The Dastard

Piers Anthony

10/4/2001

Dastard has obtained an unusual talent in Xanth. He can go back in time to change things. He traded his soul to a demon for the talent. He can only go back in time back to the exchange. It has been four years now, so he can change things that far back, but no further. He can sense when someone has had something important happen to them, then goes back and unhappens the event. Since he has no soul, he has fun ruining other people's lives.

Magician Humphrey recognizes there is a deep threat to Xanth. He sends Becka on a service to be Dastard's companion and help him as she could. When she meets Dastard she cannot understand what the Magician could have been thinking. How could she help the future of Xanth with this man?

Unknown to most Xanthians (including Humphrey), the Sea Hag has escaped the Brain Coral. When she and Dastard meet, Xanth could be in very deep trouble. Becka and some young princesses may be the only people who can protect their special land from this dual threat. But will they be able to? The Sea Hag can take over people's bodies. The Dastard can unhappen events that could be detrimental to him. How do they prevent disaster?

This (almost) latest novel in the Xanth series hearkens back to the early novels in tone. Some of them have gotten very far afield, but this one comes closer to classic Xanth. The puns abound, as usual. I did not care for the trading bodies of the young princesses - I would have preferred that they were already grown for this story, although that may have meant putting this novel off a while yet. I admit I'm looking forward to another novel featuring them when they are grown. I also had to laugh when they took the chance of seeing their mother when she was young. What child could have resisted that?

If you haven't read any Xanth novels, you could start with this one and enjoy it. It stands on its own, and does not need to refer too much to past novels except for some background that any novel would need. It would probably pull you into reading the others as well. If you keep up with the series, you'll find this one a winner.

You can find more about this book at .

A Spell for Chameleon
The Source of Magic
Castle Roogna
Centaur Isle
Ogre, Ogre
Night Mare
Dragon on a Pedastal
Crewel Lye
Golem in the Gears
Vale of the Vole
Heaven Cent
Man from Mundania
Isle of View
Question Quest
The Color of Her Panties
Demons Don't Dream
Harpy Thyme
Geis of the Gargoyles
Roc and a Hard Place
Yon Ill Wind
Faun & Games
Zombie Lover
Xone of Contention
The Dastard
Swell Foop
Up in a Heaval
Cube Route
Currant Events
Pet Peeve
Stork Naked
Air Apparent