Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled--where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. According to the Good Magician Humpfrey, the charts said that Bink was as powerful as the King or even the Evil Magician Trent. Unfortunately, no one could determine its form. Meanwhile, Bink was in despair. If he didn't find his magic soon, he would be forced to leave....
A Spell for Chameleon
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A small lizard perched on a brown stone. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt
A small lizard perched on a brown stone. Read the first page
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Peter Uren
Format:School & Library Binding
The first and one of the best Xanth novels. A strong start which has provided the momentum to carry so many Xanth future novels. I was intrigued by the originality of concepts of this fantasy world even in spite of its blatant appropriation of generic mythology and fantasy. Having read every Xanth novel yet released, (though many I would not rate as highly as this one) I find it hard to separate contextually this book from the rest and its significance to the entire series, but I'll try to review it as story on its own. I have often very much appreciated the simplicity of story context in fairy tales and myths and legends which have been handed down over the centries to our modern culture. Quite often there is the strong desire for complex world building and complex subplotting in contemporary fantasy writing. When reading a Spell for Chameleon I felt I was returning to a simple but elegant plot of a simple hero, unjustly treated but solving a quest nonetheless and achieving greatness.
There was no great history of Xanth or even more than a rudimentary map and I found it easy to focus on a story being told in an interesting jungle fantasy setting. The lack of detail provided, allowed me to envisage Xanth more on my terms than strictly laid out details. It was more like a novel length short story. Sometimes the overuse of puns for the sake of putting them in can be a bit tiresome but its still an easy read. In some ways I am reminded of The Hobbit, which compared to most Middle Earth tales, was simple and a good ripping yarn/fairy tale without pandering as much to world building as JRR's other books. That simplicity I find in A Spell for Chameleon and Bink will always be my favourite character I believe in Xanths no matter how many hundreds are written.
There was no great history of Xanth or even more than a rudimentary map and I found it easy to focus on a story being told in an interesting jungle fantasy setting. The lack of detail provided, allowed me to envisage Xanth more on my terms than strictly laid out details. It was more like a novel length short story. Sometimes the overuse of puns for the sake of putting them in can be a bit tiresome but its still an easy read. In some ways I am reminded of The Hobbit, which compared to most Middle Earth tales, was simple and a good ripping yarn/fairy tale without pandering as much to world building as JRR's other books. That simplicity I find in A Spell for Chameleon and Bink will always be my favourite character I believe in Xanths no matter how many hundreds are written.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you want an easy read, lots of chuckles and a book that you can pass onto your kids, this is it in spades.
I first read it in the 1970's and I've never forgotten it, plus Piers Anthony seems to be one of this worlds real good guys.
I first read it in the 1970's and I've never forgotten it, plus Piers Anthony seems to be one of this worlds real good guys.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By M. A. Ramos
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is not only the first of many pun filled books, but the best of the series. The others are fun filled and contain some very good writting. But this book has a well developed plot that is worth reading. Be careful though, for the series seems never ending.
Xanth is a marvellous place to visit, espically if you are familiar with Florida. Everybody has a magical talent of lesser or greater degree, but our hero seems to lack one, and heads for exile and adventure.
It is worth your time to pick up this book and follow our heros' adventure.
Xanth is a marvellous place to visit, espically if you are familiar with Florida. Everybody has a magical talent of lesser or greater degree, but our hero seems to lack one, and heads for exile and adventure.
It is worth your time to pick up this book and follow our heros' adventure.
By Linda Brown
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
A good light read, interesting concepts, and a good author. Had read it before many years ago, and still enjoyed it.
By Mark Oliver
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
The story is simple but beautifully delivered, could do without the brief intercourse really but an enjoyable read. Worth a try.
By SuzyRed
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I read this book years ago and when I got a kindle I thought I would get it again for it and still think its a great book, I'm waiting for his other set of books to get on kindle too its another favourite set of mine. Piers Anthony is a great writer and this is an interesting book, I really enjoyed it.
By Ása
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was looking for some entertaining fantasy to read before reading some serious literature, and this was just that. The magical realm of Xanth is full of surprising and amusing magical beings. There is danger and adventure and all the things you'd wish for from a fantasy novel aimed at the teenage audience.
Don't expect anything serious, as this isn't a book full of deep meaning. If you enjoy puns, you'll like it though.
One thing that grates on me, and more so in the second book as it gets repetitive is the attitude to women. They are always considered as a commodity for men. A difficult annoying and sometimes dangerous commodity, but still. Just something that is there to full-fill a man's wishes. I have to say I don't like the way they are portrayed at all.
Don't expect anything serious, as this isn't a book full of deep meaning. If you enjoy puns, you'll like it though.
One thing that grates on me, and more so in the second book as it gets repetitive is the attitude to women. They are always considered as a commodity for men. A difficult annoying and sometimes dangerous commodity, but still. Just something that is there to full-fill a man's wishes. I have to say I don't like the way they are portrayed at all.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is the best book I've ever read. By page 100 enough adventure has occurred for the entire book. But, oh! It keeps going. I didn't want it to end.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
harry potter put to shame
This is Harry Potter times 10. Alot of the ideas for Harry Potter clearly came from Piers Anthony. Except one thing: Harry Potter is more juvenile and simplistic. Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2004 by "mikeitho9"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
This book is the wonderful first book in the Xanth series. Everyone with a good snse of humor, and who likes to laugh should read this book.
Published on 5 Nov 1998
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