe Books) and Chaos Magic (Kallisto Gaia Press).
Her first essay collection, At Work, will be released by Cornerstone Press UWSP in 2027.
Jen's writing has earned multiple awards. Her short stories, poetry, and essays have been featured in textbooks, classrooms, and publications in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Turkey, India, and Scotland. Her fiction appears in The Best Small Fictions (Braddock Avenue Books), The Adirondack Review, Sivana East, Chicago Tribune's Printers Row, Chicago Quarterly Review, Cosmonauts Avenue, Crannog, Cutthroat Magazine, Elephant Journal, Fairlight Books, Fiction Southeast, Juked, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, MJI News, Poor Claudia, The Saturday Evening Post, The Santa Fe Writers Project Quarterly, NPR, Short Story America, and Sequestrum, among over a hundred other publications. Read many of her stories here.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 17, 2025
"This is true magic though: spinning the web out of thin air and making the world a better place."
When I say I want modern fantasy, this is mainly what I mean, modern day, everyday problems, dealing with abusive exes, helping other people find small kindness in everyday life and trying to make the world little bit better each time you wake up. So simple, so beautiful.
I was expecting more chaos to be honest, and more cat scenes, but there's still enough if you like me want to read this book because of those things.
Do you remember the abusive ex that sister witches had to deal with in Practical Magic? Well there's similar vibe here and it was exciting to see how Annika helped Lissa with getting rid of her husband. Oh and there's some scenes from his POV and it was so disgusting to read, but so fascinating how toxic people think about their victims. I felt dirty after reading his thoughts, good thing they were short and ended quickly.
It's also interesting how the time is around pandemic and we see it in a way that is familiar and yet different, I thought health robots were neat, well until some of the spoilery stuff happened, that is.
At times this book felt like warm hug, I wanted to dive into the pages, into their magic shop and wander around, maybe even play with Ash and protect that cat from outside world.
When I say I want modern fantasy, this is mainly what I mean, modern day, everyday problems, dealing with abusive exes, helping other people find small kindness in everyday life and trying to make the world little bit better each time you wake up. So simple, so beautiful.
I was expecting more chaos to be honest, and more cat scenes, but there's still enough if you like me want to read this book because of those things.
Do you remember the abusive ex that sister witches had to deal with in Practical Magic? Well there's similar vibe here and it was exciting to see how Annika helped Lissa with getting rid of her husband. Oh and there's some scenes from his POV and it was so disgusting to read, but so fascinating how toxic people think about their victims. I felt dirty after reading his thoughts, good thing they were short and ended quickly.
It's also interesting how the time is around pandemic and we see it in a way that is familiar and yet different, I thought health robots were neat, well until some of the spoilery stuff happened, that is.
At times this book felt like warm hug, I wanted to dive into the pages, into their magic shop and wander around, maybe even play with Ash and protect that cat from outside world.
January 11, 2025
I'm a major fan of Practical Magic, so the premise, plot, and characters of Chaos Magic really resonated with me, as they took the discussion of magic in a psychological direction that I found very intriguing.
Chaos Magic is mainly about Lissa, a woman with a special gift who finds refuge from her abusive ex-husband in a rehabilitation centre run by two white witches. There Lissa meets Annika, her future best friend and business partner with a gift of her own and experience in the craft. Years after the two open their shop, Lissa's ex-husband is released from prison, sending her and her otherwise rational mother Pauline into a paranoid tailspin. Lissa turns to magic Annika warned her against, and the narrative takes a dramatic turn that hurts everyone.
I really enjoyed the book's combination of the magical and rational. It shows how the two can clash and coexist, as well as how one can have answers that the other lacks. Chaos Magic explores both sides through well-developed and relatable characters and events within a story that brings forth the raw emotion and complexity of domestic abuse.
While the story is told through different perspectives, Lissa's is the most compelling as she tries to survive not just her abuser, but also the debilitating anxiety and self-doubt instilled in her by years of trauma and coming to terms with her power. Her emotional portrayal is highly effective, as is her mother's, an interesting personality with challenges of her own.
Whatever tiny issues I had with the story, the exciting and emotive plot and the smooth, effective writing style made up for them, alongside all the features mentioned above. A wonderful read overall.
Chaos Magic is perfect for fans of modern fantasy with serious, meaningful themes. It immerses you into the nightmare that is emotional and physical abuse, as well as the process of healing from it through the power of self-discovery, companionship, and magic.
