Editorial Review

The first book in the Mode series, in which a man and woman from two alternate worlds face love and danger across time and space. ... Read more

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (34)

sexist and shallow
I was disturbed by the portrait of the young self-injuring woman and her sexual behavior, not because she was depressed and sexually active, but of the way it was described. First off, many self-injurers (cutters) are NOT suicidal. They may be depressed and angry and abused, but cutting can be a way to hold on, not let go.
One of his best books ever
I was completely unprepared for the depth of the main character in this book.Mr. Anthony writes as if he knows what it is really like to be this character.The adventures in the book are thrilling and they keep you interested.The writing assumes that the reader is intelligent and remains fascinating and page-turning from beginning to end.

Not for me, but not intended to be, either
As a longtime fan of Piers Anthony, I wasn't overly impressed with this book, or the remainder of the series (although I haven't read it all yet, and I do intend to finish it). I didn't feel drawn into the characters, and the story itself didn't enthrall me. However, this may be mainly because I am not the target audience for this series; judging by other reader reviews I have read, adolescent females feel a very strong bond to the lead character, and the book seems to touch thier emotions on a very personal level. I feel this is one of Anthony's strengths, the ability to write very specifically to his audience, and reach them completely, even if this lowers the appeal for others. If you are not an adolescent female, or have not been one, this may not be the book for you. However, it may provide some insight into what motivates and interests today's female youth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Fiction/Religious    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Science Fiction - General    6. Fiction / Fantasy / General   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (10)

Amazing!How does he come up with this stuff?!
Like the first book in this series "Virtual Mode", this is another wonderful trip into an area never gone to before in a novel and a unique way of getting there.As a writer, Mr. Anthony never ceases to amaze me!He always entertains while educating you at the same time.

Interesting book
This book is very interesting, covering a variety of topics from child abuse to in-depth discussion of fractals, love to culture, society to magic.Piers shows an acute knowledge of the scientific aspects of what he writes about.The book seemed to focus a little too much on helping Nona, and not enough about the MAIN characters, but this didn't detract from the book too much.The settings are varied, as always with Anthony, as are the characters.Anthony provides much insight to what Colene is thinking, which I think is the most interesting part of the book-- to see how she reacts mentally to things like stress, Darius, her parents, etc.There are heartwarming moments, and some interesting happenings back at good old normal Earth.Many different things happen, settings change quickly, minor characters come and go, but the plot runs smoothly enough and what the gang learns along the way is interesting and their adventures are still fun, sometimes amusing--they get stuck in one really odd situation in Nona's reality!If you read Virtual Mode and are interested in how Colene and Darius' relationship will grow and change, and how Nona plays into their scheme, and if Colene and Darius will EVER settle down back in Darius' home reality...this is a good book for you.

Confused?
I think that people looking for a book that they can just chill with, litrally switch their brain off and read are going to hate this book. Ithas references to maths, explanations of magic, totally-twisty landscapes,in depth character profiles and a totally confusing multi-realitystoryline. Oh, and some sexual references too, which might wake some up.This is the second book of the series that touched me, I love it and couldrecommend it (and have) to anyone. Read it, read them all! I await thearrival of my Chaos Mode book.. and whats this I hear about another! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Fiction/Religious    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. General    4. Fiction / Fantasy / General   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (34)

Not as good as 1st two
This is the third book in the "Virtual Mode" series and although I loved the first two, I really didn't like this one as much.Others might though.

Good, but uneven
I just finished reading this book last night. I love the Xanth series and I enjoyed the first two books in this series. However, this book is not as good in my mind as the first two. The author spends quite a bit of time repeating what happened in the first two books. It is a series, it would be expected that people would have read them in order and know what was going on. Perhaps there was a long time between the 2nd and 3rd? I didn't check on this so am not sure. There were some very good parts and I did enjoy the interactions between the characters but it did get annoying to keep seeing Colene referred to as a "vessel of dolor". At least use different words once in a while. And it seemed like Colene's parents gave in to her relationship with Darius very easily. I know they were afraid of losing her again and Seqiro helped mentally, but she is only 14 and he is much older. All in all, it was good but seemed rushed. I would still recommend the series and am eagerly waiting to see what happens in DoOon Mode.

Okay, but not the best of the series
Anthony spends too much time in this book setting up scenery and action and although the characters interact, I don't get the sense that they care too much either way. Colene's science teacher introduction was good, but I can't understand why AFTER she was [forced to make love] she got a crush and started flirting with the teacher. And it was INCREDIBLY convenient that the one thing she remembers in biology has to do with Burgess. An ok read, but didn't make me jump out of my seat. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Science Fiction / Fantasy    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Fantasy - Series    4. Fiction    5. Science Fiction - General