Anthony arrived on the science fiction scene with quite a bang with this novel. So much of a bang that it was nominated for the 1968 Hugo award, losing out on the award itself only to another truly brilliant work, Roger Zelazny's Lord of Light.

Anthony introduces a multitude of ideas in this work: a flower that shows whether or not your significant other truly loves you, a galaxy-spanning 'message' that kills humans in its path by hypothermia, a naturally formed inorganic based consciousness, a type of grub that quite literally eats absolutely everything. But the most significant idea is a genetically modified type of human, the minionettes, all physically identical and the very picture of absolute female perfection, who have their emotional circuits inverted, where the kindest thing you can do to them is hate, abuse, deride, and punish them.

Anton Five, knowing nothing of her true nature, has the misfortune to fall in love with one of these minionettes, a love that is an obsession, a mixture of real love and conflicted hate, as the object of his emotions, after only three brief encounters, goes to space. It becomes his mission in life to track her down, even at the expense of his farm and a rejection of freely offered true love by a daughter of the family of Four. And due to this obsession, he eventually is sent to the prison planet Chthon, where the prison is the naturally formed caves and tubes formed by ancient volcanic action and that no one has ever escaped from. Within this prison are real monsters, truly horrifying and very unique, many of which are seen only from offstage or half-seen, and the very indistinctness this lends to these creatures adds to their effect. Some of the images of this section gave me nightmares for years after the first time I read this book.

Anton is a fully delineated character, not very likeable - in fact he's amoral, selfish, a loner, single-minded, and at least something of a psychotic. But there are occasional glimpses of a different man hiding inside, one capable of giving and receiving love, who knows pity and can empathize with other's misfortunes. The story, outside of all the fantastic ideas so casually tossed around, is really about his development into a fully rational human who can allow his emotions full sway when appropriate.

The story construction is rather unique, using both flash-backs and flash-forwards from his time in prison. This is deliberately done, as there are a set of parallels/contrasts between the actions in the prison and the actions at other times in Anton's life, which help illustrate the man and his changes. This construction has the disadvantage of lessening the suspense, but the added meaning given by this structure more than compensates for this. At least part of this book can be viewed as an allegory for the travels of a man through the stages of life, and Anthony buries quite a bit of symbolism inside his creations.

The power of this book resides in the changes Anton goes through and its tremendous imagery coupled with some truly different and unique ideas. Be prepared to put as much effort into reading and comprehending this book as it would take for a classic 'literary' novel - this book is a far cry from the grade-B space-operas of yesteryear.

--- Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)

Piers Anthony was one of my first fantasy reads. I read his Robot Adept and had to have all the books on the series, plus a lot of others from other series! It stole me away from romance and mystery, being far more interesting! From his novels, I crossed the threshold into fantasy and sci-fi, reading many good writers' works. Chthon is a cut above the rest, despite it being a first work and I applaud an already celebrated author for yet another great work of fiction!

Though the Xanth series was (im almost certain) one of the first series that any one ever read on this author, i found that the immense amount of sheer brain capacity needed to assertain every little metaphorical and ever single sub-based plot screwing in this book was alot more "mature" then from his previous more childesh books. Though they are not childesh in content literature, only really in characters. I have found that in most books he has incredible amount of beutifully puzzling puns and writing that i wish to assertain one day, al in all i definetly rate this book up there. If anyone else is interested , check out Barry B. Longyear, He wirtes an incredible fiction called the Godbox although it is quite rare and difficult to get ahold of , i suppose you can start at your local library. Anywho , thanks and hopefuly Piers pulls through with a few more good books.

These books are fantastic!!!! It is a shame not more kids are into these books.I know people all ages would like them because ALL my friends like these books & they are my father's favorite books. Maybe some more people should show these books on their sites. I give these books 1000+ thumbs up (if I had that many thumbs) and 1,000,000,000,000+ stars.

These three books make for an excellent trilogy, thick with a rich writing style, imaginative prose, and surprising depth for a "lightweight" fantasy series. I cannot imagine the fantasy genre without these. Piers Anthony has opened up a whole new route of writing fantasy. You'll be won over by Xanth's charm instantly. Excellent.

Pier Xanthony is a great author. His books are mostly for adults, but teens love them too! I happen to be one, so I would know. His books are punishly hilarious, and lots of fun! I hope he never stops writing them. If you haven't read any then you should definately go for these. Start with A Spell for Chameleon, the rest of the books are listed inside in the order that you read them. They are best read if you start from the beginning, that way you get the right info at the right time. For example, if you don't know about the Gap and the Gap Dragon then you won't understand what's going on at some points. I wouldn't give this series anything less than a 5-star rating. I love it!

He was the largest land mammal of prehistoric times. Now computers, genetic engineering, and a touch of luck have brought one of these magnificent creatures back to life...and into the life of a boy named Thor Nemmen. Nicknamed Balook, this nine-ton hornless rhinoceros has been living peacefully in his sealed-off scientific compound--content to play with his only friend, Thor. The world beyond the fence remains a mystery... But now, Balook has broken free. He's become bigger and stronger--and he's suddenly ready to levae hios quiet home, to encounter danger, excitement, and adventure. Balook is ready to discover the world. But is the world ready for Balook? I really liked this book. I thought it was a very good example of how Anthony can work. Read this book, you will like it.

I can tell if I should read a book only if I can get absorbed into it. And this book really grabbed me! It was a beautiful story, written from the heart, and I couldn't put it down till I had read the last page. I would reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys Piers Anthony, science/fiction or stories about relationships w/ animals. It truly deserves a 10! PLEASE e-mail me w/ your opinions.

Balook is a great book for all ages. It combines fun,romance and the love of one boy for his animal. A touching story, Balook is about a huge, pre-historic rhino who's best friend is a lonely boy named Tor. When Balook wanders off one day, Tor follows him, ending up in one wild adventure after another with his rhino.

When I got this book, I thought that it was just another long book. But when I started to read it, I couldn't put it down. It has interesting events on every page.

This book took me out of reality to and helped me to realize I am not the only one with these types of problems. It is an great way to relax when you have had a stressful day.

I was introduced to Xanth when I was sick and became one of it's greatest silent fans. The library had this buried and I just had a feeling I finnally found someone I can identify with, Dee. Her simplistic complexity was right on the mark and when she wins, not only her true love, but also finds that it's o.k. to be so different and yet the same as everyone else, you can't help but LOVE these books! Piers, please don't ever stop being a kid inside, i'd think the world as I know it was about to end. With resspect from a former Alcoholic, thanks

Scourge of the Ecliptic

He was driven by violent injustice from his home moon of Callisto and set forth to claim the epic destiny that would blaze across worlds and time. He saw his family destroyed, his sister carried off into sexual slavery, his beautiful lover killed - and he swore revenge against the murderous pirates who held the Jupiter planetodis in a stranglehold of terror...

Fired by raw courage, steeled by young might, he rose in the Navy of Jupiter to command a personal squadron loyal to the death. And it was death they faced-against piratical warlords of the Jupiter Ecliptic who laughed at the young commander's challenge...until they met the merciless fury of the warrior who would annihilate all obstacles in his path to immortal renown as the Tyrant of Jupiter!

This is a fantastic novel that although I read it a number of years ago, I am still amazed by the craftmanship involve in this book. Throughout this series, Piers Anthony leads his readers into his imagination of the future colonization of the solar system and the rise to power of an incredible man. Anthony projects the United States and the rest of the world of the 1980s into the future, although in recent years we hav seen the fall of the Soviet Union, the issues discussed in this novel still face our world even today.

This and the others in the series are very good. Read them. Now. Or i'll... j/k. But really, the storyline is about a Hope Hubris, and his diary. Written in the 24th Century, this is a good Science Fiction.

I have read tens of thousands of books, but most especially science fiction. I can only attribute my love and fascination for sci-fi to this wondrous work by Piers Anthony! This was my first sci-fi book, but it has not been my last. Anthony's extraordinary ability to describe the incredible alien environment, the beauty of the background and it's entitled creatures was so amazing that I am forced to renew it's wonder regularly. I highly recommend this to all readers!

A cyborg is sent to investigate the activities of three scientists on the planet Nacre. As he questions them, he hopes to find out the secret of the Mantas, creatures brought back from Nacre. The alien world covered by fungoid live forms is a truly unique creation. An excellent Anthony foray into science fiction.

The beginning novel in an excellent trilogy. Well worth the read; it's a shame we lost these characters.

With a main character who delves into every subject imaginable from racial relations to indepth looks at several major religions, this book is enough to make you stop and evaluate how much of your own life is represented in here. It was a beautiful view of a seeker trying to find the truth, and discoverin how much of his own past is related to the truths, and histories, that he is finding. It is also closely related with another series of Anthony's, with a crossover in fact for the fifth book in the Cluster Cycle, "Viscious Circle." For those who enjoy finding their place in the universe, this book is a must.

Originally published as a trilogy, Tarot provides a original slant on world religions. Students of religion or sociology would benefit from reading this book because it shows how people of different belief systems must work together to survive. An amazing amount of detail is present in describing the many religions discussed (I was particularly impressed with how in-depth the Mormon faith was described. Wow!) This book is most definitely a keeper, to be read and re-read many times over. Even if you can only find a used copy, get it! It is not for anyone with a narrow mind, however, since everything from religion to sex is discussed by the characters. It is one of Anthony's better works, rating even above his Incarnations of Immortality series -- good, earthy, thought-provoking science fiction.

Peirs Anthony's twisted way of dealing with reality yet again reaches an all time high. This time although he questions the perception of religion. For all of you out there who are bible thumping maniacs to heathens this is the book for you. Some of the content in the book is disturbing if you are not prepared but the message given is well worth hearing. Truly one of Anthony's best works. Be prepared to take some time to read it. It's worth it if you are not easily offended. It will open the eyes and expand the mind of all who read it. If you have ever taken a philosophy class and did not like the way it effected your life I suggest you steer clear of this baby, but on the otherhand if your looking for explanations and want the truth this novel is not to be missed!

The Wlling Spirit is a must read novel for those in love with mythology, India, playful deities and honest but sometimes naive males:-)This first novel of Alfred Tella in collaboration with Piers Anthony was great. Full of details about Indian religions and beliefs, it opened a window to a wonderful world full of colors and smells. The idea of a wager between a horrible demon and beautiful deity is not new, but in this novel it is innovative and fun to read. If you want a fun reading, with colorful characters and places, this is the book to read.

Enjoy! I know that I already did :-)

Very enjoyable--the authors' technique of letting us "eavesdrop" on the 2 meddlesome deities was fun. I guess deities don't have enough to do any more! Hari, the main character, often seems to be just a bit of flotsam on the waves, getting washed up in the darnedest places.But, catlike, he always lands on his feet. Or sometimes in another more interesting position! CLHaass

In this modern world of computers and skyscrapers it's always nice to be able to escape into the realm of fantasy. This little sojurn takes the reader to the India of the past where a young Brahmin, Hari, goes out into the world to learn of life only to become a pawn in a game of the Gods. Who shall win? Shall Hari be killed or seduced? Only the Gods know and this will keep you in suspense the whole time. There are amusing adventures that will make you laugh out loud, but hang on to your seat or you'll be lost in the action. There is no hidden plot and very little hidden meaning, but this is a great little novel just to read for the sheer pleasure of it. Happy reading!

I was very surprised about his literary past. Such a great writer. I was interested in hearing what he had to go through to get a book published. Good book overall. Don't get many like this.

This book has interesting facts about his ideals of life, man's envolvemet with nature and ect.

MUTE HAS TO BE THE BEST NOVEL I HAVE READ OF PIERS ANTHONY TO DATE. THOUGH I READ THE NOVEL MANY YEARS AGO, I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THE MESMERIZING QUALITY OF READING I RECEIVED FROM IT. I HAVE NOT READ ANY OTHER NOVEL LIKE IT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS NOVEL TO ANYONE. I EVEN CONVERTED A NON-READER TO A READER AFTER THEY READ THIS NOVEL.

I read this book years ago (12) and found it truely exciting. I am an avid Xanth series reader, and eagerly await the newest releases in this ongoing saga, but MUTE is be far Anthony's best single volumn novel to date. I have searched for this book since the first time I read it--when I checked it out of the local library--and am finally glad to have added it to my personal collection via Amazon.com.

In my opinion, this really is one of his best books. It is up to par with his incarnations and Xanth series, except you don't have to buy a million books. It was worth the read, definately. It encompasses all the whole genre of scifi, both the fantasy part and the space part. You have your fantasy story in a spacial setting. No matter how hard to find it is, I would recommend this book