Operation Chaos : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!!!!
Review: EXCELLENT book for those who are into the supernatural and Super-science. With a Stub-tailed Werewolf and a Beautiful Witch at his side, what could go wrong? the answer is EVERYTHING! The Plot is a Gem of all gems, and the Characters are all Realistic. This is Poul Anderson's BEST work that i have read!

Rating:
Summary: A very good Sci-Fi book
Review: I read this book about 6 years ago and still remember reading it. I hope to get a copy of it now. The story line is intriguing, the characters are believable, and talk about action!!!

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about alternative worlds and views.

Rating:
Summary: Science fantasy at its peak. Clever and exciting.
Review: If you've never read anything in the unusual genre of science fantasy that blends science fiction and magic, this is the place to start. It's one of the classics of the unique genre.

This book consists of four connected novellas published between 1956 and 1969 in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction: "Operation Afreet," "Operation Salamander," "Operation Incubus," and the three-part "Operation Changeling." Anderson added linking material for book publication in the 70s.

Heroes Steve (a werewolf) and Virginia (his witch wife) fight against a demon being used as a superweapon in World War II, stop an elemental college prank gone amok, confront a succubus/incubus on their romantic getaway, and enter the hell dimension to save their daughter. The tone changes between the different segments: the college story is riotously funny and played almost strictly for laughs, while the lengthy final novella emphasizes heavy science, a deadly-serious quest, and thought-provoking satire on religious zeal gone wrong. But ultimately, I'm not complaining: this is top-notch science-fantasy and an example of what an incredible talen the late Poul Anderson was. His logical approach to fantasy makes magic and the supernatural into scientific forces that operate in his fictional universe the same way that modern technology operates in ours. The world of _Operation Chaos_ is recognizable as 20th-century America, except that magic is this world's science, and is treated in the same way that scientific theories and inventions are in our own. Anderson handles this difficult conceit to near perfection, writing fantasy with the techniques of science fiction.

Come on, take the ride into chaos!

Rating:
Summary: Science fantasy at its peak. Clever and exciting.
Review: If you've never read anything in the unusual genre of science fantasy that blends science fiction and magic, this is the place to start. It`s one of the classics of the unique genre.

This book consists of four connected novellas published between 1956 and 1969 in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction: "Operation Afreet," "Operation Salamander," "Operation Incubus," and the three-part "Operation Changeling." Anderson added linking material for book publication in the 70s.

Heroes Steve (a werewolf) and Virginia (his witch wife) fight against a demon being used as a superweapon in World War II, stop an elemental college prank gone amok, confront a succubus/incubus on their romantic getaway, and enter the hell dimension to save their daughter. The tone changes between the different segments: the college story is riotously funny and played almost strictly for laughs, while the lengthy final novella emphasizes heavy science, a deadly-serious quest, and thought-provoking satire on religious zeal gone wrong. But ultimately, I'm not complaining: this is top-notch science-fantasy and an example of what an incredible talen the late Poul Anderson was. His logical approach to fantasy makes magic and the supernatural into scientific forces that operate in his fictional universe the same way that modern technology operates in ours. The world of _Operation Chaos_ is recognizable as 20th-century America, except that magic is this world's science, and is treated in the same way that scientific theories and inventions are in our own. Anderson handles this difficult conceit to near perfection, writing fantasy with the techniques of science fiction.

Come on, take the ride into chaos!

Rating:
Summary: A classic of Science Fantasy back in print again!
Review: In 1971, Poul Anderson combined a number of his stories of Steve (the werewolf husband) and Virginia (a witch of great strength and beauty) into a novel which is unique in that it is as powerful and relevant today as it was 30 years ago. In fact, isnt there a similar team on Buffy, The Vampire Slayer?

The adventures of this dynamic duo are exciting and fun, while Poul Anderson expounds wonderfully humorous parodies of modern society in the alternate reality in which the novel is set. The Orb edition is a wonderful way to keep this book around and share with your friends. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Alternative world, where a witch and warlock are heroes.
Review: Poul Anderson creates an alternative world where magic is found to work around the time of WW1, and feature a husband-and-wife team of a werewolf and witch. A framing sequence works around several short stories, but it focuses on the end on their child...which has been kidnapped into Hell, literally...and how they invaded Hell itself to get their child back. As usual, Poul does a complete world and thinks out the ramifications of such magic wonderfully. Unfortunately, also as usual, oftentimes his language isn't natural, but expository. But don't let that stop you...this is still an EXCELLENT read, proving even Hell itself is not proof against fierce parental love

Rating:
Summary: Classic!!!
Review: There are infinite number of time streams in the universe including one in which a large segment of the earth populace uses magic. In the first century BC, the physical rules governing magic were discovered. Two millenniums later, magic is considered a combination science and religion that centers on spells that harness supernatural energies.

In this modern world reside two individuals who will impact the future of civilization, which is why the Adversary keeps close watch over them. Werewolf Steve Matuchek and witch Ginny Greylock meet just outside Trollsberg, Oregon. They are in a battle with the Saracen Caliphrate, an extremist Morlen sect. The duo must retake the town if they are to drive the sect out of the United States. Ginny and Steve succeed in their endeavor, and fall in love with one another during their encounters. They marry and beget a baby. However, a few years later that infant is kidnapped and taken to Hell. Steve and Ginny follow in hot pursuit of their beloved child.

The reprinting of the 1970's OPERATION CHAOS shows the highly regarded novel passes the time test required of being labeled a classic. Science Fiction giant Poul Anderson paved the way for many of the next two decades' great writers such as Huff, Hamilton, and Lisle with works like this one where an alternate earth seems physically real. The engrossing story line focuses on Steve and Ginny, who appear to be real persona in spite of their supernatural tendencies. Mr. Anderson's novels retain their freshness and that make him a hall of fame level of story teller.

Rating:
Summary: I found this book to be one of the best I ever read.
Review: This book has stuck in my head forever I found it to be extremly intreging and action packed. If you like fantasy and science fiction this is the book for you. I could not put it down and want to read it again.

Rating:
Summary: The best pure fantasy novel I have ever read. A Classic.
Review: This one is a true classic of the fantasy genre. The premise, however, is straightforward: the novel takes place in an alternate universe much like our own except for one thing: here, magic exists as a practical means of doing things, and various human beings are adepts at various types of magic. The protagonist is a true werewolf, his co-protagonist girlfriend/wife is a witch.

There is a plot and a conflict, and this one is great fun and quite interesting. The prose is also superb, which makes this fantasy novel an enjoyable page-turner, very unlike most fantasy novels, at least in my opinion. Here Anderson proves that he was very capable of writing either "hard" SF (for which he is probably best known) or Grade-A fantasy. Not many authors can do that, and perhaps none as well as Anderson. This one is a true pleasure to read and to recommend.