A long time ago when I was tweenish, I loved this series. I know it won't survive a re-read, so I'm noting it and letting it go.

The Xanth books by Piers Anthony were one of the first SciFi/Fantasy series I ever read. I love puns so I have always enjoyed them. Upon re-reading them I can see that they have some weaknesses but overall they stand the test of time. They are a fun and fast read that keeps me amused without any deep thinking required. ( )

Sixteen-year-old Dug has yet to be impressed by a computer game, but that’s before he gets hooked by Companions of Xanth—and the beguilingly beautiful princess-serpent he’s chosen to guide him. Nada Naga has her work cut out for her keeping Dug’s eyes on the magical prize . . . and off of her human form.

Kim is no stranger to Xanth, which is why she chooses her favorite companion, Jenny Elf, to accompany her through its marvels—and dangers. Though Kim’s hyper-enthusiasm is infectious, she doesn’t really believe that Xanth is real, and it’s up to Jenny to prove it.

What the two players don’t know is that there’s more at stake than winning; the very existence of Xanth hangs in the balance. Demons may run the game, but there are voids to avoid, loan sharks to outswim, and Com Pewter—the most evil machine of all—to outwit. Not to mention that a companion may be just as willing to sabotage Dug and Kim as help them succeed . .

This was definitely an interesting book. I found the style a bit dated, but that makes sense considering that it was first published in the early 90's. But, I grew up in the 90's so I also found it pleasantly nostalgic and more than a little fun. The puns were perfect and hilariously awful at times.

When I first picked up this book I didn't realize it was the 16th book in a series, but it actually didn't matter much because I didn't need to be the slightest bit familiar with the other books or characters in order to enjoy it or understand what was going on. So don't let that push you away! I'm definitely going to read the other books in the series now.

I also found the characters and situations they found themselves in to be very enjoyable. A pleasant surprise, too, was that this book passes the Bechdel test, which was an added bonus much like the character from Missouri (it would mean nothing to most people, but I was born and bred and still live in Missouri so it was a pleasant surprise for me since I don't often see characters from here specifically).

And I really enjoyed the way the characters developed from the beginning all the way to the end, and the way things got tied up neatly.

Wonderful book and I would absolutely recommend it, whether or not you've read a Xanth series book before. ( )

The best Xanth novel by far. All the really troubling aspects--even the attention to panties and huge breasts--are kept to a minimum. ( )