A Soul for Chaos by Crista McHugh – a Review

Description:
Life is dull without a little Chaos.

Trouble is more than just a nickname for Arden Soulbearer. It seems to follow her wherever she goes. And no one knows this better than her protector, Devarius Tel’Brien.

Dev thought that by moving Arden to Gravaria so she could learn how to control Loku, the chaos god whose soul inhabits her body, life would be simpler. Wrong. Not only is he continually torn between his duty and his growing feelings for the Soulbearer, but he also has to contend with the rival prince who wishes to claim her heart. Adding to his problems, a group of powerful mages have banded together to rid the world of the disembodied chaos god once and for all. Of course, that means they have to destroy Arden in the process.

Review:

A Soul for Chaos by Crista McHugh is her 2^nd book in her Soulbearer Trilogy.

As we find out in A Soul for Trouble (Book 1 in the Soulbearer Trilogy), Arden, aptly nicknamed Trouble, was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and is now possessed by Loku, the God of Chaos.  Well, his soul anyway.  His body was destroyed long ago.  So, in order to carry on, his soul inhabits a mortal and ends up driving them insane in time.  And, if the “soulbearer” is killed, Loku must possess the body closed to him, or be lost forever.  But he has decided he likes Arden.  She is a witch untrained in how to use her powers and wants to keep her and will do all in his power, most of the time, to prevent her from being killed.

A Soul for Chaos begins with Arden needing to return to Gravaria with her protector, Dev, in order to begin her training.  Not only does she need to work on her powers, but also learn how to control Loku.  Prince Kell has fallen in love with Trouble and doesn’t want her to leave, but she knows she must.  Together the night before they are to leave for Gravaria, an earthquake occurs and, if not for her magic, she and the Prince would have both been killed.  Unfortunately, someone wants Arden and Loku dead and they’re pulling out all of the stops to see that come to fruition.

Arden, Dev and Prince Kell start a long voyage across the sea to Gravaria.  There is another attempt on Arden’s life during the voyage.  Thankfully Dev dives in and is able to save her.  If only he were brave enough to admit to himself, and to Arden, his true feelings for her.  But he has a duty to fulfill and as a Knight of Gravaria, he will continue to protect Arden, not matter the cost personally.

Gravaria is supposed to be the safest place for Arden.  She begins her training and everyone soon discovers that Gravaria isn’t as safe as first thought.  Thankfully, Arden’s powers are developing at a fast rate.  Because she’s going to need them.  There is a play for power amongst the Gods and Arden is caught in the middle.  There is also a play for Arden’s heart.  A prince or a knight?  Decisions, decisions………..

A Soul for Chaos is another great story by Crista McHugh.  I love the way she writes.  The story starts on page one and builds at a very readable pace.  Arden is surrounded by very well written characters that don’t get lost along the way.  There is a little humor and a little mystery.  And yes, a little heartbreak.  I look forward to the third and final book in this trilogy.  Crista McHugh is quickly turning out to be one of my must read authors.

Reviewed by Vickie  

Copy provided by Author