Growing up, the world of Xanth (Piers Anthony’s creation) was so enrapturing. I loved the pun adapted world.
If you have not read these books, the synopsis is there is a magical world bordering our own (but our world is called Mundania, because we have no magic). Every person in Xanth has a magical talent and they often times find themselves trudging along Xanth’s paths to ask a question to the Good Magician Humphrey (who knows all). There are princesses and goblins. There are panty trees and pie trees. It is a great series for a young adult interested in fantasy.
As a young girl, I found the Adult Conspiracy titillating. The first book I read in the series was OGRE, OGRE. I loved Smash (an ogre) and his love story with Tandy (the nymph girl). I was hooked! I read every book in the series and impatiently waited for the next one to come out.
When my husband and I were on our third date, which also happened to be the third day we had seen each other, I broached the subject of fantasy and science fiction. I knew I really liked him, but I wasn’t sure we had the same interests.
I was reading HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY at the time. I asked him if he had read it. Not only had he, but he loved it!
Hmmm. I decided to up the ante.
“Have you ever heard of Xanth?”. I asked. I was sure he would fail the question as many had before him (well, not too many, I’m not that kind of girl).
“By Piers Anthony?”. He replied.
The universe stopped. I swear I felt every atom of my being melting and then rejoining together. I knew I would marry him. He had been to that world, just like I had! He understood.
We were married three months later. Since then we have shared a love for many more books and many more worlds, including this one. It has been a wonderful adventure. We always buy older editions of the XANTH series whenever we stumble upon them. Because we know it all started with Xanth and an author I will be forever indebted to, Piers Anthony.
Thanks for stopping by! Have you been to Xanth? What are you currently reading?