Thank you to Reedsy Discovery and the author for a copy of this book. Read the original review here: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/cha...
Chaos Magic is mainly about Lissa, a woman with a special gift who finds refuge from her abusive ex-husband in a rehabilitation centre run by two white witches. There Lissa meets Annika, her future best friend and business partner with a gift of her own and experience in the craft. Years after the two open their shop, Lissa's ex-husband is released from prison, sending her and her otherwise rational mother Pauline into a paranoid tailspin. Lissa turns to magic Annika warned her against, and the narrative takes a dramatic turn that hurts everyone.
I really enjoyed the book's combination of the magical and rational. It shows how the two can clash and coexist, as well as how one can have answers that the other lacks. Chaos Magic explores both sides through well-developed and relatable characters and events within a story that brings forth the raw emotion and complexity of domestic abuse.
While the story is told through different perspectives, Lissa's is the most compelling as she tries to survive not just her abuser, but also the debilitating anxiety and self-doubt instilled in her by years of trauma and coming to terms with her power. Her emotional portrayal is highly effective, as is her mother's, an interesting personality with challenges of her own.
Whatever tiny issues I had with the story, the exciting and emotive plot and the smooth, effective writing style made up for them, alongside all the features mentioned above. A wonderful read overall.
Chaos Magic is perfect for fans of modern fantasy with serious, meaningful themes. It immerses you into the nightmare that is emotional and physical abuse, as well as the process of healing from it through the power of self-discovery, companionship, and magic.
Thank you to Reedsy Discovery and the author for a copy of this book. Read the original review here: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/cha...
April 24, 2025
Chaos Magic by Jen Knox is a richly layered novel that explores the intersection of trauma, healing, and the feminine experience through a lens of contemporary mysticism. Centering on Lissa, a woman seeking refuge from an abusive past, the narrative charts her emotional and spiritual recovery at The Lavender Center, a sanctuary for alternative therapies and self-reclamation. What begins as a story about escape gradually blossoms into a deeper exploration of empowerment, transformation, and what it truly means to come home to oneself.
Though rooted in fiction, the book tackles painfully real themes: domestic violence, the pressure of societal expectations, and the complexity of personal boundaries in relationships. Lissa’s story, particularly her resistance to traditional family roles and the violent fallout that ensues, echoes the lived experiences of many women today. Her journey from fear to a sense of agency is supported by the welcoming, if unconventional, healing space provided by the Lavender Center and its matriarchal guides, Glenda and Doreen.
Stylistically, Knox walks a careful line between narrative clarity and dreamlike introspection. The dialogue is naturalistic but imbued with intention, often delivering emotional or philosophical punches with subtle grace.
However, readers looking for fast-paced plot progression may find the book's rhythm slow, even meandering at times. The focus remains firmly on inner journeys rather than external drama, less about what happens, and more about how it feels to survive, to question, and to begin again.
Her speech about the evolving nature of holistic healing encapsulates the novel’s ethos: that healing is never static, and often requires a mix of science, spirit, and self-exploration. This blend of the poetic and the practical creates a textured narrative tone, part memoiristic, part magical realism.
Though rooted in fiction, the book tackles painfully real themes: domestic violence, the pressure of societal expectations, and the complexity of personal boundaries in relationships. Lissa’s story, particularly her resistance to traditional family roles and the violent fallout that ensues, echoes the lived experiences of many women today. Her journey from fear to a sense of agency is supported by the welcoming, if unconventional, healing space provided by the Lavender Center and its matriarchal guides, Glenda and Doreen.
Stylistically, Knox walks a careful line between narrative clarity and dreamlike introspection. The dialogue is naturalistic but imbued with intention, often delivering emotional or philosophical punches with subtle grace.
However, readers looking for fast-paced plot progression may find the book's rhythm slow, even meandering at times. The focus remains firmly on inner journeys rather than external drama, less about what happens, and more about how it feels to survive, to question, and to begin again.
Her speech about the evolving nature of holistic healing encapsulates the novel’s ethos: that healing is never static, and often requires a mix of science, spirit, and self-exploration. This blend of the poetic and the practical creates a textured narrative tone, part memoiristic, part magical realism.
