Five Portraits
Piers Anthony delivers another tale set in the bestselling world of
Xanth, filled with magic, surprises, adventure, and a few puns. Here’s
what the author has to say about his new book:
“Five Portraits is a kind of sequel to Board Stiff in that it picks up where the other leaves off, with the same characters.
Apart from that, it’s one of my favorites within the series. There’s
something about Astrid Basilisk that appeals to me: a very pretty girl
whose very glance is deadly, yet she’s a nice person whose selfless
effort to save five difficult children from future Xanth is thoroughly
worthy. I also like the theme of the power of unlikely friendship. Not
just Xanth, but Mundania, too, would be better if there were more such
friendships.”
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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)
