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Seas the Chaos: An Urban Fantasy Novel
Some magical detectives are naturals, and some are thrown into the deep end.
As a naiad with OCD, Leena would rather spend time with her fire-breathing dog or running her diving company than solving criminal cases. All that changes when a string of kidnappings veers too close to home.
Her witchy best friend has a shipment for the local bar stolen, and the driver has become the latest victim in a string of supernatural abductions. When the police prove less than helpful, the two decide to solve the mystery themselves. The only problem? They have no idea what they're doing.
With the help of a flirtatious hyena shifter, who's as much a tantalizing distraction as he is a help, they race to find answers before the local supernatural community spirals out of control.
Seas the Chaos is the first book in the Carolina Magic series. An action-packed urban fantasy for fans of found family, twists, and slow-burn romance.
As a naiad with OCD, Leena would rather spend time with her fire-breathing dog or running her diving company than solving criminal cases. All that changes when a string of kidnappings veers too close to home.
Her witchy best friend has a shipment for the local bar stolen, and the driver has become the latest victim in a string of supernatural abductions. When the police prove less than helpful, the two decide to solve the mystery themselves. The only problem? They have no idea what they're doing.
With the help of a flirtatious hyena shifter, who's as much a tantalizing distraction as he is a help, they race to find answers before the local supernatural community spirals out of control.
Seas the Chaos is the first book in the Carolina Magic series. An action-packed urban fantasy for fans of found family, twists, and slow-burn romance.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
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8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok, so I'm going to dive in with this: I really REALLY loved this read! There was so much going for it even before I read it, starting with this phenomenal author herself! Her wordsmithing is exceptional. I mean, let's get real, if you've read a Silas book you'll understand EXACTLY what I mean! Then there's Leena and Starla and Pickles, all of whom I fell head over heels for from the novella. See? Ticked, ticked, ticked and TICKED ALL the boxes!
Leena and Starla are rebuilding, well, Starla is, Leena is there for moral support. Starla is rebuilding the Witch Watch, her bar, which was destroyed, Leena is trying not to lose the plot after all the events leading up to the decimation of the bar. Leena and Starla, chalk and cheese personalities, are the bestest bff's, who compliment each other perfectly. Starla, a witch, is exuberant, she's like an energiser bunny on steroids, and I love her vibrancy. What spews forth from her mouth is a riot! Leena, a naiad, is more cautious and has major anxiety, which she cannot control. She sees problems where there aren't any, her brain goes off on a tangent, and, as she herself acknowledges, "I do have a talent for ruminating on terrible possible outcomes for every situation." She might be proven right though, people are suddenly going missing, supernaturals at that and her OCD threatens to consume her completely. When those missing strike close to home, well, all hell breaks loose and a whole lot of suspenseful action! Here I think I know what the outcome will be next, except.... Ms Reames led me on a merry path of misinformation, (by her!) where I was convinced X was going to play out, and it did to a certain degree but flip, yes, she FLIPPED the narrative on it's head. That's what she does, expertly, I follow the trail she leads me on and she shoves me off the path, and into another scenario, even cooler than the one I thought I was on!
Starla, bless her exuberance, pulling Leena into her ploy, concocts a hair brain scheme to "aid" law enforcement, against the explicit command NOT to get involved, by said law enforcement, and the the chicanery begins, unravelling much neither could have imagined. Leena and Starla uncover something shocking, horrific, in their quest for answers, which, unfortunately, puts a target on their backs, and only through sheer gumption (Starla!) and sheer perseverance (Leena!), with the aid of a few choice friends, who jump on board, do they manage to escape relatively unscathed. Predictably for anyone that knows them, they got in over their heads, WAY over! Solution? Why Grammy of course! Grammy is Starla's grandma, coven leader, a seer , unflappable and the most delightful, wordsy character, who tells it as it is. Tough, no nonsense but kind and loving, Grammy confirms Leena's greatest fear, the curse is all too real... There's a positive though, Leena gets to meet Jackal, train with Jackal, swoon over Jackal... another grin erupted from me with their "dance".
Silas handles Leena's OCD delicately and sensitively, at the same time portraying the realism behind this condition. Leena has a load to deal with as it is, her OCD primarily, as well as the opening of the bar, keeping Pickles safe, trying to make sense of this new "development" happening to her, which she's convinced is a curse, this pull towards a man she hasn't met physically, but comsumes her. Then her flaky, bubbly brother comes to town. Notoriously fun loving and irresponsible, he's still very likeable and charming as all heck, he's the polar opposite to Leena, and even her patience is tried to the limit. And Leena has plenty of patience. I love her character, she's so caring and giving, non confrontational at the best of times and she harbours a dreamlike fantasy about a certain shifter, who also happens to be Starla's friend. I giggled at how she comes undone just hearing his voice, via the phone, but....he IS British, and his posh British accent can make anyone weak at the knees!
I absolutely was in seventh heaven when Jackal appeared strongly, he always was a firm favourite of mine from the Never series. Truth be told, I got a thrill when he made a few brief appearances in the first third of the book but we got to see him in the real and boy what "a real"! Another thrill was getting a taste of Never and Hugh, I wasn't expecting that, I might have squealed out loud...But back to Jackal, his confidence is off the charts cool, nothing gets him down, he's fierce, he's dedicated to prevent evil, he's the coolest friend ever, deadly and super sweet all at the same time! Oh my, did I get a giggle at what he blurted out in the heat of battle... And my word, Pickles! Pickles is so adorable, I wanted to coo, "who's a good boy?" every time he appeared. He's smart and loving and magical. Yep, he's a fire breathing basset beauty, not by birth but by greed and arrogance. These characters forge a well of love in my heart, amazingly likeable, which is a Silas Reames secret weapon. One she uses to maximum effect, she beathes likeability into all her characters, I'm invested in them, in there outcome, fully.
Ms Reames led me on a merry path of misinformation, (by her!) where I was convinced X was going to play out, and it did, to a certain degree but flip, yes, she FLIPPED the narrative on it's head. That's what she does, expertly, I follow the trail she leads me on, then I'm suddenly janked on another path, where it's far from predictable. Starla, bless her exuberance, pulling Leena into her ploy, concocts a hair brain scheme to "aid" law enforcement, against the explicit command NOT to get involved, by said law enforcement and the the chicanery begins, unravelling much neither could have imagined. Predictably for anyone that knows them, they got in over their heads, WAY over! Solution? Why Grammy of course! Grammy is Starla's grandma, coven leader, a seer, unflappable and the most delightful, wordsy character, who tells it as it is. Tough, no nonsense but kind and loving, Grammy confirms Leena's greatest fear, the curse is all too real...The positive, Leena gets to meet Jackal, train with Jackal, swoon over Jackal... another grin erupted from me with their "dance".
This was an absorbing fun read, much lighter in tone than her previous work, but with action and drama, which Silas managed to infuse with humour sprinkled throughout, seamlessly, making this read as light as a gourmet souffle! The slow burn romance ignited, deliciously and I'm so looking forward to it bursting into a roaring flame! I took a leaf of Starla's positivity and I was beaming like a lantern for much of the read. I loved the magic system, it carries over the same as in the Never books, unique, interesting, out of the norm. The epilogue, featuring none other than the impressive matriarch, Grammy, was super enticing, super revealing, titillating my senses for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When a truck full of supplies for Starla's bar goes missing, Leena and Starla decide that they are going to help with the investigation, whether the supernatural police like it or not. What they end up discovering is a bigger conspiracy than they could have imagined. More supernaturals are going missing and Leena's little brother makes a surprise visit to town as well. Luckily, before they get in even more over their heads, Starla's friend Jackal is there to help them get training and extra help to solve this case. (And a certain chaotic Were may be involved!) Now they just have to stop the kidnappers before they are victims themselves! Oh, and if that wasn't enough now Leena also has to figure out what is going on with her "voice" as a family curse thought only a scary story shows itself.
Leena is a person who can't get out of her own head. She is constantly doubting and second guessing herself. She also worries about every what-if under the sun and how anything wrong will be her fault. She is a calmer person, where Starla is a little more chaotic. Unfortunately, now that her "curse" has reared its head, Leena is going to have to learn to deal with a little more chaos than usual. Starla and her sayings make me giggle. She is absolutely hilarious and her positivity is infectious. The two of them are a perfect match up as best friends. There is definitely more going on with Pickles as well. We all know he's a dog who wasn't magical and now has magical fire, but I just know that there is still more to come and I have a theory in my head.
The beginning of the book does a lot of the set up for the series. We learn a lot about all the characters in Carolina Beach and those who show up as well. We learn about everyone's magic and what their abilities are. Once the plot starts moving along though, you are swept up and won't want to put the book down. From sneaking into buildings, to training with enforcers and then going after the kidnappers, this book has plenty of suspense. The magic system is the same as in Never's series and it such a unique take on witches. I like they all have their special "key" and that their magic isn't limitless. There were also some supernaturals I hadn't heard of and it always amazes me that there are still creatures I haven't heard of with all the books I read.
Leena is a person who can't get out of her own head. She is constantly doubting and second guessing herself. She also worries about every what-if under the sun and how anything wrong will be her fault. She is a calmer person, where Starla is a little more chaotic. Unfortunately, now that her "curse" has reared its head, Leena is going to have to learn to deal with a little more chaos than usual. Starla and her sayings make me giggle. She is absolutely hilarious and her positivity is infectious. The two of them are a perfect match up as best friends. There is definitely more going on with Pickles as well. We all know he's a dog who wasn't magical and now has magical fire, but I just know that there is still more to come and I have a theory in my head.
The beginning of the book does a lot of the set up for the series. We learn a lot about all the characters in Carolina Beach and those who show up as well. We learn about everyone's magic and what their abilities are. Once the plot starts moving along though, you are swept up and won't want to put the book down. From sneaking into buildings, to training with enforcers and then going after the kidnappers, this book has plenty of suspense. The magic system is the same as in Never's series and it such a unique take on witches. I like they all have their special "key" and that their magic isn't limitless. There were also some supernaturals I hadn't heard of and it always amazes me that there are still creatures I haven't heard of with all the books I read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Seas the Chaos is the first book in the Carolina Magic series and I just love Leena! She’s a naiad that runs a Dive shop, and she also cleans boats and helps out at her bestie Starla’s bar. Starla’s cook has gone missing, as has the delivery driver, so Starla and Leena decide it’s up to them to investigate. Thankfully, they call Starla’s PI friend Jackal--fans of the author will remember him from the Never series--who’s able to provide some training to our would-be detectives. But they soon discover that what’s going on is a conspiracy much larger than either of them could have imagine and they could quickly be in over their heads.
I really like Leena and I can totally relate to her OCD intrusive thoughts. I like how she deals with them, and it all feels really relatable to me. I love Starla, her idioms are hilarious and she’s a great bestie for Leena. Since I’m already a fan from the Never series, I was thrilled with the training cameos and that Jackal will be featured prominently in Leena’s story. Starla’s possible love interest was an unexpected surprise, and I’d be thrilled if that became permanent too. I appreciated that we got to learn more of Pickle’s backstory and we meet Leena’s brother as well. I really enjoyed this book and now I’m bummed that I’m stuck waiting for the next book in the series! If you feel the same and you haven’t already picked up the prequel, Seas the Chance, make sure to grab that to help tide you over. This was a fun book that I couldn’t put down and I cannot wait to see what happens next for Leena and her friends!
I really like Leena and I can totally relate to her OCD intrusive thoughts. I like how she deals with them, and it all feels really relatable to me. I love Starla, her idioms are hilarious and she’s a great bestie for Leena. Since I’m already a fan from the Never series, I was thrilled with the training cameos and that Jackal will be featured prominently in Leena’s story. Starla’s possible love interest was an unexpected surprise, and I’d be thrilled if that became permanent too. I appreciated that we got to learn more of Pickle’s backstory and we meet Leena’s brother as well. I really enjoyed this book and now I’m bummed that I’m stuck waiting for the next book in the series! If you feel the same and you haven’t already picked up the prequel, Seas the Chance, make sure to grab that to help tide you over. This was a fun book that I couldn’t put down and I cannot wait to see what happens next for Leena and her friends!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first full length book in the new series from Silas Reames which is set in the same world as her superb Never series. I would recommend reading the small short story prequel before reading this book as it sets everything up nicely.
The FMC in this series is Leena a Naiad who struggles with OCD and runs a diving business in a gorgeous coastal town where her best friend Starla (a witch) owns the local bar.
This book leads on from the prequel and the girls get pulled I to another mystery where supernaturals are being abducted all the while Leena struggles with signs that a family curse may be rearing its head again and her brother comes to visit.
We see some familiar characters from Never's world in this book which was fun and we meet some of the supporting cast members that will be front and center as the series progresses.
This book was very enjoyable and as it went on the story progressed and things sped up to the point I am super excited for the next one! I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 simply because it took little while to get going, a lot of the inner OCD dialogue slowed things down a bit initially however it is important to remember this is a first book in a new series and setting things up like how Leena struggles and doubts herself is Important for the plot moving forward. I have no doubt that this series is going to blow out socks off just as her previous one did!
The FMC in this series is Leena a Naiad who struggles with OCD and runs a diving business in a gorgeous coastal town where her best friend Starla (a witch) owns the local bar.
This book leads on from the prequel and the girls get pulled I to another mystery where supernaturals are being abducted all the while Leena struggles with signs that a family curse may be rearing its head again and her brother comes to visit.
We see some familiar characters from Never's world in this book which was fun and we meet some of the supporting cast members that will be front and center as the series progresses.
This book was very enjoyable and as it went on the story progressed and things sped up to the point I am super excited for the next one! I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 simply because it took little while to get going, a lot of the inner OCD dialogue slowed things down a bit initially however it is important to remember this is a first book in a new series and setting things up like how Leena struggles and doubts herself is Important for the plot moving forward. I have no doubt that this series is going to blow out socks off just as her previous one did!
Review of advance copy
I'm positively exhilarated and drooling, yet felt like someone stole my sweets when I realized I've reached the end. This book ensnared me with the hilarious expressions, nail biting moments and fabulous characters. With a tendency to over analyze myself, I could relate to Leena's overactive mind. Starla, witch and owner of The Sea Wench bar, is a "let's go for it and worry later" personality, yet they've been friends since kindergarten and will protect one another fiercely. When supernaturals start to dissappear including her new chef Keegan, Starla is fired up to investigate. When they got busted, they're send to Grammy Pearl who in turn sends them to the Vampsion of Never for training. Little Pickles, her fire breather basset puppy is along for the ride. Leena is finally going to meet the man of her daydreaming, Jackal the hyena shifter. Attraction sparks fly to say the least and let's not to forget about Starla and the gargoyle, Enox. Phewww this book offers too much to mention without giving away spoilers. The clues in the epilogue promise an exciting book 2, bring it on. I read the blurb, but the book exceeded my expectations by far, now I am all fired up to read more.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens and Silas for approving my request.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens and Silas for approving my request.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing, magical, mystery novel! I was hooked by the book's blurb:
"As a naiad with OCD, Leena would rather spend time with her fire-breathing dog or running her diving company than solving criminal cases. All that changes when a string of kidnappings veers too close to home."
Carolina, or Leena, is a Naiad, running a successful dive business on Carolina Beach. Her darling dog Pickles breathes fire! Starla, her witchy best friend, owns the Sea Wench, a trendy oceanfront bar. When a delivery truck and its supernatural driver go missing with the bar's weekly supplies, Starla & Leena decide to investigate. Witches, werewolves, shifters, an enormous gargoyle, and an especially exciting hyena join them in their quest for answers! Will Leena's inner commentary overwhelm her? Can she control her strange budding talents? Starla and Leena are involved in a perilous puzzle that may be beyond their powers, and they need all the help they can get! Cuddles, Curses, Coffee, & Capers, abound! This is book 1 in a delightful new Urban Fantasy series, Carolina Magic, by Silas Reames. 5 stars!!! (arc read)
"As a naiad with OCD, Leena would rather spend time with her fire-breathing dog or running her diving company than solving criminal cases. All that changes when a string of kidnappings veers too close to home."