April 1, 2026
Chaos Magic is a striking blend of psychological depth and supernatural tension, anchored by a story that feels both intimate and unsettling. What stands out immediately is how the narrative does not rely solely on the magical elements, but instead uses them to amplify the emotional weight of Lissa’s journey. The presence of her past, particularly the trauma tied to her ex-husband, creates a constant undercurrent of tension that drives the story forward.
The dynamic between Lissa and her mother adds an especially compelling layer. Their differing approaches, one turning toward magic and the other toward pragmatic action, create a moral and emotional contrast that feels grounded and real. It raises questions about control, justice, and the lengths one is willing to go to reclaim a sense of safety and agency. This tension between the rational and the mystical is where the novel finds much of its strength.
What lingers most is the theme of inner voice and personal power. The idea that reclaiming oneself can come with consequences, especially when that reclamation involves forces not fully understood, gives the story a sense of unease that stays with the reader. The tone feels deliberate and controlled, allowing the darker elements to unfold without losing emotional clarity. It is a story that explores not just what power is, but what it costs.
The dynamic between Lissa and her mother adds an especially compelling layer. Their differing approaches, one turning toward magic and the other toward pragmatic action, create a moral and emotional contrast that feels grounded and real. It raises questions about control, justice, and the lengths one is willing to go to reclaim a sense of safety and agency. This tension between the rational and the mystical is where the novel finds much of its strength.
What lingers most is the theme of inner voice and personal power. The idea that reclaiming oneself can come with consequences, especially when that reclamation involves forces not fully understood, gives the story a sense of unease that stays with the reader. The tone feels deliberate and controlled, allowing the darker elements to unfold without losing emotional clarity. It is a story that explores not just what power is, but what it costs.
May 9, 2025
Chaos Magic by Jen Knox is a book about women empowerment and covers various important issues like domestic violence, the importance of rebuilding your life after the end of a relationship, female friendships, all through a mystical lens.
The book focuses on Lissa, a woman who has just got out of a bad marriage and enters The Lavender Centre, a place where victims of domestic abuse are given a safe place to heal and rebuild their lives. Initially unimpressed, her perception and her life changes when she meets Annika, a fellow client who has taped into mysticism to help her on her healing journey. Subsequently, Annika also introduces her to this aspect and they start a business together.
We then follow Lissa and Annika as they rebuild their lives while going through ups and downs. Parallelly, the reader also sees Lissa’s mother, Pauline, go from a woman whose life revolves around her daughter to becoming a complete person in herself.
I would say that to experience the book in its entirety, one needs to look beyond a world that believes only in science and think about the world in more mystical terms. It is only then you would be able to see the book for what it truly is – a wonderful exploration of healing, second chances, companionship, and love.
The book focuses on Lissa, a woman who has just got out of a bad marriage and enters The Lavender Centre, a place where victims of domestic abuse are given a safe place to heal and rebuild their lives. Initially unimpressed, her perception and her life changes when she meets Annika, a fellow client who has taped into mysticism to help her on her healing journey. Subsequently, Annika also introduces her to this aspect and they start a business together.
We then follow Lissa and Annika as they rebuild their lives while going through ups and downs. Parallelly, the reader also sees Lissa’s mother, Pauline, go from a woman whose life revolves around her daughter to becoming a complete person in herself.
I would say that to experience the book in its entirety, one needs to look beyond a world that believes only in science and think about the world in more mystical terms. It is only then you would be able to see the book for what it truly is – a wonderful exploration of healing, second chances, companionship, and love.
April 15, 2025
Chaos Magic by Jen Knox is a fictional read that is mainly focused on women’s issues. The read centers on magic and everything that revolves around it. Pauline, a psychologist by profession is not happy when her daughter Lissa chooses to get married to Trent. At first, the relationship is smooth and Lissa’s husband is working very hard at his landscaping business. However, it reaches a point in time that Trent desires to have a family of his own. He wants to have a boy and be able to pass on the landscaping skills that he has acquired. This does not sit well with Lissa as she does not feel ready to embark on this journey. What results from this is Trent’s violent behaviors toward Lissa. Trent is locked up in prison. Lissa is always fearful that when her husband is released from prison, he would harm her. At the Lavender Center, is where Lissa gets some of relief. She is welcomed with open arms by Doreen and Glenda. This is where she is able to immerse herself into the world of magic. Even though this book is fictional, I feel that the storyline mirrors what is happening in the society today in relation to strength, power, community and magic!
