OMG, Literary Chaos is AMAZING!! You guys, I read it in like two days because I couldn't stop! It's this wild story about a techno circus, but what makes it super cool is how it brings together all these different book characters I love!
The action scenes are INTENSE, especially this huge battle that happens at the circus. There's this character Drew who's seriously so cool (his steampunk goggles are everything!), and he teams up with Jo March during all the chaos. And you won't believe who else shows up - some of your favorite characters from classic books, but they're all doing things you'd never expect! What made it really special was how each character got their own chance to be awesome, and they still acted like themselves even with all the crazy stuff happening. I know some parts might seem scary (no spoilers but the circus owner gives me the creeps), but trust me - it's the good kind of scary that makes you want to keep reading!
If you like action and wild adventures and seeing your favorite book characters do unexpected things, you HAVE to read this book! I really really REALLY hope they write a sequel because I need more of this in my life!
PS: Can we talk about that ending?? NO SPOILERS but OMG!!
Taylor (age 13)
Literary Chaos is literally the BEST BOOK EVER! If you love classic book characters like I do, you're going to be obsessed with how they all come together in this super wild techno-circus story. The main character Jo March (yes, like from Little Women!) is honestly such a queen. She's super brave but also really relatable because sometimes she needs help from her friends, which I totally get. And then there's Drew... swoons. Not to be dramatic, but he might be my new fictional crush! The way he and Jo interact is just... What makes this book so special is how it takes all these different characters we grew up reading about and puts them in this completely crazy situation. Like, it shouldn't work, but it SO does! The authors did such an amazing job making everything feel real - I literally felt like I was there watching everything happen!
Literary Chaos is literally the BEST BOOK EVER! If you love classic book characters like I do, you're going to be obsessed with how they all come together in this super wild techno-circus story. The main character Jo March (yes, like from Little Women!) is honestly such a queen. She's super brave but also really relatable because sometimes she needs help from her friends, which I totally get. And then there's Drew... swoons. Not to be dramatic, but he might be my new fictional crush! The way he and Jo interact is just... What makes this book so special is how it takes all these different characters we grew up reading about and puts them in this completely crazy situation. Like, it shouldn't work, but it SO does! The authors did such an amazing job making everything feel real - I literally felt like I was there watching everything happen!
PLEASE tell me there's going to be a sequel!
Emily (age 14)
Literary Chaos is a novel that fuses classic literature's charm with contemporary storytelling's cadence. For anyone who has ever found a piece of themselves tucked between the pages of a beloved book, this story reminds of how powerful words can be. Set in a near-future Boston, the story centers around the Big Top Domain. This high-tech traveling circus captivates the city with its virtual reality thrills and promises of unforgettable experiences for teens. But behind the spectacle lies a darker agenda. At its helm is Silas Schutzstaffel, a charismatic yet sinister ringmaster with intentions that go far beyond entertainment. Jo March and her close-knit book club are initially drawn to the circus's allure. However, their curiosity soon leads them to uncover a chilling plot: the circus isn't simply entertaining its audience—it's controlling their minds, with the city's youth as its primary target. As fiction and reality blur, Jo and her friends must harness the enduring magic of storytelling to resist and expose the truth. Authors Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley breathe fresh life into some of literature's most iconic figures, weaving them into a modern narrative in a way that feels both nostalgic and newly imagined. With grace and wit, the story dusts off the shelves of literary memory, proclaiming that these voices of the past still have something to say in the present. One of the book's best features is its thoughtful integration of quotes, ranging from the whimsical wisdom of A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh to unexpected gems from figures like Charlie Chaplin. You may find yourself pausing to reread a line or scribbling it down to remember later. Another clever touch is the inclusion of a Quotes Appendix at the book's end—part book atlas, part treasure map—inviting readers to trace each reference back to its origin. It's a fun and meaningful way to connect the dots between the story and the many books it honors. The plot moves at a comfortable pace, making it an easy and enjoyable read for adults, teens, or young advanced readers. Characters wrestle with authentic internal dilemmas, with both humor and heart. Their world may be fictional, but their struggles—and joys—resonate with relatable truth. Beyond its storytelling, the novel subtly invites readers to consider enduring questions: What does it mean to live in a world saturated by screens and scrolling? How do stories teach us empathy? Where does the line blur between fiction and self? Whether you're looking for an engaging weekend read or a book club pick ripe with discussion potential, Literary Chaos delivers. It rekindles the quiet magic of reading and reminds us why stories still matter. "The kind of book that makes you want to hug your bookshelf." K.A. • 5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful imagination-filled story Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2025 A very fun, delightful story that catches your attention and sets fire to your imagination as you picture every character and scene throughout the entire book! Whether you grew up reading all the classics that are referenced throughout the story or not, it would be hard to not enjoy the underlying story. Highly recommend!
K.A.
5.0 out of 5 stars So many amazing twists and turns! Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2025 The classics are brought to life, literally, in such a fascinating way, over and over again! The best kind of chaos. Teens will love it! This adult loved it, too!!
sglo573
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for YA Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2025 Great YA read. Such imagination and fun “Easter eggs” to find.
Joyce Keeler
This book is fast paced and a great read. I loved it as an adult and both my teenagers are excited to read it now!
Nicole Mikkelson
Below you will find ratings (scale of 1-5) with general descriptions for the major parts of your book followed by your Readers' Favorite review. Although this is just a Mini-Critique, we hope it will give you an insight into how readers may view the different components of your book.
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Title: Literary Chaos
Author: Michael Landon Jr & Cindy Kelley
Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy - General
The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.
Rating: 5/5
The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.
Rating: 5/5
Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.
Rating: 5/5
Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.
Rating: 5/5
Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.
Rating: 4/5
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.
Rating: 5/5
Literary Chaos is a coming-of-age fantasy adventure by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley. Joanna "Jo" March and her parents have recently moved to their new house in Boston. As the new kid in Robert Frost Middle School, Jo has to navigate studies, mean classmates, and her parents' arguments at home. Jo unexpectedly finds refuge in a secret, enchanted room in her house and discovers a journal that teaches her to make "The Powder of Life." In the secret room, Jo's favorite literary characters from her books come to life. But Silas Schutzstaffel, the owner of the Big Top Domain circus, has plans of his own and wants The Powder of Life for his nefarious scheme. Can Jo save her literary friends from being eradicated forever?
Literary Chaos features some of the most popular characters from classic children's literature. This book is for both preteen and young adult readers. Authors Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley have crafted a captivating adventure tale that celebrates the power of imagination and the bonds of friendship. Using a fast-paced plot full of surprises, the authors draw the reader into a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. I loved the characterization of Jo and her friends. They act and talk like real middle schoolers, which brings authenticity to the story and makes it all the more immersive. Children will definitely relate to Jo and her friends. I also enjoyed Silas as a villain. He is truly formidable, which makes it easy for the reader to root for Jo. Overall, it's a fantastic book for young readers.
