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Chaos and Retribution #4
Chaos Trapped
Poisoned by the shadow creature Ilsith, Fen can no longer summon the power of Stone. When the Ankharan sorcerers falsely accuse him of treason, he is imprisoned, and now faces execution as a traitor. His only hope is if he can get through to the Fist and help him see what is really happening in his kingdom. But the Fist is corrupted by chaos power and he only listens to the sorcerers. Will Fen recover his power and get through to the man who is like a father to him, or will he die on the executioner's block?
Karliss and his clan face increased attacks by the Guardian Kasai. Karliss' power over the wind and the aranti, elemental creatures that live within the wind, is growing, but now he faces a threat from within his own clan. Henta, a clan elder, is convinced that the attacks are because he has angered the gods and she wants him exiled. Karliss hatches a bold, and perhaps reckless, plan to destroy Kasai for good.
Aislin's power has grown beyond all expectations. Now she must learn how to control it or risk endangering everyone she loves. Consumed by this, she is unprepared when the surprise attack comes.
And all the while Lowellin and the Ankharan sorcerers continue their efforts to open the Abyss and free the Devourers...
Karliss and his clan face increased attacks by the Guardian Kasai. Karliss' power over the wind and the aranti, elemental creatures that live within the wind, is growing, but now he faces a threat from within his own clan. Henta, a clan elder, is convinced that the attacks are because he has angered the gods and she wants him exiled. Karliss hatches a bold, and perhaps reckless, plan to destroy Kasai for good.
Aislin's power has grown beyond all expectations. Now she must learn how to control it or risk endangering everyone she loves. Consumed by this, she is unprepared when the surprise attack comes.
And all the while Lowellin and the Ankharan sorcerers continue their efforts to open the Abyss and free the Devourers...
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2019
334 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Eric T. Knight
34 books118 followersBorn in 1965, I grew up on a working cattle ranch in the desert thirty miles from Wickenburg, Arizona, which at that time was exactly the middle of nowhere. Work, cactus and heat were plentiful, forms of recreation were not. The TV got two channels when it wanted to, and only in the evening after someone hand cranked the balky diesel generator to life. All of which meant that my primary form of escape was reading.
At 18 I fled to Tucson where I attended the University of Arizona. A number of fruitless attempts at productive majors followed, none of which stuck. Discovering I liked writing, I tried journalism two separate times, but had to drop it when I realized that I had no intention of conducting interviews with actual people but preferred simply making them up.
After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing in 1989, I backpacked Europe with a friend and caught the travel bug. With no meaningful job prospects, I hitchhiked around the U.S. for a while then went back to school to learn to be a high school English teacher. I got a teaching job right out of school in the middle of the year. The job lasted exactly one semester, or until I received my summer pay and realized I actually had money to continue backpacking.
The next stop was Australia, where I hoped to spend six months, working wherever I could, then a few months in New Zealand and the South Pacific. However, my plans changed irrevocably when I met a lovely Swiss woman, Claudia, in Alice Springs. Undoubtedly swept away by my lack of a job or real future, she agreed to allow me to follow her back to Switzerland where, a few months later, she gave up her job to continue traveling with me. Over the next couple years we backpacked the U.S., Eastern Europe and Australia/New Zealand, before marrying and settling in the mountains of Colorado, in a small town called Salida.
In Colorado we starved and froze, started our own electronics business, and had a couple of sons, Dylan and Daniel. In 2005 we shut the business down and moved back to Tucson.
I am currently working on finishing The Devastation Wars fantasy series and attending graduate school.
At 18 I fled to Tucson where I attended the University of Arizona. A number of fruitless attempts at productive majors followed, none of which stuck. Discovering I liked writing, I tried journalism two separate times, but had to drop it when I realized that I had no intention of conducting interviews with actual people but preferred simply making them up.
After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing in 1989, I backpacked Europe with a friend and caught the travel bug. With no meaningful job prospects, I hitchhiked around the U.S. for a while then went back to school to learn to be a high school English teacher. I got a teaching job right out of school in the middle of the year. The job lasted exactly one semester, or until I received my summer pay and realized I actually had money to continue backpacking.
The next stop was Australia, where I hoped to spend six months, working wherever I could, then a few months in New Zealand and the South Pacific. However, my plans changed irrevocably when I met a lovely Swiss woman, Claudia, in Alice Springs. Undoubtedly swept away by my lack of a job or real future, she agreed to allow me to follow her back to Switzerland where, a few months later, she gave up her job to continue traveling with me. Over the next couple years we backpacked the U.S., Eastern Europe and Australia/New Zealand, before marrying and settling in the mountains of Colorado, in a small town called Salida.
In Colorado we starved and froze, started our own electronics business, and had a couple of sons, Dylan and Daniel. In 2005 we shut the business down and moved back to Tucson.
I am currently working on finishing The Devastation Wars fantasy series and attending graduate school.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 12, 2020
4.5 stars for Chaos Trapped, the 4th book in the Chaos and Retribution series. I've recapped the premise 3 times in a row for the previous books, so I'll forego that this time. I'll just say that the the characters continue to be engaging and involving as they mature and hone their talents in preparation for the coming war against the forces of Chaos threatening to tear the world apart.
The secondary characters are just as engaging as the reader gets to know them even better. Man, I like some of these folks so much, wish I knew them in real life, you know? The central protagonists, Fen, Aislin and Karliss, are having to use their Stone, Sea and Air powers desperately to survive in several dangerous attacks, and the REALLY bad players aren't even here yet.
It took me a couple of books into the original saga, Immortality and Chaos, before I was this emotionally engaged. Author Eric Knight grabbed me right from the start on this excellent series, which takes place after the events in the first one.
The secondary characters are just as engaging as the reader gets to know them even better. Man, I like some of these folks so much, wish I knew them in real life, you know? The central protagonists, Fen, Aislin and Karliss, are having to use their Stone, Sea and Air powers desperately to survive in several dangerous attacks, and the REALLY bad players aren't even here yet.
It took me a couple of books into the original saga, Immortality and Chaos, before I was this emotionally engaged. Author Eric Knight grabbed me right from the start on this excellent series, which takes place after the events in the first one.
November 14, 2018
Wonderfully Entertaining!
Three very important young people. One is imprisoned, separated from the unwavering power of stone, where his darkest moments come to pass. One is learning to deal with massive powers both strange and breathtaking and how to cope with life amongst a crowd of ‘normal’ people. The other is struggling to deal with burgeoning responsibilities and immense powers of his own, leading to doubts about himself and his role in the clan.
Chaos Trapped is the fourth installment in the Chaos and Retribution series and my favorite to date. (I hear there are more forthcoming so the title may not last)
In this power packed tome, Eric T. Knight has upped the ante in all ways possible. Want more connections and heartfelt interactions between characters? BING! Done. Want more humor to keep you chortling or outright laughing? BANG! You got it. How about more nail biting suspense while wondering what the H-E double hockey sticks our buddies (remember not to judge, friends are friends and need not be three dimensional.) are going to do to climb their proverbial mountains and stop the world ending event? BOOM! Request granted.
I want to take you on a lil detour in my mind for a minute (STAY ON THE PATH and DO NOT feed the Kobolds!) to talk about the Fist. Barrik is one of my favorite characters in this series and in this book you find out why. He is OUTRAGEOUSLY powerful but it’s the other things like his connection with and affection for fen, his want for a better ‘kingdom’ that I really love. Hard to tell if his love for the people will be able to win out over dark magics and treachery. Check it out and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
This one had me tired by the end with the times that I laughed until my jaw ached, or sat with taught muscles while riding out some less than Ideal situations, or time to let my heart heal when it was nearly torn apart. Not often do I have to stop reading to gather myself, but more than once this book brought me to my knees. The amazing plots and sub plots had me feeling like a crash test dummy being hurtled down an awesome road at an incredible pace only to be SMASHED into the plot twist wall at the end of each ride. I can’t explain how wonderful that is to find in a book.
Can it possibly get better from here? I would have said no before now but I won’t even pretend to know at this point. I’ve been proven wrong every other time I’ve said it up to this point, so I’m just going to say that I am eagerly awaiting all the epic ways Eric T. Knight will surprise me in the coming tales.
I’ve said before that with Eric T. Knight the ‘T’ stands for triumph but I think it may actually stand for ‘Top Notch’ because when I think of world altering epics where each volume pushes the boundaries of excellence, it’s his name that comes up time and again.
A remarkable story that transports the mind and calms the soul. You won’t want to miss what’s inside. To do so is to risk madness in a labyrinth of chaotic energy for all eternity (otherwise known as real life). To be essentially…Chaos Trapped.
Happy Reading!
Three very important young people. One is imprisoned, separated from the unwavering power of stone, where his darkest moments come to pass. One is learning to deal with massive powers both strange and breathtaking and how to cope with life amongst a crowd of ‘normal’ people. The other is struggling to deal with burgeoning responsibilities and immense powers of his own, leading to doubts about himself and his role in the clan.
