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(3.06) - 156 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
What would happen to the precarious balance of power if scientists could extend life for centuries? If one power bloc had biological protection against radiation and the other did not? Whose thumb would press the button first?
When Lyle Taney took leave from her teaching job to live high in the mountains, researching the ways of eagles, she was just planning to write her next book. Lasater was an unscrupulous, skilled operative who thought he could maneuver her as he pleased. He believed women were incapable of making ethical or moral decisions—and he was wrong. When the obscure government agent from an anonymous department tried to force Lyle to spy on her mysterious neighbors, she resisted. But the first step had been taken, involving her in a life-and-death struggle.
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"Welcome Chaos is a thought provoking novel that prompts the reader to examine the way in which the world as we know it could become something else entirely in the blink of an eye. And there are no easy answers to the questions it proposes. "
— Linda (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Johanna Ward reads this genre-crossing novel with panache and aplomb…Ward’s tense tone and excellent pacing build suspense as the story’s scope broadens.”
— AudioFile -
“A brilliant tour de force…serious science fiction skillfully blended with elements of the suspense novel. Behind the narrative loom the questions raised in the Faust legend and in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: are the dangers of unlocking nature’s secrets so great that limits should be imposed on the inquiring mind? And who is to decide?”
— New York Times -
“An excellent and thought-provoking read.”
— School Library Journal -
“Enhanced by Wilhelm’s spare, limpid prose: a quiet…serious blend of SF, morality play, and global politics.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“A compelling psychological drama…poses questions that have a clear relevance to today’s world.”
— Large Print Reviews
Awards
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A 1984 Locus Award Nominee
Welcome, Chaos Listener Reviews
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" Interesting ideas, well presented. Decent reader. "
— Jannell, 1/8/2014 -
" Welcome Chaos is a thought provoking novel that prompts the reader to examine the way in which the world as we know it could become something else entirely in the blink of an eye. And there are no easy answers to the questions it proposes. "
— Linda, 9/28/2013 -
" Very little science fiction; mostly this is an 80's anti-war thriller with too much repetition, very casual sexuality and intellectuals making convoluted plans with too many built-in one-point failure possibilities. "
— pjreads, 6/24/2013 -
" An interesting concept, if a little far-fetched. It's a bit of a mystery/spy thriller in the near future, with international intrigue centered around a serum accidentally discovered during the Third Reich--and I'm not giving away any more. "
— Mr.B, 3/29/2013 -
" Thought this was a pretty good book. I think that it would make a good book club read as there were quite a few philosophical issues raised. I have enjoyed reading other Kate Wilhelm books and this was a different plot concept from my previous reads. "
— Becky, 2/14/2013 -
" really thought provoking book, although it starts out a little slow. "
— Ronica, 1/25/2013 -
" As ever, Wilhelm has produced a better-than, more-serious-than usual near-future science fiction novel. "
— Erik, 1/4/2013 -
" thought-provoking, and not as dated as one might think from 1985. "
— Elaine, 2/8/2011 -
" One of Wilhelm's great SF novels. It is great to see a master at work; this is very nearly a perfect science fiction novel. "
— Brenda, 1/27/2011 -
" fascinating story, a tv show is coming out/is already out that sounds like it lifted this book's plot, a "Wolverine" vaccine that will either cure you or kill you and nations in a race to obtain it from its creators "
— Eh?Eh!, 12/20/2010 -
" Interesting but somewhat dated (It took me a while to realize it was written almost thirty years ago as the publication date on the audio version was quite recent.) Lame ending. "
— Julian, 12/5/2010 -
" An interesting concept, if a little far-fetched. It's a bit of a mystery/spy thriller in the near future, with international intrigue centered around a serum accidentally discovered during the Third Reich--and I'm not giving away any more. "
— Mr.B, 10/2/2010 -
" As ever, Wilhelm has produced a better-than, more-serious-than usual near-future science fiction novel. "
— Erik, 9/25/2009 -
" really thought provoking book, although it starts out a little slow. "
— Ronica, 7/14/2009
About Kate Wilhelm
Kate Wilhelm (1928–2018) was the bestselling author of dozens of novels and short-story collections. Among her novels are the popular courtroom thrillers featuring attorney Barbara Holloway. Her other works include the science fiction classic Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang.
About Johanna Ward
Johanna Ward (a.k.a. Kate Reading) is an Audie Award–winning narrator and has received numerous Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine. She is also a theater actor in the Washington, DC, area and has been a member of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company since 1987. Her work onstage has been recognized by the Helen Hayes Awards Society, among others. She and her husband live in Hyattsville, Maryland, with their two children.