I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

J.W. Rosewood's Convergence Chaos had me hooked with its premise: four ordinary people in the Appalachian town of Mystic Gap get pulled into something beyond the veil of normal life. Ethan, Lily, Connor, and Claire start as refreshingly human characters before destiny comes calling.
The setting shines – you can practically smell the mountain air and small-town atmosphere. The concept of regular folks discovering hidden powers is fantasy comfort food at its finest.
But then the punctuation disaster struck.

I'm talking question marks where periods should be, statements turning into confused questions, declarations becoming uncertain mumbles. It's like the manuscript went through a punctuation blender. Once you notice it, it's impossible to ignore, and I spent more time mentally editing than worrying about our heroes saving the mystical realm. Now this could be all because it is an ARC, but if not, we really need to get an editor in to salvage this book!

The bigger issue? Our protagonists feel like they were ordered from the Generic Fantasy Heroes catalog. Reluctant leader Ethan, mysteriously powered Lily, comic relief Connor, and... well, Claire's there too. They hit all the required fantasy tropes but never leap off the page as actual people.

When the story gets rolling, there are genuine moments of creativity and humor. The world-building shows promise, even if we only get the surface version of what could be richer mythology.
Convergence Chaos is like a talented street performer with a broken guitar – you can hear the potential through the technical difficulties. With serious editing and deeper character development, this could be genuinely engaging. As it stands, it's decent enough for patient fantasy fans who don't mind doing mental edits while reading.

The verdict: Worth it if you're desperate for new fantasy and have a high tolerance for formatting chaos. Just keep that red pen handy.

A heart-filled, magical journey through memory, mystery, and the quiet power of chosen family

There’s something quietly beautiful about the way Convergence Chaos unfolds — like fog slowly lifting over a sleepy mountain town, revealing secrets that were always there, waiting patiently to be noticed.

Set in the enchanting Appalachian town of Mystic Gap, this story begins not with a bang, but with a tug — a pull toward something just beyond the veil of ordinary life. We meet Ethan, Lily, Connor, and Claire — four very normal, very human people trying to carry the weight of grief, uncertainty, and everyday responsibilities. A baker, a florist, a librarian, and a handyman… not the usual cast of “guardians,” and yet, that’s exactly what makes them feel so real and easy to love.

When a mysterious pendant and a long-lost legend reawaken in their quiet town, these four are drawn together — not just to unlock elemental powers and ancient gates, but to face the Convergence, a mystical event that threatens to blur the line between realities and unravel their world. As they dig into the past, open their hearts, and begin to remember pieces of themselves long forgotten, they become more than just protectors. They become family.

🌿 What Makes This Book So Lovely:

A small town full of soul: Mystic Gap feels like a place you could live in — where everyone knows your name, and something magical always seems to be hiding in the mist. The atmosphere is rich and warm, even when things get eerie. It’s cozy fantasy in the best sense.

Emotional depth that sneaks up on you: Each character is dealing with their own quiet heartbreak — loss, loneliness, regret — and the way they come together is incredibly touching. Their bond builds slowly and tenderly, and by the end, it feels like they’ve found more than magic… they’ve found each other.

Magical realism with heart: The fantasy elements — elemental powers, dimensional veils, ancient symbols — feel like natural extensions of the characters’ emotional journeys. The magic is mysterious and intriguing, but it’s never just for show. It’s symbolic, intimate, and soul-deep.

Gentle, hopeful storytelling: Even when the story dips into darkness or confusion, there's a persistent feeling of hope running through it. The tone is clean, kind, and reflective — perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy that nurtures as much as it entertains.

🌌 Final Thoughts

Convergence Chaos: The Guardians’ Awakening is a soft-spoken gem of a story — a tale of finding magic in the ordinary, strength in vulnerability, and connection in the most unexpected places. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, clean fantasy with a strong sense of place, a dash of multiverse mystery, and characters you truly grow to care for.

Whether you're a fan of cozy magical realism, stories about memory and found family, or simply want something heartfelt and original — this book is well worth the read.

Thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, this book did not capture my attention and I struggled to connect with the characters and world(s). I think the author has a really cool idea and I would be interested in reading more multiverse novels in the future, but I think the execution of this novel fell flat for me.

Unfortunately this wasn't really for me. I did enjoy it but the pacing was tricky and I wasn't drawn into the story which made it drag a little