The Scroll of Chaos

About this book

Join Astrid Xu in this action-packed adventure as she ventures into the world of mythological China in order to save her mother — and the world! Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings!

When Astrid Xu stumbles upon an ancient scroll with Chinese characters, she just knows it’s the key to saving her mom from the “fog”—the depression that keeps her mom bedridden for days at a time. What Astrid doesn’t expect, though, is to be transported—along with her younger sister, Marilla—to Zhen, a realm where the Chinese legends of old are real!

In Zhen, Astrid and Marilla meet Erlang Shen, a powerful warrior, and Lan Caihe, one of the Eight Immortals. It seems an ancient evil known as Chaos is wreaking havoc all throughout this mythological world, threatening to shroud all of Zhen in darkness—and Astrid is the only one who can stop it.

With only her sister (who has been trapped in the body of a cat!) and two great mythological figures to help her, Astrid sets out on a journey to face her destiny. But will she be able to save her mom—and the world!—before Chaos reigns supreme?

Reviews

Praise for The Scroll of Chaos:

"Chapman mixes an empowering adventure story . . . with unflinching, age-appropriate depictions of the ways depression can affect a family . . . A mythological romp that also tackles issues of mental health." -- Kirkus Reviews

"[An] imaginative middle grade novel about changing familial bonds and finding one's strength." Publishers Weekly

"Elsie Chapman does it again with The Scroll of Chaos -- a thrilling, lushly imagined, emotionally resonant fantasy that will make young readers feel like they're riding their own magical couds across the sky." -- Mike Jung, author of Unidentified Suburban Object

"Like magic, author Elsie Chapman paints a vivid picture, bringing to life the stories and characters of Chinese mythology. In this thrilling heroine's quest, Astrid Xu must overcome her own fears and battle Chaos to save the realm of Zhen and return home to her family. Readers will be immersed in this magical realm as they root for Astrid!" -- Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter

"An awesome journey in a gorgeous, epic world that readers won't want to leave! Equal parts sister drama, high-stakes adventure, and intriguing Chinese mythology, this amazing tale reminds us that there are things we can't change, but anything is possible when we believe in ourselves." -- Gail D. Villanueva, author of My Fate According to the Butterfly

Praise for Caster:

A 2019 Junior Library Guild Selection

* "Chapman's constructed magic is a complex, balanced system that limits the characters to keep the narrative unpredictable; the battle scenes are creative and fast paced, and the high stakes that Aza faces in her personal life and during the tournament are anxiety-inducing in their believability. Information Aza uncovers about the secrets in her life are parsed out so that the plot never drags; readers will have a hard time putting this one down." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

* "Chapman has created compelling young adult novels before, but this is a cut above; the fully realized and atmospheric dystopia is crafted at a level not seen often. This stunning fantasy will fly off the shelves." -- Booklist, starred review

"A dark and, at times, vicious and violent story of will and questionable honor." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Spell Starter:

A 2020 Junior Library Guild Selection

"A thoughtful look at people’s breaking points." -- Kirkus Reviews