What do you think?
Rate this book
The Chaos Mages #2
Blood of the Covenant
Logan Blackwell does not work well with others, but if he hopes to defeat this new threat, he’s going to have to learn…or more cities will burn.
A warlock hell-bent on offering up the major cities of the world as a sacrifice to a god of destruction is more than he can stop alone.
Will justice prevail over anarchy? Find out in Blood of the Covenant.
A warlock hell-bent on offering up the major cities of the world as a sacrifice to a god of destruction is more than he can stop alone.
Will justice prevail over anarchy? Find out in Blood of the Covenant.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2018
153 people are currently reading
49 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 25, 2020
Phoenix anarchy rules in this one! So... phoenixes grow the size of 'teen Godzilla'.
The office policies of the Mage Guild are decidedly ingenious. Q: I was almost certain some of the skulls we had found in Mexico belonged to his dead former coworkers. (c) That's quite the team building excercise.
Q:
“Come and get me, you ugly ass carpet bird!” Swift shouted, waving her mace like a baton. Carpet bird didn’t even make sense. She must be getting tired. (c)
Q:
This thing had seriously woken up on the wrong side of the nest. (c)
Q:
“In all seriousness though, you two need to sort out whatever it is that keeps making you trip over each other,” (c)
Q:
“I’m always polite,”...
“Until you get in a fight, then it’s all I’ll skin you and wear your flesh as a sundress,” ...
“I’m not responsible for the things I say when I am in a berserker rage.” (c)
The office policies of the Mage Guild are decidedly ingenious. Q: I was almost certain some of the skulls we had found in Mexico belonged to his dead former coworkers. (c) That's quite the team building excercise.
Q:
“Come and get me, you ugly ass carpet bird!” Swift shouted, waving her mace like a baton. Carpet bird didn’t even make sense. She must be getting tired. (c)
Q:
This thing had seriously woken up on the wrong side of the nest. (c)
Q:
“In all seriousness though, you two need to sort out whatever it is that keeps making you trip over each other,” (c)
Q:
“I’m always polite,”...
“Until you get in a fight, then it’s all I’ll skin you and wear your flesh as a sundress,” ...
“I’m not responsible for the things I say when I am in a berserker rage.” (c)
January 6, 2019
3.5 stars
I think this book still depends on a lot of action but not so much on the personal character's growth. Which made me put it down a few times, since I need to feel invested to the characters to be genuinely focused. BUT, there were few new information coming to the surface, and a promise for an even bigger battle that Blackwell and Swift must face in the future. I guess I will still try to read the next book, since I AM curious :)
I think this book still depends on a lot of action but not so much on the personal character's growth. Which made me put it down a few times, since I need to feel invested to the characters to be genuinely focused. BUT, there were few new information coming to the surface, and a promise for an even bigger battle that Blackwell and Swift must face in the future. I guess I will still try to read the next book, since I AM curious :)
December 12, 2019
So it continues
Chaos that can have some regime. One of my favorites is loyalty in finding solid rides. The story continues providing a gem in urban fantasy. Squatters ' rights provided for all true readers aka supporting cast members. Looking forward to the next installment.
Chaos that can have some regime. One of my favorites is loyalty in finding solid rides. The story continues providing a gem in urban fantasy. Squatters ' rights provided for all true readers aka supporting cast members. Looking forward to the next installment.
June 23, 2019
Novel bleh, series hopeful
This Main Character is annoying but I am caught up in all the powers operating behind the scenes in the background universe. If it gets a little clearer, the power struggle and the factions unmasking could be a nice read.
So far, the supernatural elements are all over the place. The mixture of pantheons, the range of creatures (some of the descriptions of their powers is sketchy), the absence of origins for any of them are all OK as individual issues but collectively it creates a "fog of story". The TV series "Lost" had the same problem, which seemed to come from the writers suffering from contradictory and changing directives. Here that shouldn't be an issue, if the background universe has already or gets a solid foundation. I will find out, I guess.
