The world of Xanth is only a sequel away. In this case, 2 to the 5th, is the 32nd book, and surprise! 2 to the 5th is 32, and it also happens to be the clue that the Good Magician Humphrey gives to Cyrus, the Cyborg, son of Rowland Robot and Hannah Barbarian.
If that isn't confusing yet, even before he gets to the Good Magician, he has to go through three challenges packed with puns, and 'players' before he is assigned the task of writing plays that will attract the attention of Ragna Roc and place three young princesses Melody, Harmony, and Rhythym together to defeat Ragna. Breathe...Add Tess Tosterone, Xina, Acro Nymph, and Dusti to the twisted dramatic troupe without a play, and the result is a punny, playful, adventure.
Anthony is a master of his craft. Few other authors are able to mix puns so freely, and easily into a novel, and yet retain a loyal readership. Many of the puns are from readers themselves too, and if that's not encouraging to a reader, then nothing is.
This is a great novel to wind down with. Humorous, inventive, and yet it is packed with enough to progress the characters in a 'logical' manner. You'll laugh, you'll want to send your own puns in, and even want to finish this book off just in time to wait for the next one.
Tim Lasiuta