The Xanth Novels, Books 41–43

The Xanth Novels, Books 41–43
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Open Road Media
Total Pages: 960
Release: 2022-12-27
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 150408411X

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

Isis Orb
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Open Road Media
Total Pages: 364
Release: 2016-10-18
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 150403628X

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.

Source of Magic

Source of Magic
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Del Rey
Total Pages: 335
Release: 2002-03-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0345454316

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!

Jennifer L. Holm

Jennifer L. Holm
Author: Sue Corbett
Publisher: Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2013-08-01
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1608709310

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.

Roc and a Hard Place

Roc and a Hard Place
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Open Road Media
Total Pages: 402
Release: 2019-10-15
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 150405878X

“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

The Big Book of Medium Daily Crosswords
Author: Peter Gordon
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.
Total Pages: 164
Release: 2009-10
Genre: Games & Activities
ISBN: 9781402768668

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

Demons Don't Dream

Demons Don't Dream
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Open Road Media
Total Pages: 419
Release: 2019-09-24
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1504058763

“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)

A Spell for Chameleon (The Parallel Edition... Simplified)
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Del Rey
Total Pages: 358
Release: 2012-02-14
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0345536444

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

Fire Sail
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Open Road Media
Total Pages: 358
Release: 2019-11-05
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1504058739

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.

Geis of the Gargoyle

Geis of the Gargoyle
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 356
Release: 1995-10-15
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9780812534856

Seeking a spell that will restore the polluted river Swan Knee to a state of purity, guardian Gary Gargoyle finds himself face-to-face with the Good Magician Humphrey.