March 6, 2025
Focusing on the power of friendship and recovery, award-winning author Jen Knox’s latest offering, Chaos Magic is a bit like combining Practical Magic with Thelma and Louise, only without all the shooting and driving off cliffs. Delving into topics such as intimate partner violence, recovering from a traumatic experience, and female empowerment, Knox leans into the witchcraft theme without coming across as overly fantastical or cliched. Told through shifting perspectives, this story highlights the devastating impact of trauma through realistic emotional portrayals of not just the survivor, Lissa, but also of those close to her. With its relatable characters, Chaos Magic is imbued with a cinematic quality that enhances the reader’s experience, allowing them to connect with the story on another level, leaving the reader feeling as though anything is possible.
April 22, 2025
Healing, Magic and Sisterhood
Chaos Magic tells the story of Lissa, a woman who escapes an abusive marriage but lives in fear of her ex-husband getting out of prison. When he does, she turns to magic for protection while her mother takes a more practical approach. The book blends real-life struggles with magical elements in a way that feels both intense and inspiring.
I loved how this book showed Lissa finding strength through her friendships and inner power. It deals with tough topics like abuse but also gives hope through healing and community. Fans of 'Practical Magic' will enjoy this story about strong women and the magic that helps them survive. It's emotional, exciting, and hard to put down. A great read for anyone who likes stories about overcoming challenges with a touch of witchcraft.
Chaos Magic tells the story of Lissa, a woman who escapes an abusive marriage but lives in fear of her ex-husband getting out of prison. When he does, she turns to magic for protection while her mother takes a more practical approach. The book blends real-life struggles with magical elements in a way that feels both intense and inspiring.
I loved how this book showed Lissa finding strength through her friendships and inner power. It deals with tough topics like abuse but also gives hope through healing and community. Fans of 'Practical Magic' will enjoy this story about strong women and the magic that helps them survive. It's emotional, exciting, and hard to put down. A great read for anyone who likes stories about overcoming challenges with a touch of witchcraft.
May 12, 2025
I really enjoy books about contemporary magic and Jen Knox did not disappoint by bringing this to the table.
This book brought real issues that women face to the forefront of it’s pages and I found myself empathising with the characters through the rich dialogue that seemed to flow naturally between them. Lissa’s journey is one that many women sadly experience and it was wonderful to see it portrayed within the setting of the Lavender Centre.
This book was an excellent of example of how to write strong women and overcome the demons (the real ones) that haunt you.
This book brought real issues that women face to the forefront of it’s pages and I found myself empathising with the characters through the rich dialogue that seemed to flow naturally between them. Lissa’s journey is one that many women sadly experience and it was wonderful to see it portrayed within the setting of the Lavender Centre.
This book was an excellent of example of how to write strong women and overcome the demons (the real ones) that haunt you.
April 24, 2025
This book is very well written and a story that needs to be told. Although it’s fiction, it deals with a very real topic which many men and women face today.
Some people may find the sometimes graphic descriptions difficult to read. However, that’s the reality of the topic.
The book is slow paced at times but it’s a worthwhile read.
Some people may find the sometimes graphic descriptions difficult to read. However, that’s the reality of the topic.
The book is slow paced at times but it’s a worthwhile read.
April 2, 2026
Chaos Magic by Jen Knox was an okay read for me. I didn’t hate it, but it also didn’t really stand out. I finished it easily, but never felt fully pulled in. I also felt like certain ideas and moments could have been explored more, which left it feeling a bit surface-level overall.
February 16, 2025
Chaos Magic by Jen Knox is a fascinating novel about confronting trauma, reclaiming personal power, and the lengths we go to protect ourselves and the ones we love. The main character, Lissa, is haunted by her violent past and facing the looming threat of her ex-husband’s release from prison. Her journey to find her own strength felt authentic and vulnerable. As someone not overly familiar with magic, I found these elements of the story interesting to learn about and how it aided Lissa in her journey. Especially coupled with the perspective of Lissa’s mother, Pauline, a retired psychologist, as she leaned towards a practical approach which was more relatable to me. I thought Knox did a great job weaving the two and showing the complexity between the different approaches in helping Lissa find a way out of her situation. The other characters throughout the book are interesting and added to overall story. I’d recommend to those who enjoy a psychological story with supernatural elements, strong emotional arcs, and those drawn to narratives about overcoming trauma and finding one’s inner strength. Thank you to the publisher for an early copy to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews