The Scroll of Chaos
About this book
When Astrid Xu stumbles upon a magic Chinese scroll, she can't help but wonder if it holds the key to helping her mom's depression. What Astrid doesn't expect is to be transported along with her little sister, Marilla, to Zhen -- a realm where the Chinese legends of old are real!
But all is not well in Zhen. An ancient evil known as Chaos is wreaking havoc throughout the land, and Astrid is the only one who can stop it. With her sister -- who has been transformed into a cat! -- and two great mythological figures by her side, Astrid sets off on a journey to face her destiny. Can she save the world before Chaos reigns supreme?
In this imaginative ode to Chinese mythology and the power of sisterhood, acclaimed author Elsie Chapman shows readers just how far we will go to protect the ones we love.
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
