Risingshadow
Speculative Fiction Books Database
  • Main
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Articles
    • Terms of Service
    • Staff Members
    • Finnish (FI)
  • Browse
    • Activity Feed
    • New Books
    • Upcoming Books
    • Advanced Search
    • Book Reviews
    • Genres & Tags
  • Wall
    • Community Wall
    • Recent Messages
    • Recent Topics
    • Hot Topics
    • Popular Topics
    • Search
  • Challenge
    • Reading Challenge
    • Book Trivia Quiz
  • Sign In

Key to Havoc

ChroMagic Series #1 / 5
by Piers Anthony
Key to Havoc (ChroMagic Series #1) by Piers Anthony
not yet rated
1,000 years ago Earth sent out a ship that colonized the planet Charm. But the population of Charm is now far removed from their ancient ancestors. Technology has been lost over the years but the people have something better — Magic! Charm is a world covered by volcanoes, each erupting a different color of magic. Everything within a particular Chroma becomes that color. Plants, animals, insects, and even humans all become one color and can perform that color of magic. Traveling is dangerous because a person leaving their native Chroma home can no longer perform their color magic. Havoc is a barbarian living in a nonChroma village, where no one has magic. As a boy, he rescued a dragon that rewarded him with special magic; to sense pending danger. His gift becomes more valuable than he can imagine as he is suddenly drafted and forced to become the new king of the planet. He must perform his duties or be executed for treason. To make matters worse, the assassin who killed the former king is now after Havoc!
Amazon: Check Best Offer

Book Order
Amazon
Kindle
Audible
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon Europe

Your Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves
Updated 05/08/2025
Category: Science Fiction
Release date: 2003

People Also Read

Pandora's Star (The Commonwealth Saga #1)
  ★ 9.70 / 10
Barrayar (Vorkosigan)
  ★ 9.32 / 19
Memory (Vorkosigan)
  ★ 9.22 / 18
A Civil Campaign (Vorkosigan)
  ★ 9.12 / 16
Embassytown
  ★ 9.00 / 10
Brothers in Arms (Vorkosigan)
  ★ 8.94 / 17
Mirror Dance (Vorkosigan)
  ★ 8.86 / 15
Join the Ongoing Discussion
Start a New Topic (Visitors Welcome)
Have questions about this book or want to share your thoughts? Join the conversation!
Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony's name is synonymous with fantastical worlds, vivid characters, and an unparalleled sense of whimsy. Born in Oxford, England, in 1934, he moved to the United States as a child, shaping the cultural landscape of his imagination. What sets Anthony apart is his ability to weave humor and depth into stories that are both lighthearted and thought-provoking, making him a standout in the fantasy genre.

Anthony’s journey to becoming a household name in fantasy literature wasn’t a straightforward path. After serving in the U.S. Army and briefly teaching, he devoted himself to writing, selling his first short story and setting the stage for his later successes. However, it was with the Xanth series that he truly carved out his place in literary history. A world brimming with puns, magic, and eccentric characters, Xanth resonated with readers for its wit and its heart. What began as a fun experiment turned into a sprawling saga, with Anthony publishing a book for nearly every letter of the alphabet, earning him a global following that continues to grow.

Read more ...

But it’s not just the wordplay that defines Anthony’s work. His Incarnations of Immortality series, which explores immortality, fate, and cosmic justice, shows a deeper philosophical side, blending speculative ideas with rich world-building. His Apprentice Adept series similarly explores complex themes like the nature of reality, self-discovery, and the power of choice.

Beyond his prolific career, Anthony's personal life has shaped his writing in profound ways. He has faced his share of loss, including the death of his daughter Penny in 2009 and his first wife, Carol Ann, in 2019. These tragedies have added a layer of emotional complexity to his more recent works, touching on themes of grief, resilience, and the human spirit’s capacity to endure.

Residing in California with his wife MaryLee Boyance, Anthony continues to engage with his audience, providing them with updates, personal insights, and new stories through his website, HiPiers.com. His ongoing dedication to the craft ensures that readers of all ages will continue to explore the worlds he’s so brilliantly created, from the whimsical lands of Xanth to the more reflective landscapes of his other series.

Piers Anthony's work is a testament to the power of storytelling—how it can transport, entertain, and challenge readers. With over 50 novels to his name, his impact on the fantasy genre is undeniable, making him a beloved figure among those who seek stories that mix humor, heart, and imagination.

ChroMagic Series

ChroMagic Series consists of five books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Key to Havoc (ChroMagic Series #1)
not yet rated
Key to Chroma (ChroMagic Series #2)
not yet rated
Key to Destiny (ChroMagic Series #3)
not yet rated
Key to Liberty (ChroMagic Series #4)
not yet rated
Key to Survival (ChroMagic Series #5)
not yet rated


Back to Top
  • Risingshadow
  • Browse
  • Piers Anthony
  • ChroMagic Series
  • Key to Havoc
Follow Us: Newsletter | Facebook | X | Mastodon | RSS
Hosted by Planeetta Internet Oy
© 1996 - 2025 Risingshadow. All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Privacy Policy