Xanth · #25

Swell Foop

Name: Swell Foop
Rating: 6 (2 reviews)
Author: Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Fantasy Humor

6.0 / 10

2 ratings

When Cynthia Centaur journeys to ask the Good Magician Humfrey a very personal Question, she expects nothing more than the usual Challenges and Puzzles, as well as some small sort of Service, in exchange for her Answer. What she doesn't expect is that she will be responsible for the future survival of Xanth itself.

For a peril of immense gravity endangers the enchanted land of Xanth. Or, rather, a lack of gravity. The Demon Earth, who rules our own world, has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. Without Demon Earth's vast powers, everything on the surface of the Earth and all other worlds, including Xanth, will go whirling weightlessly away into space.

By merest chance, Cynthia Centaur has come to the Good Magician's castle at precisely the wrong moment. For the Muse of History has decreed that the very next Querent who asks Humfrey a Question will be charged with the awesome responsibility of finding the Demon Earth and saving Xanth.

It's whispered that another Demon (with a capital D) has done the dastardly deed. The only weapon that can prevail against such a cosmic being is the instrument known as the Swell Foop. And the only way to handle its awesome power is to locate the Six Lost Rings of Xanth, whose whereabouts are known only to the Zombies.

So Cynthia and five companions – her beloved mate, Che; Breanna of the Black Wave and her fiancé Justin Tree; Sim, the immortal bird who will one day know all the secrets of the universe; and Jaylin, a young human girl from the Mundane land of Hawaii – embark on a quest of utmost danger, to challenge an Unknown Demon for the fate of a dozen worlds.

A harrowing and hilarious escapade that ranges from Earth to Xanth to a galaxy far, far away, Swell Foop is pure magical merriment from the prolific pen of fantasy master Piers Anthony.

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Published: 2001

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Xanth

The series

Full series details →

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.

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Xanth isn’t just a land of enchantment; it’s a realm where the rules of reality bend with playful abandon. From talking trees to magical creatures, each new adventure feels like an exploration of the unexpected. The series is known for its light-hearted humor, often punctuated by puns and wordplay that add layers of charm to its fantastical premise. Yet, within the humor lies a deeper thread of storytelling – one that explores themes of identity, destiny, and the power of individuality.

The heart of Xanth lies in its characters, each with their own strange and often hilarious abilities. As they journey through the magical realm, they face obstacles that challenge not just their gifts, but their very perceptions of the world around them. Each book introduces new characters, expanding the world and exploring different facets of its magic. From the mischievous antics of the characters to the often profound dilemmas they must solve, there’s a perfect balance between lightness and substance in every page.

With over 40 books in the series, Xanth is a sprawling epic that offers something for every kind of fantasy fan. Whether you’re captivated by the whimsy of a sentient, shape-shifting fruit or the trials of characters facing life-altering choices, Xanth’s enchanted landscapes provide endless possibilities. For those who crave a sense of wonder alongside a dash of comedy, it’s a world that invites you to stay a little longer, with each new story offering a fresh perspective on the magic and mystery of life itself.

In Xanth, magic isn’t just an art – it’s a way of life, and every page is an invitation to explore a world where imagination knows no bounds. With humor, heart, and a touch of mystery, the series continues to enchant readers, leaving them always hungry for the next adventure.