Overall, this collection achieves two important aims, which are close to the heart of all scholars working in the complexity paradigm. Firstly, it invites readers to reflect on the “range of questions, methods and answers” that Complexity Theory generates when applied to linguistic inquiry (p. 9). The contributions that make up this chapter do this in ways that consistently engage the readers’ intellect, even if they do not always prompt unconditional agreement. Secondly, it pays a very fitting tribute to the scholarship of Diane Larsen-Freeman, in whose honour and celebration the volume was compiled.

- Achilleas I. Kostoulas, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, on Linguist List 30.162 (11 January 2019),

<i>Complexity Theory and Language Development: in celebration of Diane Larsen-Freeman</i> is a timely contribution, offering a wealth of insights that promise a reconceptualization of language theory, research, and practice.[...] Collectively, in a balanced and in-depth manner, this volume provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of language and language development with a CT lens. Given its wide-ranging and rich content, it is undoubtedly an important work of reference for researchers and graduate students in SLA and applied linguistics in general.

- Hongying Peng, University of Groningen, and Wei Ren, Beihang University, in Applied Linguistics 2018,

The book is a valuable collection that provides up-to-date research reviews and offers directions for future research. CDST’s [Complexity and Dynamic Systems Theory] noteworthy contributions in understanding and researching SLD are incontrovertible and are achieved by contributors with broad expertise in this volume. Those who want to embark on ELT research from the CDST perspective would also find this book worth reading.

- Pengyun Chang, Chongqing University & Lawrence Jun Zhang, Taiyuan University of Technology, in ELT Journal 72(4): 466–468,