Helpful Score: 1
Introducing the concept of interactive video games to his popular inhabitants of Xanth, the prolific Anthony adds number 16 to the series. Dug Edsel, bored with traditional graphics, wagers his girlfriend against his friend's motorcycle that no game can keep his interest for more than an hour. It's a bet Dug loses gladly when he's drawn into the "Companions of Xanth" game, is allowed to choose the luscious Princess Nada Naga as a traveling companion, and finds that he can actually enter the adventure by refocusing his eyes and eliminating his disbelief. False companions and a competing player complicate matters for Dug (who obviously hasn't read the rest of the series and has no concept of how Xanth works). Anthony loads the story with elaborate puns, wild adventure, and quirky characters and sneaks in his customary jab at critics. Xanth fans will be waiting in line.
