The Chaos Weaver (Threads of Chaos - Book 1) by Aubrey Winters - Review #1

 

Title: The Chaos Weaver

Series: Threads of Chaos - Book 1

Author: Aubrey Winters

Genre: Fantasy 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

There's nothing quite like picking up a new book after a long day and wondering what kind of world the author has created that you'll find yourself immersed in.

This is Everly's world, created by Aubrey Winters, the reader is thrown head first into the average day of our main character and what she has to do to survive on a daily basis, alongside her twin brother Julien. This next scheme isn't quite what it seems at first and before long Everly is whisked away to another world of magic and monsters in an attempt to locate and rescue her brother. Unbeknownst to Everly, upon entering this new world, she has magic that she never knew about and not only is it rare, its chaotic and she can't control it! 

After completing Volume 1, it makes sense that this is spread out over multiple volumes. There is a lot to delve into and Winters knows how to describe a scene in detail, as if you were sat reading in the Royal Library or eating at the Dining Hall. The book immerses you into a new world with new friends and foes to deal with. 

I will say that there were some areas I thought could do with slowing down, pacing wise, as I felt a lot happened in a very short space of time - like the development of feelings towards certain characters seemed rushed, but is this due to Everly's sudden immersion into a world she thought only existed in fairy tales and stories to scare naughty children? - whereas some areas of the book slowed and not much happened. Overall however, it allows you to learn a lot about the realm of Alvyria, the Kingdom & the King himself. Vol 1 has set the scene and allowed the world to be built up in the readers mind.

Aubrey Winters definitely knows how to set up a good read that isn't simply over and done with in a few hundred pages. The writing and perspective its from encourages you as a reader to follow your gut, much like Everly, on who can be trusted and for the right reasons. Some of the people we've met in Vol 1 have definitely come across as loyal and trusting, but where does that loyalty lie? Will these people really help Everly get what she came for or will they just use her to better themselves?

Some of the characters seem genuinely interested in Everly and what they can do to help with her Chaos Weaving ability, whereas there is body language and traits from others that definitely paint them as the self-serving type who only want to climb the hierarchal ladder.

The end of Vol 1 sees Everly slowly growing to be more competent and less naïve when it comes to her powers and how to use them, as well as the people around her. She accepts that "Magic isn't inherently bad, its how you use it" and she may just have something to offer the people around her, if she can get her ability under control. She just needs to find those she can trust, which is difficult for someone like Everly who has only ever relied on herself and her brother.  

This is a predominantly fantasy book with elements of romance thrown in, including some more adult activities. The dollop of mystery added gives the story more life-blood and that despite ending up in a world of magic, it doesn't mean life is any easier for the people who reside there. I would definitely recommend this book to those who read YA/Fantasy novels and encourage them to delve deeper into Everly's story.

Will Everly be able to control her powers? Will Everly be able to find her brother? Will they ever get back home? There are still unanswered questions, but heading into Vol 2, I'm sure they will be satisfied in due time.