The Dastard

From the densely populated imagination of Anthony (Xone of Contention) comes yet another pun and reader-suggestions-laden tale of Xanth. Many familiar characters make their appearance in this slowly unwinding yarn about the eponymous boy, self-named for his dastardly deeds, who undoes history in order to ruin the happiness of everyone he meets, and about the triplet princessesDMelody, Harmony and RhythmDwho are in the conspiracy to stop him. Along for the ride is the dragon/girl, Becka, who refuses to show the Dastard her panties. A poor introduction to Anthony's brand of fantasy, this novel will leave readers feeling as though they've just slogged through one of those deadly comic strips in which the puns come fast and furious and drive everyone mad. Only the staunchest fansDbut there are many of theseDwill be moved to send in their suggestions for the next book. The assertion by minor characters in the book that "we hate Xanth... we detest puns... we're critics" may prove a self-fulfilling prophecy for all who shake their heads at a man reading a book who eats litter. He's "litter-ate." (Oct.)
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Frustrated farm boy Anomy gives up his soul in return for the ability to unhappen events. Since he uses this power mostly for ill, he adopts the sobriquet the Dastard and becomes a problem. The good guys send a half-dragon, half-human girl, a roc, and the princesses Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm on his trail. Complicating the action in this customarily busy Xanth yarn are the Sea Hag, an insatiably vengeful spirit who possesses the bodies of young women, wears them out, and throws them away; time travel; some intriguing limits to and complexities of magic; the usual word- and concept play; and some serious ethical thinking when the Dastard regains a soul (a borrowed one, not the original). Readers may become impatient with the Adult Conspiracy and the power of panties, devices used on all intergender encounters, at the cost of a good deal of their potential, at least for readers who are already conspiring adults. Roland Green
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