In a world where humans are the only sentient race without inherent magic and have long been subjugated by the magically gifted non-human races, Telyn Brower works as a barmaid at the Sable Head, a tavern built from chaos wood that distorts magical spells. One night, driven by curiosity and her knack for attracting trouble, she stays after closing and spies a clandestine auction between a human thief and a collection of dangerous bidders. When the deal turns deadly, Telyn escapes with a shard of the Ever-Guise, a sought-after mask capable of influencing the minds of others. What begins as a reckless thrill soon spirals into a chain of consequences that upend her life and draw the attention of a powerful mind-reader determined to reclaim the artifact for himself.

Written by Scott T. Barnes, CHAOS WOODS unfolds in Harlech, a remote settlement isolated by the treacherous Chaos Woods while internally divided between humans and the non-human races (known derogatorily as “flacks”). Themes of social inequality, slavery, free will, addiction, and the suppression of information thread the narrative, all filtered through the eyes of a young woman who has never fully fit in among her own people. Telyn’s friends are similarly marked by their differences: Hosh lives with a disability, Caitlyn advocates for animal rights in a town of trappers, and Rayvn, a catlike pattern witch, is ostracized even among other flacks.

Telyn herself is a well-rounded and compelling protagonist. While she begins the story irresponsible and self-serving, she gradually recognizes the harm her choices cause and—with the support of her friends—becomes determined to correct her mistakes. Her early flaws develop into strengths as she confronts the unjust social dynamics in Harlech. Although the novel addresses weightier themes, it maintains a distinctly cozy fantasy tone that’s accessible to younger readers while still offering depth and nuance for an older audience.

Despite its considerable length (over 600 pages), the narrative maintains an engaging pace and rarely drags. The worldbuilding is rich, immersive, and seamlessly integrated into the story—though the sheer variety of flack species and their unique abilities can occasionally be challenging to keep straight. Even so, the setting feels lived-in and believable, reinforcing the novel’s thematic concerns without overshadowing the adventure. A few minor typos appear throughout, but they do little to detract from the overall reading experience.

CHAOS WOODS ends up being an ambitious, character-driven fantasy that blends moral complexity with an inviting, accessible tone. Readers who enjoy expansive worlds, flawed heroines, and stories that explore the cost of power will find much to appreciate in this absorbing debut to the series.

In CHAOS WOODS, the first book of the Chronicles of the Ever-Guise, Scott T. Barnes delivers a richly imagined, character-driven coming-of-age fantasy that balances cozy adventure with thoughtful themes of morality, addiction, and the consequences of one’s choices.

~ Suneé Jones for IndieReader