Chaos (I Bring the Fire, #3) by C. Gockel

Chaos (I Bring the Fire, #3) Reviews

• 
  Jessica

  Loki is wanted by many - and not because they enjoy his company. FBI wants him in Guantanamo. Cera, the World Seed, wants his head - literally. Gerðr, the frost giantess, wants him dead. And Thor has come from Asgard to bring him home - whether Loki wants to or not. Things can't really get any worse, but when it involves Loki it always does - and Amy Lewis and Steve Rogers have front row seats.
  
  A lot happens in this book and I had a hard time putting it down (or rather, stop listening)! It's action packed, intriguing, humorous - and even a bit romantic! I love to read (listen) about Loki's eccentricities, he's very unpredictable, which I appreciate.
  
  The series doesn't end here, but it's the last book in the first trilogy, and therefore it has kind of an ending. I'm looking forward to seeing how Gockel continues the series!
• 
  Angela

  This book. Oh, my god. Between the jabs at Chicago (all spot-on, by the way), Loki's sense of humor ("An experiment could be more fun than setting a fire!"), and tidbits like Ratatoskr the extremely foul-mouthed squirrel, I laughed so goddamned hard I'm pretty sure the people on the bus thought I'd lost my mind. This series is something of a guilty pleasure read for me, one I was pretty sure was going to be terrible, but I ended up being very wrong, and I'm glad I checked it out.
  
  It would probably have been worth reading this just for the humor, but fortunately that's not the only thing here. The pace is pretty good; definitely enough to keep me reading. The various myths that get pulled in are interesting, and I like that the characters ask some of the same questions I would in those situations rather than overlooking coincidences and odd similarities. And throughout the first three books, the author's characterization is fantastic: her original characters are realistic and engaging enough, but the mythological characters pop right off the page: Hoenir, Thor, even Odin's ravens. Her portrayal of Loki, in particular, stands out; he is fascinating in his complexity, particularly as his history is gradually revealed through the second and third books. This is by far my favorite fictional version of him.
  
  While the narrative perspective is clearly sympathetic to Loki, and several familiar myths are retold through this lens, the author maintains that balancing-on-a-knife-edge paradoxical nature of the trickster, the powerful fool -- that tightrope-walk between creation and destruction, between tragedy and hilarity, that makes him so interesting. Her Loki is more Loki than any others I've seen: smart, but fallible; mischievously curious to a fault; see-sawing constantly back and forth between his own selfishness and his better instincts. He can be fun and charming...or an ice-cold, manipulative jerk. He can be incredibly kind...or he can be malicious. He can be good...or ruthlessly, viciously efficient at getting what he wants -- and his sometimes chilling interior monologue makes it clear that he is constantly weighing the comparative benefit of these options. This is a guy for whom "good" takes work, and he's not always sure it's worth the effort. The fact that he's so conflicted about his nature and its effect on the people around him gives him an endearing depth, and makes him that much more terrifying when he's not playing nice.
  
  Unlike the first two books, this one had an ending that felt like an ending rather than an abrupt cliffhanger, which was an improvement. It was the kind of ending I hate to love, but it worked for the story, and I'm curious to see how she'll manage to keep the story moving after it. There were a few things that didn't make much sense to me -- I continue to find Cera's weird Josef thing kind of baffling and superfluous (and in my head that character speaks with the voice of the Communist greeting card from Futurama, which probably doesn't help), but perhaps that will have significance in a later book.
  
  Overall, this was a very entertaining read.
• 
  Devann

  This is definitely the best book in the first part of the series, probably because the whole thing is kind of like one long book so this one is the only one with an actual 'ending' per se. The first time I read it I was actually really mad about that ending and unsure if I wanted to continue with the series, but looking back I think I actually like the last 3 books better than the first 3. This one has a lot of good stuff in it though. The Loki, Amy, and Steve dynamic continues to be interesting, we get more Beatrice again, and the addition of Bodhi, Ratatosk, and Mr. Squeakers are great as well. Plus we get more insight into Loki's past as well as Odin and Hoenir. It definitely takes this series awhile to warm up but it's great when it does.
• 
  ☀Rachael☀

  This gets 5*'s because of the addition Retatas!! What the F**k!!!
  
