The Xanth Novels, Books 41–43


Book Description

Three entries from the New York Times–bestselling epic fantasy series that’s full of rip-roaring humor and nonstop adventure. Ghost Writer in the Sky Tartan and Tara, two Ordinary People from Mundania, travel through a portal to Xanth, a magical realm where they are met with a plea for help. Two princesses need them to stop the Night Colt and his ghost writer from causing chaos in their kingdom. Tartan and Tara don’t hesitate to join the quest to save Xanth from the ultimate pun-tastrophe. Together with their new friends, they embark on a journey full of magic and romance—and, of course, puns—that will lead them to a long-lost prince, a beautiful dragoness, the goddess Isis, and a demon named Ted . . . Fire Sail Lydell, a shy, naïve man of twenty-one, and world-weary grandmother Grania cross paths when they beseech the Good Magician to add some excitement to the dull lives. The Good Magician promises to fulfill their hearts’ desires on the condition they pilot a fireboat to its new proprietors, whoever—and wherever—they are. With an obnoxious bird and a robot dogfish for shipmates, the two sail off on a pun-tastic quest and far-flung fantasy adventure . . . Jest Right Jess is cursed to have no one take her seriously. When she meets the very handsome showman Magnus, he promises to fake taking her seriously—if she joins his traveling show. The Good Magician will let them use his flying Fire Boat to tour the realm if they complete a quest he can’t remember. As Jess and Magnus try to unravel the mystery, they discover their true mission: to save Xanth from a big bird with a bone to peck . . . These books are the forty-first, forty-second, and forty-third books in the Xanth series respectively, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.




Isis Orb


Book Description

A quest to fulfill a lifelong wish leads to magic, adventure—and puns—as the New York Times–bestselling author revisits the enchanted land of Xanth. In Xanth, everyone has a talent. But that doesn’t mean everyone loves his talent, and no one understands that better than Hapless. Endowed with the ability to conjure any instrument he wants, Hapless could be an extraordinary musician if only he could play a tune that didn’t fall ear-piercingly flat. His one desire is to find an instrument he can play—and maybe a girlfriend or three. But like music, women have never been his forte. When the Good Magician hears about Hapless’s desperate desire, he sends the young man on a quest to find the elusive Isis Orb, a magical talisman that could fulfill his wish. But the mysterious Egyptian goddess for whom the orb is named guards the enchanted object and won’t let anyone see it—let alone use it. Setting out to achieve the impossible, Hapless meets an eclectic mix of creatures that join him on his journey. Like the musically challenged Hapless, they all have wishes they hope the Isis Orb will grant. But the only way they can control the orb is to capture the five totems from the regions of Xanth: Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the Void. Together, this motley crew will heroically fight dragons, a six-headed griffin, and even a beautiful, seductive water gorgon who tries to rain on Hapless’s parade. With its thrilling exploits and endless humor, the newest addition to Piers Anthony’s beloved Xanth series is sure to keep readers enthralled. Isis Orb is the 40th book in the Xanth series, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.




Jennifer L. Holm


Book Description

When Jennifer L. Holm discovered her great-aunt�s diary in the attic, her first novel �Our Only May Amelia,� was born. A few books and honors later, Jenni and her brother Matt created the Babymouse graphic novel series. This book spotlights her road to bestsellerdom and how she continues her work today. It includes interviews with Holm, family and her professional community. This biographical view of Holm is sure to further inspire young writers as they continue to flourish as learners.




Source of Magic


Book Description

A quest for the source of power threatened to doom the land of Xanth As a ruler of a country steeped in enchantment, King Trent was naturally curious about the source of its magic. It made sense to order Bink, the only one of his subjects immune to supernatural harm, to undertake a quest to discover the wellspring of Xanth’s uniqueness. From the beginning, Bink and his companions, Chester the centaur and Crombie, the soldier transformed into a griffin, were harried by an unseen enemy determined to thwart them. Even the power of Good Magician Humfrey, together with Bink’s protective talent, scarcely saved their lives. Then when Humfrey and Crombie turned against him, all seemed lost. But Bink's ingenuity and luck prevailed, and he reached his goal. The King’s orders had been carried out . . . But the King had not expected Bink’s next act—to destroy utterly the magic of Xanth!




Roc and a Hard Place


Book Description

“Puns and playfulness reign supreme” as a demoness learns that big birds of a feather don’t flock together in the New York Times–bestselling Xanth series (The Toronto Star). Seeking a solution to a perplexing personal problem, the delectable Demoness Metria asks for help from the wise Magician Humfrey. But before he will help her, she must perform a perilous mission: Rove the length and breadth of Xanth in search of a suitable jury for the trial of Roxanne Roc, a notably noble and virtuous bird charged with a most improbable offense. Exciting, exhilarating, and brimming with hilarious high jinks, Roc and a Hard Place is Xanth at its most enchanting. “[A] lighthearted series . . . many outlandish characters, adventures, jokes and plays on words.” —Publishers Weekly




The Big Book of Medium Daily Crosswords


Book Description

Here's a tougher challenge, just right for those who know their ULEEs from their OONAs!




Demons Don't Dream


Book Description

“Series fans will find themselves right at home” as a computer game draws two players into the illusion-, pun-, and dragon-filled land of Xanth (Kirkus Reviews). Sixteen-year-old Dug has yet to be impressed by a computer game, but that’s before he gets hooked by Companions of Xanth—and the beguilingly beautiful princess-serpent he’s chosen to guide him. Nada Naga has her work cut out for her keeping Dug’s eyes on the magical prize . . . and off of her human form. Kim is no stranger to Xanth, which is why she chooses her favorite companion, Jenny Elf, to accompany her through its marvels—and dangers. Though Kim’s hyper-enthusiasm is infectious, she doesn’t really believe that Xanth is real, and it’s up to Jenny to prove it. What the two players don’t know is that there’s more at stake than winning; the very existence of Xanth hangs in the balance. Demons may run the game, but there are voids to avoid, loan sharks to outswim, and Com Pewter—the most evil machine of all—to outwit. Not to mention that a companion may be just as willing to sabotage Dug and Kim as help them succeed . . . “The legions of Xanth readers can rest assured that [Demons Don’t Dream] contains plenty of the punningly named animals, vegetables, people and things (such as the Ice Queen Clone and the Censor-Ship) that have become the series’ raison d’etre.” —Publishers Weekly




A Spell for Chameleon (The Parallel Edition... Simplified)


Book Description

Piers Anthony’s bestselling Xanth series is one of the cornerstones of fantasy, a lively and whimsical interpretation of a genre often criticized for taking itself too seriously. Anthony’s first Xanth novel, A Spell for Chameleon, was initially edited to target a more traditional audience. Now, in an eBook exclusive, A Spell for Chameleon has been reworked line by line—its language matching the simpler, playful way with words that made Piers Anthony an enduring fan favorite. Xanth is an enchanted land where magic rules, a land of centaurs and dragons and basilisks where every citizen has a unique spell to call their own. For Bink of North Village, however, Xanth is no fairy tale. He alone has no magic. And unless he gets some—and fast!—he will be exiled. Forever. But the Good Magician Humfrey is convinced that Bink does indeed have magic. In fact, both Beauregard the genie and the magic wall chart insist that Bink has magic as powerful as any possessed by the King, the Good Magician Humfrey, or even the Evil Magician Trent. Be that as it may, no one can fathom the nature of Bink’s very special magic. This is even worse than having no magic at all . . . and he still faces exile!




Fire Sail


Book Description

The New York Times–bestselling series continues with this pun-tastic epic quest and far-flung fantasy adventure. Lydell, a shy, naive man of twenty-one, and world-weary grandmother Grania could not be more different. But when their paths cross on the way to beseech the Good Magician to add some excitement to their extraordinarily dull lives, the one thing they have in common is about to get them more than they bargained for . . . Lydell and Grania’s exceptional integrity makes them valuable to the Good Magician. He promises to fulfill their hearts’ desires on the condition they pilot a fireboat to its new proprietors, whoever—and wherever—they may be. Along with an obnoxious bird and a robot dogfish as shipmates, they unfurl their sail of flame and cruise through the skies of Xanth, guided by cryptic clues. Picking up a crew of future children along the way, Lydell and Grania must plan a royal wedding, detonate an F-Bomb, evade illusion dragons, rescue Jack and Jill, find a princess for a werewolf prince, and face their greatest fears—all while remaining true to their compulsively honest selves. Fire Sail is the 42nd book in the Xanth series, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.




Two to the Fifth


Book Description

The future of Xanth is in frightful peril. A powerful magical bird named Ragna Roc has embarked on a campaign to become absolute ruler of that mystical realm. Those who swear loyalty to him are spared. The rest have simply disappeared. So powerful are Ragna's sorceries that even the Good Magician Humfrey dares not confront him directly. Instead he enlists Cyrus the Cyborg, a handsome half-human playwright with little knowledge of the world, in a stealthy subterfuge. Cyrus must assemble a troupe of traveling players to attract Ragna's interest. And hidden in disguise among the bevy of beautiful young actresses are the young princesses, Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm, whose magics might just be a match for the evil bird. But Ragna has planted a spy in the midst of the troupe, one who knows their deepest secrets, including the true nature of Cyrus's forbidden love for one of the young princesses. Only a mysterious child called Kadence, and a cryptic clue — "Two to the Fifth" — may give the companions the edge they need to defeat Ragna's dictatorial dreams. Brimming with passion and merriment, drama and deception, Piers Anthony's thirty-second Xanth fantasy, Two to the Fifth, is a pun-packed performance sure to provoke applause and ovations from the series' myriad fans. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.