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The Chaos Mages #4
Honorless
Fate or Free Will? After the devastating attack on Moira, the magical community is in crisis. They were supposed to be safe. Untouchable. But the impossible happened. The Mage’s Guild is using the tragedy as an insidious opportunity to gain more power, and there may be no one left to stand in their way. At least, no one Blackwell is willing to trust.
With a new case, scant information on Chief Bradley’s trial, increasingly strange incidents with his mayhem magic, and a fanatical cult that knows way more about them than they should, the detectives have their hands full.
As the corruption threatens more and more people Blackwell and Swift care about, they are faced with a hard decision. The enemy of their enemy may be their friend…but trust is another matter. Everyone wants something. They have to find out the truth before it’s too late.
One by one the pieces fall. Who will be left standing in the end?
With a new case, scant information on Chief Bradley’s trial, increasingly strange incidents with his mayhem magic, and a fanatical cult that knows way more about them than they should, the detectives have their hands full.
As the corruption threatens more and more people Blackwell and Swift care about, they are faced with a hard decision. The enemy of their enemy may be their friend…but trust is another matter. Everyone wants something. They have to find out the truth before it’s too late.
One by one the pieces fall. Who will be left standing in the end?
- GenresUrban FantasyDetective
Audiobook
First published November 8, 2019
89 people are currently reading
36 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
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2020
The Mage's Guild's getting steadily more obnoxious.
The cliffy... No!
Q:
Another werewolf dropped out of the window, casually tossing aside an arm that clearly didn’t belong to them. Someone was having a very bad day. (c)
Q:
He had something up his nonexistent sleeve. (c)
Q:
Now it looked like some kind of cult might be taking on the Mage’s Guild. It all felt like some big, cosmic joke. (c)
Q:
“Calm down, kotyonak, I was never in danger today.” (c) Ok, this is -1 star. Crappy)
Q:
“So, this is going to sound crazy.”...
“All the best things do, at first.” (c)
Q:
“These people are strange.”
“They’re probably listening in as well.”
“I hope they’re taking notes.” (c)
Q:
“This is a bad idea.”
“No, it just requires you to communicate, which you have done on occasion. It won’t kill you.” (c)
Q:
“To chaos and bad ideas.”...
“Our specialties.” (с)
Q:
The cliffy... No!
Q:
Another werewolf dropped out of the window, casually tossing aside an arm that clearly didn’t belong to them. Someone was having a very bad day. (c)
Q:
He had something up his nonexistent sleeve. (c)
Q:
Now it looked like some kind of cult might be taking on the Mage’s Guild. It all felt like some big, cosmic joke. (c)
Q:
“Calm down, kotyonak, I was never in danger today.” (c) Ok, this is -1 star. Crappy)
Q:
“So, this is going to sound crazy.”...
“All the best things do, at first.” (c)
Q:
“These people are strange.”
“They’re probably listening in as well.”
“I hope they’re taking notes.” (c)
Q:
“This is a bad idea.”
“No, it just requires you to communicate, which you have done on occasion. It won’t kill you.” (c)
Q:
“To chaos and bad ideas.”...
“Our specialties.” (с)
Q:
March 1, 2020
I absolutely adore this series. I recommend it to all and sundry as the first three books are outstanding and I've reread them multiple times. To say I was excited to read this book is an understatement.
I started this book as soon as it hit my Kindle when it was released. My expectations were for another amazing book packed full of action, well-developed characters, an intricate world, and perfectly timed humour. I just didn't get that. It felt flat. So I put it aside for two months in case it was a mood thing, and I'm really sad to say it wasn't. This book just doesn't have the spark the previous three books have.
I started this book as soon as it hit my Kindle when it was released. My expectations were for another amazing book packed full of action, well-developed characters, an intricate world, and perfectly timed humour. I just didn't get that. It felt flat. So I put it aside for two months in case it was a mood thing, and I'm really sad to say it wasn't. This book just doesn't have the spark the previous three books have.
August 15, 2021
Paperback copy
November 8, 2019
OMG! This story is EPIC! The writing is the best its ever been and the ending leaves gobsmacked at its implications and wanting more
January 11, 2023
What A (Cliffhanger) Ending
It’s getting to the hard point of the story to write reviews without spoiling things. So, I guess I’ll just caveat it at the opening; if you haven’t read the other three books, I would advise you to avoid reading this review. I may spoil other parts of the first three books, but I’ll still try not to.
How far would you go to save your friends (and potentially the world)? Would you be willing to go somewhere you couldn’t use magic and may never return? That’s what Blackwell and Swift are thrown into in Honorless. And wow, is it an intense final few chapters.
I have to commend Steele and Foxe for writing characters that jump off the page. Also, for the growth that these characters have shown. This also may be a spoiler, but I feel it’s imperative to the themes that Steele and Foxe are going for in Honorless. There’s something that happens more than halfway through the book (that ends up being a major catalyst to the end of the story) where something happens, and there is the threat of Blackwell and Swift no longer being partners. This is met by a “blunt” statement about how much Blackwell likes to work alone and how much he hates partners. It was obviously done on purpose to show Blackwell’s growth, but it was so much more than that. I think Steele and Foxe were trying to prove that Blackwell not just likes her as a partner but has come to trust her, maybe even more than he trusts himself. Blackwell isn’t the most open person but hearing him upset about this decision was such a turning point in his character to me. I knew up until this point from the other books that they were an unlikely duo and that things weren’t always going to be easy (that tension is one of the main stories in the first book and a half). But showing not only his professional growth but personal growth as well.
The story in Honorless is excellent. The things they have to take care of, the power grabs, and the final battle(s) were all… chef’s kiss good. The ending, while an obvious cliffhanger was needed, and honestly, I have NO idea how the next book is going to start (or continue). I have some guesses, and I can’t wait to dive in and figure that out. Judging by the title and the cover for the 5th (and last?) book… It’s going to be a doozy.
It’s hard to write an audiobook review and not talk about the performances given. I think that this series might be some of Campbell’s best. He doesn’t have to stretch to make up hundreds of voices but gets to play around with some when new characters are introduced. Before these books, I hadn’t listened to Deva Marie Gregory, but after, I’ll be on the lookout. In the Chaos Mages series, she’s been an excellent embodiment of the female characters adding life to many of them. And the combination of the two of them is excellent. Especially when Blackwell or Swift are particularly worked up. The way they’re able to feed off of each other’s performances, and energy makes these books stand out.
It’s getting to the hard point of the story to write reviews without spoiling things. So, I guess I’ll just caveat it at the opening; if you haven’t read the other three books, I would advise you to avoid reading this review. I may spoil other parts of the first three books, but I’ll still try not to.
How far would you go to save your friends (and potentially the world)? Would you be willing to go somewhere you couldn’t use magic and may never return? That’s what Blackwell and Swift are thrown into in Honorless. And wow, is it an intense final few chapters.
I have to commend Steele and Foxe for writing characters that jump off the page. Also, for the growth that these characters have shown. This also may be a spoiler, but I feel it’s imperative to the themes that Steele and Foxe are going for in Honorless. There’s something that happens more than halfway through the book (that ends up being a major catalyst to the end of the story) where something happens, and there is the threat of Blackwell and Swift no longer being partners. This is met by a “blunt” statement about how much Blackwell likes to work alone and how much he hates partners. It was obviously done on purpose to show Blackwell’s growth, but it was so much more than that. I think Steele and Foxe were trying to prove that Blackwell not just likes her as a partner but has come to trust her, maybe even more than he trusts himself. Blackwell isn’t the most open person but hearing him upset about this decision was such a turning point in his character to me. I knew up until this point from the other books that they were an unlikely duo and that things weren’t always going to be easy (that tension is one of the main stories in the first book and a half). But showing not only his professional growth but personal growth as well.
The story in Honorless is excellent. The things they have to take care of, the power grabs, and the final battle(s) were all… chef’s kiss good. The ending, while an obvious cliffhanger was needed, and honestly, I have NO idea how the next book is going to start (or continue). I have some guesses, and I can’t wait to dive in and figure that out. Judging by the title and the cover for the 5th (and last?) book… It’s going to be a doozy.
It’s hard to write an audiobook review and not talk about the performances given. I think that this series might be some of Campbell’s best. He doesn’t have to stretch to make up hundreds of voices but gets to play around with some when new characters are introduced. Before these books, I hadn’t listened to Deva Marie Gregory, but after, I’ll be on the lookout. In the Chaos Mages series, she’s been an excellent embodiment of the female characters adding life to many of them. And the combination of the two of them is excellent. Especially when Blackwell or Swift are particularly worked up. The way they’re able to feed off of each other’s performances, and energy makes these books stand out.
November 9, 2019
I had no clue how the ante could be upped after book 3, but that's exactly what occurred.
Post-attack Moira is on the razor's edge, with the crooked Mage's Guild using the opportunity to seize control and a mysterious group protesting their every move. As danger looms from both sides, Blackwell & Swift navigate the intricate webs of deceit, conspiracy, and even history, trying to quell the problems, work a case, and try to exonerate or free Chief Bradley. With pressure exuded from both sides, their investigations set them on a quest that none may survive.
A beautifully wild ride, escalating an already excellent and underrated series.
Post-attack Moira is on the razor's edge, with the crooked Mage's Guild using the opportunity to seize control and a mysterious group protesting their every move. As danger looms from both sides, Blackwell & Swift navigate the intricate webs of deceit, conspiracy, and even history, trying to quell the problems, work a case, and try to exonerate or free Chief Bradley. With pressure exuded from both sides, their investigations set them on a quest that none may survive.
A beautifully wild ride, escalating an already excellent and underrated series.
November 11, 2019
Mayhem Magic Rocks.
There is a fanatical cult behind the devastating attack on Moira. The Chief is now on trial, Blackwell & Swift determined to help. But with all the major powers having a hand in this crisis, who do you trust? Blackwell is forced to turn to his Rune Hacker, Bootstrap to dig deep into their systems. But when Bootstrap is captured, sent to Purgatory, drastic action is needed. With the help of the mysterious runehacker Zardoz, to open a portal to Hell. They might just survive this journey.
Book 4 is Top Shelf writing. An Urban Fantasy must read.
There is a fanatical cult behind the devastating attack on Moira. The Chief is now on trial, Blackwell & Swift determined to help. But with all the major powers having a hand in this crisis, who do you trust? Blackwell is forced to turn to his Rune Hacker, Bootstrap to dig deep into their systems. But when Bootstrap is captured, sent to Purgatory, drastic action is needed. With the help of the mysterious runehacker Zardoz, to open a portal to Hell. They might just survive this journey.
Book 4 is Top Shelf writing. An Urban Fantasy must read.
March 18, 2022
Thank heavens book five is out now.
Having just finished 'Honorless', I can't wait to download book five. This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Sigh. I have been thoroughly enjoying the interaction between Logan and Swift. Really, the interactions between almost all the characters. Maybe not Talos, but, well, that's supposed to be. I don't want anybody to die, but war is coming. I'm expecting there will be tears among the laughter.
Having just finished 'Honorless', I can't wait to download book five. This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Sigh. I have been thoroughly enjoying the interaction between Logan and Swift. Really, the interactions between almost all the characters. Maybe not Talos, but, well, that's supposed to be. I don't want anybody to die, but war is coming. I'm expecting there will be tears among the laughter.
November 8, 2019
The more this story develops the better it becomes -almost like it's finding its feet.
The characters are now real and the action is non-stop with the descriptions so clear that the reader can actually "see" the events happening.
This is a gripping story and I can't wait to see what this author is leading up to.
No matter what your tastes are this book is a really excellent adventure.
The characters are now real and the action is non-stop with the descriptions so clear that the reader can actually "see" the events happening.
This is a gripping story and I can't wait to see what this author is leading up to.
No matter what your tastes are this book is a really excellent adventure.
November 15, 2019
Blackwell and Swift remain in danger and conspiracies up to their eyeballs after the violent attack on Moira. Things are not looking good for the intrepid duo as the Mage Guild gets an even tighter hold on Moira with the fall of the IMIB. Fortunately, they have allies, if they can set some of their considerable differences aside and agree to work together. Filled with non-stop action and intrigue, this latest installment of The Chaos Mages takes the conflict the Mage Guild to the next level. Now, all they have to do is survive.
November 13, 2019
Honorless is not Honor Lost
Another great tale of the Chaos Mages... I was impressed with the varied layers of subtle storytelling mixed in with brief moments of total anarchy and combat. Each story is getting stronger and more enjoyable than the last. I can’t wait for the next one!
Another great tale of the Chaos Mages... I was impressed with the varied layers of subtle storytelling mixed in with brief moments of total anarchy and combat. Each story is getting stronger and more enjoyable than the last. I can’t wait for the next one!
November 13, 2019
Blackwell and Swift - back at it but what a cliffhanger!!!
Book 4 picks up where Moira was leveled, leaving our heroes lost and confused about who to trust and what is happening around them. There are rebel groups forming, going against the Mage Guild and Blackwell & Swift team up with one to help some friends break free. Great next chapter in this series!
Book 4 picks up where Moira was leveled, leaving our heroes lost and confused about who to trust and what is happening around them. There are rebel groups forming, going against the Mage Guild and Blackwell & Swift team up with one to help some friends break free. Great next chapter in this series!
November 20, 2022
I absolutely enjoyed listening to this installment! I think this is the best in the series so far. The story's more exciting and intriguing that totally had me on the edge of my seat. Of course, it's still fast-paced, action-packed, and chaotic fun!
The narration was simply amazing! Ang galing lang talaga! ^^v
The narration was simply amazing! Ang galing lang talaga! ^^v
November 11, 2019
AMAZING
This is the best book in the Chaos Mage series. It’s extremely fast paced, snarky, amusing and slightly serious. I loved it!
You have to read the first books in this series before you get to this one. You will not be sorry. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
This is the best book in the Chaos Mage series. It’s extremely fast paced, snarky, amusing and slightly serious. I loved it!
You have to read the first books in this series before you get to this one. You will not be sorry. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
August 15, 2020
This series is awesome, I need more. The dynamics between the characters is fun and driven by a purpose of right verses wrong. Blackwell and Swift are excellent detective partner, began with one trying to outdo one another to working as a team. Thank you
April 28, 2021
A lot of filler then bang
It took a bit to get the characters back straight in my head. A lot of blah-blah then the story ramps up and bang, or maybe poof, it was over until the next book. But what a bang, or poof, it was and that is why the rating is four and not three.
It took a bit to get the characters back straight in my head. A lot of blah-blah then the story ramps up and bang, or maybe poof, it was over until the next book. But what a bang, or poof, it was and that is why the rating is four and not three.
August 13, 2021
5/5
Why did this book have to end?!?! I need at least 100 more pages to be satisfied. Lol this book was way better than I could have imagined!!! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Why did this book have to end?!?! I need at least 100 more pages to be satisfied. Lol this book was way better than I could have imagined!!! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
November 23, 2019
Awesome next book in series
I have really enjoyed the journey of blackwell and swift so far and how their partnership has grown over the books. I can wait for the next installment.
I have really enjoyed the journey of blackwell and swift so far and how their partnership has grown over the books. I can wait for the next installment.
December 3, 2019
DAMN
That was a ride! This story has just ran roughshod over your senses.This story is so good that I am sorry that the next isn't ready yet . This is just a grand adventure so far.
That was a ride! This story has just ran roughshod over your senses.This story is so good that I am sorry that the next isn't ready yet . This is just a grand adventure so far.
December 26, 2019
Great world building and great characters
This book built well on the previous three. I did not see the end coming and can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next
This book built well on the previous three. I did not see the end coming and can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next
August 25, 2020
Review
Really enjoyed this book. Characters were awesome. I truly got into it. Cliff hanger ending. Left me hanging though. Can't wait for the next one.
Really enjoyed this book. Characters were awesome. I truly got into it. Cliff hanger ending. Left me hanging though. Can't wait for the next one.
January 8, 2022
All hell breaks loose
Didn't enjoy the ending because I need to know why it happened. Some interesting twists and turns and can't wait to see more
Didn't enjoy the ending because I need to know why it happened. Some interesting twists and turns and can't wait to see more
November 16, 2019
Edge of your seat action. I can’t wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews