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The Xenthian Cycle #1
Chaos Calling: Book I of The Xenthian Cycle
What if you were on stand-by for the end of the world–and you didn’t know?
Anna Lin is done with crying. Her mother has died and her father’s refusing to deal with, well, anything. Her brother Jason, an emergency physician in Vancouver, has long since checked out.
Meanwhile, caring for her mother’s decline and sorting out her estate has iced Anna’s realty career. The bills are piling up. The kids are out of school for the summer. And her husband, Malcolm, is running out of patience.
Beyond frustration, Anna hears raccoons in her Toronto garage late one night. But no neighbourhood pest awaits her.
For the first time in two millennia, mysterious creatures have returned to our world to hunt us. As the strange attacks increase, Anna realizes that she, Jason, and Dave LaRoque Montcalm, a recovering startup CEO and their childhood best friend, hold the keys to defending their city and the world—if she can convince them to join her.
Anna Lin is done with crying. Her mother has died and her father’s refusing to deal with, well, anything. Her brother Jason, an emergency physician in Vancouver, has long since checked out.
Meanwhile, caring for her mother’s decline and sorting out her estate has iced Anna’s realty career. The bills are piling up. The kids are out of school for the summer. And her husband, Malcolm, is running out of patience.
Beyond frustration, Anna hears raccoons in her Toronto garage late one night. But no neighbourhood pest awaits her.
For the first time in two millennia, mysterious creatures have returned to our world to hunt us. As the strange attacks increase, Anna realizes that she, Jason, and Dave LaRoque Montcalm, a recovering startup CEO and their childhood best friend, hold the keys to defending their city and the world—if she can convince them to join her.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2022
7 people are currently reading
5067 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Williams
2 books101 followersBorn in Northern Ontario, E. M. Williams has written all her life. Chaos Calling: Book I of The Xenthian Cycle is her first published novel.
In 2012, she gave a TedxTalk on women, superheroes and power. Originally intended to make her past scholarship work more accessible to a wider audience, it inadvertently supercharged her writing.
E. M. Williams is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada and the Canadian Science Fiction & Fantasy Association. She currently lives with her family in Toronto, where she works in the technology sector.
How my book ratings work
5 star:
This book's quality & my subjective reality perfectly align! I loved it!
4 star:
This book's concept/quality/writing are excellent. It's not currently a five-star read in my sliding doors reality; if my reading circumstances or life were slightly different, it absolutely could be. Reading preferences are also completely subjective, so you might love it!
3 star:
A good time! You might have an even better one.
1-2 star:
I don't review books that don't work for me.
No rating:
I read this book too long ago to accurately remember my experience.
In 2012, she gave a TedxTalk on women, superheroes and power. Originally intended to make her past scholarship work more accessible to a wider audience, it inadvertently supercharged her writing.
E. M. Williams is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada and the Canadian Science Fiction & Fantasy Association. She currently lives with her family in Toronto, where she works in the technology sector.
How my book ratings work
5 star:
This book's quality & my subjective reality perfectly align! I loved it!
4 star:
This book's concept/quality/writing are excellent. It's not currently a five-star read in my sliding doors reality; if my reading circumstances or life were slightly different, it absolutely could be. Reading preferences are also completely subjective, so you might love it!
3 star:
A good time! You might have an even better one.
1-2 star:
I don't review books that don't work for me.
No rating:
I read this book too long ago to accurately remember my experience.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 18, 2023
Chaos Calling is the story of siblings/childhood friends who do not know they're on deck for the end of the world, and about what happens when the penny finally drops.
It's about nostalgia for the important moments in your teens (especially when they didn't make sense), the different ways individuals react to the same circumstances and about what happens when you get everything you've ever longed for in the worst way possible.
It's also a love letter to families, mothers/parenting, startup life, and Toronto, although we spend some time in Vancouver and Sudbury, too.
I wrote what I wanted to read, and I love the story. Your mileage may vary, but I hope you enjoy it.
It's about nostalgia for the important moments in your teens (especially when they didn't make sense), the different ways individuals react to the same circumstances and about what happens when you get everything you've ever longed for in the worst way possible.
It's also a love letter to families, mothers/parenting, startup life, and Toronto, although we spend some time in Vancouver and Sudbury, too.
I wrote what I wanted to read, and I love the story. Your mileage may vary, but I hope you enjoy it.
June 2, 2022
I love all the action scenes! The skyworms kind of reminds me of that scene in Avenger, which is fitting because reading this book felt like watching action sci-fi/fantasy movie. It was a rollercoaster ride and I enjoyed it a lot! I also love the character dynamics and how they progressed throughout the book. Love the magic system and different colors of Xhen magic.
The writing style is easy to follow and that was great! It pushed me to keep going forward despite the little setback. The only little setback is I wish we have more explanation or lore/backstory to explain Xenthians legend, Kalos origin, the enemy/sentient who sent out skyworms, and more so we can have clearer grasp on where this story is going. Like what's the super big goal in the end?
The writing style is easy to follow and that was great! It pushed me to keep going forward despite the little setback. The only little setback is I wish we have more explanation or lore/backstory to explain Xenthians legend, Kalos origin, the enemy/sentient who sent out skyworms, and more so we can have clearer grasp on where this story is going. Like what's the super big goal in the end?
November 30, 2022
Nothing makes me fall in love with a book more than it being set in my city, full of secrets and details only Torontonians can truly appreciate. This book felt like home.
Though, another version of home, given the fact that in William's well crafted world, my city is overrun by invading aliens called skyworms. Seriously, is there anything more terrifying than tentacles? No. No there isn't. And the way Williams describes them is chilling. Made my skin crawl.
I appreciated that we were thrust right into the lore of the world -- we weren't following a traditional awakening, or a new discovery of some form of energy. It's new to us, but the characters are familiar with it and that gives a refreshing introduction. The book is action packed, but also delves deep into family bonds and Indigenous culture, all of which strongly represent the city the story takes place in.
The story felt fresh, the writing was strong and easy to follow, even when getting into some of the heavier details of the skyworms and Xhen. If you're looking for a sci-fi adventure, this is well worth the read.
Though, another version of home, given the fact that in William's well crafted world, my city is overrun by invading aliens called skyworms. Seriously, is there anything more terrifying than tentacles? No. No there isn't. And the way Williams describes them is chilling. Made my skin crawl.
I appreciated that we were thrust right into the lore of the world -- we weren't following a traditional awakening, or a new discovery of some form of energy. It's new to us, but the characters are familiar with it and that gives a refreshing introduction. The book is action packed, but also delves deep into family bonds and Indigenous culture, all of which strongly represent the city the story takes place in.
The story felt fresh, the writing was strong and easy to follow, even when getting into some of the heavier details of the skyworms and Xhen. If you're looking for a sci-fi adventure, this is well worth the read.
August 25, 2022
I loved this one! A fav read for 2022 (and the book that helped me finish my reading challenge). I'm not normally one to reach for a sci-fi book--although I love fantasy and Chaos Calling felt like a beautiful blending of the two. The characters came alive for me, the story felt action packed, and I loved that it was set in Toronto. I found myself thinking about the book and characters during the day and that's how I knew was hooked.
It definitely left me wanting more and I can't wait for the next one.
It definitely left me wanting more and I can't wait for the next one.
October 18, 2022
I loved this book! From the very beginning I was drawn right in to the main characters and each of their unique jourmeys and struggles. The fantasy elements of the story as well as the action sequences had me hooked, and kept me wanting more (even though it's a genre I'm not super familiar with). The lyrical writing style, character subtleties and dialogue especially is beautifully done and such a pleasure to read. Having also grown up in Toronto, it was also so much fun to re-experience so many familiar neighbourhoods and landmarks. Can't wait to read the 2nd book in the series!
May 28, 2023
This book had me within 20 pages. I loved every character, for their strengths, for their weaknesses.. and as someone living in Toronto, this book had me thinking “are we positively sure that aliens won’t come to fight us? Like.. for real?”
Also, the little details like calling it the Sky Dome instead of Rogers centre, and talking about the judgey grandmas on Dovercourt (we call them Avós) had me howling.
This book was perfect in every way.
*chefs kiss*
Also, the little details like calling it the Sky Dome instead of Rogers centre, and talking about the judgey grandmas on Dovercourt (we call them Avós) had me howling.
This book was perfect in every way.
*chefs kiss*
July 22, 2022
Didn’t want to put it down
It did take me a few chapters to get into it. But once I was a few chapters in, I didn’t want to stop reading it. I’m hooked now and can’t wait for the next book to come out!
It did take me a few chapters to get into it. But once I was a few chapters in, I didn’t want to stop reading it. I’m hooked now and can’t wait for the next book to come out!
August 16, 2022
Couldn’t put it down! E, really impressed with your debut novel and can’t wait to read volume II.
February 19, 2024
Great read, full off action in the middle of a great city.
October 14, 2025
This is the first book I've read and not listened to in a long time and I'm glad I did.
E. M. Williams's writing is on par with great action sci-fi writers like Michael Crichton, namely with how she tells such a fun and intelligent story over the course of only a few days. I adore the inclusion of several different characters and their perspectives as they encounter a world ending disaster on par with action classics like "War of the Worlds" or "Independence Day". I particularly appreciate how each of her characters are all unique and clever individuals who are all professionals in their own fields. My favorite parts are how she manages to make a decade old marriage romantic due to how well she writes her characters and their relationships.
Also, on par with Michael Crichton, is how she describes the magic and fantastical goings-on in an academic and scientific, but non-boring way. This book has inspired me to add more scientific detail to my own fantasy book I'm working on.
I am very excited to see how the story progresses in "Chaos Armour".
Please ignore the date started and the date finished, I am a busy mom who works full time :P
E. M. Williams's writing is on par with great action sci-fi writers like Michael Crichton, namely with how she tells such a fun and intelligent story over the course of only a few days. I adore the inclusion of several different characters and their perspectives as they encounter a world ending disaster on par with action classics like "War of the Worlds" or "Independence Day". I particularly appreciate how each of her characters are all unique and clever individuals who are all professionals in their own fields. My favorite parts are how she manages to make a decade old marriage romantic due to how well she writes her characters and their relationships.
Also, on par with Michael Crichton, is how she describes the magic and fantastical goings-on in an academic and scientific, but non-boring way. This book has inspired me to add more scientific detail to my own fantasy book I'm working on.
I am very excited to see how the story progresses in "Chaos Armour".
Please ignore the date started and the date finished, I am a busy mom who works full time :P
May 18, 2023
NOTE: I won this book due to a a GoodReads Giveaway. I did not receive any compensation for this review (Unless a fun size box of those delicious mythical Canadian Smarties I have heard so much about counts...I mean, they *were* tasty)
At first, I was unsure how much I would like it - it was a bit slow, but there was some potential. A few chapters in and it went from 0 to 60 and I was *hooked* - the action was good, I liked the overall mythos and I found the characters interesting as all of them felt like unique people. After I was finished, I checked to see if the second book was out yet and I saw that this book only has 28 ratings/15 reviews here? How the hell is this book not well known! It was a great outing by a first time author and I need the sequel now!
(Oh, and E.M. Williams sent me a lovely postcard with the book, she seems like a lovely lady!)
At first, I was unsure how much I would like it - it was a bit slow, but there was some potential. A few chapters in and it went from 0 to 60 and I was *hooked* - the action was good, I liked the overall mythos and I found the characters interesting as all of them felt like unique people. After I was finished, I checked to see if the second book was out yet and I saw that this book only has 28 ratings/15 reviews here? How the hell is this book not well known! It was a great outing by a first time author and I need the sequel now!
(Oh, and E.M. Williams sent me a lovely postcard with the book, she seems like a lovely lady!)
June 24, 2022
I found the first few pages of this book hard to follow but I am extremely glad I persevered. It rapidly becomes a gripping alien invasion, superhero story in the best traditions of the comic books I love. Multidimensional creatures, superpowered heroes, triumph and tragedy combine with an emotional under story of sibling and family struggles. Excellent intense battles, graphic combat sequences all well written and described make this book a real page turner. I will definitely be reading more in this series. The first in the series there are lots of unanswered questions and unresolved issues for the next books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed Chaos Calling! There's something magical about reading a novel set in a place you know really well. In this case, Toronto. There was a certain kind of joy in seeing the characters navigate landmarks and neighbourhoods I know well. If you have ever lived in Toronto, then you know that feeling of spotting the city in movies as it stands in for New York or Chicago. But in this case, the city gets a starring role.
I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I can see myself picking up more contemporary fantasy after reading Chaos Calling. The characters feel very real and familiar to me, which grounds the more fantastical elements and action scenes. I'm looking forward to book two!
I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I can see myself picking up more contemporary fantasy after reading Chaos Calling. The characters feel very real and familiar to me, which grounds the more fantastical elements and action scenes. I'm looking forward to book two!
June 21, 2022
Anna Lin’s world is crashing down all around her. Her mother died, her father has distanced himself, her children are home for the summer and her husband isn’t empathetic to her strife. Besides all the chaos that she is experiencing, an ancient evil comes busting into her life. She joins forces with her brother and a friend to fight this evil.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2023
It is so rare to find a book set in Toronto and that's truly what lead me in at first. I like fantasy, not so much monsters more witches, vampires, fae and werewolves. This was like nothing I have read before, I couldn't put it down. I love the use of the different characters perspectives to carry the story. Would highly recommend!
August 9, 2022
This book is awesome. Original, exciting, intriguing.
I love the Toronto setting. The action is so well written. I care about the characters and need to know what’s going to happen next! When is book 2 coming out?!
I love the Toronto setting. The action is so well written. I care about the characters and need to know what’s going to happen next! When is book 2 coming out?!
August 12, 2022
Thrilling fight scenes bring the extraterrestrial foes in this book to vivid life. Middle-aged heroes fight not only the monsters but their own insecurities all while maintaining the very modern day balance of kids, work, finances, and strained family relationships.
July 15, 2023
A fantastic book! I met EM Williams at the Word on the Street festival and she described the book as Marvel in Toronto, and that's exactly what it is. So many great parts of Toronto are in this book, with an equally diverse cast of characters.
Can't wait for book 2.
Can't wait for book 2.
December 19, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this story. The plot was compelling, the characters were interesting and the pacing was really well done. Mostly, I am very excited to find out what happens next.
March 19, 2024
I re-read this book in prep for Book II. I loved this even more the second time around. Anna - one of the main characters - is a force and one of the great heroines in this book, but there are so many strong females in this story: Leona, Barbara Edwards, Chun-Mei, Jenna, Sarita. I am also currently working in the city where the action takes place, and I feel this book changes that landscape for me: as I pass by landmarks like the U of T campus, MARS Discovery, etc., I envision the skyworms circling above me and imagine what the attacks might look like. I can't wait to dive into Book II. E.M Williams has created a whole new world and I can't help but think that this book would be the ideal foundation for a film or series - it is so cinematic!
September 30, 2022
EMW delivers a genuine page turner as aliens romp around Toronto causing devastation along the way. The diverse and fully realized characters draw us in as they struggle with unasked for responsibility and the painful consequences it brings.
This novel defies category as it explores identity, race, and mysticism a modern world ... I can't wait for the next adventure!
This novel defies category as it explores identity, race, and mysticism a modern world ... I can't wait for the next adventure!
January 27, 2025
If you enjoy fantasy—especially with an Eastern flare—do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book. The writing is exceptional: sharp and visceral in some moments, while evocative and emotional in others. I was also especially captivated by the magic system, this concept of Xhen, a malleable, inner spiritual energy. Loved it. Wildly inspired.
Incredible job!
Incredible job!
July 3, 2023
I drifted away from the fantasy genre for a while but guess what? I’m back after what was not just a terrific read from a Canadian author, but one that was easy to invest in. Talk about keeping me on the edge of my seat!
I was so anxious to see how the heroes would defeat the invading aliens called skyworms. Yes, I said skyworms. It gets better! If you’re looking to embark on a sci-fi adventure this summer, you need to get yourself a copy of Chaos Calling by E.M. Williams. The pages of this story are filled with action and what I found super refreshing: how it dives deep into Indigenous culture.
Williams gave me the most extreme hebie-gebies with her writing style: tentacles (I want to hear your thoughts on this once you’ve read it). Erlack but holy cow, talk about a strong, descriptive writing style that is easy-to-follow and able to capture an audience! I love how we got right to the story, too. We started with lore and that’s how I like it.
Nothing makes me fall in love with a book more than it being set in a city I live in or used to live in. This one is full of secrets and details only people who don’t pronounce the second “T” can truly appreciate. Chaos Calling is a must-read for anyone who loves the fantasy genre and is looking for relatable characters, amazing villains, and heart-pounding action. I now live in my husbands hometown of small-town Ontario, and this book gave me the same feels I get when I return to visit… like I’m coming home.
Guess who will be picking up more contemporary fantasy after reading this gem? THIS GIRL, who also cannot wait for book two! I want more intense battle scenes, please?! Pretty please?!
Thank you, E.M. Williams, for a physical copy of your novel in exchange for my honest review!
I was so anxious to see how the heroes would defeat the invading aliens called skyworms. Yes, I said skyworms. It gets better! If you’re looking to embark on a sci-fi adventure this summer, you need to get yourself a copy of Chaos Calling by E.M. Williams. The pages of this story are filled with action and what I found super refreshing: how it dives deep into Indigenous culture.
Williams gave me the most extreme hebie-gebies with her writing style: tentacles (I want to hear your thoughts on this once you’ve read it). Erlack but holy cow, talk about a strong, descriptive writing style that is easy-to-follow and able to capture an audience! I love how we got right to the story, too. We started with lore and that’s how I like it.
Nothing makes me fall in love with a book more than it being set in a city I live in or used to live in. This one is full of secrets and details only people who don’t pronounce the second “T” can truly appreciate. Chaos Calling is a must-read for anyone who loves the fantasy genre and is looking for relatable characters, amazing villains, and heart-pounding action. I now live in my husbands hometown of small-town Ontario, and this book gave me the same feels I get when I return to visit… like I’m coming home.
Guess who will be picking up more contemporary fantasy after reading this gem? THIS GIRL, who also cannot wait for book two! I want more intense battle scenes, please?! Pretty please?!
Thank you, E.M. Williams, for a physical copy of your novel in exchange for my honest review!
May 9, 2023
Ever found yourself drifting away from a genre you used to adore? That's what happened to me with fantasy, because I could no longer connect with the teenage or early-20s protagonists. But that changed when I picked up Chaos Calling by E.M. Williams. Set in Toronto with characters in their 30s, this book has reignited my love for fantasy!
Right from the start, Williams draws you in with the relatable sibling dynamic between Anna and Jason. I found myself chuckling at their banter and rolling my eyes right along with Anna. And then there's Dave - he's written so vividly that I felt like I was right there with him, craving that next cigarette. As I got invested in the story, it took off like a rocket. The transition from a slow burn start to a high-octane thrill ride was so smooth and the battle scenes were so intense that I was holding my breath as they unfolded.
What I love most about Chaos Calling is how it blends the fantastical with the everyday. Amidst the chaos (ha!), our heroes are still raising children, caring for elders, and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy in their lives. Sounds like an average week to many of us!
The Sky Worms deserve a special mention. These villains are the perfectly terrifying (terrifyingly perfect) as they wreak havoc and leave a trail of destruction in their wake. They kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to see how our heroes would tackle this seemingly unstoppable threat.
Chaos Calling by E.M. Williams is a must-read for anyone who loves Fantasy and is looking for relatable characters, amazing villains, and heart-pounding action. This book reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place - I cannot wait for Book 2!
Right from the start, Williams draws you in with the relatable sibling dynamic between Anna and Jason. I found myself chuckling at their banter and rolling my eyes right along with Anna. And then there's Dave - he's written so vividly that I felt like I was right there with him, craving that next cigarette. As I got invested in the story, it took off like a rocket. The transition from a slow burn start to a high-octane thrill ride was so smooth and the battle scenes were so intense that I was holding my breath as they unfolded.
What I love most about Chaos Calling is how it blends the fantastical with the everyday. Amidst the chaos (ha!), our heroes are still raising children, caring for elders, and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy in their lives. Sounds like an average week to many of us!
The Sky Worms deserve a special mention. These villains are the perfectly terrifying (terrifyingly perfect) as they wreak havoc and leave a trail of destruction in their wake. They kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to see how our heroes would tackle this seemingly unstoppable threat.
Chaos Calling by E.M. Williams is a must-read for anyone who loves Fantasy and is looking for relatable characters, amazing villains, and heart-pounding action. This book reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place - I cannot wait for Book 2!
December 28, 2025
💕 What a great start to a series. This fantastical, action packed story is filled with ethnically diverse characters and a wonderful mix of character versus plot development. It follows the invasion of inter-dimensional creatures and our three MCs - twins Anna and Jason Lin, and their childhood friend Dave LaRoque Montcalm.
You get to dig into Anna’s family dynamics - from her relationship with her recently deceased mother, her father who is coping by burying himself in his work, and her twin, who is slightly estranged and emotionally unavailable. Then there is the strength of her husband Malcolm and their adorable young children.
Anna is struggling to manage after her mother’s death, trying to keep everything together and her head above water. That is until the fateful night when she hears a sound in the garage and comes face to face with a creature that brings back to surface a force she thought was gone forever.
With Anna in Toronto, Dave at the fictional Miinikaa First Nation located around Sudbury, and Jason in Vancouver, these invading “skyworms” unite this triad of friends. The xhen, once dormant, reawakens in the fight for their lives - stronger and more powerful than ever.
I love how the book brings these friends back together. How it forces them to work together. Forces them to remember the training they had as teenagers. Anna’s strength and determination, Dave’s big vision and calm connections, and Jason’s desperate attempt to pretend none of this is real. It’s nonstop adrenaline from start to finish.
You get to dig into Anna’s family dynamics - from her relationship with her recently deceased mother, her father who is coping by burying himself in his work, and her twin, who is slightly estranged and emotionally unavailable. Then there is the strength of her husband Malcolm and their adorable young children.
Anna is struggling to manage after her mother’s death, trying to keep everything together and her head above water. That is until the fateful night when she hears a sound in the garage and comes face to face with a creature that brings back to surface a force she thought was gone forever.
With Anna in Toronto, Dave at the fictional Miinikaa First Nation located around Sudbury, and Jason in Vancouver, these invading “skyworms” unite this triad of friends. The xhen, once dormant, reawakens in the fight for their lives - stronger and more powerful than ever.
I love how the book brings these friends back together. How it forces them to work together. Forces them to remember the training they had as teenagers. Anna’s strength and determination, Dave’s big vision and calm connections, and Jason’s desperate attempt to pretend none of this is real. It’s nonstop adrenaline from start to finish.
August 18, 2024
I read this book without expecting anything, I assumed it would be an entertaining fantasy but I grossly underestimated it. The characters are so alive that I feel like I could bump into them in real life. The magic system is also great and pretty straightforward which I really appreciate. Overall I think this book is really great. Can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews