The first book of Xanth. He has some neat ideas, although I'm told they get slightly more ridiculous as time goes by. I'm also told Terry Pratchett is better, although I haven't had a chance to read those, either.

But I digress. I did rather like the book, although it seemed more like an introduction than anything. Well-thought-out theories and reasoning in the form of a novel. A thinking person's fantasy novel, or possibly something like Tamora Pierce + Star Trek. Or something.

From the back (contains slightly irritating spoilers):
Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled - where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. It was a land of centaurs and dragons and basilisks.

For Bink of North Village, however, Xanth was no fairy tale. He alone had no magic. And unless he got some - and got some fast! - he would be exiled. Forever. But the Good Magician Humfrey was convinced that Bink did indeed have magic. In fact, both Beauregard the genie and the magic wall chart insisted that Bink had magic. Magic as powerful as any possessed by the King or by Good Magician Humfrey - or even by the Evil magician Trent.

Be that as it may, no one could fathom the nature of Bink's very special magic. Bink was in despair. This was even worse than having no magic at al...and he would still be exiled!

RELEASE NOTES:

Hurrah for bookboxes!

This was waiting for me when I came back from my vacation. I am not sure I will get to read it any time soon, but it will be added to the TBR pile and I will keep an eye out for the other books in the series.

Received in a Wish List book trade. Thanks!

RELEASE NOTES: