Chaos Mode (Paperback)

~ (Author) "It was the strangest creature Darius had seen..." (more)
Key Phrases: second despot, mind predator, own telepathy, Virtual Mode, Sin Eater, Julia Mode (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Despite some fresh characters and situations, the uneven third installment of Anthony's new series (after Virtual Mode and Fractal Mode ) ultimately lapses into formula. Escaping an unhappy childhood, 14-year-old Colene has discovered travel on the Virtual Mode, a buffer zone that connects Earth with thousands of alternate realities. With three companions--Darius, Nona and the telepathic horse Seqiro--she meets Burgess, a tentacled being from a world whose evolutionary development differs dramatically from that of Earth. Anthony effectively conveys Burgess's radical otherness through the creature's community-oriented vocabulary, but he is less successful with the human characters, each of whom is defined by an overly simple trait: Darius is honest, Nona beautiful, Colene intelligent but depressed. Travel along the Virtual Mode allows for several imaginative settings and encounters, including a land of giants and a world where horses keep humans as slaves. The plot lacks a strong through-line, however, and the group's adventures soon become cliched; there seems to be no problem their combined abilities can't wrap up quickly and tidily, leaving them poised for the next adventure.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This is the third and possibly concluding volume of Anthony's Mode series, in which the characters pass freely from one universe to another in a world where all these universes rub elbows, sometimes doing so just in the nick of time. Main characters Colene and Darius continue very much as before, but the telepathic horse Seqiro definitely comes into his own this time (Anthony has always had a knack for equine characters, sometimes a greater knack than he's had for his human ones). Also, there are a well-drawn alien named Burgess and a journey back to Earth, where Colene has some hope of making peace with her none-too-functional family. The Mode series proves Anthony's versatility, at least, and to his large and devoted following it may offer more. Roland Green --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Ace (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441001327
• ISBN-13: 978-0441001323
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #782,824 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 3 in The Mode Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best book by Piers Anthony so far, September 25, 1999

By A Customer

I started reading Mr. Anthony's Mode series this year. Of the three books, Chaos Mode is definitely the best. His portrayal of Colene is so realistic that I was on the verge of tears a few times. Compared to the Xanth series, I feel that mode novels are better because they contain more depth of feeling. I have heard a rumour that he won't be writing anymore Mode novels, but Mr. Anthony, if you happen to read this, please think of continuing writing. There are lots of fans out here waiting to to know what will happen to Colene and Darius in DoOon Mode and how their relationship will progress.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Attention Piers Anthony, April 11, 2000

By A Customer

I remember reading Virtual Mode back in high school when I was feeling a lot like Colene and finding a wonderful release in her travelling through various worlds. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and anxiously await the next book. Whenever I am in a book store I look at your newest books for hopes of mention of the next Mode series book in the Author's notes. Please, please. I humbly beg you to continue this series. Don't leave those of us who have come to love these characters wondering what happens to them. Sequiro ... Will they ever see him again? We're waiting...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars please bring it back, May 28, 2000

By	Wynblade "Media Maniac" (California, USA) - See all my reviews

this is for all the fans of this series and for mr Anthony himself a while back I sent a letter to mr Anthony and recived a response telling me he was sorry but the publisher didnt want to continue the series. well if you read this let me say this is a great series with deep realistic charters and wether or not it helps i would love to say that i would buy the next book if its ever made whoever the publisher may be :) and by the other reviews here i would say their are others with the same opinion.