Heaven Cent
As far as nine-year-old Dolph, son of King Dor and Queen Irene of Castle Roogna, could tell, the world was full of mysteries that needed solving.
For instance, why did young men and women spend so much time on mushy stuff? Love, they said, which explained nothing as far as Dolph was concerned.
Then there was the matter of Grandma Iris and what happened to her wonderful talent for illusion – making things seem like other things. Nowadays, she could only make them sound like other things – an ability of dubious worth.
But the biggest mystery of all was Good Magician Humfrey's disappearance in a puff of smoke – holy smoke – accidentally conjured by one of Humfrey's elves. And that seemed like one puzzle the boy could do something about.
So, setting out with the skeleton Marrow Bones, his own magical talents – and his mother's permission – Dolph embarked upon a grand quest across the land of Xanth... a journey on which the lad found himself pitted against bloodthirsty harpies, human-headed snakes called Naga, and – most challenging of all – marriage-minded girls who supplied some surprising answers to Dolph's questions.
Readers also enjoyed
Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony's name is synonymous with fantastical worlds, vivid characters, and an unparalleled sense of whimsy. Born in Oxford, England, in 1934, he moved to the United States as a child, shaping the cultural landscape of his imagination. What sets Anthony apart is his ability to weave humor and depth into stories that are both lighthearted and thought-provoking, making him a standout in the fantasy genre.
Anthony’s journey to becoming a household name in fantasy literature wasn’t a straightforward path. After serving in the U.S. Army and briefly teaching, he devoted himself to writing, selling his first short story and setting the stage for his later successes. However, it was with the Xanth series that he truly carved out his place in literary history. A world brimming with puns, magic, and eccentric characters, Xanth resonated with readers for its wit and its heart. What began as a fun experiment turned into a sprawling saga, with Anthony publishing a book for nearly every letter of the alphabet, earning him a global following that continues to grow.
Xanth
In the world of fantasy literature, few settings are as inventive and whimsical as the land of Xanth. Piers Anthony’s beloved series transports readers to a place where magic flows through every corner of the land, and everyone possesses a unique talent, known as a "gift." But don’t expect ordinary powers – these gifts are often as quirky, amusing, and unpredictable as the characters who wield them.
Xanth consists of forty-eight books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Related series Xanth (omnibus editions)