  Now to wait for the rest to come out on audiobook!
• 
  Wayne

  Ratatoskr! How could a book with Ratatoskr be bad?
  
  I quite liked this book and found it a very good next segment of the Fire series.
  
  Plus, there was Ratatoskr.
• 
  Lady

  This series would make no sense whatsoever if not read in proper order :) The first book is I Bring the Fire Part I : Wolves (A Loki Story) . The second book is Monsters : I Bring the Fire Part II (A Loki Story) . The book after this one is In the Balance: An I Bring the Fire Novella (IBF 3.5) . (there didn't seem to be an easy way to tell the novella falls after the third book so I am showing the order here) Or you can get them all in the omnibus I Bring the Fire Parts I, II, & III: Wolves, Monsters & Chaos .
  
  This series is one of my favorites! It is full of action and adventure all laced with Magick and held together by fantasy :) World hopping seems like a lot of fun and I wish I could do it! The dark humor really sets Loki's personality at the core of this series making me feel like I am right there with them throughout their wild chaotic adventures. Amy truly is the foil to Loki's darker nature making her his true mate (whether they realize it or not) and she steers him from his worst impulses to get him to do the right thing. With her he can be the hero he has alway wanted to be.
  
  This story picks up where the last one ended making it a seamless transition. Jameson is still completely clueless to the fact that Loki is a God(he thinks Loki is just some low rent alien invading earth an the enemy of mankind) and therefore beyond his control or his reach. Steve councils it is a bad idea to try and arrest Loki but Jameson ignores him and all sorts of mayhem ensues. Never try to trick a Trickster! It shortens your shelf life immensely :)
  
  I would recommend this book to anyone who reads urban fantasy or paranormal. Scifi readers will also enjoy it. Fans of modern myths will adore it as long as they like irreverance. I am very glad the author decided to expand this series past the trilogy she at first intended... I am in no way ready to say good bye to these characters or this world just yet! I cannot wait to read more of this series!
  
  ***this series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers
• 
  Carly Odonoghue

  Chaos ( I Bring the Fire #3) is by one of my favourite authors C Gockel and like the other two books in the series it doesn't disappoint, but it does need to be read in order otherwise the reader will be confused.
  
  This is definitely one of my favourite series ever it's full of action, suspense,intrigue with twists that will leave you second guessing what is happening until you've finished the last page. As a well as some romance thrown in. About time too I've been waiting for it since book 1! I truly believe Loki does care deeply and love Amy he may not do right by others but he does by her and I loved the tender moments they shared.
  
  I did feel a connection to this series because Loki is one of my favourite characters of all time and I really needed to see what fate had in store for him in Chaos and would it feature some of my favourite Loki myths and legends and it did! All of this series is so rich in Norse mythology it's amazing to think of how much research that C Gockel must have done.
  
  The end felt very final to me and I wanted to throw my kindle off the wall while shouting 'nnnooooo!!!!' at the ending so now I must admit I'm wondering how the series can go on after the ending in Chaos . But know ing there's a novella and three more books to come I'm sure I'll get over this ending in Chaos..... right? I would definitely continue the rest of the series.
• 
  Nicole

  This has simple become one of my favorite series. I love how the author adds different mythology to the stories. I also love how vivid and real the characters are written. Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. I'd recommend this author to fantasy/soft sci-fi enthusiasts.
• 
  Vered

  The author continues to add to the depth and history of Loki, while increasing the tempo and tension of the story. This is definitely the best of the first 3 books in the series, and the best written.
• 
  Esther Byrt

  Quite enjoyed this book and hope to see more in this series.
• 
  Marianne Boutet

  Wow. Did not see the resolution of the almost-armageddon in Chicago coming. There are plenty of hints of more to come, but there is a need to sit back and take a breath or two. Great story arc.
• 
  Ginger Vampyre

  Lets talk about some of the characters here in book 3;
  Cera, the world seed. All powerful with the petulance and temperament of a spoiled child. Who's motivation comes from the first person who touched her and gave her sentience. A man named Josef who wanted to end the "tyranny of religion and bring down the Tsars". There you go, there is everything that is Cera.
  Loki, all powerful Norse god-like immortal with the power to teleport, create endless projections where ever he wants, be invisible, heal himself, and oh yes, is the reincarnation of every chaos and destroyer god ever because the author wanted him to be all things, but at the same time took him memory of his previous lives so he could still have the maturity of a frat boy.
  Amy, wants to be a vet, all she ever talks about. Has no concept of people interact despite growing up in Chicago. Talks about how her pets, the animals she cares for, and her grandmother are the only the things in the world she cares about and yet is perfectly fine disappearing to Paris for days on end sexcapades with Loki while her city is under attack by every monster imaginable after Loki saves her from a fire.
  Thor, we meet him in an earlier book where he is a bully and an oath-breaker. Now suddenly he is willing to put his life on the line to save this tiny little world just to offer Loki a chance to come back to Asgard because Odin fears what will happen if Loki is left unsupervised.
  This series is just so difficult not roll my eyes at. To believe that the world is in peril while the protagonist is off wining and dining, the blatant plagiarism of character names, inconsistency of characterization, and piecemeal mythology with no real research make this book more of an irritation that an enjoyable read.
  
  
• 
  David Wickham

  Simply amazing. This was NOT an easy read. The author takes Norse mythology and turns it inside out and upside and makes it work.
  
  We have Amy, our human main character, and Loki, our not human main character. They're trying to prevent the end of the world. We have Cera, the world seed. It's really hard to describe what she is. She exists as a magical force She's a weapon sent to earth by the Vanir, who are another race in the Norse mythos. They don't like the Asgardians. Her landing on earth was the supposed cause of the Tunguska event in Russia in 1908. Cera "speaks" Russian primarily. She's a communist and worships Josef Stalin. She wants to overthrow the world's governments just like Loki wants to overthrow Odin and his dictatorship.
  
  There are flashbacks to Loki's time on Asgard and his life back then. The author takes all the myths and rewrites them. I'm really into Norse mythology and I found her retelling extremely fascinating. There's a common saying that the victors write the history. Most Norse myths portray Loki as the bad guy. The author's retelling leads the reader to think that maybe he wasn't necessarily the hero, but certainly wasn't the villain either.
  
  I'm not going to give away any really plot points. Please read the series. It's worth your time.
• 
  Fiona

  This series has always been a fast and enjoyable read and I like comparing the Norse mythology knowledge I already know to what I learn from these stories. I always knew Loki was pretty terrible by human moral standards so seeing him acknowledge how he is versus seeing Steve's and Any's biased versions of who they think Loki is a great read!
  
  As it was the end of this story arc, I was hoping for a little more focus on Cera and Loki near the climactic scenes and a little more ka-POW! but I still enjoyed how it turned out.
  
  Probably what I enjoyed the most is Thor as comedic relief! His stark contrast to humanity was written so well and included often enough to feel like he's really part of the narrative, rather than just popped in once in a while. “It is not the monster of Loch Ness. I killed him centuries ago.” LOL he's so blunt and he doesn't even realize his comments just kind of segue.
  
  The Loki that we got to see this novel was introspective and while deceiving, did sometimes think about someone other than himself and I was impressed with who he seemed to grow into -- even it was a minute amount!
• 
  Angel ആമി

  Jesus Christ! So much is happening in this book and everything that is happening is so good it made my imagination go wild. Cera's Josef is Joseph Stalin, Lord Shiva and Loki has an incarnation connection, so does, Lopt, Svadilfari's mare, Lothur (Elf queen's lover)and Laugaz (Hoenir's lover). They are all the same!! They are different incarnations of Loki.
  C Gockel has done a wonderful job in connecting all these deities in such a flawless way.
  
  "And I have dreams of my love, who was not my love, but was. Her father said words so low against me, so low that it caused her heart to flame. And the flame of her heart spread to the utmost ends of her limbs. My love died in flames." Sati and shiva, the connection between Lord Shiva and Loki as portrayed by the author blew my mind away.
  
  In the end the way Loki realizes that Midgard (Earth) is the only place where a monarch can not rule the planet, that it is so diverse in language and culture and places and people and every single thing.. that Midgard is the place of chaos( in a good way) , touched me so much.
  
  I just loved it.
• 
  Robin

  This is a perfect place to stop reading the series.
  I have absolutely enjoyed the series. The world building and sometimes off beat takes on existing mythologies is super interesting to me and most of the characters are extremely engaging.
  
  I’ve had some issues with reader proxy character whose name after three books I have trouble remembering but she was far less irritating in this installment than the previous. It has to be said though that in a moment when I thought she might die I wasn’t sad and I was definitely hoping she’d at least be laid up enough to be less involved in the remainder of the book.
  
  This one wraps up most of what was intriguing me about the mythology so far and felt very much like a good ending to the series. I know that it continues but for me, I think this is the perfect place to let it end.
• 
  Daniel

  I had hated the last book because of its cliffhanger ending. After a long time away, I've resumed. The thing I like about this book is how Gockel took mythology and built solid stories around them. I've read about the Norse gods in comics and seen the movies. This perspective of Loki is new but so good. Seeing myths through different eyes was really great. It makes Loki's actions useful, powerful and almost like there was a guiding force under it all.
  
  Loki himself? Selfishly heroic. Odd to say but his selfish and mischievous behavior has led to lot of good, which we see throughout the series. The thing that ultimately makes him behave against his nature is love. Not just in the present but in many things he has done throughout his life.
  
  If you're interested in mythology, this might be the book for you.
• 
  Tina Silvens

  Absolutely loved this book!
  
  Loki is a complex character who is both feared and revered by his peers. He is a trickster and a manipulator, often scheming and weaving his way through difficult situations. But at the same time, he struggles with his own inner turmoil and self-doubt, fighting an internal battle between his chaotic nature and his desire to be accepted and loved. As the novel progresses, Loki's story becomes compelling and heart-wrenching as he gradually finds redemption and acceptance.
  
  The novel is a thrilling, imaginative, and entertaining story with a strong character-driven plot. Though it is a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone novel and still be enjoyed. The characters are well-developed and the story is emotionally engaging.
  
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• 
  Chantal-Lise Mirman

  When Worlds Collide
  
  What a rip-roaring enthralling story! Every creation myth imaginable shows its face in this impressive saga of Order versus Chaos, epitomized by Odin and Loki. From the details of Life in Asgard to Loki’s entanglement with Earth (AKA Midgard), social mores are revealed and examined. Amy, the innocent and awkward veterinary student is the Human element and Love interest to Loki, reflecting the consequences of his actions and ultimately serving as the catalyst for his transformation. This trilogy has it all, from historical perspective and pathos to laugh-out-loud humor! Illuminating and fun, you will not be able to put this down once you start it
• 
  Todd

  Loki is working with this world's version of X-Files trying to deal with beings from the 9 realms coming through the gates. But the head of the division comes to Chicago to head up the operation. But he's a know nothing, thinks he knows everything political appointee.
  He wants to capture Loki and send him to Gitmo. Needless to say, this aim doesn't go well for him. In the meantime, the former local head of operations is just trying to do his job, and the best way to do that is with Loki's cooperation.
  Chicago has become a war zone. Loki still wants the power of the World Seed to squash Odin and Asgard. But the World Seed wants different things.
• 
  Nicki Markus

  Chaos was an improvement on Monsters. I did enjoy Loki's mental battle with Cera; however, I still struggled to like him at times, and his relationship with Amy is difficult to fathom. Again, the links with Marvel kept getting in the way for me, and alongside the sudden addition of a connection between Loki and other religions, it felt as if things were becoming unnecessarily complicated. But there was a little more tension in this part, which kept me turning the pages to see how things would end.
• 
  Lorellie

  Chaos and Creation
  
  "Loki was able to fight the influence of Odin’s ability to stop time as Loki became older and stronger. Odin’s magic lies in preservation and order, but chaos and creation cannot be stopped forever".
  
  A story that continues to be as smart as it is fun. Here we understand Loki, Odin, and Honier as forces of the universe, Chaos, Stasis, and Creation, forces that reach every life and every creed. Here we also have a talking squirrel hitting on rats, a pet spider mouse, and a need to find out how the valkyries will stand up to an M16.
• 
  Caerigna Lunaltii

  An interesting direction for the story. Not written to have the ending be a surprise, and a little more intrigue to it might have been nice. Issues and details are well explained, but more like an exciting documentary than the action with light mystery the other books had been, and which I had been expecting again. Still it was a fun "origin story," if you will, and sets up the rest of the series well.