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tani's review
4.0
This one started out shakily for me. I was really excited to dive into it. I love Verity and Dominic and I was looking forward to another adventure with them, but the start of the book did not pull me in like other books in the series have. I am not sure if that was because I'm really not into reality TV, or if it was that the emotional logic behind Verity's decision to participate in the show was a little lacking. Perhaps a bit of both.
However, once I got a bit further into the book, I found myself not caring as much about my distaste for reality TV. It was kind of interesting to get a look at how it might work, although it did also reaffirm my disinterest in actually watching any of it. And as usual, I really enjoy Seanan McGuire's way of writing characters. She has a way of making them unique and memorable that goes beyond just what creature they are. (Although I definitely loved the featured creatures of this one, as always.)
Also, minor spoiler:
Technically, I would say that this may be the weakest book in the series. I struggled with the fourth book in the series, mostly because I just disliked some of the characters, but this one spends a lot of time rehashing what feels like old ground with Verity. Once the mystery kicks up a notch, that didn't bother me at much, and I certainly understand that Verity might still be struggling with the consequences of her choice between dance and cryptozoology, but it just felt a bit forced. I also found myself a bit annoyed with Verity. For someone who's usually quite astute about character, she was remarkably blind to the flaws of her dancing friends, which was frustrating to watch.
Still, I ended up enjoying this one almost as much as the others in the series, and I read the entire second half of the book in what amounted to a single gulp, so clearly the flaws didn't bother me that much. And let me tell you. That ending! It was a doozy, the kind of ending that changes the shape and direction of the rest of the series. I can certainly figure a bit of awkward set-up for that. Because I am now extremely excited for the moment when I can move on the next book in the series and see just what Antimony's going to get up to!
However, once I got a bit further into the book, I found myself not caring as much about my distaste for reality TV. It was kind of interesting to get a look at how it might work, although it did also reaffirm my disinterest in actually watching any of it. And as usual, I really enjoy Seanan McGuire's way of writing characters. She has a way of making them unique and memorable that goes beyond just what creature they are. (Although I definitely loved the featured creatures of this one, as always.)
Also, minor spoiler:
Spoiler
I was so excited to meet Verity's grandmother! She was a very intriguing experience for me, and I really hope that we eventually get more of her story. I'd really love a book that's just about her, chasing after her husband through the dimensions.Technically, I would say that this may be the weakest book in the series. I struggled with the fourth book in the series, mostly because I just disliked some of the characters, but this one spends a lot of time rehashing what feels like old ground with Verity. Once the mystery kicks up a notch, that didn't bother me at much, and I certainly understand that Verity might still be struggling with the consequences of her choice between dance and cryptozoology, but it just felt a bit forced. I also found myself a bit annoyed with Verity. For someone who's usually quite astute about character, she was remarkably blind to the flaws of her dancing friends, which was frustrating to watch.
Still, I ended up enjoying this one almost as much as the others in the series, and I read the entire second half of the book in what amounted to a single gulp, so clearly the flaws didn't bother me that much. And let me tell you. That ending! It was a doozy, the kind of ending that changes the shape and direction of the rest of the series. I can certainly figure a bit of awkward set-up for that. Because I am now extremely excited for the moment when I can move on the next book in the series and see just what Antimony's going to get up to!
malreynolds111's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this installment of the series. the dancing show was so tongue in cheek.
onespaceymother's review
4.0
I'm very happy this series returned to Verity's point of view. It's silly and campy yet thoughtful and the world and lore is masterfully crafted; it's the balance McGuire always seems to hit. This series still takes a backseat to my love of her Toby Daye novels, but Verity Price is absolutely growing on me. I also want to learn more about her sister and see Sarah return.
lisawreading's review
4.0
How can you not love a book that includes both a reality TV dance competition and the summoning of a snake god? The InCryptid series continues, returning to Verity Price as the lead character, as she assumes her false identity as Valerie, competitive ballroom dancer, and gets drawn into the hunt for a killer stalking the dance contestants. It's just as much fun as expected, with danger, drama, and dragons around every corner. This series is crazy and super entertaining, and I can't wait to start #6.
rusticreadingal's review
5.0
Verity Price goes back to her dancing roots in Chaos Choreography when she's given the opportunity to return to the reality show Dance or Die. Everything goes quite well until a couple of her fellow competitors wind up dead. Then it's up to Verity and a few of her friends to figure out what in the world is going on.
Chaos Choreography is full of awesomeness! I mean, come on, how can you not enjoy having Verity back dancing AND on a reality show! It's so much fun and has a really great mystery that had me guessing back and forth on who the bad guy was. Plus, I was super excited when Alice showed up! She's such a riot!
I cannot wait to see what Seanan McGuire has in store for these characters next!
Chaos Choreography is full of awesomeness! I mean, come on, how can you not enjoy having Verity back dancing AND on a reality show! It's so much fun and has a really great mystery that had me guessing back and forth on who the bad guy was. Plus, I was super excited when Alice showed up! She's such a riot!
I cannot wait to see what Seanan McGuire has in store for these characters next!
kitty_whimsical's review
4.0
First of all, note that I read multiple books at the same time, so no, it did not actually take me 11 days, start to finish. I was reading other things. Which sort of speaks for itself.
All in all, a solid entry into the series. Loved the Alice tidbits and cannot wait to read more of her story. The mystery portion of the story was less interesting than the "background" information, such as the story of the ghouls, hidebehinds, and bogeymen in California, for example. It is easy to see that McGuire is very knowledgeable about folklore and the creatures contained therein. That is her love and it is lovingly obvious. Nevertheless, I was in no hurry to finish this volume; it wasn't urgently important to me for the heroine and her sidekicks to figure out what was going on. And once they did figure it out, it kind of came out of nowhere.
Make no mistake, I enjoyed reading this. The 4 stars come from the characters and world building, which were stellar (and worth 5 stars all on their own). The plot rates a 3. Still love this series.
All in all, a solid entry into the series. Loved the Alice tidbits and cannot wait to read more of her story. The mystery portion of the story was less interesting than the "background" information, such as the story of the ghouls, hidebehinds, and bogeymen in California, for example. It is easy to see that McGuire is very knowledgeable about folklore and the creatures contained therein. That is her love and it is lovingly obvious. Nevertheless, I was in no hurry to finish this volume; it wasn't urgently important to me for the heroine and her sidekicks to figure out what was going on. And once they did figure it out, it kind of came out of nowhere.
Make no mistake, I enjoyed reading this. The 4 stars come from the characters and world building, which were stellar (and worth 5 stars all on their own). The plot rates a 3. Still love this series.
carmiendo's review against another edition
4.0
this is a reality television dance show murder mystery with monsters.
maxtrommelen's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
amibunk's review
4.0
This installment in the InCryptid series has Verity Price as the narrator, which made me happy. Don't get me wrong- I like Alex, but I missed Verity's sassy wit and sarcasm. Plus, the Verity books tend to include more scenes with the Aeslin mice who are my absolute favorites.
Something else I enjoyed about this novel is that it's set inside the filming of a reality tv show- much like So You Think You Can Dance. That just created an additional bit of fun for me while reading. We also get to meet Alice Healy who is a blast (sometimes literally.)
Overall, while there are a few plot holes and loose threads, Chaos Choreography was a fun, fast paced read that made me smile while I read it because it just doesn't take itself too seriously.
Something else I enjoyed about this novel is that it's set inside the filming of a reality tv show- much like So You Think You Can Dance. That just created an additional bit of fun for me while reading. We also get to meet Alice Healy who is a blast (sometimes literally.)
Overall, while there are a few plot holes and loose threads, Chaos Choreography was a fun, fast paced read that made me smile while I read it because it just doesn't take itself too seriously.
claire_loves_books's review
3.0
I did enjoy this but not as much as the previous books- it was more predictable and I wasn't interested in the ballroom/reality TV stuff so that really slowed the story down. The supporting characters were fun and interesting but Verity just spends so much time dancing and putting on wigs.