Chaos Chronicles (The Actuator, #3) by James Wymore

Chaos Chronicles (The Actuator, #3) Reviews

• 
  Montzalee Wittmann

  Chaos Chronicles (The Actuator #3) by James Wymore, Dan Willis, Matthew S. Cox, Bob Defendi, Lorna Marie Larson, D.J. Butler, C.M. Spivey, and Patrick Burdine is a collection of fine sci-fi! There is not a bad story in the bunch. My favorites are Eyes in the Void by Dan Willis, which I hope will be a full novel because it is soooo good! Another of my favorites is Safari by Lorni Marie Larson and boy what a safari that turned out to be. Last but not least was Battle Mountain by James Wymore which had lots of twist and turns. I loved all the stories so it was hard to pick a favorite that is why I have so many on this review! All were my favorites! A great book and I was not disappointed with this great novel and the high class of authors. I bought Actuator 1 now so I am going to read it. I was granted the privilege to read this book from NetGalley and I am so thankful.
• 
  Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive)

  3.5 Stars
  
  Read all my reviews on
  http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
  
  I read the first two books in the series back-to-back and what was there not to love for any booklover. The Actuator, a machine that can transform parts of the world into different literary genres, has been set loose on the entire planet. The Machine Monks, those who were supposed to take care of the Actuator, have been looking for the keys with which they can shut down parts of these worlds. Preferably before the end of the world. In the mean time, other stuff is also going on. This you can read in this short story collection, where different authors have written short stories set in the Actuator world.
  
  While I liked the short stories in general, I was a bit disappointed that the main story of the series didn't really progressed.
  
  Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
• 
  Roberta R. (Offbeat YA)

  Excerpt from my review - originally published at
  Offbeat YA.
  
  Pros: Eclectic bunch of stories, covering a wide range of genres and (fictitious) eras. We get a glimpse of how the Change affected some people unaware of the Actuator's existence, but mostly, lots of behind-the-scenes about Machine Monks who weren't main characters in the previous books.
  Cons: Not every genre tackled in here can be everybody's cup of tea.
  Will appeal to: Those who like eclectic short-story collections. Those who want another (and more insightful) perspective about the Actuator.
  
  First off...DISCLAIMER:I am a semi-regular reviewer of Curiosity Quills titles (like this one), but if you look back at my ratings, this never prevented me from being unbiased. And all the books I received from them were generously sent with no strings attached.
  
  TUTTI-FRUTTI
  
  I usually don't read anthologies, unless they 1) contain stories by one of my favourite authors, 2) are part of a series I'm reading, or 3) have a unifying theme that calls to me like a siren song. Case #2 comes into play here, since the stories in Chaos Chronicles all give us a taste of the life after the Actuator (a reality-bending machine) has turned the whole world into a patchwork of different, often plain weird realities. To be more precise, all these stories are chronologically set right after the events in Return of the Saboteur, so that, unlike the previous collection Borderlands Anthology, they can hardly be read by someone who hasn't followed the series so far. But the good news is, even with all the set and character variety, this bunch is more close-knit, and actually makes the plot progress (this is why Chaos Chronicles is Book 3 in the series, while Borderlands Anthology was Book 1.5). Book 2 in the series, Return of the Saboteur, was a game changer. We know now who was responsible for turning what was a mere experiment (the Actuation) into a worldwide nightmare. We know why. But the real catch is, the same person caused the virtual borders between the different realities to fall, so that now different types of characters and/or monsters from different eras can coexist in the same space, with crazy, but intriguing consequences. Well, wacky ones too, but I will admit that it's fun 😄. [...]
  
  Whole review
  here.
• 
  Ron

  Someone had the bright idea to create a machine (The Actuator) that would change a region to work by the rules of a particular literary genre (think science fiction, horror, zombie apocalypse, etc.) as defined by particular people. Of course they had to play with this, but then someone sabotaged the Actuator so that it affected the world, dividing it into regions. The parties responsible for this mess (The Machine Monks) are seeking the needed keys to the regions so that they can shut them down and restore "normalcy," whatever that may be. Chaos Chronicles is a collection of short stories set in this world by a variety of authors. There is a heist story, a mashup tale of an elf that wanders into the Old West and is sent on a quest accompanied by a superheroine, a vampire, and a steam-punk wizard, a honeymoon gone very wrong in South Africa with animals turned into talking dinos. Of course there is the obligatory Arthur tale and a zombie apocalypse fitted in beside a flying saucer tale. In other words, plenty of genres to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? An engraved invitation?
• 
  Wendy

  “Driftwood” a short novella in the “Atlas Link” series begins a year after Chelsea and Trevor teleported away from SeaSatellite5 which has been hijacked across time by the Lemurians. After events left the public aware of the research vessel’s existence, and with no news of its whereabouts Dr. David Johannsson a leading archaeologist suggests a military coverup of SeaSatellite5’s theft of the ancient artifacts at the Atlantean outpost. Having joined The Ancient Organization (TAO) Chelsea and Trevor must stifle rumours before the program is shut down and their mission to find the research vessel curtailed.
  
  Fast-paced and action-packed Chelsea’s training at TAO has transformed her into an Atlantean warrior although she’s haunted by Thompson’s killing and the disappearance of the crew, burying her guilt and pain in alcohol and pills. Fearing for her health and sanity Trevor confronts Chelsea with her problem only to have it affect a mission to 1950’s New York after being drugged by a journalist wanting her to divulge some juicy facts about Dr. Johannsson’s allegation. As well as adding a new dimension to the mystery of the disappearance, Chelsea and Trevor ‘s relationship has taken a rocky road as she blames him for his deception which resulted in SeaSatellite5’s misfortune.
  
  Although she has matured in the development of her abilities, Chelsea is reckless, impulsive and unforgiving especially when it comes to Lexi’s betrayal and Trevor’s dishonesty which she can’t forget. Similarly, Trevor who is more sensible and not unpredictable like Chelsea, is guilt-ridden and insecure, willing to do anything to regain her trust and make amends for his part in the crew’s disappearance. It is the personalities of these two main characters who continue to charge this intriguing series with excitement and passion.
  
  Although short in length I enjoyed this addition to the story and expect it will set the stage for “Landlocked” the next book in the series.
• 
  Donna Thompson

  This novella was a quick and very interesting read and shed light on the lives of our heroes on the one-year anniversary of the events that ended the first book in this series. In this book, Chelsea and Trevor are struggling to cope with the fallout from those catastrophic events, and it's not going very well. Chelsea especially is struggling to deal with the part she played, as well as learning to control and deal with her multiple abilities. Trevor also has mixed feelings, but is most concerned about protecting Chelsea. The title "Driftwood" is very apropos, because their lives are adrift as they struggle to save the crew of SeaSatellite5, as well as find their place in the world they now inhabit. Suddenly, into this emotional abyss comes a media frenzy and some harsh accusations. This is a great novella that transcends the short length to give you a very full-bodied and emotionally packed story.
  
  **I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
• 
  Melissa Levine

  While I had a hard time getting through book 1 of this series, although finding it to be an interesting story overall, this 1.5 story was great. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It's probably because this short story left the majority of fluff and "fill-in-the-space" type of writing out and got straight to nitty-gritty part of the story. Moving on to book 2.
  
  Two questions:
  
  1. Had museums been claiming artifacts have been stolen? No. So, why would anyone believe the this was the case when Dr. Johannson brought this up?
  
  2. New York City wouldn't be a place they could be invisible in? Since when?
• 
  Pat Esden

  Fast paced and fun, I enjoyed DRIFTWOOD and it left me wanting to spend more time in this amazing world of mythology and underwater archeology. I especially loved one action scene near the end because it had a great Dr. Who vibe to it --all I’ll say is dinosaur bones! You can read book 2 without reading this first, like I did. But this novelette does add a new layer of depth. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, prior to release day.
  
