The fifth installment in the Thieves’ World series, The Face of Chaos, edited by Robert Lynn Asprin and Lynn Abbey, plunges readers even deeper into the turmoil and lawlessness of Sanctuary. This collection of interconnected stories continues to explore the morally grey world of thieves, assassins, and magicians, all struggling to survive as the city teeters on the edge of collapse. The title hints at the chaotic forces reshaping Sanctuary, where order is a rare luxury, and survival demands ruthlessness and cunning.

As Thieves’ World fans have come to expect, The Face of Chaos features contributions from a talented roster of authors, including Janet Morris, Andrew J. Offutt, and David Drake. Each story adds to the intricate web of intrigue that defines Sanctuary, focusing on the personal struggles of characters caught in the shifting tides of power. The city, as always, is a key player in its own right—dirty, dangerous, and unpredictable. Yet, the stakes feel higher in this volume as chaos is no longer a background element but a dominant force threatening to unravel the fragile balance of power.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Face of Chaos is how the stories explore the consequences of living in a world where the gods and other supernatural forces have begun to play a more overt role in the city’s affairs. Magic and divine influence, always present in the background, now come to the forefront, and the authors deftly weave these elements into the narrative, creating an atmosphere where the lines between mortals and deities blur. The city’s inhabitants, from thieves to high priests, must navigate a world where the divine and mundane intersect, often with deadly consequences.

Janet Morris’ contributions, in particular, stand out for their rich characterization and exploration of these larger-than-life themes. Her depiction of Tempus, the larger-than-life warrior-priest, adds to the epic feel of the anthology. At the same time, other authors bring their unique styles to the table, ensuring that the collection maintains the variety that fans of the series appreciate. From dark magic and secret pacts to political scheming and personal vendettas, each story in The Face of Chaos brings its own flavor to the shared-world experience.

The anthology excels in its portrayal of Sanctuary as a city in flux. Long-time readers will notice that the Sanctuary of The Face of Chaos is a far cry from the city first introduced in earlier volumes. The city is becoming more dangerous, its power structures increasingly fragile, and the people more desperate. The authors capture this sense of decline with vivid, atmospheric detail, and the stories reflect the growing tension as Sanctuary teeters on the edge of anarchy.

However, the series’ anthology format also means that some stories stand out more than others. While the best contributions elevate the collection with their rich storytelling and character development, a few entries fall short due to slower pacing or less engaging plotlines. However, this unevenness is a minor drawback, as even the weaker stories contribute to the chaos and uncertainty that permeates the book.

For fans of the series, The Face of Chaos builds on the groundwork laid by the previous volumes, continuing to develop the intricate web of relationships and power struggles that define Sanctuary. New readers may find it harder to jump into the action without the context of the earlier books, as many of the stories rely on an understanding of previous events and character arcs. However, for those familiar with the series, this volume offers a rewarding continuation of the saga, focusing on the growing instability of the city and its inhabitants.

Thematically, The Face of Chaos delves into questions of power, control, and the ever-present conflict between order and disorder. The title is apt, as chaos truly has a face in this collection—whether it’s the face of a god, a magician, or a scheming noble, each character must confront the forces of upheaval and decide how to respond. This exploration of chaos as a destructive and creative force gives the anthology a philosophical edge, making it more than just a collection of dark fantasy stories.

In conclusion, The Face of Chaos continues to deliver the gritty, morally complex stories that fans of the Thieves’ World series have come to love. With its focus on magic, divine intervention, and the chaotic forces threatening to tear Sanctuary apart, this volume is a must-read for those invested in the fate of the city and its inhabitants. Though not all the stories hit the same high notes, the anthology is a strong continuation of the series and sets the stage for even greater conflict to come.