An the Xanth series continues30 December 2011tIt is fascinating read what other people's opinions on the various books on Goodreads, particularly those that I myself have read. A lot of the reviews suggest that these later Xanth books where the first that they read, and there is obviously the extensive use of puns. I never really found the puns hugely funny, and it was something that I put up with in the books.tI noticed as I read one of the reviews of this book that Anthony had borrowed from a lot of classical literature, such as The Devil and Daniel Webster and Sophocles' Electra. Now I am not hugely familiar with Electra, but since they are reasonably short plays, and that I love Greek Literature, it is surely one that I will read again in the near future. However, that is beside the point because when I read this book long ago I had never heard of Sophocles nor had I heard of Electra, so the retelling would have been lost on me.tOnce again, as is the common theme throughout this book, the main character is a child (or a little person, as was the case in Golem in the Gears) but these little people end up going out and performing extraordinary deeds. In this land the adults, while responsible, are separated from the children (obviously) but we are encouraged to understand that it is the adult's role to protect the children, though the children do go on wonderful quests in these books.tI guess that is why it is escapist literature designed for children. Especially these days, with fear roaming the streets, children are more sheltered and protected than ever, however it is still an age of innocence. In many places around the world children are thrust into adulthood at a very young age, either as labourers, slaves, or soldiers. While a child reading this book may relate to and enjoy the adventure, I hope it does not encourage them to run away for their own adventure (unless it is only down to the local park).
As an introduction to Piers Anthony works, "Heaven Cent" offers quite a delightful foray into Xanth as well as a glimpse of its populace, from the creatures of the gourd who create dreams (e.g. the skeletons who abhor flesh, the nightmares who carry bad dreams, and the formidable White Stallion), the domain of the merpeople, dragons and all manners of winged beings, and an assortment of other creatures commonly found in fantasy literature. The story itself, that of a young royal shapeshifter named Dolph, is a typical quest-based tale full of encounter with strange beings (almost all of them, excluding the dragon, are oddly interested in marrying 9-year old Dolph, while staunchly keeping the secret of the stork, you know, how babies come to be...), strays into foreign lands (Mundania sounds a lot like our world), riddles and challenges and forfeits, the usual. Though sufficiently engrossing, and I admit I enjoyed the word play ('Isle of View', to name one), the story is lacking in suspense, I think owing to the fact that Dolph is still so young and he is in the company of a bevy of protectors, and so no matter how desperate his situation might be, there is a marked absence of that sense of utter wretchedness and despair that usually accompanies the lowest points in a character's journey. Those seeking a light, light-hearted fantasy tale will enjoy this book, but for readers who look for more elaborate world-building, character development, and darker conflict in their reading might come away disappointed.
What do You think about Heaven Cent (2000)?
Book 11 of the Xanth series focuses on Prince Dolph. Determined to have an adventure, he decides that the best adventure he could go on would be to find Good Magician Humphrey, who has been missing for 3 years. He takes Marrow Bones along with him as his adult guardian, though that was not quite his plan. Going to the Good Magician's castle, he find a clue that says "Skeleton key to Heaven Cent". From there, the adventure takes off. He meets Mela Merwoman, Nada Naga, goes into Mundania, and defends a friend in the Gourd, with the Night Stallion as the judge. Coming home to Castle Roogna after this adventure is completed, he stuns his parents, Dor and Irene. It is an enjoyable addition to the series. It reminds me of Dor's adventure in the tapestry in book 3. In this case, the apple does not fall far from the tree.
—Don LaFountaine
Heaven Cent is the 11th book of the Xanth series and one of those that I liked the least when I read them (back in the 6th grade). It has a few flaws:- The protagonist's talent is much too powerful and he is never really in danger. This destroys any real suspense. Ultimately, it is a bit of a Superman problem where Kryptonite (reverse wood) needs to be introduced and appear randomly in order to create and danger at all.- The protagonist has no real investment in the quest (he was just bored, really) and has no real growth.- Oddly, I was a bit disturbed by the main character being put in sexual situations (he is 9), though that wasn't an issue for me with book 3 (where the protagonist is 12). This is partly because in the other book, the character is in an adult body and therefore the adult women flirting with him don't realize that he is just a child. And also, 12 is the beginning of puvberty and the time when a boy would start thinking about women in that way.- Finally and most glaringly, it doesn't have a real conclusion. There you go, spoiled it for ya. To find out what happens -> go to book #13. Unfortunately the story is not big enough for two books and the concluding novel just seems like a drug out final chapter for this one.
—J Austill
Piers, Piers, Piers. You are such a guilty pleasure.I love the Xanth books because you do what you do so well. No mindless exposition and no dreary descriptions. The 'only' thing you give us is a clearly-defined 'save the princess' and a set of obstacles that the hero needs to negotiate. Oh, and a mountain of puns and creative animals / plants.I could use this to describe almost all your books - they're cookie cutter, but my god are they addictive. I'm not sure if I were to re-read them now they'd have the same draw. And so, I won't. It's best to keep my rose-coloured glasses on while I reminisce of pillow trees that pop buttered popcorn.
—Stephen Herfst
