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The Chaos Mages #3
Valhalla Beckons
The things we do not control, control us instead… Corruption plagues Detectives Blackwell and Swift as they are caught between two impossible cases – conspiracy that stretches further than they imagined and an attack that strikes at the very heart of their world. An attack that shouldn’t be possible.With hundreds dead and thousands more at risk, Blackwell is forced to confront his inner demons and the mayhem magic he cannot control.Fate will not be denied.They say the truth will set you free, but it may also piss you off. Blackwell has no choice but to face it now. Moira depends on it.As friends fall and enemies rise, they will be tested. And they must not falter.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
364 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2019
About the author
Alex Steele
7 books53 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 27, 2020
Q: “Anything within you is part of you, and can be mastered.” (c)
In this one, Blackwell gets tied to a bed, meditates a lot and goes on to wear cuffs. Quite the fashion statement.
We get a first-row view of the wonderful jumping Sakura: Q: She leapt over the sweep of magic, spinning in the air like a ballerina. The wind caught her and lifted her even higher. (c)
The city of Moira, while prosaic-proof, isn't terror-proof. No matter what the valkyries might think.
Q:
I had told her to stay back, which, in hindsight, was a mistake. I should have told her to follow him as close as possible and then she would have stayed back. Reverse psychology works best with someone as stubborn as she was. (c)
Q:
A lady with a stroller meandered into my path and I barely avoided tripping over her baby. She then had the nerve to glare at me. I glared right back and kept moving. (c)
Q:
“Has anyone ever successfully contacted a valkyrie?” ...
“Not that I know of. They tend to show up, kill you, then leave without hanging around for a chat.” (c)
Q:
The official decision was that the valkyrie provide safety, so why look a gift horse in the mouth? The unofficial decision was just that they couldn’t do a damn thing about it. (c)
Q:
I don't know why I thought you'd have a plan. You seem to be allergic to them. (с)
Q:
It looked like I was going to get help whether I wanted it or not. As usual. (c)
Q:
Maybe he was having a stroke. Or he was trying to tell us we were on the right track and definitely should keep going rogue. I was going to assume the latter. (c)
Q:
“This feels too easy.”
“You spent fifteen minutes beating down her door. What part of that was easy?” (c)
Q:
The job had been a dream come true. It let me make a difference. Every case had been an adventure, and I had been the hero of my own story. (c)
Q:
In this one, Blackwell gets tied to a bed, meditates a lot and goes on to wear cuffs. Quite the fashion statement.
We get a first-row view of the wonderful jumping Sakura: Q: She leapt over the sweep of magic, spinning in the air like a ballerina. The wind caught her and lifted her even higher. (c)
The city of Moira, while prosaic-proof, isn't terror-proof. No matter what the valkyries might think.
Q:
I had told her to stay back, which, in hindsight, was a mistake. I should have told her to follow him as close as possible and then she would have stayed back. Reverse psychology works best with someone as stubborn as she was. (c)
Q:
A lady with a stroller meandered into my path and I barely avoided tripping over her baby. She then had the nerve to glare at me. I glared right back and kept moving. (c)
Q:
“Has anyone ever successfully contacted a valkyrie?” ...
“Not that I know of. They tend to show up, kill you, then leave without hanging around for a chat.” (c)
Q:
The official decision was that the valkyrie provide safety, so why look a gift horse in the mouth? The unofficial decision was just that they couldn’t do a damn thing about it. (c)
Q:
I don't know why I thought you'd have a plan. You seem to be allergic to them. (с)
Q:
It looked like I was going to get help whether I wanted it or not. As usual. (c)
Q:
Maybe he was having a stroke. Or he was trying to tell us we were on the right track and definitely should keep going rogue. I was going to assume the latter. (c)
Q:
“This feels too easy.”
“You spent fifteen minutes beating down her door. What part of that was easy?” (c)
Q:
The job had been a dream come true. It let me make a difference. Every case had been an adventure, and I had been the hero of my own story. (c)
Q:
February 27, 2019
Book version
June 23, 2019
Kind of fun
I thought that the series had a sufficient amount of magical mayhem and supernatural violence (mostly in lieu of character development). If you need more though, this is the volume that will fill all the nooks and crannies requiring additional blood, gore, terror, dead bystanders and magical butchery. It's pretty cool.
On the character development front, there's naught but stalemate and fruitless dreams of advance. None of the characters has a clear enough initial description that's more than a skimpy peek at a backstory.
Their personalities cover the moustache twirling villain through "good" cop stereotypes (even in this world, drug use fuels policing, never social services - O Nixon, may your crimes, specifically your war on drugs, haunt you for eternity or at least a fairly long time in celestial terms, as determined by an impartial panel of angels well familiar with the political drive to power and the generally, very, very, very limited worldview of those who seek that control) to the kindly but stern martial art-spiritual mentors. It's kind of sad really but only because I feel that these writers have the capability to generate better worlds. I think that I will have to step away from the chaos mages.
I thought that the series had a sufficient amount of magical mayhem and supernatural violence (mostly in lieu of character development). If you need more though, this is the volume that will fill all the nooks and crannies requiring additional blood, gore, terror, dead bystanders and magical butchery. It's pretty cool.
On the character development front, there's naught but stalemate and fruitless dreams of advance. None of the characters has a clear enough initial description that's more than a skimpy peek at a backstory.
Their personalities cover the moustache twirling villain through "good" cop stereotypes (even in this world, drug use fuels policing, never social services - O Nixon, may your crimes, specifically your war on drugs, haunt you for eternity or at least a fairly long time in celestial terms, as determined by an impartial panel of angels well familiar with the political drive to power and the generally, very, very, very limited worldview of those who seek that control) to the kindly but stern martial art-spiritual mentors. It's kind of sad really but only because I feel that these writers have the capability to generate better worlds. I think that I will have to step away from the chaos mages.
January 18, 2019
You can tell a good book in a series when the book ends and you can't wait for the story to continue. Valhalla Beckons delivers that level of anticipation. If you have followed along on the adventures of Logan Blackwell and Lexi Swift then you know that destruction and mayhem follow them around wherever they go. They can't really help it. This time, forces beyond their understanding up the ante and Blackwell and Swift have to scramble to keep up. So far, this has been my favorite book in the series. The characters, including secondary characters are getting into their groove and becoming essential parts of the story. The storyline itself is intriguing and complex and enough questions remain unanswered to promise excellent entertainment in the future without leaving too many loose ends in the current conflict. I can't wait to read more!
January 23, 2019
So good!!!
It took a bit to get into this time, but I strongly suspect that's because I've read too many other books between these. The authors, however, are smart and added a reference in the back to remind me of who everyone is and what has happened.
Blackwell and Swift are stronger than ever, even with the secrets he's held. And her father is a bigger jerk than I remember. I hope he falls flat on it soon. Cannot wait for the next book... hopefully I don't have to wait forever this time
It took a bit to get into this time, but I strongly suspect that's because I've read too many other books between these. The authors, however, are smart and added a reference in the back to remind me of who everyone is and what has happened.
Blackwell and Swift are stronger than ever, even with the secrets he's held. And her father is a bigger jerk than I remember. I hope he falls flat on it soon. Cannot wait for the next book... hopefully I don't have to wait forever this time
January 15, 2019
With a series of attacks on the previously inviolable city of Moira, Blackwell and Swift have their hands full unraveling the tapestry crafted from mystery, corruption at multiple levels, questionable divinity, and top-secret history. The only hope seems to lie with Blackwell learning to rein in the uncontrollable.
Exquisite and beautifully executed. Escalation to the nth degree. Could not rip my eyes from these digital pages.
Exquisite and beautifully executed. Escalation to the nth degree. Could not rip my eyes from these digital pages.
January 16, 2019
As Death draws Near... Valhalla Beckons
As the third installment in what I am hoping is at least 10 books, I continue to be impressed and surprised by the myriad storylines and the way they are woven together. A must read for the Genre. Thank you in advance for the upcoming books!
As the third installment in what I am hoping is at least 10 books, I continue to be impressed and surprised by the myriad storylines and the way they are woven together. A must read for the Genre. Thank you in advance for the upcoming books!
January 26, 2019
The more I know, the more I want to know.
This book begins to answer some of the questions surrounding the quirky duo known as The Chaos Mages. But don't start feeling too cocky, because just when you feel like you might get a grip on some of the mystery, more questions and chaos pop up!
I am thoroughly enjoying watching these characters develop. Love this up and coming series!
This book begins to answer some of the questions surrounding the quirky duo known as The Chaos Mages. But don't start feeling too cocky, because just when you feel like you might get a grip on some of the mystery, more questions and chaos pop up!
I am thoroughly enjoying watching these characters develop. Love this up and coming series!
January 17, 2019
Even better than the last!
We learn even more about Moira, Lexi and Logan. Action packed and the narrative is smoother as the series progresses. Leaves us wondering what these 2 have in store next! It also leaves us with questions about Logan's mayhem magic...
We learn even more about Moira, Lexi and Logan. Action packed and the narrative is smoother as the series progresses. Leaves us wondering what these 2 have in store next! It also leaves us with questions about Logan's mayhem magic...
March 29, 2019
When is book 4 coming out?
I really like this series and I am rather distraught that book 4 isn’t out yet. I just want to know what happens next. There is no romance, just a very unique world.
I really like this series and I am rather distraught that book 4 isn’t out yet. I just want to know what happens next. There is no romance, just a very unique world.
April 6, 2019
These books are good.
If you like action and mystery, these books are for you.. I could not put these books down. I can not wait to read the next book.
If you like action and mystery, these books are for you.. I could not put these books down. I can not wait to read the next book.
July 18, 2022
another fantastic book, all the magic you could want!
Another fantastic book, all the magic you could want, the series just gets better and better. I’m blazing through the series and my only disappointment is there’s only 2 books to go!
Another fantastic book, all the magic you could want, the series just gets better and better. I’m blazing through the series and my only disappointment is there’s only 2 books to go!
January 19, 2019
Fun read
Fun read that keeps getting better. Great plot twists, characters. No qualms about reading this series. Hope the fun continues.
Fun read that keeps getting better. Great plot twists, characters. No qualms about reading this series. Hope the fun continues.
January 28, 2019
It's a great story
The banter between the two detectives are hilarious. The supporting cast is good as well. The continuation of the story keeps you moving forward.
The banter between the two detectives are hilarious. The supporting cast is good as well. The continuation of the story keeps you moving forward.
February 22, 2019
This is a fun, rock em, sock em series!
I enjoy the characters and the action. Very creative storytelling. You definitely need to start with book 1. Do it!
I enjoy the characters and the action. Very creative storytelling. You definitely need to start with book 1. Do it!
February 26, 2019
Ditto the comments and complaints from Stolen Trinkets and Blood of the Covenant. And now I have to wait a couple months for book 4.
September 7, 2019
Great Combination
When you have no idea there are two authors that is a true credit to the seamless merging of writing and ideas!
When you have no idea there are two authors that is a true credit to the seamless merging of writing and ideas!
December 2, 2019
What A Ride
Oh this story is just exploding with itself. Where this adventure has taken us so far and and just promises to go is amazing. I am getting ready to see where we end up!
Oh this story is just exploding with itself. Where this adventure has taken us so far and and just promises to go is amazing. I am getting ready to see where we end up!
January 7, 2022
Mayhem is everywhere
Ooh boy did we get to see some cool stuff in this book. Plus I need to know more about the voices and the Swifts need to go down
Ooh boy did we get to see some cool stuff in this book. Plus I need to know more about the voices and the Swifts need to go down
May 30, 2023
Like the first two books, this book's fast-paced, action-packed, thrilling, and super fun! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. The story just got better and better. I really loved all the awesome characters in the series. They're all so fun! I want to be Sakura when I grow up!
Steve Campbell and Deva Marie Gregory did an amazing job with the narration! The duet just works!
Steve Campbell and Deva Marie Gregory did an amazing job with the narration! The duet just works!
October 5, 2021
Safest bet to make: Don’t get in the way of Blackwell and Swift as they attempt to safeguard their home and their friends. Another really enjoyable read in this series
November 9, 2019
Great book
A great book in a great series by a great author. I can't wait to get the next book in the series.
A great book in a great series by a great author. I can't wait to get the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews