Myth-nomers and Im-pervections [Paperback]

Myth-Nomers and Im-Pervections (1987) is the eighth Fantasy novel in the Myth series, following M.Y.T.H. Inc. Link. In the previous volume, Skeeve and his pals solved their cases and stayed solvent. However, Skeeve said something that caused Aahz to resign and return to Perv. Skeeve also received a box with a ring on a chopped off finger.

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.

Edvick is a taxi driver in the Perv dimension. He is a hustler, with various sidelines.

Kalvin is a Djin from the Djinger dimension. He has been dwelling in a small vial for quite some time.

In this story, Skeeve goes to Perv with Massha while his friends go to Klah. He finds the view disconcerting. He has never seen so many really tall -- and filthy -- buildings. They tower up into the sky.

Before Massha leaves him, she give Skeeve a ring that monitors his vital signs. That way she can be fairly certain that he has not been harmed. Then she goes to join the others on Klah.

Then Skeeve uncorks a vial and Kalvin floats out. Skeeve has being carrying the Djin for some time, but has never called upon his services. Kalvin is only three inches tall from the waist to the top of his head.

Soon Skeeve learns that Kalvin's height is adjustable. But he also learns that Kalvin can only give him one wish. Furthermore, his powers are limited.

The population of the city is roaming in hordes. Everywhere streets are filled with moving people and they are exceedingly rude. The pedestrians never yield to others, only shoving and knocking against their fellows. Skeeve is stopped by a policeman for being too polite.

Skeeve is looking for Aahz, but he isn't prepared for such a large city. Kalvin suggests looking in the phone book, but it has only a few entries. And none of the entries are for Aahz's family.

After the run in with the cop, Kalvin suggests that they find a hotel to use as a base for their search. Then he suggests that they flag down a cab. Edvick stops for them and then takes them to a hotel.

On the way to the hotel, Skeeve learns that Edvick sometimes acts as a tour guide for his customers. He hires the taxi driver in that role, arranging to meet him the next morning. First, Edvick suggests that he buy some luggage. That might have been a mistake.

Then they reach the hotel and Skeeve gets a room. Aside from the tips to everybody, the room isn't too bad. Of course, the view could have been better and the restaurant could have told him that the cadaver served on his table was only a simulated body made from foodstuff.

After he awakes from his faint and explains matters to the police, Skeeve retires to his room. The next morning, Edvick picks him up and takes him around town to look for Aahz. They have little luck.

Skeeve finally finds the address of Aahz's mother. He visits her in an overstuffed apartment on the top floor. But the Duchess doesn't know where Aahz has gone.

This tale takes Skeeve into various troubles on Perv for a full week. Eventually he gives up, but now he has another problem. He expected to return with Aahz's D-hopper, but now he has no way to leave Perv. So he prepares to use the ring to attract Massha's attention.

Skeeve does meet some interesting and/or likeable people, but becomes very frustrated. The next installment -- M.Y.T.H. Inc. in Action -- covers the Klah front. Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for Asprin fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of cultural conflicts, hustling cabbies, and determined wizards. If anyone has not previously read this series, the initial volume is Another Fine Myth.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Of all the Myth series i have read so far, this has been by far the best. Robert Asprin has timed this change of style very well. After sharing in the action-packed adventures of Skeeve and Aahz and all their friends, this book allows Skeeve to think about all the good times he's had and do a little soul searching. Skeeve reflects a lot on his life so far and we also learn a bit about Aahz along the way. I was able to see a new side to Aahz - his life before he met Skeeve. There are many questions answered in this book about the reason why Aahz acts the way he does. The unpredictable ending was brilliant and nearlly made me cry when it seemed that all hope of finding Aahz was gone. We are swept along so much by Skeeve's thoughts that we forgat that things may not always be as bad as they seem. Much of Skeeve's thoughts are affected by his feeling of isolation on such a hosile dimension. Asprin is a great writer and can really create such an empathy with the characters i feel as if i know them as my own friends. i definitely recommend this book to anyone who has already read some of the previous books in the series. however, if you've never read a myth book before, this book may feel more like a short story than an adventure.

Robert Asprin continues in his unique way to write some of the most humorous fantasy available on the market. In this book we finally understand why Aahz is so...interesting. Skeeve takes off on his own to try to find his mentor and friend. On the way he meets a number of the residents of Perv and discovers why it has the reputation it does. He also learns that, just like home, not everyone is alike. The ending surprised me in ways I didn't expect even though I always expect twists and turns when reading Robert Asprin's works. If you are a fan of this series you will love it. If you haven't yet read the series, what are you waiting for?

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