tim.uci-750a@Rand-Relay@sri-unix.UUCP (10/19/83)
From: Tim Shimeall <tim.uci-750a@Rand-Relay> Not a bad book! In fact, it is probably Piers Anthony's best Xanth book since \Castle Roogna/. The action centers around Ivy, the three year old daughter of Dor and Irene, Hugo, the son of Humphrey and the Gorgon, and the gap dragon, now dubbed Stanley. (As you may recall the gap dragon is a steamer...) As you can see from the last, this book still has its puns, but they dominate the plot less than the puns in \Ogre, Ogre/ and \Night Mare/ did. In addition, Ivy's talent is the most subtle since Bink's. Her talent is selective enhancement: she can increase whatever characteristics she wishes of any character she meets (so she can boost a limited magical talent, raise intellegence, or even, within broad limits, change character). I can't say much more without gaining a "spoiler" title, so I'll just suggest that you buy the book and judge it for yourself. Tim