Book Review: Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore

[cabri729]

Well. I have to say right off that I'm not usually a big fan of the wacky comic fantasy. When the Xanth books first came out in 1977, I was addicted to them until I ran out of steam about book #5 or #6. I just could not bear to read any more Xanth books or any of the copycats that had appeared as if out of thin air. That doesn't stop me from

Comments

[kylecassidy]

do the xanth books have to be read in order? do you have a favorite?

[cabri729]

I'm a strong believer that the first book published in a series should be the starting point for readers new to the series, just because the first book is written to give you all the background info. That would be A Spell for Chameleon. After that, there are some changes as the series goes on, but I think nothing you can't pick up with context. Of course, no guarantees, since I only made it to #5 or #6, but the series is definitely not heavily serial and the main characters quite often change from book to book.

I would have to say A Spell for Chameleon is my favorite, just because comic fantasy was so unusual and fresh when it was first published. I haven't reread it since the '80s, however.

[tijnat]

I continued reading - and buying - the Xanth books up to about #16. I think I have a couple more that I haven't read after that but, much as I enjoy Piers Anthony, I think the Xanth books become repetitive after awhile. The first ones are the best because it's a new concept and he's setting out the rules, etc. My favourite is actually #7, Dragon on a Pedestal, which is about the child, Ivy.

(Actually, I just looked at the list on his website, and I think I have up to #26, although I don't remember reading past #21. The series is up to #34!)

[cabri729]

21!!!! My goodness, I got bored after just 5 or 6. You're much more forgiving than I am.