Havoc! The untold magic of Cora Bell by Rebecca McRitchie

This book is aptly titled. Characters exist and events happen in a somewhat chaotic enchanted world.

There is a cast of multiple enchanted, magical beings in this story. Not only are they numerous but they all have different names, magical powers and allegiances which are a challenge for the reader to sort out as the story proceeds at a cracking pace. The central character, Cora Bell, is simultaneously escaping from an unspecified past and proceeding on an indeterminate quest. As the story progresses it all becomes clearer but it certainly requires a highly determined and able reader to hold the multiple threads together.

Cora is a determined girl, who has suffered much sadness and loss at the hands of evil magic. She is adaptable and full of grit as she meets each new peril on her quest to find her home and the people who are like her. Cora has two fairy friends (Tick and Tock) who stay loyal throughout the quest. She has to discover her true identity as a Syphon and all that that entails. She has to understand her own and her adopted powers and how to control them. She has to race against time to avoid a possible future as a Havoc as she is progressively overcome by an evil magical spell that has been cast within herself.  Together, they confront all manner of evil characters: vampires, demons, shapeshifters, warlocks, necromancers, witches, and hobgoblins- a whole gamut of fantastical creatures.

The narration is lively, dialogue is snappy and the plot is action packed. This is a very busy fantasy. It's hectic and demanding on the reader. Although threads begin to clarify at the end, for full satisfaction one has to read the sequel.

This book is for accomplished lovers of fantasy, who are capable readers able to follow multiple plot twists and characters.

Wendy Jeffrey