Book Review: Raising Chaos by Elizabeth Corrigan

Raising Chaos by Elizabeth Corrigan

Series: Earthbound Angels (Book #2)

Publisher: Red Adept Publishing

Release Date: 4th February 2014

Tagged under: 2014 read, YA-fiction, mythology, fantasy, 4, review copy

Pages: 270

Buy at: Amazon

When good fails, chaos rises to the challenge...

The daily life of a chaos demon is delightfully sinful - overindulging in Sri Lankan delicacies, trespassing on private beaches in Hawaii, and getting soused at the best angel bar on the planet. But when Bedlam learns that the archdemon Azrael has escaped from the Abyss in order to wreak vengeance against the person who sent her there - Bedlam's best friend, Khet - he can't sit idly by. 

Only one relic possesses the power to kill Khet, who suffers immortality at Lucifer's request: the mythical Spear of Destiny, which pierced Christ's side at His crucifixion. Neither angel nor demon has seen the Spear in two thousand years, but Azrael claims to know its location. Bedlam has no choice but to interpret woefully outdated clues and race her to its ancient resting place. 

His quest is made nearly impossible by the interference of a persnickety archivist, Keziel - his angelic ex - and a dedicated cult intent on keeping the Spear out of the wrong hands. But to Bedlam, "wrong" is just an arbitrary word, and there's no way he's letting Khet die without a fight.

Book Reivew [Spoiler Free]

Back in March, I had the pleasure of reading the first book in the Earthbound Angels series - Oracle of Philadelphia, the review of which you can find here. I really enjoyed that book so when the opportunity came to continue on the series with the second book - Raising Chaos, I immediately put my hand up.

Once again, I was not disappointed. Raising Chaos is as good as, if not better than, the first book.

Following the events of the first book, Khet and Bedlam went on with their lives, expecting Azrael to be in the Abyss for at least a couple of decades if not centuries. However, while hanging out in a bar that's frequented by angels and demons, Bedlam finds out that not only is Azrael back, she has come back with a plan. Knowing full well that Lucifer will never let Azrael collect her agreement with Khet, she has an alternative plan - finding the Spear of Destiny - and with that in her hands, nothing will stand in her way to claim Khet.

This book is an excellent follow-up to the first book in the series. The pacing of the plot kicks up a notch or two as you realize things are no longer in balance as they have been and changes are in the air. Khet is on the move and keen for a change of scenery. Bedlam is looking for the Spear of Destiny and trying to keep a step ahead of Azrael. And even the angels get involved in this mess.

A key highlight of this book is Corrigan's handling of the multiple POVs. There is rarely any confusion with regards to which character you are following. Each character's tone and personality shines through the writing. There is the soothing calm tone of Khet, the bizarre and hilarious rambles of Bedlam and the sarcastic yet honest commentary of Siren. All three POVs are entertaining in their own right and have their own, separate stories to tell. (Bedlam's POV is a personal favourite of mine!)

And the ending! I'm possibly not the only one who's left speechless regarding the ending. I won't reveal what it is but rest assured, it's amazing. Sit tight and be prepared to be entertained!

Corrigan's twist on things shines through once more. I'm constantly pleasantly surprised at the way she casts shades where there's light and brightens what appears to be dark. There is no simple black of white. Angels are not inherently good and even they have regrets over their decisions and actions in the past. And demons are not all bad. The relationships between the angels and demons are complicated and intriguing. 

Overall: 4/5

A very worthy follow-up of Oracle of Philadelphia. I would definitely recommend this, as well as the whole Earthbound Angels series to those looking for good urban fantasy.

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the ebook was provided to me by the author and publisher in exchange of an honest review. The views expressed above are entirely my own and are in, no way, affected by the source of this book.