Carolina, or Leena, is a Naiad, running a successful dive business on Carolina Beach. Her darling dog Pickles breathes fire! Starla, her witchy best friend, owns the Sea Wench, a trendy oceanfront bar. When a delivery truck and its supernatural driver go missing with the bar's weekly supplies, Starla & Leena decide to investigate. Witches, werewolves, shifters, an enormous gargoyle, and an especially exciting hyena join them in their quest for answers! Will Leena's inner commentary overwhelm her? Can she control her strange budding talents? Starla and Leena are involved in a perilous puzzle that may be beyond their powers, and they need all the help they can get! Cuddles, Curses, Coffee, & Capers, abound! This is book 1 in a delightful new Urban Fantasy series, Carolina Magic, by Silas Reames. 5 stars!!! (arc read)
February 18, 2026
SEAS THE CHAOS is the second book in the Carolina Magic series, and I am really enjoying this series. It’s so very different from Never’s series—lighter, sillier, and featuring an adorable basset hound puppy who has fire-breathing abilities. There’s a bit of a neat crossover with Never’s series, too.
Leena is a naiad who has severe anxiety, coupled with OCD. When supernatural tourists go missing in Carolina Beach, she and best friend Starla once again decide to conduct their own investigation.
I’ll admit, her anxiety was annoying at times. Starla’s immaturity got on my nerves, too. Those concerns aside, this really was a good story with a fantastic ending.
I can’t wait for the next one!
Leena is a naiad who has severe anxiety, coupled with OCD. When supernatural tourists go missing in Carolina Beach, she and best friend Starla once again decide to conduct their own investigation.
I’ll admit, her anxiety was annoying at times. Starla’s immaturity got on my nerves, too. Those concerns aside, this really was a good story with a fantastic ending.
I can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am always so excited when I discover a new author and when I get new books from them like this author. This is the first book in a new series, and I knew after reading the prequel to this, I had to keep reading. In this one, we get to see more of Starla and Leena, and I absolutely love their friendship, and we get to meet even more great characters, who I can’t wait to get to know better. This is a light, well-written, fun urban fantasy, and I can’t wait to see what shenanigans all these characters will get up to in the next installment. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy
The highlights for me - how OCD and anxiety are so closely related and how OCD can create anxious behavior and spinning/racing thoughts. The OCD was done really well. I am not a huge fan of the mystery/crime fighting genre and that is pretty heavy in this book. BUT the way this author really digs into the relationships between the characters and how the FMC's OCD impacts not only those relationships but also the FMC in general was great. Would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2026
A great start to a new series
Another great book by Silas Reames. I read the series about Never, so I was waiting for this one after the mention in the epilogue of the last Never book. I like that some of the main characters from that series appear in this one.
Leena is a strong main character, and I can't wait to see her relationship with Jackal unfold. I like that this book has a completed story but clearly leads into future books in the series, as well. I'm excited for the next book!
Another great book by Silas Reames. I read the series about Never, so I was waiting for this one after the mention in the epilogue of the last Never book. I like that some of the main characters from that series appear in this one.
Leena is a strong main character, and I can't wait to see her relationship with Jackal unfold. I like that this book has a completed story but clearly leads into future books in the series, as well. I'm excited for the next book!
February 14, 2026
Strong characters, mysterious disappearances, an adorable magical dog, and a slow burn romance? Yes, please. I loved this first full-length novel in the Carolina Magic series. It’s a great new urban fantasy series and I loved the cameos from Silas Reames’s earlier Shifter vengeance series that takes place in the same world. Looking forward to the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Good in a quirky way with the fearless best friend and a cute puppy. Romance, paranoia and action including a few loved character cross overs. This could be the start of a brilliant series combining all the things I love in urban fantasy
February 15, 2026
Magic in Carolina Beach
Magic, shifters, mystery and possible romance 🥰 Love blending the NC area with the mystery and how their world gets bigger. Who doesn’t love magical creatures especially a dog that breathes fire.
Magic, shifters, mystery and possible romance 🥰 Love blending the NC area with the mystery and how their world gets bigger. Who doesn’t love magical creatures especially a dog that breathes fire.
February 16, 2026
Great read
I normally listen to books, this book wasn't on audio so decided to read it. So glad I did!
Storyline was well written, kept me interested on what was going to happen next. Definitely reading the rest of the series
I normally listen to books, this book wasn't on audio so decided to read it. So glad I did!
Storyline was well written, kept me interested on what was going to happen next. Definitely reading the rest of the series
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ohhhhh my STARS!!!!!
My mind is blown, my nails & cuticles are destroyed & I've Never been happier* (pun intended)
**I will admit that I possibly.... might of had a teeny tiny miniscule tantrum when our lovely Silas Reames alleged that Nevers series was complete..... well she only went & told a porky pie coz Nevers Christmas adventure says otherwise 🤓 😝 utter bathmat 🙄🤣
AnyWho on with the review.....
"Some magical detectives are naturals, and some are thrown into the deep end.
As a naiad with OCD, Leena would rather spend time with her fire-breathing dog or running her diving company than solving criminal cases. All that changes when a string of kidnappings veers too close to home."
Pretty sure it's already clear that I love this first book in the Carolina magic series (the prequel was also brilliant) it ticks every box & then some!! Leena, Starla, Pickles & friends are definitely on my "fantasy bucket list friends" list!! coz I want to get my own share of cajun seasoned fries & pickles!!
The world building is amazing, the fact that there is a town with the same name as my hometown of Southport(UK) boggled my little brain (its real too!) The fact there are lil cameos from the Never series is AMAZEBALLS.....But this isn't a Never book it's Leenas & I can NOT wait to see what's coming next, especially thankful for the Brit bit of putting the word "Utter" or "Absolute" before any word therefore turning it into an insult🤣😂👌🏻👌🏻 Loved that slice of home & it added that extra pinch of character to the character
Good to see space taken by " Five things" & mental health issues in an urban fantasy book & a main character too! Just coz there's magic doesn't mean people don't suffer from intrusive thoughts, OCD etc, a refreshing change x
Now excuse me whilst I sulk coz thanks to this being an ARC I am going to have to wait for my next fix 😱😱😱😱
My mind is blown, my nails & cuticles are destroyed & I've Never been happier* (pun intended)
**I will admit that I possibly.... might of had a teeny tiny miniscule tantrum when our lovely Silas Reames alleged that Nevers series was complete..... well she only went & told a porky pie coz Nevers Christmas adventure says otherwise 🤓 😝 utter bathmat 🙄🤣
AnyWho on with the review.....
"Some magical detectives are naturals, and some are thrown into the deep end.
As a naiad with OCD, Leena would rather spend time with her fire-breathing dog or running her diving company than solving criminal cases. All that changes when a string of kidnappings veers too close to home."
Pretty sure it's already clear that I love this first book in the Carolina magic series (the prequel was also brilliant) it ticks every box & then some!! Leena, Starla, Pickles & friends are definitely on my "fantasy bucket list friends" list!! coz I want to get my own share of cajun seasoned fries & pickles!!
The world building is amazing, the fact that there is a town with the same name as my hometown of Southport(UK) boggled my little brain (its real too!) The fact there are lil cameos from the Never series is AMAZEBALLS.....But this isn't a Never book it's Leenas & I can NOT wait to see what's coming next, especially thankful for the Brit bit of putting the word "Utter" or "Absolute" before any word therefore turning it into an insult🤣😂👌🏻👌🏻 Loved that slice of home & it added that extra pinch of character to the character
Good to see space taken by " Five things" & mental health issues in an urban fantasy book & a main character too! Just coz there's magic doesn't mean people don't suffer from intrusive thoughts, OCD etc, a refreshing change x
Now excuse me whilst I sulk coz thanks to this being an ARC I am going to have to wait for my next fix 😱😱😱😱
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic story. Its got family, friends, puppies, action, mystery, intrigue and a splash of romance. I couldn't put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews