The first in a long series of pun-based fantasy novels churned out since 1977. You may also enjoy Robert Asprin's series that started with Another Fine Myth (1978).

This pun-happy book was breakthrough for prolific author who toiled in the 1970s. Del Ray publishing ordered him to make more. What a lovely problem.
What seemed to be straight forward adventure was more nuanced.
Author introduced me to fantasy not fuddy duddy Tolkien.

I can't believe mammothhawk read 6 books in less than 24 hours.

This book is very punny.

Started well - but I lost interest part way through

I started reading the Xanth series as a youngster, and still adore the first 15 or so books as funny, entertaining fantasy. In a world where everyone has a magical talent, Anthony starts off following a group of characters through a couple generations, then expands more into the history and scope of Xanth with stand-alone newcomers. The characters are memorable, the romances sweet, and the humor is never far away from a pun. The first four books as well as #6 "Night Mare," and #12 "Man From Mundania" are my favorites.

Piers Anthony was one of the authors who made me a sci-fi/fantasy fan. I loved his humor and his sense of irony. I am thrilled to share his work with my sons. We have a tradition of me reading books a level beyond their own reading ability and this is a perfect fit.

Epic fail. The writing style is geared towards second grade boys, but then he uses words I needed a collage dictionary for. Riddled with suggestive (or nearly explicit) content, this book should not be given to a young boy.

I liked this book. It was a little hard to get into at first but after the first chapters I enjoyed it. There is some suggestive material in this book but besides that it was a good read. :)

Wonderfully imaginative and a great introduction into the world of Xanth. Piers Anthony is an excellent storyteller who makes great use of word play. Very descriptive of the world... He really pulls you in and leaves you wanting to know more. This is what I found with his Incarnations of Immortality series.... I couldn't stop reading from The first book to the last book. For those who keep on about how this is geared towards boys..... I am a woman and totally enjoy his writing. Think of it like Star Trek the original series. Piers was born in 1934. Things were different and like it or not, woman were simply treated differently. Remember, this is a work of fiction. He could have made all the females slaves if he wanted to be really sexist. I have not come across anything offensive in his writings at all, but perhaps I am not so easily offended at minor details in an author's work of fiction. This is not a writer you want to skip if you love fantasy and sci-fi.