M.Y.T.H. Inc. Link [Hardcover]

I am a huge fan of the MYTH series by Robert Asprin. This book, which is the 7th in the series, is relatively short, yet serves Asprin's purpose well. The previous 6 books concentrated mostly on the hijinks of the main character, Skeeve. With M.Y.T.H. Inc. Link, Aprin set out to show readers how the world(s) was viewed through the eyes of the other characters. Although some stories were not up to Asprin's usual standards of humor and subtlety, others actually reach the level of ingenuity. For example, the story involving Massha's development of The Fun House was absolutely terrific. And Gleep's tale is without a doubt the most insightful story in the entire book. Readers who pick up this book without having read previous books in the series will view it as a puzzling collection of short stories. However, M.Y.T.H. Inc. Link is still an enjoyable read whether you're a fan of the MYTH series or not.

M.Y.T.H. Inc. Link (1986) is the seventh Fantasy novel in the Myth series, following Little Myth Marker. In the previous volume, Skeeve saw, but missed Luanna. Tananda was peeved at him. The Geek sold the Even Odds casino. Skeeve found the Ax and nullified the campaign against him.

In this novel, Skeeve is a Klahd from Klah. He is a magician and the partner of Aahz. Now he is the president of M.Y.T.H. Incorporated with his friends as staff and stockholders.

Aahz is a Pervect from Perv. He had been a master magician until he lost his power from a joke. Now he is Skeeve's partner.

Massha is a mechanic from an unknown dimension. She uses devices to produce her magic. Now she is learning real magic from Skeeve as his apprentice.

Chumley is a Troll from the Trollia dimension. He is also the big brother of Tananda. He uses his Crunch persona to hide his shyness.

Tananda is a Trollop from the Trollia dimension. Tanda has green skin and hair and a very voluptuous body. She is an assassin and Chumley's little sister.

Bunny is a top-heavy little redhead. She is also the niece of Don Bruce. Now she is Skeeve's administrative assistant.

Guido is a senior goon in the Mob. He is now a bodyguard of the Great Skeeve.

Nunzio is Guido's cousin and is also a senior goon. He is now the other bodyguard of Skeeve.

Vic is a vampire from Limbo. He had been part of the problem in Myth-ing Persons, but now works for M.Y.T.H. Incorporated.

Gleep is a very young dragon. He can't talk yet, but he has a mean breath of fire .

In this story, Skeeve likes his new office. It is within the former Even Odds building, away from their home in the Bazaar tent. Bunny has a desk in the anteroom and acts as his gatekeeper.

Bunny ushers in a Deveel with a problem. Bane owns a small factory that manufactures joke items for his stores and other customers. He is having a problem with missing inventory.

Skeeve assigns Guido and Bunny to investigate. Bunny gets a job on the administrative side and Guido becomes a line worker. Guido can't find any way to smuggle goods out of the factory, but Bunny discovers the culprit. Unfortunately, the thief is Bane's brother-in-law and gets promoted for showing initiative.

Skeeve assigns Tanda to the next case to collect on a bill. When Chumley finds out that Skeeve has sent her alone, he has a hissy fit. He is afraid that Tanda will severely damage the locale and residents. Chumley follows his sister to keep her calm.

The next case is somewhat outside the main line of business. A Deveel named Hysterium is building a hotel is a previously unserved area. Now his competitors are raising much nicer hotels and he needs an interior decorator to enhance his venture. Massha and Vic get the case.

The following case takes Aahz and Skeeve back to the Jahk dimension. Quigley has contractual problems. Skeeve temporarily impersonates him and messes up a game.

The last case comes from someone who met Skeeve at lunch. Nunzio and Gleep are assigned to guard some crates in a warehouse. Gleep notices some strange people trying to rob the place, but Nunzio doesn't have a clue.

This tale involves most of the M.Y.T.H. Inc. operatives in some strange and hilarious ventures. And Gleep has deep thoughts. Yet Skeeve is having problems back at the office.

This work begins a change in the series. Myth titles will continue to present the stories from Skeeve's viewpoint, but M.Y.T.H. Inc. volumes will relate the adventures of his associates. So there will be more volumes like this one as well as the antics of Skeeve and Aahz.

These cases all have twists and turns. The next installment in the series -- Myth-Nomers and Im-Pervections -- will be a Skeeve and Aahz adventure. Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for Asprin fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of fantastic characters, interdimensional shindigs, and hilarious adventures. If anyone has not previously read this series, the initial volume is Another Fine Myth.

-Arthur W. Jordin

I agree with Minh Dang (the first reviewer of this book). This book gives insight into the minds and personalities of all the characters involved. I think Asprin really had to change something or risk becoming repetitive or stagnate (he pretty much says so in his introduction). He tried something new and I enjoyed it, although at a different level. This book didn't have as many laugh-out-loud moments, but it has a bit more plot than normal and since it's the beginning of a 5 book contract he was able to start some multiple/cross book subplots.