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Choosing Chaos #1
Masquerade in Chaos
Hi, my name is Kable VonSable. I own a local shop and I'm a practicing Chaotian. That's Chaos magic user for those that don't know. I live in City 7, Southeast, United States. My shop, Tea Leaves and Tomes, also sells potions and other things. If you're ever in the area you should stop by.
So, I'm about to turn thirty and suddenly the whole universe seems bent on stirring my potion pot. My mother is planning a birthday party, my dead best friend is popping up, my cousin is playing matchmaker, and, oh yeah, someone is trying to kill me. My life is pretty full at the moment and I have to figure out who is going to kill me and when I'm going to die; preferably before, I, ya know, die.
So, I'm about to turn thirty and suddenly the whole universe seems bent on stirring my potion pot. My mother is planning a birthday party, my dead best friend is popping up, my cousin is playing matchmaker, and, oh yeah, someone is trying to kill me. My life is pretty full at the moment and I have to figure out who is going to kill me and when I'm going to die; preferably before, I, ya know, die.
- GenresParanormal
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2021
9 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Hutto
18 books12 followersMJ grew up reading books, digging for dinosaur bones, and running wild through an enchanted forest with her first and best friend.
She loves the misfits, the Chaos driven, the magical, the macabre, the unique, the rebels, the ones who dance under the moon, and the healers.
Resides in SmallTowne, USA with her own family of misbegotten misfits - some of blood and others of soul. and we are always in search of the next fantastic adventure.
She loves the misfits, the Chaos driven, the magical, the macabre, the unique, the rebels, the ones who dance under the moon, and the healers.
Resides in SmallTowne, USA with her own family of misbegotten misfits - some of blood and others of soul. and we are always in search of the next fantastic adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 11, 2022
Author MJ Hutto brings to life a very creative and charming story with quirky original characters and sharp wit.
CHARACTERS: Without a doubt, the most interesting aspect of this story was the very original cast of characters the author brought to life. From a ghost friend to an insect from another time, I can't think of the last time I read a story with such a whacky ensemble. Seems completely incongruous at times, but somehow the author pulls them together without missing a beat. Kable VonSable is a spunky character that I fell in love with in the very first introductory paragraph.
STORY: I challenge any reader not to be hooked from the beginning. The mystery and intrigue will keep you glued for the first few chapters. I do feel the ball drop from around the 25% - 60% mark. This book does suffer from some mid-story doldrums. The witty characters do keep it interesting, however, this is a review so I feel I should be honest when I say I was a little bored for a few chapters there. Don't let this stop you - because the story explodes towards the later part.
WRITING: Witty dialogue and great internal narration from the protagonist without being overly expressive made this a very easy story to read. I (assume?) this is a self-published work, if it is I can't give anything less than 5 stars for the writing. I didn't find a single badly written sentence.
WORLDBUILDING: Not only does the author provide a rich, deep world that explains its magic foundation and history, but there is also a nuanced and complicated relationship between humans and Orokkians. All this is done with very little telling and without having lengthy explanatory sessions. Other fantasy authors take note!
CONCLUSION: I could easily recommend this to any dark fantasy fan, and the grand world that Hutto has created can seemingly give a plethora of future adventures for Kable. Or in her final words, "I've got all my friends with me. I can't think of a better way to move forward."
CHARACTERS: Without a doubt, the most interesting aspect of this story was the very original cast of characters the author brought to life. From a ghost friend to an insect from another time, I can't think of the last time I read a story with such a whacky ensemble. Seems completely incongruous at times, but somehow the author pulls them together without missing a beat. Kable VonSable is a spunky character that I fell in love with in the very first introductory paragraph.
STORY: I challenge any reader not to be hooked from the beginning. The mystery and intrigue will keep you glued for the first few chapters. I do feel the ball drop from around the 25% - 60% mark. This book does suffer from some mid-story doldrums. The witty characters do keep it interesting, however, this is a review so I feel I should be honest when I say I was a little bored for a few chapters there. Don't let this stop you - because the story explodes towards the later part.
WRITING: Witty dialogue and great internal narration from the protagonist without being overly expressive made this a very easy story to read. I (assume?) this is a self-published work, if it is I can't give anything less than 5 stars for the writing. I didn't find a single badly written sentence.
WORLDBUILDING: Not only does the author provide a rich, deep world that explains its magic foundation and history, but there is also a nuanced and complicated relationship between humans and Orokkians. All this is done with very little telling and without having lengthy explanatory sessions. Other fantasy authors take note!
CONCLUSION: I could easily recommend this to any dark fantasy fan, and the grand world that Hutto has created can seemingly give a plethora of future adventures for Kable. Or in her final words, "I've got all my friends with me. I can't think of a better way to move forward."
January 22, 2023
There is a mystery to be solved quickly, and the stakes are high: if it’s not solved, Kable will die.
Based on this cover, I wasn’t sure what the genre of this novel was. But once I read the blurb, I was all in. This novel is a mix of magic, mystery, and romance, with a quirky, well-developed main character. Kable has become a mutant. I don’t want to give anything away, but after it happened, her life changed in positive and negative ways. She has experienced a lot of trauma while adjusting to these changes.
Sable’s world is enough like ours that I didn’t feel overwhelmed by heavy world building details and yet her world is different enough to be intriguing.
I had a lot of chuckles while reading, and I also adored the pop culture references, and I wanted to agree with Kable, who says about one of the characters, “Anyone who could quote The Princess Bride couldn’t be all that bad.” That would have been my initial instinct, but I kept wavering on who I could trust because the author kept me guessing.
Kable is sassy and spunky, and this novel is heartwarming and fun. I lagged a little in the middle, but after that I flew right through to the end. I am looking forward to book 2.
Loved the quotes at the end and Kable’s playlist. I am glad I peeked at these first after I saw them in the table of contents. It made the read even more fun for me.
I’m always the very last one in the movie theatre, praying for outtakes. The outtakes were a great touch.
Based on this cover, I wasn’t sure what the genre of this novel was. But once I read the blurb, I was all in. This novel is a mix of magic, mystery, and romance, with a quirky, well-developed main character. Kable has become a mutant. I don’t want to give anything away, but after it happened, her life changed in positive and negative ways. She has experienced a lot of trauma while adjusting to these changes.
Sable’s world is enough like ours that I didn’t feel overwhelmed by heavy world building details and yet her world is different enough to be intriguing.
I had a lot of chuckles while reading, and I also adored the pop culture references, and I wanted to agree with Kable, who says about one of the characters, “Anyone who could quote The Princess Bride couldn’t be all that bad.” That would have been my initial instinct, but I kept wavering on who I could trust because the author kept me guessing.
Kable is sassy and spunky, and this novel is heartwarming and fun. I lagged a little in the middle, but after that I flew right through to the end. I am looking forward to book 2.
Loved the quotes at the end and Kable’s playlist. I am glad I peeked at these first after I saw them in the table of contents. It made the read even more fun for me.
I’m always the very last one in the movie theatre, praying for outtakes. The outtakes were a great touch.
January 29, 2023
I was smiling from the moment I met Kable MayBelle VonSable on page one. In the short first chapter we learn that she has been the butt of jokes because of her name, she recently met an old school friend and she is tied to a stretcher as the result of an attack from a murderous psycho. That all sounds quite serious, but it is the way the author interacts with the reader that makes you want to smile. The writing style is relaxed, first-person with the odd expletive thrown in for emphasis. I really wanted to visit her apothecary shop, aptly named Tea Leaves and Tomes. My favourite things are tea and books, and throw in a little magic and you have my attention. Kable and her family were immunised against cancer and her rare genetic make-up caused her to mutate into a blue-skinned, white-haired, silver-eyed witch. She also became more attuned to the chaotic energy of storms. I found her to be an extremely interesting character and could see the story playing out as a television series. It’s a book full of surprises, and the author has done a great job of blending the real world with her other world. It’s a witty magical mystery tour of entertainment. A small aside which does not impact on the story, but different fonts for the title and the author’s name would make the book cover as charming as the story.
June 22, 2022
Masquerade in Chaos is a very interesting story that follows Kable VonSable (amazing name) in what can only be described as a crazy adventure filled with magic and darkness. It is an interesting world that MJ Hutto has created, slightly detached from our own but familiar enough to remain relatable.
The first thing I noticed about this book is its writing style. It is very laid back and informal, almost like a friend is telling you the story, and I found that to be very immersive. Kable is a very interesting protagonist, a little bit self-involved and certainly knows she is the main character, but I found her to be likable and witty. We meet her when she is in a bad way, and although her life does get slightly better it does remain (as the title promises) in chaos. There was a good amount of dark themes in this book and one particular element reminded me of American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and I liked how this theme ran throughout the book.
I picked up book two halfway through this one as I knew I was going to enjoy it and like the series as it progressed. I look forward to reading it soon.
The first thing I noticed about this book is its writing style. It is very laid back and informal, almost like a friend is telling you the story, and I found that to be very immersive. Kable is a very interesting protagonist, a little bit self-involved and certainly knows she is the main character, but I found her to be likable and witty. We meet her when she is in a bad way, and although her life does get slightly better it does remain (as the title promises) in chaos. There was a good amount of dark themes in this book and one particular element reminded me of American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and I liked how this theme ran throughout the book.
I picked up book two halfway through this one as I knew I was going to enjoy it and like the series as it progressed. I look forward to reading it soon.
December 26, 2022
This is a painful story of growing up. Kable VonSable is about to turn thirty. She is a witch practicing Chaotian. She has a dream she is being tortured. The main character, Kable, is well-developed. By the end of the it is easy to identify with her. The other main characters, Jaylin, Dorian and Detective ‘Hottie’ aren’t as well-developed. The author makes a mistake with the forensics, but fixes it several pages later. Overall, the story is well-written and moves along in a logical manner.
The story is a mix of witchcraft and a murder mystery. Too much emphasis on the magic and not enough about the murder mystery. The case is solved far too fast by the detective boyfriend. Another editing, won’t hurt. There are a number of sentences that are far too long and spelling errors. For example, bed instead of bet (located at 4093). Another example, I think she thinks. Don’t use the same word in the same sentence. I believe she thinks.
The best part was at the end. “My mark will be made through the people I help and the love I give.” This powerful moral teaching is important for every reader. If nothing else, read this one line and live your life by it.
The story is a mix of witchcraft and a murder mystery. Too much emphasis on the magic and not enough about the murder mystery. The case is solved far too fast by the detective boyfriend. Another editing, won’t hurt. There are a number of sentences that are far too long and spelling errors. For example, bed instead of bet (located at 4093). Another example, I think she thinks. Don’t use the same word in the same sentence. I believe she thinks.
The best part was at the end. “My mark will be made through the people I help and the love I give.” This powerful moral teaching is important for every reader. If nothing else, read this one line and live your life by it.
April 12, 2023
We follow Kable through her thoughts and actions from the first person perspective, where the author's voice is crisp in your mind. The book opens with a mystery that is the basis of the storyline itself, leaving questions that keep you searching for the answers right along with the lead character. While clearly written, some of the exchanges between the characters feel a bit like a dry script. However, you'll also find many quippy thoughts and comments from Kable herself, and her friends.
The world building is also pretty good. Details on how the magic works and why some folks look a certain way while others don't are peppered throughout. I did find myself pushing my eyes forward at certain points in the novel, where it would flow well for a few sentences or paragraphs, but then drag through explanations.
The supporting characters are fleshed out as the story goes on. I am a big fan of a supporting cast and the interactions with the lead character (especially one in the first person perspective), and this book does deliver there. Given that it is the first in a series, I am hopeful that the sequel and so on will do the same.
Give this one a shot if you liked the Dresden series!
The world building is also pretty good. Details on how the magic works and why some folks look a certain way while others don't are peppered throughout. I did find myself pushing my eyes forward at certain points in the novel, where it would flow well for a few sentences or paragraphs, but then drag through explanations.
The supporting characters are fleshed out as the story goes on. I am a big fan of a supporting cast and the interactions with the lead character (especially one in the first person perspective), and this book does deliver there. Given that it is the first in a series, I am hopeful that the sequel and so on will do the same.
Give this one a shot if you liked the Dresden series!
September 15, 2022
I don't usually read this genre - but I’m glad I did.
Masquerade in Chaos held my attention from beginning to end despite the slow parts towards the middle, but which soon picked up and stayed that way to the end.
The characters are believable (especially witty Kable who I could easily see myself making friends with). She’s got a great sense of humour. And that name 'Kable VonSable' - love it.
Ms Hutto has her own writing style that pulls the reader straight into the book where we easily connect with the characters. I actually felt I was the main character in the book.
As for the story-line, I found it both different and refreshing – talking to ghost friends and treating them as if they were humans, brought a huge smile to my face.
Regarding the plot (which I don’t want to give away) it ticked all my boxes – mystery, paranormal, adventure, magic - not forgetting Detective Hottie !
Masquerade in Chaos held my attention from beginning to end despite the slow parts towards the middle, but which soon picked up and stayed that way to the end.
The characters are believable (especially witty Kable who I could easily see myself making friends with). She’s got a great sense of humour. And that name 'Kable VonSable' - love it.
Ms Hutto has her own writing style that pulls the reader straight into the book where we easily connect with the characters. I actually felt I was the main character in the book.
As for the story-line, I found it both different and refreshing – talking to ghost friends and treating them as if they were humans, brought a huge smile to my face.
Regarding the plot (which I don’t want to give away) it ticked all my boxes – mystery, paranormal, adventure, magic - not forgetting Detective Hottie !
September 5, 2022
Masquerade in Chaos has a bit of everything- suspense, action, budding romance, twist, turns and surprises!
The story begins more or less at the end, with the hero of the story badly injured, then we learn what happened in the events leading up to that point.
The main character, Kable Vonsable, is very likeable and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book. I loved the budding romance between her and “detective Hottie.” It was slow burn, understated and perfect!
The secondary characters were definitely imaginative and unusual, and the writing style is easy to read and I found it enjoyable.
I will admit to finding it a little slow in the middle, but once it picks up again it’s non stop action and excitement right through to the thrilling conclusion.
A very enjoyable read. I will be looking out for more in the series.
The story begins more or less at the end, with the hero of the story badly injured, then we learn what happened in the events leading up to that point.
The main character, Kable Vonsable, is very likeable and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book. I loved the budding romance between her and “detective Hottie.” It was slow burn, understated and perfect!
The secondary characters were definitely imaginative and unusual, and the writing style is easy to read and I found it enjoyable.
I will admit to finding it a little slow in the middle, but once it picks up again it’s non stop action and excitement right through to the thrilling conclusion.
A very enjoyable read. I will be looking out for more in the series.
May 11, 2023
Kable VonSable is a Chaotian who owns a tea shop in “City 7” of the reorganized United States. She has certain supernatural powers such as making amulets and reading people’s auras. Kable is very likeable and pulls you into her story from the first page. The ghost of her best friend came to her and told her that someone is going to try to murder her. Now Kable must try to solve her own murder mystery before it actually happens.
Kable has plenty of help, both human and supernatural, but she also has plenty of suspects. Sometimes she doesn’t know who she can trust.
Every chapter has new twists and turns and new evolutions to the story line, perpetually keeping the reader intrigued. The characters are well developed. The book reads easy and is impossible to put down. I highly recommend Masquerade in Chaos. I will definitely read the rest of the Choosing Chaos series.
Kable has plenty of help, both human and supernatural, but she also has plenty of suspects. Sometimes she doesn’t know who she can trust.
Every chapter has new twists and turns and new evolutions to the story line, perpetually keeping the reader intrigued. The characters are well developed. The book reads easy and is impossible to put down. I highly recommend Masquerade in Chaos. I will definitely read the rest of the Choosing Chaos series.
December 3, 2023
A mysterious murderer on the loose, a chaotic witch, a ghostly best friend, and a Cajun firefly -- I mean, who wouldn't love that? The opening chapter had me completely hooked, and the story did it justice, particularly the last third. Kable VonSable (that name!) is a mutated witch who owns a tea shop where she makes magical amulets and give tarot readings. Her character is well-developed, funny, and smart, but my favorite character in the story is the new familiar who shows up one day to offer magical support and guidance. I also like "Detective Hottie", the man trying to solve the murders that are plaguing the magical community. As happens so often, the middle of the novel sags a bit, but the ending is a total thrill ride! It was truly lovely to read a story where all the women like and support each other and the men don't get in the way of that.
March 23, 2023
Contemporary, Fantasy, Romance without the Embarrassing Details
This story grabs your attention immediately with its opening due to the main character being in a state of crisis. The characters are a bit "Hollywood" because they are extremely attractive and beautiful. I had correctly predicted who the perpetrator was, so there were no major surprises, but regardless, I enjoyed the journey along the way, reading to the end. I'll definitely consider reading book 2. I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
This story grabs your attention immediately with its opening due to the main character being in a state of crisis. The characters are a bit "Hollywood" because they are extremely attractive and beautiful. I had correctly predicted who the perpetrator was, so there were no major surprises, but regardless, I enjoyed the journey along the way, reading to the end. I'll definitely consider reading book 2. I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
July 7, 2021
Amazing!!
This book was amazing! I loved the suspense and the budding romance!(loving detective hottie!!) Kable was everything you'd want in a heroine. She can save herself,but it doesn't hurt to have backup when you need it. I can't wait to see what happens next, because this ain't the end of Kable's journey. Great writing by M J Hutto!!
This book was amazing! I loved the suspense and the budding romance!(loving detective hottie!!) Kable was everything you'd want in a heroine. She can save herself,but it doesn't hurt to have backup when you need it. I can't wait to see what happens next, because this ain't the end of Kable's journey. Great writing by M J Hutto!!
April 12, 2023
Amazing story! I love how the author made vaccines be responsible for activating the chaos in people. I already bought the rest of the series to read.
I won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
I won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
June 9, 2023
This one was interesting and I enjoyed the setting and characters. The writing was wonderful and I can not wait for book two.
May 23, 2024
Not great.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews