u/MessyJessy422

All Hail Chaos, the sequel to Long Live Evil and book 2 in the Time of Iron series, is just as zany, fun, entertaining, and heartwarming as I hoped it would be. Often it’s difficult to remember details from the previous installment once the next book in a series is released but thankfully the beginning chapters of All Hail Chaos efficiently summarize the pertinent information and events from Long Live Evil, allowing readers to jump in without worry.

Rae is immediately confronted with the way her actions have interfered with and altered the narrative of the fictional story she’s trapped in. Her task is to set things right and ensure her favorite characters turned real friends come out relatively unscathed. Rae’s resilience and determination to power through despite her myriad challenges is truly inspiring. Her experience with cancer and all that comes with it becomes a kind of superpower. She has already learned how to accept disappointment and move forward, and seeing how well that serves her now is so rewarding. What she does struggle with however is the ability to view herself as worthy and someone capable of heroism instead of merely a villainous side character.

Key is as unhinged and subtly charming as ever. I absolutely adore him and his romance with Rae. His devotion to her is not without its issues given his personality and inclinations but there are some wonderfully earnest and sweet moments between the two of them to savor. Emer’s storyline is another highlight and her character becomes even more integral to the plot as the mysteries surrounding her backstory and heritage are revealed. The reasons behind her abandonment at birth and inclination towards violence start to make a lot more sense given the context.

The meta aspect of the book injects the story with a style of wit and humor perfectly tailored to fans of the genre. It’s one of reasons why I love this series so much and find it so special. Equally as entertaining is the way real world references are deployed for comedic value and Eric (The Golden Cobra) is a source of endless enjoyment in this respect, especially when paired with Marius’s hilarious reactions.

I listened to the audiobook and once again Moria Quirk knocked it out of the park with her narration. She’s a phenomenal narrator and her delivery fits the humor of the story perfectly. I highly recommend this book, especially the audiobook version, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series. I’m so eager to spend more time with a group of characters that have become so close to my heart and witness the shenanigans that will inevitably ensue. All Hail Chaos is out on May 12th.

4.75⭐️

{All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan}

The Girl with a Thousand Faces is part historical fiction and part mythology inspired fantasy, blending these elements into a poignantly moving tale about trauma and survival. The story is set in Hong Kong and the non linear narrative structure consists of several timelines, one of which takes place in 1975 and another in the early 1940’s during WWII and the Japanese occupation. Mercy Chan is a 53 year old woman in the 1975 timeline, and works as a ghost talker, urging unsettled spirits to seek their revenge and tie up the loose ends that are tethering them to the mortal plane of existence.

The story is set primarily in Kowloon Walled City, a real place that existed in Hong Kong up until it was demolished in the 1990’s. Kowloon is a character in its own right and is vividly rendered. It’s a city that pulses with vitality and yet is imperfect and scarred, marked by history and just as affected by a tumultuous past as its citizens. Kowloon is overrun with ghosts and vengeful spirits, demonstrating the full scale of trial and tragedy its people have endured.

It’s hard to talk about the 1940’s timeline and events without spoiling anything but the twists and reveals are both shocking and heart wrenching. The shift into the past was swift, but I quickly acclimated and became more and more invested as the truth came to light. The portrayal of a mother/daughter dynamic rife with conflict was so raw and authentic in its depiction and I felt the grief and sorrow intensely along with the characters.

At the heart of this book is an examination of loss, rage, and the unjust brutality that has existed in our world throughout eras. It is utterly human despite being based in the supernatural, and the complex interplay of generational trauma with larger societal shifts is handled with deft and insight. This is the type of writing that I seek out and treasure. The prose is masterful in its descriptions and creative use of language and metaphor. Small phrases stuck with me, gripping me with their introspection and depth. The section detailing the events surrounding WWII and the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong was especially moving and expertly written to convey the devastation and its impact on the everyday lives of ordinary people.

I listened to the audiobook and Natalie Naudus delivers a perfect performance, something I’ve come to expect from her. She is such a talented narrator with perfect pacing, tone, emotional range, and consistent accents. I am always more inclined to purchase an audiobook when she is credited and I’m so glad I was able to experience this book with her voice to guide me through it.

The Girl with a Thousand Faces is out on May 5th

ARC Review: All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan (book 2 in the Time of Iron series)