I'm the meantime, the long lifespans explain some of the personality flaws of characters but creates little tears in the background universe. A hundred year old MC acting out with a full entitlement rage on, while he whines about making a (very nebulous) difference (in what, where, for whom and above all why?). His partner of unspecified age (I don't remember if it's mentioned) has been on a suicidal anti-family trajectory for again an unspecified number of years, in the name of Justice/World Peace/Doing The Right Thing or because Mommy and Daddy aren't nice/good people/emotionally unavailable/tampered with her trust fund or what?
It becomes difficult to follow the story when the motivations are so vague and the personalities are so fragmented, contradictory or childish. The "Brooklyn 99" model for the denizens of the magical police center, clashes with the X-Files vibe. Either of which are fine but together not so much, maybe it flows more naturally with better boundaries or without the buddy cop relationship. I don't know if it can be done but I think that it would make the story better.
Still, I'm curious about the series and "Once more into the breach, my friends!".
This Main Character is annoying but I am caught up in all the powers operating behind the scenes in the background universe. If it gets a little clearer, the power struggle and the factions unmasking could be a nice read.
So far, the supernatural elements are all over the place. The mixture of pantheons, the range of creatures (some of the descriptions of their powers is sketchy), the absence of origins for any of them are all OK as individual issues but collectively it creates a "fog of story". The TV series "Lost" had the same problem, which seemed to come from the writers suffering from contradictory and changing directives. Here that shouldn't be an issue, if the background universe has already or gets a solid foundation. I will find out, I guess.
I'm the meantime, the long lifespans explain some of the personality flaws of characters but creates little tears in the background universe. A hundred year old MC acting out with a full entitlement rage on, while he whines about making a (very nebulous) difference (in what, where, for whom and above all why?). His partner of unspecified age (I don't remember if it's mentioned) has been on a suicidal anti-family trajectory for again an unspecified number of years, in the name of Justice/World Peace/Doing The Right Thing or because Mommy and Daddy aren't nice/good people/emotionally unavailable/tampered with her trust fund or what?
It becomes difficult to follow the story when the motivations are so vague and the personalities are so fragmented, contradictory or childish. The "Brooklyn 99" model for the denizens of the magical police center, clashes with the X-Files vibe. Either of which are fine but together not so much, maybe it flows more naturally with better boundaries or without the buddy cop relationship. I don't know if it can be done but I think that it would make the story better.
Still, I'm curious about the series and "Once more into the breach, my friends!".
November 29, 2022
What A Story!
I rarely finish a second book faster than a first, but I FLEW through Blood of the Covenant. I think I was familiar with the plot, the characters, and the overall look and feel of the universe that Steele and Foxe created in the first book – and they dove right into the action. The first book revolved around introductions and getting the partners to work better together. In book two, they seem to work much better together while learning new things about themselves and each other.
Blood of the Covenant starts with a bang, as I mentioned, but Steele and Foxe don’t let up much. The action is intense, and the characters are having a hard time keeping up with the destruction and why everything is happening. The book is a mystery wrapped up in an interesting fantasy world. The characters shine throughout, and the relationships are fully displayed.
I don’t like to dive too deep into the storylines since they can contain spoilers, but I particularly enjoyed the family aspect of this one. Mixed with the guild aspect(s) that were covered. I thought that Steele and Foxe did a good job keeping things interesting while moving the story along at breakneck speeds.
Overall, I thought that the writing got even better. The action scenes were intense but easy to follow. And the performances by both Steve Campbell and Deva Marie Gregory were excellent. The duet performance helps the dialogue in certain scenes shine. I have no problem with Steve’s female character voices, but it’s easier on the ears when Steve takes the male characters and Deva takes the female ones. I thought they both added a lot to this already excellent story. I’ll point to this book when I say, “the audiobook makes it even better.”
I rarely finish a second book faster than a first, but I FLEW through Blood of the Covenant. I think I was familiar with the plot, the characters, and the overall look and feel of the universe that Steele and Foxe created in the first book – and they dove right into the action. The first book revolved around introductions and getting the partners to work better together. In book two, they seem to work much better together while learning new things about themselves and each other.
Blood of the Covenant starts with a bang, as I mentioned, but Steele and Foxe don’t let up much. The action is intense, and the characters are having a hard time keeping up with the destruction and why everything is happening. The book is a mystery wrapped up in an interesting fantasy world. The characters shine throughout, and the relationships are fully displayed.
