I've been a fan of the Xanth series for over ten years, and in general the series has had its ups and downs. I've always felt that out of the 30+ books in the series, the best of the best were around books #12-20. Some of those earlier books had epic tales that were truly magnificent. Some of the books since then have ranged from "good" to "great," but rarely achieved the heights of the earlier books in the series."Jumper Cable" was good. There were strong sections of the story throughout, but as with all of the later Xanth books, there were points where it seemed like the author was cramming things in without purpose. Mostly this comes (according to his Author's Notes in each book) from the fact that his long-running fans often send him suggestions of characters, puns, and magic abilities they think would fit into his world. He takes a great many of their suggestions and incorporates them, but often without them being relevant to the plot. This leads to entire chapters that are nothing more than a showcase of one reader suggestion after another.The chapters where the plot continues moving are excellent, gripping, and well-written. The chapters that are nothing but back-to-back reader suggestions drag the rest of the book down. The result is a good book, which probably could have been "great" instead, if not for these minor issues.Still a worthwhile, fun, light-hearted read, as long as you aren't offended by girls showing their panties and a spider who transforms into a human and sleeps around with ghosts, princesses, demons, and Demons (yes, the d/D makes a difference in Xanth). Well, after reading the author's note, I feel a little bad saying this, but the book was a disappointment. It was less like a book and more like a neverending series of puns strung together with a thin, repetitive story line. Many of the structures used in the other Xanth novels seemed to be there just for form this time, such as setting the beginning of the story, getting into the Good Magician's castle, getting across the Gap Chasm, etc. - Like someone going through the motions. About halfway through I had to remind myself that stabbing myself in the eye was not the appropriate response, and then about two thirds through put the book down to stare at it and decide if I was going to finish it. I did, but I mostly skimmed pages for the bits of actual story in order to not still be reading it when tomorrow rolled around. The author's note at the end was the part I most enjoyed. Very sad for me.
What do You think about Jumper Cable (2009)?
Piers Anthony's id is showing. This is not a good thing.
—Jossie
Another fun and punny adventure thru Xanth.
—Kat1478
