Reviews

Chaotic by T.S. Snow

jordanez's review

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mamasmutsalot's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

birdyreadsromance's review against another edition

2.0

I wasn't a fan of the writing and how all of the characters seem to have endless internal ramblings. The attraction between the MCs doesn't seem to be any deeper than them thinking the other is hot and wanting to jump their bones.

The FMC clearly has ADHD (though it's never explicitly mentioned), which is fine, but it's portrayed over the top.
In general, she is a bit of a pick me and manic pixie dream girl at the same time.

Overall, there are a few too many unrealistic conveniences here. She's super extremely clumsy but also great at all kinds of martial arts. She's also a genius who is great at developing tech, strategy and gaming.
She's also, somehow, not officially allowed to make tech yet without her diploma (which is really only a thing because it's convenient for the plot), but apparently being head of a tech department/team with the magical equivalent of the FBI (AMIA) is ok?
This FMC also juggles graduating, running her own business and being an agent for the AMIA at the same time and still has time to game regularly.

There are also a lot of basic research issues that someone should have caught in editing or beta reading, such as...
- the author clearly doesn't know what muscle cars are
- the AMIA seems to operate within the country, so it should be the equivalent to the FBI, not the CIA
- clearly the author does not know what it means for someone to have a department/team head position, what responsibilities such a position would have etc.

I still can't believe I actually read the entire book. I tried to stick with it to see whether it would get better and somehow before I could DNF it, it was already over.

rhreviewer91's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This first book is fantastic, and I'm psyched to keep reading! Charisma is an outcast. She was born into one of the most powerful families of mages out there, but by the time she was eighteen, she showed very little power, so they kicked her to the curb. She managed to make it on her own, however. The day of her graduation, everything changed for her. Suddenly, people approached her left, right, and center, wanting her to work for them. Not because she has much magic, but because she's a genius engineer. She goes from living her quiet life of developing tech, gaming, living in pajamas, and eating junk food, to having people CONSTANTLY wanting to talk to her, and she can't catch a break! It doesn't help she's socially awkward and clumsy, and if not for her ingenuity, people would think her nothing more than an airhead. In her words: "... I was more of a mailbox opossum flailing through life hoping that people wouldn’t take offense at the random shit that spewed out of my mouth too fast for me to catch."

I feel I can relate to Charisma so much - She loves her junk food, particularly pizza. Seemingly loves Pokémon. Can be snarky and vengeful (in fun prank ways). Does not exactly have the grace of a swan (total understatement!)... Yep, she's my spirit 'animal!' 

I'm enjoying reading about her and all of the people she's winning over, especially when they first underestimate her! She's funny, sweet, kind, and comes off mousey until you get to know her or see her in her element!

I definitely recommend this series!! 10/10!

mfree36's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

nemerith's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

abril_parrish's review

DNF because there were too many awkward situations. Not use awkward but more like cringeworthy.

phoenix_rising_4682's review against another edition

3.0

I loves Charisma's character, but super slow reverse harem She doesn't even do anything with two of them. Plot was interesting but didn't quite grab me.

mousegrey's review

3.5

It’s a fun read, mostly. It touches on some stuff that could be emotional, but never dwells or wallows in it- much like our FMC, the story carries us on to more light and entertaining things.

gypsydawn's review

5.0

This book lives up to its name, 'Chaotic'. At first, I really didn't know what was going on, but that notion didn't last long. Within a few chapters, I was fully immersed in Charisma's life - and the incredibly chaotic turn its taken since she graduated.

This is fast, often funny and occasionally brutal. The magic surrounding the narrative is a touch disjointed, though it's clear enough to understand if you consider that the METs they carry (which can look like anything) are basically personalized storage devices preprogrammed with spells hinging on the users talents. At least, that is what I gathered as I read. Honestly, it's a fantastic concept, and really opens up the magical angle to a thousand and five plot points, all aiming at a unique journey that sets this book apart.

As for the characters? I loved them - from the director to the lurking Theo, though Blast was hardly as surprising as I think the author meant him to be. Now that I THINK we know the main faces, I can't wait to see where this goes - especially after that closing scene!

Perspective

First Person, Multiple POV

Ending Type

Cliffhanger

Rating

18+

Steam

I would still consider this a slow burn, though there is a fantastically hot scene with one of the guys.

Romantic Dynamic

MMMMMMF (I think?)

Character Age Range

23+

My Final Verdict on Chaotic

Exciting, unique and fully immersive, Chaotic is the perfect introduction to a promising RH series - one I recommend with no reservation.