Skeleton Key

There’s no dancing around a demonic threat in the fantasy world of Xanth in the New York Times–bestselling series.
Squid, the alien cuttlefish, is getting an upgrade: a boost to her shape-changing talent so she can lead a mission against a foreign Demon who’s stirring up trouble in Xanth. At Squid’s side are her rescued siblings and one very special child — Larry, a girl in a boy’s body, who will act as a secret host for their adoptive mother, the Demoness Fornax.
Aboard the Fire Boat, they form a plan to disguise themselves as a traveling dance troupe. Each child is paired up with a native Xanthian. But it’s the friendship that blossoms between Squid and Larry that will power their quest, and they’ll have to do some fancy footwork to avoid the trials and tribulations that await them.
Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob (born 1934) is an English American author in the science fiction and fantasy genres, publishing under the name Piers Anthony. He is most famous for his long-running novel series set in the fictional realm of Xanth.
Many of his books have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. He has claimed that one of his greatest achievements has been to publish a book for every letter of the alphabet, from Anthonology to Zombie Lover.
Xanth
Series contains 48 primary works and has 48 total works. Current series reading order on below.
Enter the world of Xanth, where every citizen has their own unique Talent - or magical ability - and centaurs, demons and dragons abound. Piers Anthony’s Xanth books are among the most loved series in fantasy, with millions of copies purchased around the world.
Related series Xanth (omnibus editions)