Chaos Rising by P.D. Blackwell is an exciting and complex science fiction book. The story takes place in a world where different worlds are colonized by different clans. Though they have partnerships of their own, the clans are members of the Alliance, meant to maintain peace among them. That peace is suddenly threatened by a series of attacks that started with the destruction of a mining colony owned by the Polinda clan. Clan Polinda blames their old rival, Clan Erstallius, and retaliates. As battles between various clans start breaking out, Arlud, young regent of Erstallius, does everything he can to find out the truth and discovers a bigger threat that could end all of them.

I really enjoyed reading Chaos Rising. I thought it was well-written and I enjoyed how the story flowed smoothly at a good pace. I did not get bored even once while reading. I enjoyed the writing style and approach of P.D. Blackwell, who presented the different story lines piece by piece until they all converged and made sense. I liked the whole concept of the clans and the alliance, though I was struck by the realization that they were really just a single species that occupied a vast world of planet systems. It was fascinating to read a bit about their cultural differences and such. I thought the characters in the story were strong, complex and likeable, and I truly rooted for them from beginning to end. I wouldn't mind reading a sequel to know the next leg of their story.

In Chaos Rising by P.D. Blackwell, old rivalries are igniting new battles while a new dark force is emerging to destroy the precarious unity of the clans. It is the year 3525; the Alliance of Great Clans has kept the peace among the worlds for more than a century and a half. Everything is going fine; however, the Clan Polinda owned mining colony is destroyed by a mysterious foe. Clan Polinda believes that their precious colony was destroyed by Clan Erstallius, an old rival. Soon, a threat of war is out there to vanquish the peace that was carefully procured by the Alliance of Great Clans.

Arlud Erstallius believes in the innocence of his clan and is ready to prove it. He sets out to find whoever it is and comes across something unexpected. He comes across a great dark power that is out there to abolish the peace and become the sole ruler of the world. To protect his clan from annihilation, Arlud had to travel across the long worlds to find the survivors of the mining colony to prove his clan’s innocence. Only they can help him prove his clan’s innocence and recognize the new enemy, and end this daunting threat to their peace.

Chaos Rising by P.D. Blackwell is a thrilling science fiction. It actually brought back the feelings I had when I was watching Star Wars. The suspense is great and it is articulated in the best possible way. The story is gripping and the reader is forced to be attentive. I really enjoyed the novel and hope that it will have a sequel!