In the land of Xanth, magic is key; if you lack it, you're expelled. In this, the first volume of Piers Anthony's wildly popular The Magic of Xanth series, we follow Bink, a 25-year-old struggling to discover what his unique magic is. Beyond Xanth, Anthony compels each and every one of us - if not to find, then at least to ponder - what magic is unique to us.

On List

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.