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The Chaos Mages #1
Stolen Trinket
Vampires don’t rob banks. Werewolves don’t bust into jewelry stores. And Detective Logan Blackwell doesn’t work with a partner.
Too bad all three of those things happened in one day. Supernaturals are getting possessed, wreaking havoc, then turning up dead. Blackwell has been tasked with finding out who is responsible and stopping them before they kill again.
After a series of unfortunate incidents that include blowing up part of the Met, Blackwell’s boss is fed up. He sticks Blackwell with a partner who has issues that only complicate his life.
Assassination attempts threaten both their lives, but no one will tell him who is trying to kill Detective Lexi Swift, or why. He’s already lost one partner, and he’s not willing to see another die. It’s a good thing she’s tough and wields magic almost as chaotic as his.
Old enemies, new threats, and more destruction than his boss can handle are bad enough, but sometimes our inner demons are the most dangerous. When they find the person responsible, Blackwell will face a fight he never expected, and one he may not win.
But most importantly, will the pink ever get out of his hair? He should never have taken that bet...
Fans of Jim Butcher, Shayne Silvers, Michael Anderle, and Orlando Sanchez will love this series!
Too bad all three of those things happened in one day. Supernaturals are getting possessed, wreaking havoc, then turning up dead. Blackwell has been tasked with finding out who is responsible and stopping them before they kill again.
After a series of unfortunate incidents that include blowing up part of the Met, Blackwell’s boss is fed up. He sticks Blackwell with a partner who has issues that only complicate his life.
Assassination attempts threaten both their lives, but no one will tell him who is trying to kill Detective Lexi Swift, or why. He’s already lost one partner, and he’s not willing to see another die. It’s a good thing she’s tough and wields magic almost as chaotic as his.
Old enemies, new threats, and more destruction than his boss can handle are bad enough, but sometimes our inner demons are the most dangerous. When they find the person responsible, Blackwell will face a fight he never expected, and one he may not win.
But most importantly, will the pink ever get out of his hair? He should never have taken that bet...
Fans of Jim Butcher, Shayne Silvers, Michael Anderle, and Orlando Sanchez will love this series!
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2018
372 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Alex Steele
7 books54 followersAlex Steele is the brainchild of husband and wife team: Alex and Stephanie. The persona you see online from Alex Steele is all Alex, but you can find his wife on social media as Stephanie Foxe.
Alex got his itch for writing after Stephanie began to write and publish her series. Previously, he’d never read books (I know crazy right?). He immersed himself in countless hours of research to better help his wife succeed. It was during that time that he began reading dozens of books and thought, “Hey maybe I can do this writing thing too.” It turns out writing is hard (who knew?).
What he did learn is that he could outline stories reasonably well and that Stephanie enjoys writing his ideas. So, Alex Steele was born: Alex comes up with the overall concept, and Stephanie writes it. Alex then reviews it and makes edits. We pass that work on to an editor, then finally to ART (Advanced Reader Team).
We hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as we enjoyed writing them.
Alex got his itch for writing after Stephanie began to write and publish her series. Previously, he’d never read books (I know crazy right?). He immersed himself in countless hours of research to better help his wife succeed. It was during that time that he began reading dozens of books and thought, “Hey maybe I can do this writing thing too.” It turns out writing is hard (who knew?).
What he did learn is that he could outline stories reasonably well and that Stephanie enjoys writing his ideas. So, Alex Steele was born: Alex comes up with the overall concept, and Stephanie writes it. Alex then reviews it and makes edits. We pass that work on to an editor, then finally to ART (Advanced Reader Team).
We hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as we enjoyed writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 29, 2020
Fun, magic & mayhem. And even 'mayhem magic'.
Q:
There was a reason I worked when I had more money than I could ever spend, even in my extended lifetime – interest is a beautiful thing. (c)
Q:
I’m a particular guy. I like certain cars, my suits to be impeccable, and always getting my way. That’s why I work alone. (c)
Q:
“I’ll skin you and wear you as a fur coat!” ...
“I’ll rip the flesh from your bones you worthless peons!” (c) Swift's quite a swift)
Q:
Assassins had already come after me this morning; it wasn’t normal to be attacked twice in one day. I hadn’t pissed anyone off that bad recently. (c)
Q:
She had enemies that made mine look friendly, and that was not an easy feat. (c)
Q:
“Drop the stake and put your hands in the air!” (c)
Q:
There was a reason I worked when I had more money than I could ever spend, even in my extended lifetime – interest is a beautiful thing. (c)
Q:
I’m a particular guy. I like certain cars, my suits to be impeccable, and always getting my way. That’s why I work alone. (c)
Q:
“I’ll skin you and wear you as a fur coat!” ...
“I’ll rip the flesh from your bones you worthless peons!” (c) Swift's quite a swift)
Q:
Assassins had already come after me this morning; it wasn’t normal to be attacked twice in one day. I hadn’t pissed anyone off that bad recently. (c)
Q:
She had enemies that made mine look friendly, and that was not an easy feat. (c)
Q:
“Drop the stake and put your hands in the air!” (c)
July 12, 2021
Fast paced quirky urban fantasy with a likeable duo with good chemistry working to solve a magical crime. The world building was pretty good considering the short length of the book and I enjoyed the different magics. Action packed fun!
January 6, 2019
3.5 stars
There is slightly lack of world built (so, how many are mages destinations in this world??) and backdrop information -- what the heck happened to Blackwell's old partner? -- but for the most part, I still enjoyed this book. Probably because it had plenty of actions to keep me somewhat entertained, as Blackwell and Swift are looking for the party responsible of blowing up a vampire and a werewolf
And since Blackwell and Swift's partnership promises A LOT of chaos and arguments, it also offered nice quips. I already own the second book, so I'll see whether or not this series is worth to follow.
There is slightly lack of world built (so, how many are mages destinations in this world??) and backdrop information -- what the heck happened to Blackwell's old partner? -- but for the most part, I still enjoyed this book. Probably because it had plenty of actions to keep me somewhat entertained, as Blackwell and Swift are looking for the party responsible of blowing up a vampire and a werewolf
And since Blackwell and Swift's partnership promises A LOT of chaos and arguments, it also offered nice quips. I already own the second book, so I'll see whether or not this series is worth to follow.
November 18, 2021
Well...I kind of had fun reading the mystery going on, and I liked the snippy dialogue happening between our two leads...but I wasn't really feeling the H.
He was cocky, arrogant, showey at times, and flippant. Sometimes the devil may care attitude totally works for me- but in this case--not really.
And he seems to think saying stuff like 'I like what I like, and I'm going to do what I want regardless, and you're just going to have to deal' is totally cool.
Eh not really that likable to me.
He was cocky, arrogant, showey at times, and flippant. Sometimes the devil may care attitude totally works for me- but in this case--not really.
“I’m not a fan of surprises,” I said coldly. Swift snorted. “Or of other people having opinions, especially if they differ from yours. You also don’t seem to be a fan of teamwork either. Or basic manners.”
And he seems to think saying stuff like 'I like what I like, and I'm going to do what I want regardless, and you're just going to have to deal' is totally cool.
Eh not really that likable to me.
July 29, 2018
I won a copy of this book from a contest for signed books by other authors I like, and I am so glad I did! This book has exactly what I like in an urban fantasy: fascinating characters, world-building, and plot where the main character Logan is flawed and mostly likeable. Logan’s partner Lexi was a great sidekick for him, someone who stands up to him, and maybe keeps him a little more humble. Maybe. This book was very well-written, and my interest was held from the moment I started it until the moment I finished it, something that doesn’t always happen, even in books I love. The action wasn’t too over the top, and there was just enough to keep the book moving. I found this world interesting, and I can’t wait to find out more, including more clues about Logan’s parents’ murder. I can’t wait to read more by this author in this series! Highly recommend!
August 25, 2018
Mages, kitsune, vampires and a rune rail, oh my!
Stolen Trinkets and the Chaos Mages have thrown the genre into utter mayhem. If you like your magic neat and orderly, this is not your book. Destruction, chaos, mayhem and non-stop action (and the odd assassination attempt) reign supreme. Buckle in or strap down before you crack this one open because it's a wild ride!
Stolen Trinkets and the Chaos Mages have thrown the genre into utter mayhem. If you like your magic neat and orderly, this is not your book. Destruction, chaos, mayhem and non-stop action (and the odd assassination attempt) reign supreme. Buckle in or strap down before you crack this one open because it's a wild ride!
October 9, 2021
Nope. DNF @22%
The douchebag male lead has his head so far up his ass that I don't believe for one second that he's one of the top detectives. Even worse, this book is all told first person from the his pov, and he is literally a bag of human shit so each chapter felt like swimming in a toilet. Life is too short.
I rate this 1 "fuck that guy" and 2 "nope".
The douchebag male lead has his head so far up his ass that I don't believe for one second that he's one of the top detectives. Even worse, this book is all told first person from the his pov, and he is literally a bag of human shit so each chapter felt like swimming in a toilet. Life is too short.
I rate this 1 "fuck that guy" and 2 "nope".
July 31, 2018
Excellent debut for a series. Grabbed me from the start and wouldn't let go. Chaos Mages? Brilliant and fun. I could see everything happen as if I was watching it on a big screen. Looking forward to further installments of this series.
February 14, 2019
Good starter
It took me a long time to get into this book, once I did I was engaged. The book follows a badass detective with a penchant for blowing things up, and his new partner a strong female lead who only leads him into more trouble than he caused alone! His love of his suits, fast cars and good food is on show whilst his new partner Lexi Swift obviously has a back story but isn’t wanting him to know despite having assassins trying to kill her.
I’m going to get the next book and hope it’s easier to read.
One thing that would have helped would have been the character list and other list about the magical world being at the beginning rather than the end as I struggled to get my head around some of the mage structure and Moira the magical land.
It took me a long time to get into this book, once I did I was engaged. The book follows a badass detective with a penchant for blowing things up, and his new partner a strong female lead who only leads him into more trouble than he caused alone! His love of his suits, fast cars and good food is on show whilst his new partner Lexi Swift obviously has a back story but isn’t wanting him to know despite having assassins trying to kill her.
I’m going to get the next book and hope it’s easier to read.
One thing that would have helped would have been the character list and other list about the magical world being at the beginning rather than the end as I struggled to get my head around some of the mage structure and Moira the magical land.
August 1, 2018
A trickster kitsune? A male mage causing mayhem with his magic? A city that exists alongside a normal world but for magic users only? Yes, yes, and yes! Take a ride on the Rune Rail, but commit no threats or be cited by the Valkyries!
August 5, 2018
Wonderful story
I simply loved this story line. The characters are so awesome. The idea of a mage being a Berserker is a new concept and it totally works. I also love Logan's character. Cannot wait for the next book.
I simply loved this story line. The characters are so awesome. The idea of a mage being a Berserker is a new concept and it totally works. I also love Logan's character. Cannot wait for the next book.
January 17, 2019
😻
Was cute. I actually thought this was another book at first started off the same way it did. But definitely was a different storyline.
Was cute. I actually thought this was another book at first started off the same way it did. But definitely was a different storyline.
January 20, 2019
Fun story. Non-stop action. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
March 14, 2019
It was a total YA book. the dialogue the character the setting is more for the flash than any real substance. It feels as if I am watching an episode of brooklyn99 ...with magic and the lead detective is a teen with a serious case of bragging.
There is an unresolved murder ( the parents ) but if the lead character can hardly look into the murder when he is so busy being cool. Look at my 10,000 dinner , look at my car..... i am too cool for words .... the character is of a person who is trying so hard to be cool that he comes across as a wannabe.
he has a friend turned 'enemy' who is also his friend ( as he is giving him secret warnings and worries for his wellbeing ) is really teenage drama.
I had high hopes for his partner and she is actually a character who has a bit of depth and mystery.
The universe the book is set in is great its imaginative and different , it could have been so much better if it had a proper storyline and a decent character in the lead
I bought the first three book together but i dont think I could complete the second one now.
There is an unresolved murder ( the parents ) but if the lead character can hardly look into the murder when he is so busy being cool. Look at my 10,000 dinner , look at my car..... i am too cool for words .... the character is of a person who is trying so hard to be cool that he comes across as a wannabe.
he has a friend turned 'enemy' who is also his friend ( as he is giving him secret warnings and worries for his wellbeing ) is really teenage drama.
I had high hopes for his partner and she is actually a character who has a bit of depth and mystery.
The universe the book is set in is great its imaginative and different , it could have been so much better if it had a proper storyline and a decent character in the lead
I bought the first three book together but i dont think I could complete the second one now.
August 8, 2018
Fun and fast paced
An excellent new urban fantasy! It takes a couple of chapters to really ramp up, but once it's off and running it really takes off. Logan Blackwell starts out as a hard case magical investigator who wants, among other things, nothing to do with a partner. So, of course, that's exactly what he gets. Lexi Swift has her own problems, the least of which is her cranky new partner. Together they need to solve a series of magic related crimes. We learn quite a bit about Blackwell and Swift through the course of their investigation but there are enough unanswered questions that there will be plenty left to learn in future stories. I'm looking forward to their next adventure.
An excellent new urban fantasy! It takes a couple of chapters to really ramp up, but once it's off and running it really takes off. Logan Blackwell starts out as a hard case magical investigator who wants, among other things, nothing to do with a partner. So, of course, that's exactly what he gets. Lexi Swift has her own problems, the least of which is her cranky new partner. Together they need to solve a series of magic related crimes. We learn quite a bit about Blackwell and Swift through the course of their investigation but there are enough unanswered questions that there will be plenty left to learn in future stories. I'm looking forward to their next adventure.
February 26, 2019
A fun quick urban fantasy read. Pure entertaining escapism.
Two complaints, neither of which detract from the story although I personally find them jarring.. I was taught a long, long time ago that "alright" is not a word. "All right" is correct. I also learned a long, long time ago the important different between "lay " and "lie." Apparently the authors and their editors never learned this. That nearly made me turn this into a three star review. However, I gritted my teeth and forgave the transgressions.
Two complaints, neither of which detract from the story although I personally find them jarring.. I was taught a long, long time ago that "alright" is not a word. "All right" is correct. I also learned a long, long time ago the important different between "lay " and "lie." Apparently the authors and their editors never learned this. That nearly made me turn this into a three star review. However, I gritted my teeth and forgave the transgressions.
February 12, 2020
So not what I was expecting
I thought I would enjoy this more, but the characters were, for the most part, just so smug and arrogant that I just wanted to take Swift’s mace and smack them with it. Just a lot of male posturing and secrets, plus the ‘guardian’ schtick at the end just annoyed me.
I will say that I did like the magical elements, and the assassins were different from the usual fare. The mystery that connects Swift and Blackwell piqued my interest, and I am grateful that there seems to be no romantic relationship on the horizon fir these two.
3 stars ⭐️
I thought I would enjoy this more, but the characters were, for the most part, just so smug and arrogant that I just wanted to take Swift’s mace and smack them with it. Just a lot of male posturing and secrets, plus the ‘guardian’ schtick at the end just annoyed me.
I will say that I did like the magical elements, and the assassins were different from the usual fare. The mystery that connects Swift and Blackwell piqued my interest, and I am grateful that there seems to be no romantic relationship on the horizon fir these two.
3 stars ⭐️
February 5, 2020
Buddy Cops? Not!
I would have liked a little, even a page or two more background on Moira, but other than that the story was great. These two fight like brother and sister, and their magic makes them walking disaster creators. On the hunt for why a vampire and werewolf each committed a crime then died leads down a trail of money-lost.
I would have liked a little, even a page or two more background on Moira, but other than that the story was great. These two fight like brother and sister, and their magic makes them walking disaster creators. On the hunt for why a vampire and werewolf each committed a crime then died leads down a trail of money-lost.
July 31, 2018
Promising opening Act
A masterful re-imagining of the classic buddy cop genre but with magic and mythology intertwined in an action-packed seat-of-the-pants can’t-put-down must read.
A masterful re-imagining of the classic buddy cop genre but with magic and mythology intertwined in an action-packed seat-of-the-pants can’t-put-down must read.
August 5, 2018
Quirky fun ride
I thought at first this story was going to be one of those unrealistic corny stories, but right away I was hooked. Throughly enjoyable with quirky characters and plot.
I thought at first this story was going to be one of those unrealistic corny stories, but right away I was hooked. Throughly enjoyable with quirky characters and plot.
January 25, 2019
Good read
It's very entertaining. I like the banter between Blackwell and Swift. And Chief Bradley trying to keep Blackwell in line. Also like action comedy but both partners are chaotic.
It's very entertaining. I like the banter between Blackwell and Swift. And Chief Bradley trying to keep Blackwell in line. Also like action comedy but both partners are chaotic.
March 18, 2019
Fab
A good start to the series. Great characters. Interesting alt reality. Exciting cases to work each book, but with both Blackwell and Swift having mysterious back stories to explore throughout the series.
Looking forward to the next one.
A good start to the series. Great characters. Interesting alt reality. Exciting cases to work each book, but with both Blackwell and Swift having mysterious back stories to explore throughout the series.
Looking forward to the next one.
November 16, 2019
Mayhem
Yes mayhem in the best possible way. My favorite urban fantasy paced with so many characters and story lines. Great world building and character development. Story had so many twists and turns right up to the end.
Yes mayhem in the best possible way. My favorite urban fantasy paced with so many characters and story lines. Great world building and character development. Story had so many twists and turns right up to the end.
December 14, 2019
Highly recommended
Great story line.
Crisp characters.
Snarky conversation.
All of this fit nearly together in a very enjoyable story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Great story line.
Crisp characters.
Snarky conversation.
All of this fit nearly together in a very enjoyable story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 16, 2018
Quite liked this book. I had a few minor quibbles with some phrasing in the book, but otherwise quite enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more
January 18, 2019
Fun read
Fun quick read. . . . . . . . . . . . .... ...... .. .. .... ...
Fun quick read. . . . . . . . . . . . .... ...... .. .. .... ...
January 27, 2019
Cute but not amazing... I miss world building, more depth to the characters - the whole book was a little short and lacked depth in my opinion.
February 25, 2019
Just ok... nothing to rave about
February 27, 2019
Must read
Great book can't wait to see where the series goes from here and learn more about Blackwell and swift .
Great book can't wait to see where the series goes from here and learn more about Blackwell and swift .
March 28, 2019
Mayhem magic
A mage that has a habit of blowing up things. A pink haired partner he got stuck with. A whole lot of magic as they hunt for a killer of supernaturals. Good story.
A mage that has a habit of blowing up things. A pink haired partner he got stuck with. A whole lot of magic as they hunt for a killer of supernaturals. Good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews