The Child of Chaos

BOOK ONE OF THE CHRONICLES OF CHAOS

“This is what fantasy fiction should be.” –New York Times bestselling author and fantasy legend Piers Anthony

In a world ruled by Order, imagination is dangerous.

Galen’s father is content hauling nets from the sea. Galen is not. He wants stories, possibility, something beyond what the temples of Order allow.

He takes after his lost mother, who once felt a pull no one could explain. She followed it and never returned.

Now the same pull is reaching for him.

Across the world, those who feel the Longing go to the temples of Order. No one speaks of a Longing for Chaos. It leads to an ancient vault where Chaos has been locked away for centuries—and those drawn to it are never seen again.

There is a prophecy about that vault. Only the Child of Chaos can open it.

Horace, once Galen’s childhood tormentor, believes he is the Child. He has risen within the temple of Evil, but strains against its rigid hierarchy. Chaos will give him what Order never would. And the world will pay the price.

The prophecy does not question whether the vault will open—it promises that it will.

What happens next depends on who enters.

“This is no ordinary sword and sorcery story. There is a quality of imagination and detail here that impresses me. [Glen Dahlgren is a] novelist who I think will become more widely known as his skill is appreciated.” –Piers Anthony

AWARDS

MAJOR AWARDS

FINALISTS AND HONORS

REVIEWS

“This book shows [Glen Dahlgren] to be a formidable novelist in his own right.” –Piers Anthony, New York Times best-selling author of the Xanth series

“An immensely satisfying page turner with some profound things to say about friendship, responsibility and true courage.” –Lee Sheldon, award-winning writer of Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Lion’s Song

“The book managed to surprise me with clever twists and turns, and as a lifelong fantasy reader, that’s a tough trick to pull off.” –Christy Marx, award-winning writer of Conan, Red Sonja, and Elfquest, and author of Writing for Animation, Comics & Games

“A truly unique, well-crafted fantasy novel. It’s an impressive work of fiction. And, since this is book one, I’m eager to read more!” –Barbara Blackburn, Knights of the Dinner Table

“Having made all of my games about the battle between Order and Chaos, I was captivated by Glen’s interesting, powerful take on that eternal struggle. Why not roll the dice and see what a fantastic, surprising adventure this wonderful book can lead you on!” –Tom Hall, co-creator of Wolfenstein 3D, DOOM, and Anachronox

“Epic yet somehow intimate at the same time. [The Child of Chaos] echoes similar shades of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones and is a fun, sprawling story that’s hard to put down!” –Cliff Bleszinski, lead game designer of Unreal and Gears of War

“One of my favorite fantasy novels, period.” –Lily Luchesi, USA Today best-selling author
“Brilliantly conceived and perfectly executed fantasy story.” –Indies Today

“This is fantasy at its best, hands down the best book I’ve read this year!” –Betaworlds

The Child of Chaos is my debut young-adult fantasy novel and the spark that created the multiple award-winning YA series, the Chronicles of Chaos.

Since childhood, I’ve devoured fantasy and science-fiction novels. When I joined Legend Entertainment, I was lucky enough to design games based on some of my favorite literary properties like the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan and the Death Gate Cycle by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.

In those games, I told fresh stories in familiar worlds. Now, I’ve introduced my own original fantasy tale in a world you won’t soon forget.