Raising Chaos

Earthbound Angels #2

by Elizabeth Corrigan

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 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 Bedlam has no choice but to interpret woefully outdated clues and race her to its ancient resting place.His quest is made nearly impossible by the interference of a persnickety archivist, Keziel—his angelic ex—and a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. The Earthbound Angels Book Oracle of Philadelphia Book Raising Chaos

Genres: Fantasy, Angels, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2014

About the author

Elizabeth Corrigan has degrees in English and psychology and has spent several years working as a data analyst in various branches of the healthcare industry. When she’s not hard at work on her next novel, Elizabeth enjoys singing, reading teen vampire novels, and making Sims of her characters.

She drinks more Diet Coke than is probably optimal for the human body and is pathologically afraid of bees. She lives in Maryland with two cats and a purple Smart Car.

Reviews

[megHan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for my Double Review on her Blog Tour.

In this one, Carrie (Bedlam calls her Khet) has moved on to a new town, a new job and changed her name and, as usual when she's done this throughout the thousands of years she's been alive, she doesn't let her best friend Bedlam know where she's gone, wanting to enjoy the little bit of Bedlam-free time in a new place before he finds her (a game that they play). Even though this one is still centered on Carrie, it's mainly focused on Bedlam and the adventure he sets out on to save Carrie's life.

This book is a lot of fun and I love it as much, if not more, than the first one. You learn a lot more about Bedlam and other characters, PLUS it switches Point of View, which is done very well, as were the flashbacks that gave you more information about the individual characters.

In this book, I especially like the way that they use the Spear of Destiny and all that he has to do to prove that he is worthy. The ending was not at all what I expected when I began this story, but I loved every minute of it.

I really would like to read more about these characters so Elizabeth, if you have more of this story in you, please - PLEASE!?!?! - write it. :)

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Bedlam, the demon of Chaos, has discovered a dastardly plot against his only friend in the world, Khet the Oracle. Azrael has escaped the Abyss and is still a tad peeved that she has been forbidden by Lucifer to collect on an exchange with Khet. So, she decides to get her grubby little demon hands on the Spear of Destiny, the only weapon powerful enough to kill angels, demons and one mortal granted immortality…Khet. Bedlam has to stop Azrael or lose the one person in the whole Universe who loves him. However, Bedlam isn’t exactly known for his powers of concentration. He’s the demon of Chaos, after all. Will he be able to focus long enough to get the job done or is Khet doomed to die?

Ahhhhh! How I love Bedlam. As a character in a book I adore him. As a friend in real life he would drive me totally bonkers. I also love the relationship that Khet and Bedlam share. It’s nice to see such a strong love (though technically Bedlam can’t love Khet) between a man and a woman that doesn’t involve sex. You know what else I love about this book? Ok, there’s a few things, so why don’t I just list them.

1. Bedlam
2. Khet & Bedlam’s relationship
3. the alternating POVs
4. Bedlam’s journey to find the Spear
5. Khet’s attempt, yet again, to help humans
6. Lucifer
7. the ending
8. the humor

Ok, there ya go. I love, love, love the humor especially when it involves Bedlam which is most of the humor in the book. The ending was a complete surprise considering what Bedlam learned about himself on his scavenger hunt to find the Spear. The alternating POVs helped to keep things together in the overall picture. What didn’t I like? Siren. What a whiny self-centered bitch that angel is. Wow. Who knew angels could be worse than reality tv? Keziel is another one that I don’t like and what is up with Michael? That dude has some serious issues though he has a really cool sword.

So, to sum it all up…this is a well-written fast-moving story with a great plot and excellent characters sprinkled with a healthy serving of humor. If you haven’t read this series then what are you waiting for?!

[Carrie (Book Fairy) Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Lines “Losing Gabriel had made me feel as though the sunshine had disappeared from my life”

“It’s our responsibility to protect the humans. It’s what we were made for, and it’s what we swore to do. We don’t get to change our minds.”

“Express a greater faith in humanity,”

“Anyone else would have abandoned me for far less. Hell, everyone else has abandoned me for far less. But she forgives me. Half the time, she doesn’t even get mad.”

“I am not having this conversation with you, either. And you better not have it with her. Or… or… I don’t know what I’ll do, but it will completely ruin my reputation as a peacetime angel.”

Bedlam is well FREAKING AMAZING! Not in the yummy way or the kick ass way but in the he can make you smile anytime! While reading this one I was cracking up! Bedlam literally lives up to chaos, if he isn't causing it he's living it in his mind. It's great!
In this book Bedlam must save Khet (I prefer Carrie even though she's not using that name anymore) Azrael is after Khet because she got a human out of a soul deal and being a demon will go to great lengths to get revenge. She decides the spear of destiny is the perfect tool for her revenge. Will Bedlam save Khet? YOU GOTTA READ IT TO FIND OUT!
In this one we got to know a lot of back stories for certain angels and demon.
We got to see a little into the time when Lucifer led the rebellion. It was a wealth of information into the world this author thrust me and I devoured every page. I can honestly say there is nothing about this book I didn't enjoy! Bedlam got what he had coming and I cheered! (Literally) oh and the ending oh the ending gave me so much to look forward too!! Elizabeth Corrigan is an amazing author that every reader should check out! BRAVO!!!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (Red Adept Publishing)

FIVE CHAOS FAIRIES

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raising Chaos picks up a couple of months after the events of Oracle of Philadelphia. This installment is told from three different POVs: Caela (the Oracle, Carrie), Siren (the angel of honesty) and Bedlam (the chaos demon).

Following the events in Oracle of Philadelphia, Caela has decided a change of scenery is needed. Bedlam, knowing he could find her right away, chooses to give her some time to settle in wherever she's landed. In the meantime, he heads to the Morningstar Haven, a secluded mountain town sanctuary created by Lucifer. While there he overhears something that sets him on a mission to retrieve the Sword of Destiny before the archdemon Azrael. He's uncertain about his worthiness, but he knows Khet's life depends on it. So, he'll do whatever must be done.

I was excited to see book 2 was Bedlam's book because he was my favorite character in the first book. However, once I started, I was a bit disappointed to learn the book was told from several POVs. While the culmination of all three did finally merge at the end, I wasn't drawn to either Caela or Siren's storylines as much as Bedlam's. Siren's angelic stories were interesting, but Caela's attempt to live a somewhat normal human life in a new beach town felt off. I pushed myself to read her chapters when all I really wanted to do was skip over them.

For these reasons, despite my love for all things Bedlam and the highly anticipated third installment, which is hope features Gabriel, I have rated this book 3.5 stars [Bedlam POV: 5✯; Caela POV: 2✯; Siren POV: 3✯].

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for honest review. 'Raising Chaos' is the second book in Corrigan's Earthbound Angels series and this one switches between oracle Carrie, demon Bedlam, and angel Siren.

I enjoyed the switching points of view and particularly liked that this book focused more on Bedlam as he was my favourite character from the first book. I thought the story lines were well crafted and engaging. I wasn't quite as interested in Siren's story but that is probably just because it took time away from Bedlam and Carrie!

This book was well written and entertaining and I enjoyed it even more than the first one. The world building is excellent and makes it easy to get lost in the story. I also like the sense of humour in these books as it breaks up the darker moments. I have to say the ending was brilliant and totally unexpected! I can't wait to see where Corrigan takes these characters next.

Overall this is entertaining, witty, well-built urban fantasy. Highly recommended!

[Kevin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Chaos is a great sequel to Oracle of Philadelphia. We continue to follow the exploits of Carrie and Bedlam, with more time with everybody's favorite chaos demon this time around. As in Oracle, the characters shine here - Carrie is thoughtful and empathetic, Bedlam is hilarious and intense, and we get some great background on him. We also meet Siren, a somewhat discontented angel with an attitude.

The stories were enthralling - especially Bedlam and the Spear of Destiny - and I'm looking forward to future installments in this series!

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie, or Khet as Bedlam calls her, has moved to a new town and change her name without telling Bedlam any of this information. This is something they have done throughout time so Carrie can get a little alone time. But Bedlam hears that Azrael has escaped the Abyss and has her sights set on Khet. Azrael is pissed at Khet and looking to kill her. But the only thing that will kill the oracle is the Spear of Destiny. Bedlam goes on the hunt through old. Obscure clues to find the Spear of Destiny himself so he won’t lose the only person that loves him.

I loved Bedlam from Oracle of Philadelphia and was so excited to see this book was about Khet and him. I love how scattered he is yet how hard he tries to focus to save Khet. But this story is not just from his side. We follow Khet as she is settling into a new town and life. We also follow Siren’s angelic stories. All three stories do come crashing together for a completely unexpected ending.

I really like this series. You have a great modern day treasure hunt with the end result being the possible death of the Oracle. I was kept engrossed as we followed the three stories as they converge. And the ending completely threw me. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Kimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting switch up from the first, which was mostly about Khet and learning about her past and her journey to save a man's soul. In this book we still have her trying to save another life, and wanting to help people, but that's a smaller part of the story. In fact her part of this is almost incongruent against the larger battle between good and evil that is going on elsewhere. Of course, as the description shows, it's mostly about Bedlam and his attempts to protect Khet. We get to see a new side of him, and he grows and is able to gain some insight into himself and his relationship with Khet, which I love for how it's not romantic and yet they're deeply connected to one another in a way they can't even explain. However, Corrigan doesn't just give you this little adventure, she continues to expand the universe. Delving into the past even more to show how the rebellion in heaven was caused, and once more interweaving her world with the stories of the Bible we know so well. This is no slap dash idea, she has made something so real with so many layers that it's a world you can't help but immerse yourself in. All I want to do now is grab the next to see how it'll all turn out.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one else's*

I really enjoyed this book: it was fun and the characters were great. Bedlam made me laugh; he would drive me crazy if he was my friend. I loved the fact that it included various POVs but I wasn't too keen on Siren's story. The ending was great, very unexpected.

Well written with lots of wit and humour to keep you engaged throughout.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the story had a nice pace. Main characters still likable. We follow Bedlam around as he tries to save his friend Khet from getting killed. The story has enough going on to keep my interest.
“I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and was not required to leave a review.”
Thank you for sharing your book with us.

[J.A. Mortimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of an unusual trilogy which I really enjoyed.

[Tricia V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

[Lindsey Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Review Here

I had doubts about the Oracle of Philadelphia because, for a short book, there were some very heavy themes addressed and a little too much about religion for me. I was intrigued about continuing the series though.

Oh my word! I loved Raising Chaos! There is still the battle of good v evil, but it’s not as clear-cut as angels v demons. This time, it is set on Earth, which meant the trials and tribulations the characters go through are more relatable than when they explored the realms of Hell.

The narration is split between Bedlam, Khet and Siren. It is easy to say who is my favourite. Bedlam, despite being a selfish demon, is inherently good and has this aura of naivety and innocence that made me just want to hug him. He’s also hilarious. From the opening chapters, some of his lines had me laughing out loud. I can read some books and not highlight any passages. I had so many of Bedlam’s lines selected that I had no idea which to use!

Khet tries to join the real world again but soon discovers why mixing with crowds tends to lead to awkwardness; seeing people’s souls and hearing their thoughts makes it hard to lead to a normal conversation. She intends to enjoy her new life before Bedlam catches up, though.

Siren is an unpopular angel. This time, the backstory follows her and we learn more about Lucifer’s rebellion. These passages felt slow and didn’t hold my interest. But it explains Siren’s character and what she has gone through. Michael and Gabriel might not have time for her, but she was a flawed character determined to prove herself.

While Khet enjoys sunny beaches and Siren reminisces about the past, Bedlam is on a quest to save Khet from the Spear of Destiny. But the keepers won’t just hand it over: Bedlam must undertake a series of quests, often without the use of his angel powers. His actions and choices add so much to Bedlam’s character; he thinks he is selfish and yet puts himself through it all for his only friend. Ultimately, Bedlam will do whatever it takes to save Khet – how can you not love him?

The split in the three narrations, plus the backstory, means the pacing is on the slow side of steady and tension doesn’t really appear until the very final confrontation. The whole plot takes place over a very limited time, which works as otherwise it would drag. Several couples need a counsellor and being an angel or demon isn’t as clear as everyone believes – as Bedlam discovers at the end!

A thoroughly enjoyable book. I enjoyed it far more than the first and giggled my way through it. The title is also a clever play on events that occur in the book, which I liked. It is the characters, rather than the plot, that makes this book so enjoyable. Impossible to read without cracking a smile at Bedlam’s antics!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received a copy for an honest review.*

See my review of book one, Oracle of Philadelphia, here.
Review contains spoilers if you haven't read book one yet, but no spoilers for book two. )

- - - - - - - - - -

Raising Chaos picks up a little after Oracle left off. Carrie/Khet/Caela (etc) has been taking time out of her existing schedule to actually live some. But, it's not enough, so she takes off for a change in scenery. While she deals with some beach drama, Bedlam is left on his own. So when he hears the demon who owns his only friend's soul, is back and intents to find the one holy item that can kill her, he sets off to find it first.

"Are we bracing ourselves for the task ahead?"
"Hell, no. We're hoping if we wait long enough, it will turn into a nice, flat inclined plane."
"I sure hope we don't get to the top and find an easier way to accomplish this."(Bedlam - with himself.)"

Raising Chaos has three storylines and three point of view characters. Since the first book was really told from our heroine's point of view, I was a little cautious with the change. Especially since one of those point of views is Bedlam's. He's my favorite character, and I was a little hesitant that having him narrate things might make him loose some of his crazy charm. But I was worried for nothing, the author did a nice job with him and with his plotline. In fact, I think it made me love him more, because we get to see more of his true character.

Carrie, now using the name Caela, flees to a beach town for a little relaxation. Still trying to deal with the bargain she made and Gabriel's absence, she knows she only has a little bit of time before Bedlam catches up with her and her life continues on. Her inner compassion shines through once again in this book, as she tries to help several people, which quickly becomes her focus in town. I really liked that about her. Even though this move was for her because she needed it, she immediately jumped right in and started helping an overwhelmed bartender on the first night there. It makes her a greater character, and it really shows the audience why Bedlam needs to succeed.

"I can handle it. And if it seems as if I'm not handling it, ignore me , and keep going." (Bedlam)

Our third narrator is the angel Siren. Siren is a bit of a newcomer to the series. Through her we get to learn more about the past and she has connections to both the angels and the demons. She's also the one charged with finding Bedlam, and stopping him from finding the relic. What could easily be an info dumping role, is quickly proven not to be. The more we learn about Siren herself, the more you want to know until you are emerged in her story just as deeply as you are about the other main characters.

Sequels are always hard books to read. Will they live up to the first one? Will it stand on it's own? Is it worth reading? If not, will it dilute my experience of the first one? This book clearly does not fall into the negative category. Everything I loved about the first one, is in this one. Some of the characters are based off of actual angels and demons, others are purely the author's creation, and yet they all seemed real, unique, and perfect for this series. The plot is just as, if not more entertaining, than the last one. (And, I may have been a happy fangirl during Bedlam's chapters.) This book was just as well written as the first one, and just as worth the read.

If you are a fan or paranormal stories, I recommend this series. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

"Gabs, I'm a millennia-old being of pure chaos. I am not having this conversation with you." (Bedlam)
"You started it!" (Gabriel)
"That's before I knew you were secretly a teenage girl." (Bedlam)

[Marcela (BookaholicCat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raising Chaos is the second book in the Earthbound Angels series by Elizabeth Corrigan.

After events in Oracle of Philadelphia (first book) Khet needs a change in scenery; leaving Philadelphia behind, she decides to rent a beach house.
As always she doesn’t say anything to Bedlam, he knows how to find her and will come to her in couple of days, as he has done for millennia.
Being an oracle makes making friends a lot harder. When you know what the other person is thinking and feeling is difficult not to say anything or intervene in certain situations, especially if that person is in danger, and that’s exactly what happens this time around. Khet meets a girl that is been abused by her boyfriend. People around the girl don’t want to see it, but Khet knows the boyfriend is bad news.
What was supposed to be a time to rest and lay low became another job for Khet.
While this is happening in Khet’s life, Bedlam, the Demon of Chaos, is in race against time to find the Spear of Destiny. Azrael is supposed to know where the Spear is located and wants to use it to kill Khet. Khet is Bedlam’s only friend, for that reason he will do anything in his hands to protect her, even if he has to pass tests designed for angels.

Raising Chaos has a different tone than Oracle of Philadelphia, we see more of Bedlam than Khet and we also meet Siren, the Angel of Truth.

Bedlam can be the Demon of Chaos, but he also has a good heart. He was played by another angel and has suffered the consequences of that day for thousands of years. One of those consequences was losing the love of his life and the only woman (angel) he could ever love, Keziel.
For the last three millennia he has found in Khet a friend and a home. Learning her life was in danger has made him question his priorities in life. This situation has also made him see other things more clearly (sorry I’m vague but I don’t want to give spoilers away) and made him realize that it may be time for a change.

I really love Bedlam, he’s a demon that doesn’t know how to be bad because he has a good heart. He’s mischievous, but caring. Despite his long life as a demon he still has a very innocent side.
I loved his conversation with Keziel at the end of the book, I loved that he finally came to terms with that. I just hope he can find a HEA, hopefully with somebody else that is not Keziel.

Khet wasn’t as strong in this book as she was in first book. She is still the caring, loving and self-sacrificing woman that wants to protect others at any cost.
Khet broke my heart a little bit in this installment. It’s not easy being she, even though she has Bedlam she feels lonely and is pinning for the Angel Gabriel. A relationship she knows is impossible... or isn’t it? We will have to wait and see.

Talking about Gabriel he‘s not much in this installment, but in the few pages he is we learn something that could be a game changer for future books.

As I said before we also meet Siren. Being the Angel of Truth is not easy for her and for others. She can’t lie and others can lie in her presence, for that reason people try to avoid her. If that is not bad and sad enough she is also one of the Angels blamed for the creation and killing of the Nephilim. The guilt of what happened to them and to the other angels involved with the creation of the Naphilim is something that has haunted her all her long life. I felt sorry for her, hopefully she will get her HEA too.

Even though I’m not too crazy about books with a heavy religious factor I enjoyed reading Raising Chaos. The creativity and knowledge of Mrs. Corrigan is palpable in this installment.
Raising Chaos is a highly entertaining book that left me wanting to get my hands in next installment.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the first book in this series, Oracle of Philadelphia, and I think I loved this one even more! For once, I was grateful for my inability to sleep at night because it gave me that much more time to read. I couldn't put it down and was sad when it was over!

The first book centered around both Bedlam and Carrie, who was known to humans as Caela in this story. For much of this book, they weren't together, each on their own personal quests. We got to see a lot more of Caela's personal side, those human parts of her that are hard to reconcile in a normal way. Having personal relationships with normal humans is not always the easiest thing to accomplish when one is immortal and has a chaos demon for a best friend. I think the events of the first book have made her reevaluate her life and she has realized that she needs more than a demon in her life.

We also meet Siren, who I really loved despite her rather cantankerous nature. She is the Angel of Truth, incapable of telling a lie. She is also an angelic lie detector. Tact is not something that she subscribes to, and the image of her mouthing off to her angel superiors is rather hilarious.

But the real star of the book is Bedlam, the unexpectedly adorable and lovable demon who chooses good over evil. His expletives are hilarious, more than once causing me to giggle out loud. He is on a quest to save his best friend after Azrael declare her intent to kill her. The mythology is centered around the Spear of Destiny, a weapon made strong by the blood of God and the only thing that can kill Caela. We see a side of Bedlam that we haven't before. He isn't just the fun-loving demon out for a good time. He is intense and we learn so much about him. But no worries! He is still Bedlam, quips and humor and all!

There are multiple plot lines in this book, each one of which strong enough to be a story of its own. Woven together as they are creates a truly engaging read with lots of twists and turns and suspense. I can't wait for the next book!

Things to love about Raising Chaos...

--Bedlam. He is intense and hilarious, but thoroughly entertaining. He is the most lovable demon you will ever meet!
--Siren. Moody as anything, but hilarious in her own irreverent way.

Things I wanted more or less of...

--More compassion. The plot line with Lacey and Jacob and her friends drove me nuts because her friends weren't more proactive.

Some quotastic goodness...

--I swiped the piece of paper out from under her pen and beheld what appeared to be a shopping list written in cuneiform. “What in Mephistopheles’s tomb is this?” (Loc. 145-146).

--But for someone who got along with everyone, Gabriel could be extremely clueless about other people’s emotions. More oblivious than me, and I had once given Khet a dead puppy. Long story short, no inside joke can survive the giving of a long-deceased canine, and I probably should have known that beforehand. (Loc. 160-163).

--“So I assume there’s a catch. Are we going to come across rabid cobras and blue bee-spitting dire swans?” (Loc. 2737-2738).

My recommendation: Oracle of Philadelphia is definitely needed to grasp the entirety of this book so I recommend that first. But definitely read, read, READ this!

[Yuan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews, visit my blog Obsessive Compulsive Reader

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, 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.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to find humor and attitude when a life hangs in the balance in a desperate race to acquire an ancient relic that holds unlimited power? The answer is YES, if the hero is Bedlam, whose job as a demon is to create chaos in the world everywhere he goes. Book two in the Earthbound Angels series, Raising Chaos Elizabeth Corrigan is fast, furious and alternates between heart-warming and completely irreverent and comical, thanks to Bedlam and his larger than life ego. Khet has disappeared and looking to experience life, but Bedlam, often clueless to the acceptable behavior of humans, feels the loss of his best and only friend and learns that her lie has been threatened by an archdemon, Azreal, who she helped to incarcerate. So begins Bedlam’s journey to find the sword that touched Christ’s blood, the only weapon capable of stopping Azreal. Through pre-ordained tests, he must prove he is worthy of finding this powerful relic. Meanwhile, Khet/Carrie/now calling herself Caela is learning to enjoy the company of humans, trying to re-invent herself, unaware her life is in danger. Will Bedlam, better known for the problems he causes and his rather eclectic tastebuds rise to the occasion and save his only friend or will he die for his efforts?

I loved book one, Oracle of Philadelphia but Elizabeth Corrigan has raised her creative bar and gift for blending different story lines into a blisteringly fast-paced read that will rip every emotion you have from your core! Bedlam is hysterical, his ego takes a slight beating, but what he discovers about himself is priceless! A few hours inside Bedlam’s mind is better than a trip to the world’s best amusement park! Also introduced, and very well fleshed out, is Siren, the angel of Truth, with filters as bad as Bedlam’s she cannot lie, nor can anyone in her presence! Caela’s story is more sedate, serious and balances out this amazing read!

Looking for a series that is a unique standout in a crowd of paranormal tales? Here it is! Not to dark, not too light, it is a wonderful escape into the magic of reading.


I received a copy of Raising Chaos from Elizabeth Corrigan in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Earthbound Angels - Book 2)
Publication Date: February 3, 2014
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC
ISBN-10: 1940215242
ISBN-13: 978-1940215242
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy | Urban Fantasy
Number of Pages: 303
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Melissa Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** Review Originally Posted at:
Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict ****

When I was asked to review "Raising Chaos" by Elizabeth Corrigan, I was excited. I had already read her first book in the "Earthbound Angels" series, "Oracle of Philadelphia" and loved it, and was excited for more. The first book had me hooked with all of its mythos and biblical tie-ins, and "Raising Chaos" did a great job of keeping me interested. The second book in this series definitely did not let me down, and I couldn't be happier for it.

The one big change that happened in "Raising Chaos" is that, unlike its predecessor, it is told from multiple perspectives. We are given the story from Caela (who we knew as Carrie, the main protagonist in "Oracle of Philadelphia"), Bedlam the chaos demon, and the angel, Siren. While we know Caela and Bedlam from the first book, Siren is a new addition and we get a lot of the angels' back story through some flashbacks in her chapters.
I loved Bedlam in book one and I was happy to see that I was going to get some story from his point of view. While he was mostly used for comic relief before, now he's the driving force of the story. Even though at times it seems to be confusing to be in Bedlam's head with all of his voices (although he wouldn't be the demon of chaos if it wasn't), his chapters were interesting as he went on a quest in order to save his best friend.

There isn't a lot of overlap with the characters that we got to know during the first book, but instead, they are all on their own journeys. Caela has gotten out of Philadelphia and is trying to branch out, Bedlam is on his mission, and Gabriel is still up in Heaven. We still get a lot from Caela and Bedlam, but since Gabriel is not with either, we don't see him much in "Raising Chaos.” The reader gets a few glimpses of him in some of Siren's chapters since she is in and out of Heaven, and he's of course mentioned in Caela's chapters, but there's nowhere near as much characterization for him as there was in "Oracle.”

Even though Caela, Bedlam, and Siren are on different paths and places in the world, their stories are still all interwoven with each other. Everything clashes and comes together at the end, and the reader is stuck at the edge of their seat, waiting to see what all is going to happen. Like any book in a series, the main problems of the "Raising Chaos" story are solved, but there is also room for the next book that will come in the series.

Do I recommend "Raising Chaos?” I don't only recommend it, but also the whole "Earthbound Angels" series. Even if you don't know much about biblical lore, Corrigan does a great job explaining which angels are in charge of what, and gives you all the back story you need in order to figure out everyone's relationships and their impact on history. Seriously, check this series out.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I liked Raising Chaos even better than I liked Oracle of Philadelphia! That bodes very well for this series, that the books keep improving. One thing that took Raising Chaos up a notch is the alternating point of views. In this book, we get to go inside Bedlam's head! I know: scary, right? lol It's not quite as chaotic as you might expect, and we find out just how sweet Bedlam's heart is. He really does always have the best of intentions for his friends.

So in Raising Chaos Khet/Carrie/Caela has moved on from Philadelphia and is now in North Carolina, at the beach. And guess what? I live in North Carolina! I love when book settings match (or nearly match) my own life. Caela (that's how she introduces herself at the beginning of the book, so that's the nomenclature I'll use in this review) arrives at the beach and nearly immediately lands herself a job waiting tables at a bar. She also makes some new friends pretty quickly... but one of them is in trouble. Caela is faced with a dilemma. How involved should she get? Can she get involved and help this girl without revealing her gift as Oracle? This is P.O.V. #1. We get to know Caela a little bit better, but I can't really say that this story line advances the overall plot of the Earthbound Angels series very much. Still very good and still necessary, but Bedlam's plot line is where the action's at. I'll get to that in a minute.

The 2nd P.O.V. is a new character, Siren. Siren is an angel who can never ever tell a lie. Through Siren we get to know a little bit more angelology (I might have just made up that word; I'm trying to say "history of angels and demons"). I found myself referring back to the list of angels and demons at the beginning of the book a few times during the Siren chapters, but it's not too bad. And definitely worth the effort to understand. It's just quite a few new names appear during Siren's early chapters, but you'll need to pay attention because you'll want to know this back story.

The 3rd P.O.V is Bedlam!!! I'm so excited about this. In Raising Chaos, Bedlam overhears Azrael plotting to get the Spear of Destiny and use it to kill Caela once and for all. Bedlam immediately springs into action and goes on a quest to reach the Spear first and keep it from Azrael. He might not be able to fall in romantic love with Caela, but he totally loves her as a friend! I love his loyalty and commitment as he takes on this huge goal of getting to the Spear to save his bestie.

I really, really, really want to gush on and on about the ending to Raising Chaos because it's AWESOME and INCREDIBLE and I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING and I WANT TO CELEBRATE but I also don't want to give away any spoilers. :)

[Nucking Futs the Fire Fairy Book-a-holic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted in http://bookaholicfairies.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Raising Chaos is the 2nd book of Elizabeth Corrigan's Earthbound Angels Series. The book picks off a few months later where the first book, Oracle of Philadelphia, ended. Khet left for a new place and Bedlam goes to Haven to spend time before finding Khet. In the haven he overhears Azrael's plans for vengeance and she plans on killing Khet using the Spear of Destiny. It's now up to Bedlam to prevent Azrael from completing her plans, by getting the spear first.

Unlike the first book, where the whole story is in Carrie's (Khet's) POV, Raising Chaos shifts in three POVs: Khet's, Bedlam's, Siren's. Siren is a new character in the series and I have to say that I love her. She's sassy, brave, and she stands up for what is right. In this book, we look deeper in the angels' history through Siren's eyes. We see demons before the rebellion and what prompted them to do what they did.

Even though I liked both Khet and Siren, my favorite character is still Bedlam. He's so funny and loyal. Who wouldn't love a demon who can hum Rihanna's S&M? I love how he talks to himself. It was just so funny reading about him having an argument with himself.

Like in the first book, I was again blown away by the author's imagination. She is indeed a master storyteller. The book kept me waiting for surprises throughout the story. I especially love the different version of biblical stories in the book. Plus, Bedlam's Keeper tests were really entertaining. I loved how Bedlam passed those tests. He was so funny and charming!

Plot-wise, I really love this book. I love how the author shows the angels here being subjected to human flaws and emotions. The story is so riveting. The three POVs will make you feel like you're reading three different stories: because they aren't really connected with each other. But I love how they shift and they're really entertaining.

My favorite parts of this book are the last chapters. The ending was unexpected. I was ecstatic about what happened to Bedlam. I think he totally deserved it since he's not really a bad demon. And the last chapter blew me away. This is not romance but the author had added enough of romance in the end that makes me want to read the next book ASAP. Will there be a HEA for Khet after all? I guess we'll have to wait for the 3rd book to find out.

I'm giving this a solid 5 fairy wings. I would've given it 6 fairy wings if I can. I want to recommend this book to everyone. Actually, I wish EVERYONE will read the series. It's very fascinating and the author did a very wonderful job when she wrote this book.

[Chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover

Love the cover for this one. It doesn't make sense until the end of the book but it's pretty cool.

Initial Thoughts

So, the author of this book read my last review and saw that I loved Bedlam. She told me before I read this one that he was in this book a lot. I was really excited to start this book after that. I was even more excited when I started reading and it was in Bedlam's point of view. How awesome! Usually I hate when an author will switch views, but it really worked in this book. I was happily surprised.

My New BFF

Khet is probably still one of my favourites. She's just a really strong female lead and she's not annoying. That's a HUGE bonus. Too many female leads are annoying these days. Plus she's just a very entertaining character. I love that she has to help everyone and that she succeeds in helping. She takes things into her own hands and deals with them. I love it.

My Crush

How much do I love Bedlam? Quite a bit actually. He's sarcastic all the time, which I love and he's just hilarious. I love that he's a demon but he acts more like an angel. It's not his fault he loves chaos. That's what he does. He's probably one of the most entertaining characters I've read about. I like that he's different from the male leads too. Usually the male lead is the very attractive but smart guy who has all the ladies and eventually the main character. Not in this book. Everything about this book is different.

Writing Style

I really enjoy Elizabeth's writing style. It's entertaining and to the point. A little too short though. I wish this book had a little more meat in it.

Closing Thoughts

This book was a lot of fun. It was basically one big adventure. You learn a lot more about the characters, who happen to be very interesting. I like how some of the angels are mean and some of the demons are nice. It was a nice change of pace. I really enjoy Lucifer and I hate Michael. Isn't that weird? I also really enjoy the relationships that Khet has. Khet and Bedlam and then Khet and Gabriel. The relationships are both so different but I don't know how either of them are going to end up. It's a mystery!

This was definitely a fast paced book, but a little too short. The plot was fantastic. Bedlam's adventure was especially fun. I loved how he had little mini challenges in order to get the sword. That was really clever. I didn't realize just how smart he was. Khet's part was also entertaining. It was a little more intense though because she had some hard stuff to deal with. It was like Bedlam was the fun one and Khet was the serious one. It was a good mixture though.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on The Canon! {http://canireadeverything.blogspot.co...}

In case you missed the first book, Oracle of Philadelphia, in the series...
from GoodReads:

Carrie works at a diner in South Philadelphia, dispensing advice to humans and angels wise enough to seek her counsel. But there are some problems that even the best advice can’t solve.

Her latest supplicant, Sebastian, is unique among those who have sought her aid. He sold his soul to a demon in exchange for his sister’s life, but his heart remains pure.

Carrie has lived for millennia with the knowledge that her immortality is due to the suffering of others, and she cannot bear to see another good man damned when it is within her power to prevent it.

In order to renegotiate his contract, Carrie must travel into the depths of hell and parley with the demons that control its pathways. As the cost of her journey rises, Carrie must determine how much she is willing to sacrifice to save one good soul.

I loved the first book in the Earthbound Angels series, but Raising Chaos didn't hold the same oomph for me. The story picks up a little after the first books leaves off, but employs a completely different narrative style. The narration rotates between three different stories that don't completely merge until the end, a plot element that made it hard for me to follow along.

The three stories were interesting, separately, but there wasn't a strong enough connective thread to keep me engaged in reading all three stories. The Siren's story told the history of the angels, Caela (Carrie's new name) tries to live the life of a human in a beach town, and Bedlam's heroic journey just didn't...jive. (Sorry. That was the only word that came to mind.) Bedlamn's heroic journey was by far my favorite story in Raising Chaos - his reputation and mindset of being a bit chaotic was reimagined as he narrated his quest to save his friend.

Out of the entire cast of characters, Bedlam rose to the top. His character development was the most pronounced and most engaging to read. I found myself looking forward to his narration more than Siren or Caela, although Siren's drunk stories were plenty entertaining.

The Rating
THREE STARS




Why?


It was hard to follow all of the stories, bringing the rating down a little
Angelic history was interesting, but sometimes it felt like I was being told, not shown.
On the plus side, the scene before the last was AMAZING! Yes. It deserves caps.
Recommended for...

Fantasy lovers and those who loved Oracle of Philadelphia.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.” Bedlam was by far my favorite character in Oracle of Philadelphia and I was excited to learn that he would have his own book. This story has several plots that weave back and forth in time with some interesting history, new characters, and adds more depth to characters we have met before.

Ms. Corrigan uses differing points of view, which are divided into chapters, to shift from one scene to another keeping the suspense heightened between story threads. One new character was Siren, the Angel of Truth, who ends up being quite entertaining. Not only does she have to speak the truth, others around her must speak the truth as well. They can not lie when in her presence. Siren could end up being another favorite character of mine, solely because of her inner dialogue. Bedlam's inner dialogue is totally unique as we get to listen to his good side argue with his demon self throughout his tests of worthiness by the Keepers of the Spear of Destiny, it was pure gold.

This is a complex tale that requires a lot of attention to details. If you read through quickly you will find yourself wanting to go back and reread sections. I wouldn't consider this a light beach read. But if you want to be pulled into a unique story with depth this is a good one for that. The pace is fast, but readers are given time to take a few breaths when the story switches to Carrie, who is vacationing on an east coast beach. She also has her own story within this book. So there is a lot going on throughout.

The ending was amazing, after I got past the gut wrenching scene where I thought I might have to throw my Kindle against the wall. By the way, I have never thrown a book but I could feel the need rising. I could not have been more satisfied and I didn't see it coming! Heaven is going to be turned on its ear and I can't wait to see who the next book is about or where the story may lead.

FYI: This is the second book in the Earthbound Angels series. Ms. Corrigan did an excellent job filling us in on the facts we needed to know for this story, it could be read as a stand-alone, although, I highly recommend reading Oracle of Philadelphia.

Format/Typo Issues: I found no significant issues with editing or formatting.


**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** April 11, 2014

[Lissette · Rating 4 out of 5]

For as long as he can remember, Bedlam has loved the one who may never be able to reciprocate that love--the beautiful and enigmatic Khet. Khet is everything he wants in a woman. So much so, that he'll do anything to gain her attention. While she may not feel the same way about him, she does everything possible to give him the time and attention he deserves. Deep inside, he wishes things could be different between them, but for the time being, he'll make do with what he's got.

When the lovely Khet goes missing, Bedlam soon realizes that things are not what they seem. To make things worse, Azrael is back, and seeking to wreak havoc on those who have done her wrong. In Khet's case, it means she's at the forefront of Azrael's tirade. If he's to succeed in undermining Azrael's plans, he'll need to resort to unexpected measures. The question is, how can he do that when he's not exactly sure what she's up to in the first place?

Determined to make good on his own plans, Bedlam turns to the most unlikeliest sources. He knows that help from the other side won't come easy, but at this point, he doesn't really care. He needs to know Khet's exact whereabouts if he's to intercept the chaos that's heading her way.

As the events set into motion start to unfold, Bedlam comes to the realization that there is more at stake than he knew. Azrael's sordid plans include a legendary object many believe does not exist. If he's to succeed in achieving an end to his means, he'll need to prove himself worthy in every way possible. Deep inside, he knows he can do it. It's just going to take a whole lot of gumption as well as resorting to things he normally doesn't do. For Khet's sake, he knows it's worth the pain and effort, if only to keep her out of harm's way, once and for all.

I absolutely loved this second book in this series. It was lovely learning more about Khet through Bedlam's eyes. It's also refreshing to see the war between good and evil depicted in a totally unique way. While most apocalyptic books keep God at the forefront, in this series, Heaven and Hell are moved by the angels and demons themselves. Granted, God does give them orders, but He sort of does from the shadows, so to speak. I'm definitely looking forward to what else Elizabeth has in store for this delightful series. You've got me hooked!

[Echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh. . .this is a really fun series. Bedlam and Khet are back!!! When I found out that Bedlam would be one of the points of view of this book, I was so excited to read it. I loved him in the previous book and now after reading Raising Chaos, I love him even more.

After the events of the previous book, Carrie/Khet is ready to move on to another place. When she up and moves to another town and gets a job working at a bar, she of course stumbles onto those that need help. Meanwhile, Bedlam finds out that Azrael is free and looking for the Spear of Destiny so that she can kill Khet. Of course Bedlam freaks and decides that he has to get the Spear first in order to protect Khet. And off they go in different directions as Carrie/Khet gets involved in a domestic dispute and Bedlam works through the tests on the path to the Spear.

The writing is of course amazing. Some of the most well done Fantasy that I've read in awhile. It's also pretty awesome that their were three different points of view, Carrie/Khet, Bedlam, and Siren, an angel with a uniquely powerful gift. As they each go along, there is soooo much to learn, and again Elizabeth Corrigan plays with familiar biblical stories and tweaks them just so, that I was literally grinning and gasping when it came together.

All of these characters are interesting, every single one of them. From the demons to the angels, to Carrie/Khet herself, a human with extraordinary gifts and given immortality by Lucifer. But I have to say that Bedlam is my absolute most favorite character of this series, and I honestly don't see that changing as the series goes along. I really hope that his point of view is continued to be used in any books to come.

By the time I reached the last page of Raising Chaos, I had only one thought - more please! This is fantastically written, wonderfully thought out Fantasy fiction. The characters, the relationships, the history, the storyline - it's all awesome. If you enjoy the Fantasy genre than this is definitely a series to check out.

Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raising chaos by Elizabeth Corrigan is a sci-fi and fantasy and general fiction (adult) read.
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.
This was a good read with good characters. I loved the story. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

[Kelly Smith Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Elizabeth Corrigan's Raising Chaos (the sequel to The Oracle of Philadelphia), we find Khet (Cassie, Cassia, Cain, Caela, etc.), Bedlam and the whole host of Heaven and Hell about to pay for what Khet did at the end of Oracle.

Azrael, the archdemon Khet had Lucifer put away in the Abyss, is back, thanks to the help of Mephistopolies, and she's vowed revenge against Khet.
She's going to find the Spear of Destiny, the blade that pierced Christ at the Crucifixion and is the only thing that can kill the immortal Oracle.
But Bedlam is on a quest to get to it first and save his best friend who has no idea what's happening. But can a visit from his true love Keziel throw everything off-course when the angel Siren gets word of the plan?
Khet, meanwhile, is in Coventry, trying to make another new life for herself, but will her efforts to help actually hurt others instead?

Let me say this: I LOVED this book! I read slowly on ereaders for some reason, and I got through this book in two days. The characters are not just characters, they become your friends. Bedlam, especially, is one of the most lovable fictional creations, and he's the angel (well...demon) of chaos!
Siren was a relatable character for me, wanting what's right but feeling like it's not enough and blaming herself for what happened to the nephilim.

This book is a must-read for everyone, as long as you can deal with the fictionalized versions of angels and demons without getting religiously offended.
Ms. Corrigan took real things (yes, I believe in God and angels) and twisted them to her own fantastical whims to make Raising Chaos.

Excellent work. If I could give this a rating higher than 5, I would! It's honestly one ofthe best novels I've read since Stephen King's The Stand! My biggest issue is how can readers possibly wait any extended amount of time for the next book!?

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bedlam is a chaos demon. He is also best friends with Khet; an immortal oracle. Bedlam has learnt that an arch demon has escaped the Abyss and is hell bent on vengeance against Khet. Why Khet? Because Khet was the one who sent her there. But Bedlam won't sit by and watch it happen.

The arch demon; Azrael, claims to know where "the mythical Spear of Destiny" currently is. The Spear of Destiny is the only relic that possess the power to kill Khet. Bedlam has no choice but to work out the clues and try to beat Azrael to the Spear.

However someone else is trying to stop the Spear from ending up in the wrong hands. But Bedlam won't give up without a fight. Can Bedlam save Khet?

I loved how this book gives more information about Bedlam. Its not all him though, there are other characters too. This book also shows some of the time that Lucifer spent leading the rebellion. These back stories are once again told in the style of flashbacks.

I have enjoyed reading Raising Chaos, I thought I was very well thought out and well written. The use of multiple POV's worked well too and didn't cause confusion. Elizabeth has done a fantastic job of creating a world that sucks you in and leaves you there right alongside the characters. The characters have all grown and are showing who they are more and more.

The darkness in the book is broken up by splashes of humor which keeps the story balanced. The ending caught me off guard and wasn't what I was expecting; which was in no way a bad thing! I'm intrigued to see just what Elizabeth has in store for these lovable characters next.

I really enjoyed this book and give Raising Chaos a 4* rating.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time Carrie (Khet) is in trouble from a vengeful, wronged demon and Bedlam is frantic to save his dear friend, in spite of contending with the many distractions and attempts to sabotage his efforts. Once again, the supernatural host must scramble to protect its human charges in spite of misinformation and shaky alliances. This book has grabbed me just like the first one did. Bedlam was a favorite of mine from the first book, The Oracle of Philadelphia, and he plays a prominent role in this book, too. Another character that I really liked getting to know in this book is Siren. The author’s imagination knows no bounds as she twists biblical stories and myths together in refreshing, zany ways.

This is a smoothly told story that indirectly caused me to think about those important to me and how far I would go to protect them. It is a story of deep friendship and knowing that some things are worth any sacrifice. I read fantasy for the adventure and fun; preferring usually not to get too immersed in any deeper considerations. I loved that this book engaged my imagination against backdrops of other-worldly places and exotic or remote locations on right here on Earth. Perhaps because the characters have all evolved in my mind substantially, I enjoyed this book even more than the first one.

This book was provided to me without charge in exchange for my honest review.

Reviewed by Laurie-J