Blog Archives
I’m a Fan of Fairytale Endings
Sweet Chaos follows shapeshifting twins Jace and Jem as they confront their dark lineage, demon-possessed father, and destined loves while battling loyalty, danger, and sacrifice. What inspired you to create a world centered on shapeshifting and the Breedline species?
To be honest, this story originated from a dream I had back in 2013. It was about the love story between the two main characters, Jace and Tessa, along with Jace’s ability to shapeshift into a white wolf. The dream was so realistic, it immediately captivated my imagination. As an artist, I wanted to capture the characters, so I went to work sketching them. That’s when the story developed in my mind. Although I was an artist and not a writer, I decided to join a writing club where I began writing my story. I was critiqued by other readers and talented authors. I definitely learned a lot. My story continued to progress and the readers on the writing site became more invested in my story. In 2014, I decided to independently publish my story. Ten years and six books later, I decided to go back and rewrite Sweet Chaos. After enhancing my writing skills, I wanted to give the readers the best story I could. It took me two years to rewrite the first edition of Sweet Chaos, but it was worth it in the end. My passion for this series remains an important part of my life.
How do you balance developing distinct personalities for such a large cast of characters?
When I develop a character, it’s like bits and pieces of myself pours into them. The moment I start to write about each character, I can see them in my mind. I can even hear their voices. After ten years, they just become imaginary family members. I know that sounds silly, but that’s how I feel.
What challenges did you face in writing action-packed scenes, such as Alexander’s transformation?
When I wrote the first edition of Sweet Chaos back in 2014, I struggled to write the action and fight scenes. It took me years of writing to develop the ability to create them. But now, I feel like those are my strong areas.
Can you share more about the underlying themes of family and sacrifice that drive the story?
I’m a big fan of fairytale endings. I want to give readers a sense of hope where in the end, good always triumphs evil. That’s where family, faith, and true love comes into play. This world needs more of it, so why not write about it.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook-Book Series | Facebook – Author | Website
As they grow up, adapting to their new environment along with a loving adoptive family, they soon discover hidden powers of their own. Despite the bizarre life changes they are about to embark on, promising careers and blossoming romances give them a sense of normalcy.
But their journey doesn’t end there. Evil lurks in the shadows, bringing forth haunting memories of their childhood past. Their biological father, Alexander Crest, who is possessed by an ancient demon, unexpectedly returns after twenty-one years, searching for the twin gifted with great power they are unaware of.
Now Jem and Jace must face the dangers that are fast closing in as their world collides with a half-brother they never knew existed and their demon-possessed father. When Alexander’s sinister plans to destroy mankind and enslave the Breedline species are revealed, the Breedline band together to try to save themselves and mankind.
Sweet Chaos
Sweet Chaos, the first installment in Shana Congrove’s Breedline series, plunges readers into a world where humans can shapeshift into wolves, bound by loyalty, secrets, and danger. The story centers on Jace and Jem, identical twins whose lives take a dark turn when a demon kills their mother. Raised by a caring adoptive family, the twins must eventually confront the truth of their lineage. Along the way, they face their demon-possessed father, discover a half-brother they never knew, and navigate newfound relationships with their destined mates. The stakes are high, and nothing comes without sacrifice.
Congrove’s writing has a magnetic pull with action scenes that are thrilling and detailed. The opening chapter, where Alexander succumbs to his inner beast under a blood-red moon, is both vivid and visceral. I found myself holding my breath as his agony and transformation unfolded, making me both terrified of and empathetic toward his plight.
The author crafts characters with care, and it shows. Jace and Jem, though identical in appearance, stand out with distinct personalities that bring depth and variety to the narrative. Each character, even within the sprawling cast, has their own voice and traits, which makes the world feel vibrant. The number of characters sometimes made the story overwhelming. Keeping track of relationships and dynamics required extra attention, particularly in scenes introducing several individuals at once. This doesn’t take away from the enjoyability of the story. I particularly loved the tension-filled confrontation between Alexander and Katlyn’s brother, Jackson. It encapsulates the book’s central conflict: love battling against an almost insurmountable darkness.
Sweet Chaos delivers a compelling mix of supernatural intrigue, familial bonds, and romance. The distinct characters, particularly Jace and Jem, shine brightest in this narrative. Fans of paranormal romance and shapeshifter lore will enjoy this novel for its emotional depth and engaging premise, though they may wish for a bit more clarity and intensity in its execution. Congrove has laid a strong foundation for the Breedline series, and I’m curious to see where she takes these characters next.
Pages: 555 | ASIN: B0DMMXJK4M
LITERARY TITAN 