The Dastard (Xanth, No. 24)

By Piers Anthony

Book Overview

Piers Anthony's comical chronicles of his enchanted realm of Xanth are among the most beloved fantasy series ever written, with millions of readers worldwide. Now, Anthony returns with an all-new adventure that blends high hilarity with super-scary suspense. Many malevolent menaces have imperiled the magical land of Xanth in its long and storied history. But none has been as despicably dangerous as the Dastard. Once a common country boy, he sold his soul to a detestable demon for the power to erase events and rewrite history for his own devious ends. Now the entire future of Xanth is at the mercy of the Dastard's every whim. But this depraved desperado underestimates the courage and cleverness of a young girl named Becka, who can transform herself into a fearsome dragon at the speed of thought. With the help of a colorful band of brave companions, Becka challenges the Dastard with the greatest magic of all - the power of the human heart.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312869002
• ISBN13: 9780312869007
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.7" x 1.1" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

The Dastard

The Dastard By: Piers Anthony ©2000 TOR Publishing 298 pages Evil as the devil, the Dastard is nothing but trouble. The Dastard, a book in Piers Anthony's Xanth series, is about a young man, The Dastard, who gave up his soul to Lord Xanth in exchange for the power to go back in time and change events. The Dastard is searching for a princess to marry. Xanth is a magical world within Florida where all naturally born citizens have a magic talent. The Dastard is accompanied by Becka, a 14-year-old girl with the talent of turning into a fearsome dragon. The two of them soon encounter a woman who can turn into a soup-er star and numerous other women the Sea Hag, a demoness who sucks the souls out of girls, took control over. Three four-year-old princess, Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm, transform into their twenty-one-year-old selves to help defeat the Dastard. The Dastard shows one main theme: good or bad, life is an obstacle course with people in your way. Not everyone is satisfied by the objectives and actions of others. The Dastard is a wonderful book for fantasy and adventure lovers alike. I loved this book because of the story's constant momentum. Anthony just throws out the adventures one after another. Anthony's unique style of switching the perspective from the princesses to the Dastard creates an unsustainable suspense at the end of every chapter. Can Becka or the three princesses stop the dastardly man? Find out through the magical people, humorous puns, and constant time travels of The Dastard.

Best Xanth book in a long time!

This is one of the best Xanth books that has ever been written. The plot and the talents seemed to be better and more thought out then some of the ones Piers gets from fans. If you like Xanth then you will enjoy it. If you don't, then this may not be the best choice for you. Now, I suggest that you stop reading this review and order this book.

Xanth is my favorite place to visit

Piers Anthony's Xanth series fills that void we all get when we just want to read for the pure pleasure and not have to "think". You know, like wanting to watch a light hearted movie where you don't have to follow an intricate plot line or keep track of who did what to whom and why. The Xanth series pokes fun at the mundane world. Anyone who lives in Florida will appreciate the way Anthony describes local landmarks with a pun-ish twist.The Dastard didn't let me down. Piers Anthony is back with a great plot as well as a bucketful puns. I know, people have been saying that the Xanth books were becoming just one big pun and there wasn't really a story. I'll have to agree, but it was only a few books and they were still a GREAT read. But, be forewarned. The Dastard has not one, not two, but more plots and subplots than you'd ever dream of in Xanth book. Savor it slowly so you don't miss any of the fun.I adore this series and eagerly await the next release. I fiercly guard by collection and only let very special people borrow copies after leaving an adequate replacement such as their car or deed to their house as collateral.

great book

"The dastard" had really well thought of plot. It was full of unexpected twists and turns. It ends up being really emotional and at that point I couldnt put it down!