Board Stiff
Be careful what you wish for...
""I'm actually a smart girl who
would make any man an excellent wife. But no man sees that. No man is
interested in my mind or personality, just my whatevers. So here is my
wish: I'm board stiff. I want Adventure, Excitement, and Romance.”
So begins Piers Anthony's 38th Xanth novel, in which Irrelevant Candy,
looks at her reflection in the water of the shallow well and sees
luxuriant midnight black hair to her breathtakingly slender waist,
matching dark eyes in a lovely face. A torso coming yea-close to
absolute perfection. She was man's desire. That was part of the problem.
And in the shallow magic of a wishing well, she asks her wish to be
granted. Something happens. A sudden whirlwind surrounds her, lifting
her up and ripping off her clothing. She is changing, somehow. Then she
falls flat on the ground.
Literally. She has been transformed into a flat, stiff board with two knotholes for eyes.
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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)