Chaos Trapped is the fourth installment in the Chaos and Retribution series and my favorite to date. (I hear there are more forthcoming so the title may not last)
In this power packed tome, Eric T. Knight has upped the ante in all ways possible. Want more connections and heartfelt interactions between characters? BING! Done. Want more humor to keep you chortling or outright laughing? BANG! You got it. How about more nail biting suspense while wondering what the H-E double hockey sticks our buddies (remember not to judge, friends are friends and need not be three dimensional.) are going to do to climb their proverbial mountains and stop the world ending event? BOOM! Request granted.
I want to take you on a lil detour in my mind for a minute (STAY ON THE PATH and DO NOT feed the Kobolds!) to talk about the Fist. Barrik is one of my favorite characters in this series and in this book you find out why. He is OUTRAGEOUSLY powerful but it’s the other things like his connection with and affection for fen, his want for a better ‘kingdom’ that I really love. Hard to tell if his love for the people will be able to win out over dark magics and treachery. Check it out and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
This one had me tired by the end with the times that I laughed until my jaw ached, or sat with taught muscles while riding out some less than Ideal situations, or time to let my heart heal when it was nearly torn apart. Not often do I have to stop reading to gather myself, but more than once this book brought me to my knees. The amazing plots and sub plots had me feeling like a crash test dummy being hurtled down an awesome road at an incredible pace only to be SMASHED into the plot twist wall at the end of each ride. I can’t explain how wonderful that is to find in a book.
Can it possibly get better from here? I would have said no before now but I won’t even pretend to know at this point. I’ve been proven wrong every other time I’ve said it up to this point, so I’m just going to say that I am eagerly awaiting all the epic ways Eric T. Knight will surprise me in the coming tales.
I’ve said before that with Eric T. Knight the ‘T’ stands for triumph but I think it may actually stand for ‘Top Notch’ because when I think of world altering epics where each volume pushes the boundaries of excellence, it’s his name that comes up time and again.
A remarkable story that transports the mind and calms the soul. You won’t want to miss what’s inside. To do so is to risk madness in a labyrinth of chaotic energy for all eternity (otherwise known as real life). To be essentially…Chaos Trapped.
Happy Reading!
November 3, 2018
I've been waiting for part 4 of the series eagerly - finally it's here and it definitely doesn't disappoint.
Fen, Aislin and Karliss each - in their own ways and through some tough experiences - finally let go of the self-imposed barriers to reach the peaks of their powers, to face the monsters, to save their people... I really can't decide whose story I like best this time as all three are so different. I admire Fen's unvawering loyalty and his keeping to his oath; I feel compassion for Aislin entering that tormentuous time of changing from a child into a young woman while still trying to come to terms with the fact that she feels human emotions; and I fully understand Karliss' need to let go of the burden of responsibilies when all he gets in return for his efforts is hatred, ungratefulness and fear...
As with all the previous books, the plot is fast, and the tale takes you here and there to unexpectedly go a completely different direction from what you might have expected. The imagery and the world-building are superb, rich and complex, and all that achieved through so little - just a word here, just a detail there, thrown into the spinning story almost absent-mindedly, as if on a whim... And the tension builds up to the point that you just can't stop reading and start biting your nails...
The only fault? You have to wait for the last part of the series to see how it will all end. But although I really, really hate cliff-hangers, in the case of Eric Knight's books I readily forgive them - he's a master story-teller, he weaves his enchanted web and doesn't let you go until he's ready to finish:)
Definitely a must not only for those who have already read the previous books in the series, but also for all the true fans of the genre.
Fen, Aislin and Karliss each - in their own ways and through some tough experiences - finally let go of the self-imposed barriers to reach the peaks of their powers, to face the monsters, to save their people... I really can't decide whose story I like best this time as all three are so different. I admire Fen's unvawering loyalty and his keeping to his oath; I feel compassion for Aislin entering that tormentuous time of changing from a child into a young woman while still trying to come to terms with the fact that she feels human emotions; and I fully understand Karliss' need to let go of the burden of responsibilies when all he gets in return for his efforts is hatred, ungratefulness and fear...
As with all the previous books, the plot is fast, and the tale takes you here and there to unexpectedly go a completely different direction from what you might have expected. The imagery and the world-building are superb, rich and complex, and all that achieved through so little - just a word here, just a detail there, thrown into the spinning story almost absent-mindedly, as if on a whim... And the tension builds up to the point that you just can't stop reading and start biting your nails...
The only fault? You have to wait for the last part of the series to see how it will all end. But although I really, really hate cliff-hangers, in the case of Eric Knight's books I readily forgive them - he's a master story-teller, he weaves his enchanted web and doesn't let you go until he's ready to finish:)
Definitely a must not only for those who have already read the previous books in the series, but also for all the true fans of the genre.
October 20, 2018
In this the 4th book in the series Chaos and Retribution called Chaos Trapped we get to meet once again our three young heroes Fen who is stone bound, Aistlin who wields the sea force and Karliss who is master of the wind spirits known as the aranti. All three in their different parts of their world are doing their best to stop chaos power from destroying their people yet all three are being doubted and feared by their own people, imprisoned and exiled because many thought that the Gods had turned against them because of what they were doing. Unless Kasai and chaos power is stopped the devourers would exit into the world from the abyss and if they got hold of the pieces of the key they would take over. Can the three young heroes get the parts of the key and can they foil Lowellin who is turning more and more evil as time goes by? What game is Lowellin playing? Is he working for the devourers or for his own personal greed for power? This was yet another masterful book in this series, which keeps the reader involved right till the last line. The story tells us the tale from the three different lives of our heroes but this is so well done that the reader can follow the story easily and can see that things are suddenly falling into place. The author weaves a very strong story plot which I must admit I am now dying to get to the end of, so am looking forward to book 5!
July 26, 2022
Chaos Trapped was my favorite book in the series, probably because it focuses on Fen, my favorite guy in the series. His relationship with the Fist is at the core of this book, and it's just so gripping. The Fist is the ruler of his world and particularly the military he serves in, but he's also a pseudo-father-figure to Fen, definitely the closest thing Fen has to a parent. Watching him turn away from Fen, slowly but surely, as he does here, and then descend into paranoia, was a truly heartbreaking end for what had been such a fascinating dynamic between the two of them. As the Fist screamed at Fen for betraying him, I remembered the earliest scenes they had together, when the Fist told Fen that what he valued most about him was his ability to disagree and stand up for what was right. It was painful to see that taken away, but so well done.
October 19, 2018
The Fight Continues
The Fight continues as Karliss continues to increase his powers and protect his clan.
Fen has fallen as his power is blocked and his future and that of his people are in jeopardy.
Meanwhile Aislin shows signs of maturity and has to protect those she still struggles to understand as powers continue to build against all three.
Only by coming together with Stone, Air and Water powers can the world be saved but time grows short and hope looks to be fading.
To get the reader into such a struggle and invest their time is a mark of a great writer ,such is the draw of the characters and the world we are drawn into that we are always left on tenderhooks wanting more.
A real page turner and a worthy buy i just hope I can hang on till book 5
The Fight continues as Karliss continues to increase his powers and protect his clan.
Fen has fallen as his power is blocked and his future and that of his people are in jeopardy.
Meanwhile Aislin shows signs of maturity and has to protect those she still struggles to understand as powers continue to build against all three.
Only by coming together with Stone, Air and Water powers can the world be saved but time grows short and hope looks to be fading.
To get the reader into such a struggle and invest their time is a mark of a great writer ,such is the draw of the characters and the world we are drawn into that we are always left on tenderhooks wanting more.
A real page turner and a worthy buy i just hope I can hang on till book 5
November 20, 2018
A Terrific book!
Another amazing book of the "Chaos" world! Book #4 of "Chaos and Retribution" series. This book pulls you into its pages and doesn't let go. Fen, Aislin and Karliss are experiencing their own challenges and must find a way to deal with them and stay alive, without any help. The emotional development of these three characters happens under the intimate hand of a very talented storyteller . Mr. Knight captures the strengths, vulnerability, insecurity and turmoil of each. As a reader, I experienced it all right along with the characters. "What a ride"! A page turner you will not soon forget! And, these characters have so much more story to tell! I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers......
Another amazing book of the "Chaos" world! Book #4 of "Chaos and Retribution" series. This book pulls you into its pages and doesn't let go. Fen, Aislin and Karliss are experiencing their own challenges and must find a way to deal with them and stay alive, without any help. The emotional development of these three characters happens under the intimate hand of a very talented storyteller . Mr. Knight captures the strengths, vulnerability, insecurity and turmoil of each. As a reader, I experienced it all right along with the characters. "What a ride"! A page turner you will not soon forget! And, these characters have so much more story to tell! I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers......
