Titans of Chaos

by John C. Wright

Book Overview

"Titans of Chaos" completes John Wright's The Chronicles of Chaos. Launched in "Orphans of Chaos--"a Nebula Award Nominee for best novel in 2006, and a "Locus" Year's Best Novel pick for 2005--and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765355604
• ISBN13: 9780765355607
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 385 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Mythology Lover's Dream Come True

The Chaos Triglogy is a wonderfully written book about god and goddess-like beings in the modern age. This isn't Percy Jackson, though! It is written very much for adult reading levels, without being inappropriate for younger readers. The story line, the characters, and the vocabulary may make this book inaccessible to younger readers exploring fantasy novels. However, if you know someone who learned to read because of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, have matured beyond them, and if they have some decent background knowlege of mythology, then this trilogy would be a wonderful next step.

Classic Mythology reimagined for the 21st century

The final installment continues right were the second novel left off and is by far the most action packed book of the trilogy. Most of the book is dedicated to the all out battle between a couple rogue Olympians and the Children of Chaos. Wright's conclusion to the series is every bit as imaginative, intellectual and funny as the first two parts. The three books comprise one big story that takes place over the course of just a few weeks and will not make sense if read out of sequence. Starting with book one is essential. Repackaging the three books in one volume someday would be ideal. Overall, the series is one of the most original and creative works of sci-fi / fantasy (I can't tell which genera this story falls into) that I've ever read. I greatly enjoyed this series and would highly recommend it.

An incredible trilogy concludes...

The cover of this book touts it as "The Fantastic Climax of The Chronicles of Chaos." Most series, in their final book, spend a decent portion on the final build to the climax, which can sometimes be a letdown for the amount of build-up afforded it. Not so here. The climatic battle to which the children have been "destined" the entire trilogy takes up a good portion of this final book. And set aside all your preconceptions of where he could have gone and what he could have done, Wright takes this book and the characters in an direction only he could conceive and direct. Imaginative and creative, heart-pounding in in its pace, this final portion of the Chronicles of Chaos is a brilliant conclusion. The children finally get a chance to spend time focusing on developing their talents/abilities. And in the process of running and self-searching, they really do find their true selves. They transition from children to adults, and begin to step into the power that their heritages have passed down to them. When the time for that final battle comes, though not completely ready to face their foe(s), they do so with all the power at their command. Wright's grasp of mythology and science is amazing, and the way he interweaves their contradictory realities is genius in itself. He has somehow woven a narrative utilizing perspectives or definitions of reality which are completely at odds with each other, yet, through his skillful writing, each holds its own coherently. An aspect of how Wright develops his narrative and moves his story forward which I have come to completely enjoy and respect is that he "allows" his characters to choose poorly as they grow and mature through his stories. And their poor choices have very real consequences, and sometimes those consequences are ones which do not, in any way, affect their position or trajectory positively. It seems a more "real" way of storytelling, portraying individuals striving to do right, but sometimes not, and suffering the consequences thereof. In all, I highly recommend not only this book, but the entire trilogy. Don't do yourself a disfavor and start with this novel, begin at the beginning and work your way through them all. Orphans of Chaos and then Fugitives of Chaos (Tor Fantasy) are excellent books in their own rights, but all three of them really stand as a single unit, and you will never get the full grasp of what Wright has developed if you start anywhere other than at the beginning.

Spectacular!

I have just finished a week-long reading marathon with this series. I picked up "Orphans of Chaos" and wouldn't rest until I finished through to this latest installment. (I say latest because its simply too painful to think of it being over) The next thing on my to-do list is read the entire series over again but this time with a highlighter. The dialogue is superb and the descriptions are so vivid it has me wondering if John C. Wright has indeed seen the 4th dimension for himself. Wright's imagination has stretched my mind to its limits - and I'm better for it. "Orphans of Chaos", "Fugitives of Chaos" and "Titans of Chaos" are all dazzling, sumptuous, decadent treats to be savored. I think "Titans" is the climax of that richness. The characters are a lot more mature, reclaim their old powers (with gusto!), and participate in exhilarating discourse. This series literally has it all - plot twists, intrigue, mind-bending strategy, action, humor, but MOST OF ALL - it is tempered by fascinating quantum physics, engrossing spiritual philosophy, breathtaking poetry, characters so grounded they feel real, gorgeous dialogue (especially Colin's mind over matter, the nature of chaos and the cosmos, and the nature of power)...you'd think all of this would be dry, preachy or "heady" (that has been my experience with other books) but no - it is obvious Wright is extraordinarily well-educated, but he uses all of his knowledge about myth, philosophy and spirituality to propel the story forward. It never once lags or seems out of place. Also, both Sci-Fi readers and Fantasy buffs will love it because it blends both genres together perfectly. These books relieved me of my reading dry spell. It is so hard to find a good book these days. When I read, I want more than just a "fun ride" ("Twilight" for example; addicting but fluffy)...I literally felt better for reading these books. They have "substance"... the magic that brought "Star War"s to fame was undoubtedly "The Force"..."Lord of the Rings" could have been another story of war but it became legendary for its heart-breaking beauty and powerful allegory ... C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia possesses a haunting quality we can all relate to -that uncanny feeling that we are so much more than we know...and last but not least - Harry Potter is ultimately a story of love and courage trumping evil. It is this element that anchors this Chaos series for me - what otherwise would be just another exhilarating, witty, rollicking, laugh-out loud funny, delicious read...also gives the reader something to meditate on when finished. It's a story to keep thinking about.