2006-01-09
Demons Don't Dream
Author: Piers Anthony
Sixteenth in the Xanth series, Demons Don't Dream takes on the interesting format of following two Mundane characters who are the first to play the new Xanth computer game. Dug and Kim each get to choose a companion to guide them past Xanth's dangers, help them figure out the many game challenges, and get them to the Good Magician's castle where they can ask where to find the prize. They can enter Xanth through the game if they just believe ....
Nada Naga and Jenny Elf (with Sammy) are the companions for this adventure and some other regulars show up for cameos, but not many or for long. The novel's focus is on punnish riddles, so readers that particularly appreciated past challenges for entering Humphrey's castle should be especially pleased. As usual, the action moves right along, although I felt the history of the Curse Fiends took a little long and appeared out of place.
The Companions of Xanth computer game described in the book was actually produced around the same time. I have never seen this game, but it doesn't seem necessary to enjoy the book. Those who have suffered through bad novelizations of gaming experiences need not worry; the book stands alone and feels like any other Xanth novel. The game is a plot device that keeps the action moving, and it's no worse than any other.
I'll probably do Xanth-17 soon, as my next novel, but I have some non-fiction to finish first.
Sixteenth in the Xanth series, Demons Don't Dream takes on the interesting format of following two Mundane characters who are the first to play the new Xanth computer game. Dug and Kim each get to choose a companion to guide them past Xanth's dangers, help them figure out the many game challenges, and get them to the Good Magician's castle where they can ask where to find the prize. They can enter Xanth through the game if they just believe ....
Nada Naga and Jenny Elf (with Sammy) are the companions for this adventure and some other regulars show up for cameos, but not many or for long. The novel's focus is on punnish riddles, so readers that particularly appreciated past challenges for entering Humphrey's castle should be especially pleased. As usual, the action moves right along, although I felt the history of the Curse Fiends took a little long and appeared out of place.
The Companions of Xanth computer game described in the book was actually produced around the same time. I have never seen this game, but it doesn't seem necessary to enjoy the book. Those who have suffered through bad novelizations of gaming experiences need not worry; the book stands alone and feels like any other Xanth novel. The game is a plot device that keeps the action moving, and it's no worse than any other.
I'll probably do Xanth-17 soon, as my next novel, but I have some non-fiction to finish first.
