In book two I'm finally getting to the point where I can keep everyone straight. It's a wonderful mish-mash of mythology, but there are a lot of characters and everyone has about fifteen names. ( )

After reading John C. Wright's first "Chaos" installment, I was impressed enough to check out the second part - Fugitives of Chaos. It was definitely worth it. While it took a while for me to get into the first book, I realize now that the characters and their motivations had to be fleshed out enough so you could somehow empathize with these otherworldy children. I'm glad Wright took the time, because I really enjoyed watching as the five main characters continued to mature over the course of this book. Actually, saying they were forced to mature is more appropos in this instance I think.

While the multiple names are still at times a bit confusing, there is a handy name reference chart in the front of the book (something that would have really helped with the first novel, though I completely understand its omission). And the fact that Wright has crafted characters you care more and more about as the story progresses really helps.

Another thing that I really liked is Wright's clever use of well-established myths and legends. He doesn't hit you over head with them, but for those familiar with them, a smile is sure to grow when you read their names. And if you found Beowulf a tiring introduction to Epics (not that I ever did), you're apt to find an new appreciation for that classic tale. I want to see what else Wright has up his sleeve, so I've short-tracked the final book in the series to the upper levels of my reading pile. Besides, with a cliffhanger ending like this book had, I have to know how the story ends! ( )

In the continuing adventures of Amelia Windrose and her companions, the flaws of this book are the flaws of the middle book of a series. Having almost escaped from their Olympian jailers in the first book, there is a slight feel of been there/done that about a good chunk of the plot, as another escape is mounted. There are also moments when the escape felt too much like a point & click puzzle game, and if you've read this novel you'll know exactly what segments I'm talking about. Finally, there were a few too many data dumps for my liking, as the young godlings try to figure out what their powers might be, and what chances they might take.

However, I'm still impressed with the character of Amelia, as this series remains very much her story, and I look forward to seeing how Wright resolves the tangled situation he has created. ( )

This is a fast-paced book involving humans that realize that they're not what they seem, with frequent references to ancient mythology. Second in a series, this book has more fantasy and less school than the previous book.

Man, such a solid middle-of-the-trilogy book. Like the first book, full of gods and maths and theory and how much it pretty much sucks to be a young adult trying to figure themselves out. Only no angst, just intelligence and a little pouting.I actually went and bought this book and the third one right after finishing the first. Very addictive story, very epic. ( )