I don’t like to dive too deep into the storylines since they can contain spoilers, but I particularly enjoyed the family aspect of this one. Mixed with the guild aspect(s) that were covered. I thought that Steele and Foxe did a good job keeping things interesting while moving the story along at breakneck speeds.
Overall, I thought that the writing got even better. The action scenes were intense but easy to follow. And the performances by both Steve Campbell and Deva Marie Gregory were excellent. The duet performance helps the dialogue in certain scenes shine. I have no problem with Steve’s female character voices, but it’s easier on the ears when Steve takes the male characters and Deva takes the female ones. I thought they both added a lot to this already excellent story. I’ll point to this book when I say, “the audiobook makes it even better.”
September 3, 2018
Action packed
Plenty of magic and mayhem await Blackwell and Swift in their most recent adventure. It probably should come as no surprise to anyone that the Mage Guild isn't exactly the fine, upstanding institution it would like people to believe it to be, but sweeping the existence of a powerful warlock under the rug seems a bit extreme, even for that corrupt organization. Unfortunately, it falls to Blackwell and Swift to try to clean up the mess. The problem is that their somewhat shaky partnership is still in its infancy and, rather than a well oiled machine, they come across more like a couple of bumbling idiots, much to the amusement of their co-workers at IMIB. Tripping over each other won't stop the warlock though so the two need to double down and learn how to make this partnership thing work before even more people get hurt. In addition to lots of action and plot twists, this book really focuses on Blackwell and Swift learning to work together. Both of them carry around enough personal baggage to make them prickly as a pair of hedgehogs, but it does make for an interesting journey. There are also enough plot twists and reveals to make the next book one to look forward to.
Plenty of magic and mayhem await Blackwell and Swift in their most recent adventure. It probably should come as no surprise to anyone that the Mage Guild isn't exactly the fine, upstanding institution it would like people to believe it to be, but sweeping the existence of a powerful warlock under the rug seems a bit extreme, even for that corrupt organization. Unfortunately, it falls to Blackwell and Swift to try to clean up the mess. The problem is that their somewhat shaky partnership is still in its infancy and, rather than a well oiled machine, they come across more like a couple of bumbling idiots, much to the amusement of their co-workers at IMIB. Tripping over each other won't stop the warlock though so the two need to double down and learn how to make this partnership thing work before even more people get hurt. In addition to lots of action and plot twists, this book really focuses on Blackwell and Swift learning to work together. Both of them carry around enough personal baggage to make them prickly as a pair of hedgehogs, but it does make for an interesting journey. There are also enough plot twists and reveals to make the next book one to look forward to.
March 26, 2020
In this second book of the series, Blackwell and Swift are up against a Warlock- a mage who has turned to evil.
First, however, they have to learn to fight as partners, then they have to find the warlock, and stop him.
Although I suppose this book could be read as a stand alone, it makes more sense if you read it as part of the series... so read the first Chaos mage book first!
This, as with the first book, is a fast paced, action filled romp, in a magical universe- where unicorns not only exist, but are BAD news!
This series is well written, the story arcs are dual, one main story per book, one background story arcing over the series.
It’s interesting to have an Urban Fantasy lead that is male, and be reading it from the male POV. The mix of cultures in the story is also nice, allowing us to enjoy a little something different.
This series is a good one for those who enjoy Urban Fantasy. It’s light on romance, but heavy on action.
First, however, they have to learn to fight as partners, then they have to find the warlock, and stop him.
Although I suppose this book could be read as a stand alone, it makes more sense if you read it as part of the series... so read the first Chaos mage book first!
This, as with the first book, is a fast paced, action filled romp, in a magical universe- where unicorns not only exist, but are BAD news!
This series is well written, the story arcs are dual, one main story per book, one background story arcing over the series.
It’s interesting to have an Urban Fantasy lead that is male, and be reading it from the male POV. The mix of cultures in the story is also nice, allowing us to enjoy a little something different.
This series is a good one for those who enjoy Urban Fantasy. It’s light on romance, but heavy on action.
February 15, 2019
Enjoyable Read
I definitely found this book easier to get into and read than book 1, maybe because I already knew about Moira, the rune railway and other terms only applicable to these books.
This continues to follow detective Blackwell and Swift as they fight to save the magical world as they know it, whilst learning more of the back story of both detectives. Whilst chasing down a warlock, detective Blackwells life becomes more intrinsically linked to detective Swifts, incorporating her family along with his in a past deeply buried.
I’m looking forwards to reading the next book in the series to see where things go from here. If you are going to read these books I would advise starting at book 1 & taking it from there.
I definitely found this book easier to get into and read than book 1, maybe because I already knew about Moira, the rune railway and other terms only applicable to these books.
This continues to follow detective Blackwell and Swift as they fight to save the magical world as they know it, whilst learning more of the back story of both detectives. Whilst chasing down a warlock, detective Blackwells life becomes more intrinsically linked to detective Swifts, incorporating her family along with his in a past deeply buried.
I’m looking forwards to reading the next book in the series to see where things go from here. If you are going to read these books I would advise starting at book 1 & taking it from there.
August 25, 2018
This 2nd book in the series ROCKS! Blood of the Covenant is a skillfully written sequel to Stolen Trinkets. Author team Alex Steele does a superb job of developing their characters as well as the storyline.
If you like action, snarky characters and imaginative magical scenarios then this book is for you. The Chaos Mages have fabulous chemistry going on as they TRY to learn to work together and not against each other. I chuckled, snorted and laughed my way through this book. Pure entertainment!
If you like action, snarky characters and imaginative magical scenarios then this book is for you. The Chaos Mages have fabulous chemistry going on as they TRY to learn to work together and not against each other. I chuckled, snorted and laughed my way through this book. Pure entertainment!
March 29, 2020
Urban fantasy law enforcement
The main characters are both from powerful mage families and have chosen to serve as law enforcement. They both have powerful chaos based magic. A mage has turned to evil and has been building a power base to unleash monsters and death on prosaic humans and fellow mages. The partners must find him while trying not to destroy road tunnels, historic buildings, or archaeological sites.
The main characters are both from powerful mage families and have chosen to serve as law enforcement. They both have powerful chaos based magic. A mage has turned to evil and has been building a power base to unleash monsters and death on prosaic humans and fellow mages. The partners must find him while trying not to destroy road tunnels, historic buildings, or archaeological sites.
September 6, 2018
Second adventure finally arrives!
This is the second novel in this new series. It lives up to the first and sets the stage for further adventures. In this day, it is great to find men/women teams of equal value, struggling and working together equally. A grand adventure awaits you all!
This is the second novel in this new series. It lives up to the first and sets the stage for further adventures. In this day, it is great to find men/women teams of equal value, struggling and working together equally. A grand adventure awaits you all!
September 6, 2018
Glimpse 2 of an Amazing New World
Rarely do I encounter a second in a series that makes you LONG for the next book, but this is one such book. My one true regret is that I am reading this series in Real Time and not binging...
Hands down one of the most intriguing new reads available.
Thank You for writing it.
Rarely do I encounter a second in a series that makes you LONG for the next book, but this is one such book. My one true regret is that I am reading this series in Real Time and not binging...
Hands down one of the most intriguing new reads available.
Thank You for writing it.
September 6, 2018
Exciting, exhilarating and Urban Fantasy at its best!
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. The storyline is compulsive reading, the action nonstop and the characters immersive.
Luckily, this is only book two so there's only one previous book to catch up on because I'm sure this series is going to run and run.
Don't miss out on this new and already amazing author.
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. The storyline is compulsive reading, the action nonstop and the characters immersive.
Luckily, this is only book two so there's only one previous book to catch up on because I'm sure this series is going to run and run.
Don't miss out on this new and already amazing author.
September 8, 2018
Great read!
So much going on in this book! We learn more about Lexi and even Logan's past. The book opens with action and there's plenty of that throughout the book as well. The story moves along at a great pace, no stalling. Character development is great and we get to know a few others better and meet one or two new characters.
Can't wait for the next book!
So much going on in this book! We learn more about Lexi and even Logan's past. The book opens with action and there's plenty of that throughout the book as well. The story moves along at a great pace, no stalling. Character development is great and we get to know a few others better and meet one or two new characters.
Can't wait for the next book!
December 16, 2019
Enjoyable
I am enjoying this series and recommend it to those who like Shayne Silvers and Orlando Sanchez. The primary partnership is growing stronger, and there are several characters from the past that could become more important. I look forward to seeing where those characters take us.
I am enjoying this series and recommend it to those who like Shayne Silvers and Orlando Sanchez. The primary partnership is growing stronger, and there are several characters from the past that could become more important. I look forward to seeing where those characters take us.
February 5, 2022
Magical Series!
I found Stephanie Foxe's books first and devoured Misfit Packs and Witches Bite. If I find an author I enjoy I read everything they produce. I'm officially addicted to her books and the books written by her and her husband. I a'm a true fan and have enjoyed theese books and can't wait for more!
I found Stephanie Foxe's books first and devoured Misfit Packs and Witches Bite. If I find an author I enjoy I read everything they produce. I'm officially addicted to her books and the books written by her and her husband. I a'm a true fan and have enjoyed theese books and can't wait for more!
September 5, 2018
Outstanding! The deeper we delve into the mythos of The Chaos Mages, the more impressed and addicted I become. The action, hilarity, conspiracies, and mysteries are all wonderfully scripted. I look forward to reading more.
January 3, 2019
Loved the story, especially the way the two mages are just ambulant machines of destruction.
I am, however, questioning the sanity of the IMIB head of staff... how is putting a Berserker mage together with a Mayhem Mage a "sane" decision ?
I am, however, questioning the sanity of the IMIB head of staff... how is putting a Berserker mage together with a Mayhem Mage a "sane" decision ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
Great read
Interesting series. Well defined characters and good plots. The author has created a very enjoyable series with an interesting. Main plot and well written subplots. Really like the take on magic here, very believable.
Interesting series. Well defined characters and good plots. The author has created a very enjoyable series with an interesting. Main plot and well written subplots. Really like the take on magic here, very believable.
June 11, 2022
Try something new
Fantastic read with lots of action without the mind numbing chatter that some authors use to fill pages. Start from book 1 and get ensconced in the world of chaos mages.
Fantastic read with lots of action without the mind numbing chatter that some authors use to fill pages. Start from book 1 and get ensconced in the world of chaos mages.
September 4, 2018
So much fun!
Love this series so much, can’t wait for the next one! Great story, great action set in a beautifully put together world of magic.
Love this series so much, can’t wait for the next one! Great story, great action set in a beautifully put together world of magic.
January 18, 2019
Fun read
As fate would have it this has been worth the read. I just hope the series does not drag on and on.
As fate would have it this has been worth the read. I just hope the series does not drag on and on.
January 21, 2019
Such a great story. On now immediately to book three.
January 26, 2019
It's a good book
I like how you keep getting closer to an endgame. I wonder if Blackwell will get his revenge. Will Swift help.
I like how you keep getting closer to an endgame. I wonder if Blackwell will get his revenge. Will Swift help.
February 10, 2019
Good read
I liked the book. Nice twists and turns in the flow in my opinion. Hope they continue writing as a team.
I liked the book. Nice twists and turns in the flow in my opinion. Hope they continue writing as a team.
February 26, 2019
Just as good as Stolen Trinkets. My complaints noted in that review are still valid.
December 2, 2019
The Story Deepens
Well now that I have the second story completed the more that I like the characters and the adventures that They are getting into. On to the next story!
Well now that I have the second story completed the more that I like the characters and the adventures that They are getting into. On to the next story!
January 28, 2020
Excellent story
It is a well written, exciting adventure. I would reccomendtko anyone who like magic and and sword and other mystical weapons and charecters.
It is a well written, exciting adventure. I would reccomendtko anyone who like magic and and sword and other mystical weapons and charecters.
January 5, 2022
Really enjoying
I enjoy both of the main characters and their thoughts of right and wrong and not letting the corrupt win. I'm here for it
I enjoy both of the main characters and their thoughts of right and wrong and not letting the corrupt win. I'm here for it
March 28, 2022
Let Chaos Reign
Great fun read! Loved the Main characters and the Mix of European/American and Japanese culture. Kitsune are cool! Did anyone else notice a change in tails?
Great fun read! Loved the Main characters and the Mix of European/American and Japanese culture. Kitsune are cool! Did anyone else notice a change in tails?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews