Xanth Series Reading Order

BEST NOVEL OF THE YEAR, BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY • Discover the magical beginning of Piers Anthony’s enthralling Xanth se… BEST NOVEL OF THE YEAR, BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY • Discover the magical beginning of Piers Anthony’s enthralling Xanth series Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled—where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. It was a land of centaurs and dragons and basilisks. For Bink of North Village, however, Xanth was no fairy tale. He alone had no magic. And unless he got some—and got some fast!—he would be exiled. Forever. But the Good Magician Humfrey was convinced that Bink did indeed have magic. In fact, both Beauregard the genie and the magic wall chart insisted that Bink had magic. Magic as powerful as any possessed by the King or by Good Magician Humfrey—or even by the Evil Magician Trent. Be that as it may, no one could fathom the nature of Bink’s very special magic. Bink was in despair. This was even worse than having no magic at all . . . and he would still be exiled! Thus begins Piers Anthony’s enthralling Xanth series. . . . read more

Twenty-five years ago, Piers Anthony fascinated us with the creation of Xanth-a wondrous land where magic rules supreme.… Twenty-five years ago, Piers Anthony fascinated us with the creation of Xanth-a wondrous land where magic rules supreme. Since then, the dazzling world of Xanth has delighted millions of readers. Now, here are the first three novels of this classic series to enthrall a whole new generation. . . . A SPELL FOR CHAMELEON "Winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Novel of the Year Though every citizen of Xanth has a special spell only he or she can cast, Bink of North Village has no magic. But the Good Magician Humphrey and Beauregard the genie insist that Bink indeed is capable of enchantment- magic more powerful than the King himself, or even the evil magician Trent. Now if only Bink can find his magic . . . before he is forced into exile. THE SOURCE OF MAGIC Curious about the source of Xanth's magic, the King sends Bink on a daring quest for truth. From the beginning, Bink and his companions are harried by an unseen creature determined to thwart them. But when some allies become enemies, it will take all Bink's ingenuity and luck to prevail on his mission, which takes an unexpectedly defiant turn. CASTLE ROOGNA Millie had been a ghost for eight hundred years. But now, restored by the magic of Xanth, she is again a beautiful living woman. She can have any man she desires . . . except one: Jonathan the zombie. To help Millie, young Magician Dor embarks on a journey for the elixir that will restore Jonathan to full life-an adventure that will take him to the past, where his intentions are thwarted by a surprising encounter. "Discover a magical world of dazzling imagination! read more

King Trent of Xanth has given Bink an impossible task: find the legendary source of all magic in their whimsical realm.… King Trent of Xanth has given Bink an impossible task: find the legendary source of all magic in their whimsical realm. With the very essence of Xanth's existence at stake, Bink must embark on a perilous quest through enchanted lands, encountering quirky creatures, powerful sorcerers, and bewildering challenges. His journey will uncover secrets about his own unique talent and the true nature of his magical world, but the path to enlightenment is fraught with danger and unexpected humor. Can one ordinary man truly uncover the origins of something so extraordinary before it's too late? read more

The ups and downs of the anarchist movement during the last century is discussed in this introduction to anarchist thoug… The ups and downs of the anarchist movement during the last century is discussed in this introduction to anarchist thought. Of all political views anarchism is the most ill-represented. For more than 30 years, in more than 30 books, Colin Ward has been patiently explaining anarchist solutions to everything from vandalism to climate change—as well as celebrating unofficial uses of the landscape as commons, from holiday camps to squatter communities. In this discussion with David Goodway, the many famous characters who were anarchists, or associated with the movement, are explored, including Herbert Read, Alex Comfort, Marie Louise Berneri, Paul Goodman, Noam Chomsky, and George Orwell. read more

The danger to Xanth was so great that only a night mare could offer hope! The Nextwave of barbarian warriors was invadin… The danger to Xanth was so great that only a night mare could offer hope! The Nextwave of barbarian warriors was invading Xanth from the north, ravaging and destroying as they advanced. But Mare Imbrium had her own problems. Ever since she had gained the half soul, the night mare had begun to mishandle her job of delivering bad dreams. Now the night Stallion dismissed her, exiling her to the day world with a message for King Trent: Beware the Horseman! She had no idea what that meant. But that was the way with prophetic warnings—nobody could understand them until it was too late. Then she met the Horseman. And she discovered that one who would right a night mare was a master of a bit and spur, and not a man to surrender her. For the night mare, it all began to be a horrible nightmare! read more

A slimy, telepathic alien throws the universe into chaos in this science fiction classic cowritten by the New York Times… A slimy, telepathic alien throws the universe into chaos in this science fiction classic cowritten by the New York Times–bestselling author. The cast of cosmic characters: A prodigal worm, a telepathic, egotistical, totally unscrupulous little alien running away from his father becomes the biggest prize in the universe. Capture the slimy brat and win an entire planet! A cosmic hustler, an effete snob who ekes out a comfortable living as the president's son-in-law and perfects his reflexes with endless contests of cosmic pool, becomes the most important element in a delicate game of interspatial espionage—and the galaxy's prime target for assassination. The most sensual woman on Earth, completes the star-crossed triangle in one of the wildest, wickedest romps in the annals of science fiction! read more

Gary Gargoyle, a dedicated guardian, faces a dire crisis: his beloved Swan Knee river is severely polluted. To save his… Gary Gargoyle, a dedicated guardian, faces a dire crisis: his beloved Swan Knee river is severely polluted. To save his home, he must journey across the whimsical realm of Xanth in search of the legendary Good Magician Humphrey, hoping for a restorative spell. But Humphrey, known for his peculiar wisdom, imposes a confounding geis: Gary must find a woman capable of making the solemn magician laugh. With the fate of the river hanging in the balance, Gary's quest plunges him into a series of outlandish encounters and challenges, where humor might just be the most potent magic of all. read more

"Series fans will find themselves right at home" as a computer game draws two players into the illusion-, pun-, and drag… "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 read more

An ecological disaster spawns an eight-legged sea monster in this collaboration between the science fiction author and a… An ecological disaster spawns an eight-legged sea monster in this collaboration between the science fiction author and acclaimed nonfiction writer. Millions of readers have enjoyed the books of Piers Anthony, including (but certainly not limited to) his undeniably popular Xanth and Blue Adept series. Now, in collaboration with celebrated nonfiction author Clifford A. Pickover, he brings us a disturbing tale of our own world, and the strange creatures with whom we share it. It is said, and truly, that there are more things under heaven and earth than there are almost anywhere else; true as well that many of them lurk, unsuspected, far below the surface of the planet's ocean. For thousands of years, mankind has simultaneously trusted in the sea's proverbial generosity and used it as a dumping ground, trusting that in its vastness his garbage will be swallowed up and forgotten. But that was never really true. And now, in an age when the overcrowded Earth swarms with hungry inhabitants whose waste chokes even the sea, whose greedy demands overtax its seemingly endless bounty, strange things are born in the ocean's deeps—strange things that the ocean throws back upon the land. read more

A merwoman and a goblin girl each take on dangerous quests in this hilarious fantasy adventure by a New York Times–bests… A merwoman and a goblin girl each take on dangerous quests in this hilarious fantasy adventure by a New York Times–bestselling author. In Xanth, almost everything is magic, and whatever isn't is probably lying. The land is also more dangerous than the sea, but that isn't going to stop Mela Merwoman, who is searching for a husband. With her options running low, she transforms into a human and leaves the safety of the sea to ask Good Magician Humfrey for assistance. But before Mela can begin her quest, she must first indulge in the landbound custom of wearing clothes, which means picking out what to wear . . . from the trees, of course. While Mela can pick her clothes, Gwenny Goblin cannot pick her family. Her awful half-brother, Gobble, will be the next chief of the goblin horde, if Gwenny doesn't take the title first. To do so, she must prove her courage through stealing an egg that lies between a deadly roc and a hard place. With the help of Che Centaur and Jenny Elf—and maybe even Mela—Gwenny just might make it back home alive . . . read more

A powerful Demon, renowned for his inability to shed a tear, finds himself cursed by his peers to walk incognito through… A powerful Demon, renowned for his inability to shed a tear, finds himself cursed by his peers to walk incognito through the magical land of Xanth. His mission: to make the famously cold-hearted Chlorine cry. But as he embarks on this impossible quest, a devastating hurricane rips through Xanth, bringing with it a bewildered family from the mundane world and threatening to obliterate the very fabric of magic. With the whimsical realm on the brink of destruction, this unlikely protagonist must navigate the chaos, fulfill his bizarre obligation, and somehow save Xanth from the storm's devastating power. read more

Piers Anthony's 37th adventure in Xanth changes the Mood to one of Doom! Kody woke up in a hospital bed, not knowing how… Piers Anthony's 37th adventure in Xanth changes the Mood to one of Doom! Kody woke up in a hospital bed, not knowing how he got there. Before his questions could be answered, he was told that he was about to undergo surgery, and that there could be some side effects.... And then he woke up again, this time in Xanth. Kody is the only person in Xanth who has not been affected by a dreadful spell that reverses how people see each other. What was adorable is now loathsome. What was ugly is now beautiful. What was loved is now hated. Kody has clearly arrived just in time! Only he has any hope of reversing the spell, turning Esrever Doom into Reverse Mood. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. read more

It's harpy hour in the New York Times–bestselling series, as a one-of-a-kind Xanth woman searches for her happy ever aft… It's harpy hour in the New York Times–bestselling series, as a one-of-a-kind Xanth woman searches for her happy ever after. Though Gloha loves every inch of Xanth—from Lake Ogre-Chobee to the Ever Glades—being the only harpy-goblin cross in existence has her feeling a bit lonely. Now that she's old enough to enter into the Adult Conspiracy, she has to face reality: There are no males of her kind to mate with. Her only chance at love is to seek the help of the Good Magician, but all he has to give her is a referral . . . Sent to find the Good Magician's second son, Trent, Gloha embarks on a journey that will take her to the most magical and mad parts of Xanth. Along the way, she'll acquire friends and foes—including demons and nymphs, a winged centaur filly, a skeleton searching for a soul, and an invisible giant. But with the help of Trent, Gloha just might discover that her quest for the ideal partner may be the biggest fantasy of all. "Amusing . . . Fans of the author's trademark humor will relish this latest jaunt through the wacky world of Xanth; new readers too will enjoy the fun." — Publishers Weekly read more

For a bored, young princess of Xanth, there's nothing more exciting than a Quest. Especially when all you do is sit arou… For a bored, young princess of Xanth, there's nothing more exciting than a Quest. Especially when all you do is sit around Castle Roogna. But when Ivy uses the Heaven Cent, it takes her not to the top of Mount Rushmost, where the winged monsters gather, not to the sea where the merfolk swim--but to Mundania, a world much like out own (that is, boring). It is here that she meets a young college student so dull that he doesn't even believe in magic, or princesses, or Xanth! Does he have a lot to learn. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. read more

A spot of trouble could wipe out Xanth when the Demon Jupiter throws his red dot at the magical realm in this clever and… A spot of trouble could wipe out Xanth when the Demon Jupiter throws his red dot at the magical realm in this clever and suspenseful fantasy. Umlaut is an ordinary man with an uncanny ability to imitate others—and a particular knack for attracting young ladies. All in all, he's an unlikely candidate to save the world. But when the dreaded Demon Jupiter, enraged by a piece of errant snail mail, hurls his Red Dot at the magical realm of Xanth, it falls on Umlaut to stop the dire dot's destruction. Even the Good Magician Humphry is perplexed as some force obscures the future. Now Umlaut—together with the beautiful serpent Sesame and a colorful cast of companions—embarks on an unforgettable odyssey across the enchanted realm to the unmagical land of Euphoria, where he meets a sweet girl named Surprise. But before Umlaut can complete his quest, he must solve the puzzle of his own existence . . . a task even more daunting than saving the world. read more

Neither the magic of Phaze, nor the technology of Proton, can save the parallel worlds from a ruthless takeover. The fig… Neither the magic of Phaze, nor the technology of Proton, can save the parallel worlds from a ruthless takeover. The fight for freedom must be waged by Mach and Bane, robot and wizard, linked between worlds. But they are not the only ones with this strange ability. For their children have been born--each possessing powers the enemy could never imagine. The spectacular sequel to the Piers Anthony New York Times bestseller, Robot Adept. read more

Seeking a solution to a personal problem, Metria asks for help. Before she can be helped she must perform a perilous mis… Seeking a solution to a personal problem, Metria asks for help. Before she can be helped she must perform a perilous mission to find a suitable jury for the trial of the noble and virtuous bird, Roxanne Roc. This leads her to some surprising truths about herself and Xanth. read more

No one's safe when a pundemic spreads through the land of Xanth in this madcap adventure from the New York Times–bestsel… No one's safe when a pundemic spreads through the land of Xanth in this madcap adventure from the New York Times–bestselling author. What's a single prince to do when confronted with the baton of protagonism? Why, become the hero of his own story of course! And in Xanth that usually means embarking on a quest. For Prince Nolan Naga, there's only one thing missing from his life: a wife. He needs a royal match by the time he assumes the throne. But to make sure he lands the right spouse, he must consult with the Good Magician. After completing the three challenges necessary to see the Good Magician, Nolan learns that the ideal bride for him does exist. She is Apoca of the Lips Tribe. From the Queendom of Thanx—a matriarchy that is the opposite of Xanth—she is a formidable woman, one whose very kiss can seduce a man into love slavery. But before a happily ever after, they'll have to team up to put an end to a curse that's causing every baby in Xanth to be born with the same magical talent, all while navigating through a realm plagued by endless puns. It could be the end of the world as we know it . . . Praise for Piers Anthony "Piers Anthony is one of those authors who can perform magic with the ordinary. . . . [He] is a craftsman." — A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction "Anthony's unflagging sparkle, verve and wordplay spin everyday trials of Mundane life into storytelling gold." — Publishers Weekly read more

You're better wed than dead—even in Xanth—in the hilariously punny new adventure in the fantasy series soon to be adapte… You're better wed than dead—even in Xanth—in the hilariously punny new adventure in the fantasy series soon to be adapted for film and television! Squid may only be a tween alien cuttlefish, but her feelings for Chaos, her Demon boyfriend, are real, which is why she's more than ready to let someone else take over as the protagonist of this story. Being a main character is exhausting—and it's drastically cutting down her flirting time with Chaos. But their alternate future is dependent upon their completion of one final mission . . . Seven years from now, in another reality frame, things are not so picture perfect. Squid's dream of happily ever after turns into happily never after when Chaos's human host is murdered the night before their wedding. So before they become newly dead instead of newly wed, Squid and Chaos must travel through time in order to meet their maker . . . Praise for Piers Anthony "Piers Anthony is one of those authors who can perform magic with the ordinary. . . . [He] is a craftsman." — A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction "Anthony's unflagging sparkle, verve and wordplay spin everyday trials of Mundane life into storytelling gold." — Publishers Weekly read more

There are three times the thrills and nine times the nonsense in Anthony's 27th Xanth adventure. In the magical land of… There are three times the thrills and nine times the nonsense in Anthony's 27th Xanth adventure. In the magical land of Xanth, wishes are more than words. So when a Plain Jane called Cube whispers a wish to be beautiful, she finds herself on a search for the mysterious Cube Route. read more

The New York Times–bestselling fantasy author reveals surprising new dimensions within the magical realm of Xanth in thi… The New York Times–bestselling fantasy author reveals surprising new dimensions within the magical realm of Xanth in this rollicking adventure novel. Surprise Golem and her husband Umlaut are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby—which should be delivered by stork any day. But when the bundle of joy fails to arrive, Surprise is more than a little upset. The Stork assigned to make the delivery has inexplicably refused to surrender the child, and instead flies off through a hole in the fabric of reality. To track down her offspring, Surprise must lead an ill-assorted assemblage of confederates on a desperate quest through dozens of different Xanths. But sinister, unseen forces are determined to stop her. And in order to find her child, Surprise may have to lose her heart. read more

When the Good Magician Humfrey's son Hugo suddenly vanishes, his disappearance sets in motion a series of madcap misadve… When the Good Magician Humfrey's son Hugo suddenly vanishes, his disappearance sets in motion a series of madcap misadventures that send a collection of colorful characters on a perilous pair of parallel quests. Among them are Debra, a pretty young girl beset by an obnoxious curse; Hugo's beloved wife Wira, whose sightlessness is balanced by a talent for sensitivity, Happy and Fray, a pair of sprightly storm-spirits; Nimbus, the Demon Xanth's own son; and the mysterious outlaw known as the Random Factor. As they travel through some of the magical realm's most astonishing locales, these unwitting adventurers discover they are key players in a grand drama whose origins reach back to the origins of time itself. Filled with exhilaration and excitement, ribaldry and romance, Air Apparent is a fabulous new fantasy saga from the lively imagination of master storyteller Piers Anthony. read more

A magician sends a melancholic maiden on a rescue mission in Hell in this humorous fantasy adventure by a New York Times… A magician sends a melancholic maiden on a rescue mission in Hell in this humorous fantasy adventure by a New York Times–bestselling author. As one of the trouble-making twins of Castle Zombie, Lacuna used to have so much fun when she was a little girl. But now at thirty-four, she's bored stiff and wonders where her life went horribly wrong. To escape her funk, she heads to Good Magician Grey to pose a question. Of course, in Xanth, getting an answer is far from simple . . . Grey sends Lacuna to Hell in a handbasket . . . literally. There, she meets Good Magician Humfrey, who's spent the last ten years waiting to get his wife back from a terrible demon. With her magical talents—and a few gorgons—Lacuna just might be able to help Humfrey, escape Hell alive, and fix her boring life, once and for all. read more

In the shadowed lands near Arthur's Camelot in 500 AD, young Kerena begins her magical journey as an apprentice to the w… In the shadowed lands near Arthur's Camelot in 500 AD, young Kerena begins her magical journey as an apprentice to the wise seer Morely. But when her mentor vanishes, leaving her alone and penniless, Kerena must use her wits to survive the harsh streets, eventually thriving as a resourceful courtesan. Her innate magical gifts continue to develop, catching the attention of powerful figures like the enigmatic Morgan le Fey, who draws her deeper into a world of ancient magic and dangerous court intrigue. Kerena's coming-of-age will test her spirit and challenge her understanding of destiny, as she navigates a realm where legendary figures and potent magic collide. read more