Piers Anthony is a renowned author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels. One of his notable works is "The Source of Magic," which is part of his "Xanth" series. The book was first published in 1979 and combines elements of humor, adventure, and magic. "The Source of Magic" is set in the fictional land of Xanth, a magical world where every person has a unique magical ability. The story follows the journey of Bink, a young man who possesses no apparent magical talent. In Xanth, this is a serious matter as anyone without a magic power is banished to Mundania, the non-magical world.
In Xanth, this is a serious matter as anyone without a magic power is banished to Mundania, the non-magical world. Bink embarks on a quest to discover his own magical ability or face banishment. Along the way, he encounters various eccentric characters who aid or hinder his progress.
Source of Magic
As a ruler of a country steeped in enchantment, King Trent was naturally curious about the source of its magic. It made sense to order Bink, the only one of his subjects immune to supernatural harm, to undertake a quest to discover the wellspring of Xanth’s uniqueness.
From the beginning, Bink and his companions, Chester the centaur and Crombie, the soldier transformed into a griffin, were harried by an unseen enemy determined to thwart them. Even the power of Good Magician Humfrey, together with Bink’s protective talent, scarcely saved their lives.
Then when Humfrey and Crombie turned against him, all seemed lost. But Bink’s ingenuity and luck prevailed, and he reached his goal.
The King’s orders had been carried out . . .
But the King had not expected Bink’s next act—to destroy utterly the magic of Xanth!
About Source of Magic
A quest for the source of power threatened to doom the land of Xanth
As a ruler of a country steeped in enchantment, King Trent was naturally curious about the source of its magic. It made sense to order Bink, the only one of his subjects immune to supernatural harm, to undertake a quest to discover the wellspring of Xanth’s uniqueness.
From the beginning, Bink and his companions, Chester the centaur and Crombie, the soldier transformed into a griffin, were harried by an unseen enemy determined to thwart them. Even the power of Good Magician Humfrey, together with Bink’s protective talent, scarcely saved their lives.
Then when Humfrey and Crombie turned against him, all seemed lost. But Bink’s ingenuity and luck prevailed, and he reached his goal.
The King’s orders had been carried out . . .
But the King had not expected Bink’s next act—to destroy utterly the magic of Xanth!
But the King had not expected Bink’s next act—to destroy utterly the magic of Xanth!
These include Chameleon, a shape-shifting woman, and the Good Magician Humphrey, who offers guidance only in exchange for a year of service. As Bink ventures through Xanth, he discovers the existence of a powerful magic source that could alter the balance of power in the land. This knowledge puts him in danger as different individuals and groups strive to possess the source for their own purposes. Bink's journey becomes a race against time to find the source before it falls into the wrong hands. "The Source of Magic" showcases Piers Anthony's witty writing style and his ability to create a rich fantasy world. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the consequences of power. Through Bink's character, Anthony highlights the importance of embracing one's unique qualities and not succumbing to societal expectations. Overall, "The Source of Magic" is an engaging and entertaining novel that combines elements of adventure, mystery, and humor. It is a testament to Piers Anthony's skill as a fantasy author and a beloved addition to the "Xanth" series..
Reviews for "Aligning Morality and Magic in "The Source of Magic"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "Piers Anthony: The Source of Magic" to be quite disappointing. The story felt convoluted and lacked a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped and their motivations were unclear, making it difficult to form any emotional connection with them. Additionally, the writing style was overly descriptive and bogged down the pacing of the plot. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and unengaging read.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I really struggled to get through "Piers Anthony: The Source of Magic". The plot was incredibly confusing and disjointed, with too many subplots and unnecessary details that distracted from the main story. The characters lacked depth and I couldn't find myself caring about what happened to them. The writing style was also dense and overly descriptive, making it difficult to stay engaged. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a cohesive and well-developed fantasy novel.
3. Michael - 2/5 - "Piers Anthony: The Source of Magic" left me feeling unsatisfied. The world-building was weak and the magic system felt underdeveloped. The story lacked a clear sense of direction and the pacing was slow, making it difficult to maintain interest. The characters were one-dimensional and often made irrational decisions that felt forced. The writing style, while descriptive, felt bloated and didn't flow smoothly. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to fans of fantasy novels.