• 
  Levian

  i received a free ebook from thr author for an honest review. me not being a fan of science fiction and political wise really ruined half of the book for me. other than that i love every part of the book when it came to Chelsea and Trevor. i felt her struggles and pained me to see her keeping it all to herself. it was weird how the duo sometimes seemed so tight yet some decisions proven otherwise.
• 
  Ann

  This book is 9 short stories that deal with the Machine Monks collecting keys to stop the Actuator. set in different times and locations there are success and failure. Science fiction that is futuristic but believable. A machine designed to help in life that goes crazy. Lots of fantasy mixed in with the Orcs and Elves mixed into the human race. An enjoyable read.
• 
  Alicia Huxtable

  If you're interested to know what happened after SeaSat5 was taken but before what occurred in Landlocked, you won't be disappointed. Even as a shorter read, Driftwood doesn't disappoint with its story. Always good to have more background on Trevor and Chelsea, especially the way things were and became between them. Another great read from Jessica Gunn
• 
  Paula Genereau

  I'm completely mesmerized by this book. I love it. It was amazing.
• 
  Janis Hill

  I would like to thank Curiosity Quills Press for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
  
  This is the official third book in a rather interesting series. I really do have a love/ hate relationship with the whole series too. I really don’t know why. I mean, I love the whole concept and I love that the original authors have allowed fans to help write and weave their world… but I get to parts of it and I groan and think “really? This is what you want to write about when there is so much potential for others things?”
  
  If I was asked to “do better” I couldn’t. I would go off and sit in my kid’s naughty corner or something similar. But there is just something about this series that gets under my skin in both a good and bad way. I get the good way – has potential, is entertaining, is consistent and keeps the reader thinking and entertained… As for what the bad bits are? I honestly really don’t know. There is just something there that bugs me and I wish I could figure out what it was so I could tell it to shut the heck up and just let me keep reading.
  
  Example, I see the third book available as an ARC, I want it, I ask for it, I do a happy dance when I get it. Then I procrastinate when it comes to reading it. I get distracted by other books; I find other things to do… Why?! When I read it I love it. Perhaps this is the magical affect the Actuator has on me? Others it inspires some amazing works – zombie dinosaurs, need I say more – but in me I go all whiney and turn truant.
  
  BUT! I have to say it is a series I am glad I have read, it is a series that the majority of me enjoys and it is a series I will no doubt struggle with continuing to read as I want to read it… Well, 80% of me does. Maybe my split personalities are warring here?
  
  Back to the book! A great anthology! There are some very talented writers – and ‘The Actuator’ fans out there – and it was wonderful to see some of them given the opportunity to extend the adventures to fixing the world from when it was shattered.
  
  Unlike the last anthology from fans published for ‘The Actuator’ this one kept the actual story moving. It wasn’t just people experiencing the world shattering. It was people coming to terms with a shattered world, and then some, as further Actuator changes take place. Plus this book does strive towards the end game and getting it all sorted one way or the other… And maybe that’s why I love this series so much? A big part of me wants to see what is left of the world once the machine is turned off and what is then done to keep fixing the damage caused.
  
  Oh that is deep for so early in the year for me!
  
  Would I recommend this book to others?
  
  I would, but only to those who had read all other books and anthologies in the series. To those who had not, I would send them to Curiosity Quills Press and point them to the first book and get them to read from there. I feel the whole ‘Actuator’ series spans a few genres so lovers of fantasy, urban fantasy, sci-fi, YA and NA alike would enjoy it… or at least parts of it.
  
  Would I buy this book for myself?
  
  Not too sure. I mean I am enjoying the series and do want to keep reading… but owning? Hmmmm, tough call. I have to say it is more of a library level book for me sorry. As in, I enjoy reading it, but I can’t see myself owning them. Worst fan ever, I know!
  
  In summary: A good continuation of the myriad patchwork tales that make ‘The Actuator’ series what it is.