January 30, 2019
This story was a refreshing change of pace where the author really set aside some time to do some tremendous character building. The book is a dive into the lives of 3 very different young characters and their struggle to come to grips with who they are, what their power means, and the responsibilities that come with it (while dealing with their own awkwardness). Really excited to see how this story progresses as they are inexorably drawn together for the final showdown.
For fans of his original series you get to see some of your old favorites as they come to grips with their own mortality and responsibilities in a way that shows the author's grasp of the story he wants to tell and excellent foresight.
For fans of his original series you get to see some of your old favorites as they come to grips with their own mortality and responsibilities in a way that shows the author's grasp of the story he wants to tell and excellent foresight.
February 22, 2019
growing up and paying the price
Fen,Aislin and Karliss and growing in age and power. fearful of what they can do, they are also well aware of how many depend on them to hone their powers to save lives. How close the Devourerers are will bring fear to all of them
this series is a comfy chair and a nice mug of coffee. in fact, several. or a swing on a summer porch swing with a nice cold drink....not to be missed
Fen,Aislin and Karliss and growing in age and power. fearful of what they can do, they are also well aware of how many depend on them to hone their powers to save lives. How close the Devourerers are will bring fear to all of them
this series is a comfy chair and a nice mug of coffee. in fact, several. or a swing on a summer porch swing with a nice cold drink....not to be missed
October 14, 2018
This book was AWESOME from beginning to end. If you enjoyed the first three books of this series, this one won't disappoint. You feel as if you are a part of crew on one crazy of adventure. So good!!!
January 1, 2019
Always good!
Seaforce, windpower, stone.
Will they defeat the devourers? As Aislin, Karliss, and Fen come together, there will be no stopping them. But will they be in time? Lewellin already has two pieces of the Key. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Seaforce, windpower, stone.
Will they defeat the devourers? As Aislin, Karliss, and Fen come together, there will be no stopping them. But will they be in time? Lewellin already has two pieces of the Key. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
August 28, 2019
Wow!
Can’t really say much more without spoilers - it’s good, very good. Now I must go and read Shadow Hunted,if you’ve not read this series go to Book 1 if you’ve not read Chaos and Retribution go right to the start - it’s worth it.
Can’t really say much more without spoilers - it’s good, very good. Now I must go and read Shadow Hunted,if you’ve not read this series go to Book 1 if you’ve not read Chaos and Retribution go right to the start - it’s worth it.
May 11, 2020
This book really starts to bring together the 3 main characters especially the timelines. Haven't read the first series yet so the first few books of this series have been a little hard to follow but I really enjoy it as more unfolds.
November 4, 2018
Whoa! I am speechless! All the storylines are coming together and holy cow it is going to be epic! Book 5, right now, don’t make me wait!
February 4, 2019
Excellent fantasy series
A very engaging story. Couldn't stop reading. It's clear that the author has learned a few things și ce writing The first Chaos series.
A very engaging story. Couldn't stop reading. It's clear that the author has learned a few things și ce writing The first Chaos series.
February 20, 2019
Well I'm going straight on to the next in the series. Great reading. Well written.
March 1, 2019
Excellent reading yet again
Depth of the world, unique magic, with an intricately woven Story line. Excellent read, very much enjoying this series as much as the last
Depth of the world, unique magic, with an intricately woven Story line. Excellent read, very much enjoying this series as much as the last
November 27, 2019
This whole series is great. Each book introduces new characters and nemeses. It kept me page turning (well Kindle poking) sometimes well past my bedtime.
June 19, 2020
The fantastic buildup continues. This is the "Empire Strikes Back" of this series. Masterfully done.
September 5, 2020
Highly recommendable. Eric T Knight's books are fantastic.
January 23, 2020
Wonderful series. Each book is just getting better and better. Just got the next book and can't wait to get started on it
November 5, 2018
Chaos and Retribution book # 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 👍👍
The Story just gets better and better. I love reading when the Author "Eric T Knight" makes the characters come to life on the pages. I was moved to tears and even was able to find a laugh or too. These three young people are facing overwhelming odds against the evil that seems to destroy the world as well as fear, anger and even hatred from their people all the while struggling through the process of growing up.
It's a great read that I highly recommend.
The Story just gets better and better. I love reading when the Author "Eric T Knight" makes the characters come to life on the pages. I was moved to tears and even was able to find a laugh or too. These three young people are facing overwhelming odds against the evil that seems to destroy the world as well as fear, anger and even hatred from their people all the while struggling through the process of growing up.
It's a great read that I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews