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The Chaos Mages #5
To Hell and Back
When you sacrifice yourself to save your friends, that should be it.
The struggle should be over.
If only Blackwell was so lucky. Instead, trapped in hell, he finds himself preyed upon by those who would use him, and those who would kill him (again) for sport.
He cannot sit idly by awaiting rescue. Blackwell must find a way to harness the power inside him and learn the true nature of his abilities…before it’s too late.
Back among the living, Swift is in a race against time to rescue her partner. With gods and men alike stirring up war, it is not only Blackwell whose fate hangs in the balance. The world cannot survive an all-out war among the gods.
Blackwell and Swift must do the impossible once again. They just free him from his prison, then bring down the god behind it all. Fate must be defeated.
The struggle should be over.
If only Blackwell was so lucky. Instead, trapped in hell, he finds himself preyed upon by those who would use him, and those who would kill him (again) for sport.
He cannot sit idly by awaiting rescue. Blackwell must find a way to harness the power inside him and learn the true nature of his abilities…before it’s too late.
Back among the living, Swift is in a race against time to rescue her partner. With gods and men alike stirring up war, it is not only Blackwell whose fate hangs in the balance. The world cannot survive an all-out war among the gods.
Blackwell and Swift must do the impossible once again. They just free him from his prison, then bring down the god behind it all. Fate must be defeated.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
Audiobook
Published November 14, 2022
51 people are currently reading
32 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.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 2, 2023
Phenomenal
To Hell and Back and the entire Chaos Mages series was a BLAST. I started this series with good feelings, but I didn't expect to enjoy it this much. Steele and Foxe wrote these incredibly intricate stories featuring lots of crazy bad guys, plots, and other things to throw Blackwell and Swift off. Not only did they power through, building a good partnership, but they turned into friends as the books progressed.
I knew this one would be a bit different since the two of them aren't currently in the same place. The back and forth was perfect and showed how each person was getting along as they were trying to... improve Blackwell's situation (trying very hard not to spoil anything). I loved the fights and story of Blackwell and what he had to deal with. I thought they did a good job showing off just how exhausted, run-down, and beat-down his situation was making him. Chiming into Swift's side showed just how far their friendship had grown.
Writing a review for a book and especially for a series that I loved, is proving to be very difficult. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters. But even though this story is over (for now), that doesn't mean it wasn't worth the time. And even better, Steele and Foxe wrote such an interesting and unique world that I think they could come in with stories from other points of view in the same world, and I would eat it up.
I know that it's over (for now) as I said, but I still hold out hope that there are some more stories in the tank. If not, it was a great run. A series and a final book that I thoroughly enjoyed. If it's not, I'll see y'all soon.
And you know I can't leave it without talking about the performance. I thought Steve Campbell and Deva Marie Gregory knocked it out of the park. These might be some of Campbell's best performances to date. Because I listen to so many books, I can usually tell when a narrator really connects with a story, and I could FEEL Steve's connection to Blackwell. It made the entire series better and I'm glad that the two of them worked so well together as Blackwell and Swift.
To Hell and Back and the entire Chaos Mages series was a BLAST. I started this series with good feelings, but I didn't expect to enjoy it this much. Steele and Foxe wrote these incredibly intricate stories featuring lots of crazy bad guys, plots, and other things to throw Blackwell and Swift off. Not only did they power through, building a good partnership, but they turned into friends as the books progressed.
I knew this one would be a bit different since the two of them aren't currently in the same place. The back and forth was perfect and showed how each person was getting along as they were trying to... improve Blackwell's situation (trying very hard not to spoil anything). I loved the fights and story of Blackwell and what he had to deal with. I thought they did a good job showing off just how exhausted, run-down, and beat-down his situation was making him. Chiming into Swift's side showed just how far their friendship had grown.
Writing a review for a book and especially for a series that I loved, is proving to be very difficult. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters. But even though this story is over (for now), that doesn't mean it wasn't worth the time. And even better, Steele and Foxe wrote such an interesting and unique world that I think they could come in with stories from other points of view in the same world, and I would eat it up.
I know that it's over (for now) as I said, but I still hold out hope that there are some more stories in the tank. If not, it was a great run. A series and a final book that I thoroughly enjoyed. If it's not, I'll see y'all soon.
And you know I can't leave it without talking about the performance. I thought Steve Campbell and Deva Marie Gregory knocked it out of the park. These might be some of Campbell's best performances to date. Because I listen to so many books, I can usually tell when a narrator really connects with a story, and I could FEEL Steve's connection to Blackwell. It made the entire series better and I'm glad that the two of them worked so well together as Blackwell and Swift.
October 4, 2021
THAT is how to end a story arc. Intricacies, new realms, chips falling into place, plans finally revealed, all starting with Blackwell being stuck in a Hell. If only he could summon a training montage... I don't know if I'm more impressed by the detailed final battles or the denouement. So many individual strands, including a bunch from the cornucopia of new characters, all woven and tidied with exacting precision as if they were the real Strands of Fate.
Beautifully done.
Beautifully done.
November 17, 2025
To Hell and Back is a thrilling urban fantasy that masterfully balances high stakes action with rich character depth. Blackwell and Swift’s partnership feels authentic, and their struggle against impossible odds keeps the tension relentless. The world building is immersive, blending gods, magic, and human conflict seamlessly. Beyond epic battles, the story explores loyalty, sacrifice, and courage, making it as emotionally compelling as it is action packed. Fans of fantasy and suspense will find this book gripping from start to finish.
October 4, 2021
Blackwell and Swift really have their hands full in this finale! Blackwell is stuck in Hell (yes that place) and is being trained by none other than one of the Titans in how to use his powers and that of Chaos. Swift is fighting topside and searching for any way to save him. She's also getting trained in her own new Valkerie powers. Lots of action and fight scenes, lots of new characters, gotta love the harpies! One fine book from these authors!
October 5, 2021
Awesome series conclusion
What an awesome finish to the series. You really feel Blackwell's time in hell and the toll it takes. Weaving the two partners separate experiences is top shelf writing. And the final battle is a page turner of non stop action. A must read.
What an awesome finish to the series. You really feel Blackwell's time in hell and the toll it takes. Weaving the two partners separate experiences is top shelf writing. And the final battle is a page turner of non stop action. A must read.
January 9, 2022
Loved the conclusion
Great conclusion for the final ride with a very believable ending. It has to switch perspectives due to the nature of the conflict which is the only thing I didn't like, but it was done well.
Great conclusion for the final ride with a very believable ending. It has to switch perspectives due to the nature of the conflict which is the only thing I didn't like, but it was done well.
January 26, 2022
Excellent Series!!
I binged read this entire series over two days!! Incredible writing, characters, world building and integrating old gods and myths into this modern tale was pure genius! Hope there is more to come!
I binged read this entire series over two days!! Incredible writing, characters, world building and integrating old gods and myths into this modern tale was pure genius! Hope there is more to come!
October 20, 2022
Loved the whole series!
Well what a roller coaster of a ride these books were, amazingly written and thought out. Twists and turns galore. Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys UF
Well what a roller coaster of a ride these books were, amazingly written and thought out. Twists and turns galore. Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys UF
May 19, 2023
What
So this has been a really good supernatural series to read. I like how it involves all the supernatural. The way everything connects from Logan being the vessel for Chaos to Kronos being the father of Zeus and how fate was so cocky to think he could control it all.
So this has been a really good supernatural series to read. I like how it involves all the supernatural. The way everything connects from Logan being the vessel for Chaos to Kronos being the father of Zeus and how fate was so cocky to think he could control it all.
October 4, 2021
Great ending to the series.
October 8, 2021
Wow! What an ending! I have really enjoyed this series.
November 24, 2021
Paperback
December 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this series loads of action and interesting twists and turns
December 29, 2021
Buddy cop thriller series
A solid series of five books that I enjoyed.
Good characters but the plot thinned a bit in the middle books. Good ending.
A solid series of five books that I enjoyed.
Good characters but the plot thinned a bit in the middle books. Good ending.
December 6, 2022
I love this series very much! This last installment was just amazing. It was so well-written, exciting, thrilling, and heartwarming. I enjoyed the story from start to finish. Alex Steele and Stephanie Foxe have created this fantastic cast of characters that I adore so much. I want to be friends with all of them. I seriously don't want this series to end. I want more!
Deva Marie Gregory and Steve Campbell took this series to another level with their superb narration! The duet was so seamless and worked so well! Bravo, everyone!
Deva Marie Gregory and Steve Campbell took this series to another level with their superb narration! The duet was so seamless and worked so well! Bravo, everyone!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews