Helpful Score: 3
Had read this book as an adolescent and was rereading for youth appropriateness check before giving it to a friend's son. It was simpler than I remember, but a decent read nonetheless. There was a rape hearing, but nothing illicit was described. Sex occurred at the end of the book, but was fairly harmless, just a mention.
Helpful Score: 2
The first of the Xanth novel will get you hooked if you haven't read any of them.
Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating novel about a young man named Bink and his quest for his magic talent. Along the way he encounters and befriends many magical creatures. As well as a powerful good magician. When he runs into the evil magician is when the story really takes off. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Fun story, and has cute puns through out.
The story is about Bink, a poor kid about to be exiled because he has no magic.
Turns out he DOES have magic, but no one knows what it is.
A story of self discovery, and an adventure to find answers.
The story is about Bink, a poor kid about to be exiled because he has no magic.
Turns out he DOES have magic, but no one knows what it is.
A story of self discovery, and an adventure to find answers.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book in the Xanth series, and as such is rather different in tone from the others. (It's not quite as punny.) It's closer to standard fantasy fare. It's very interesting to see how the tone of the books has evolved and changed since this one.
This is the story of Bink, soon to be exiled from Xanth for lack of a magical talent, and his encounter with the exiled Evil Magician Trent.
This is the story of Bink, soon to be exiled from Xanth for lack of a magical talent, and his encounter with the exiled Evil Magician Trent.
Helpful Score: 1
I remembered enjoying these books when I was younger, but this time I found them tiresome. They have a strong mix of humor and fantasy and I usually go for that. I just found too much of the humor depended on titillation. Anyway, this is a series of magic stories and has good characters and surprises.
Helpful Score: 1
A book that's great fun! Later in the series they get really silly, but the first one is a classic.
Helpful Score: 1
Tons of fun! The first book in the series, it sets the scene for many many more pun-filled adventures in the land of Xanth.
The first in a series of remarkably 'punny' books in the fantasy genre. Once you read one, you'll want to read the entire series! Funny, engaging, and just plain good!
DOn't read this book unless you want to get hooked on the Xanth series. It's a fun fantasy full of witty puns.
Stephanie D. (evercaptivating) reviewed A Spell for Chameleon (Xanth, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Fun, fast-paced, and full of imagination! I loved every thrilling moment and there are one after another. The writing is intelligent and yet quick-witted to appeal to all intellect.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
This was such fun! A delightful adventure with entertaining characters and all sorts of magical creatures, places and things! I enjoyed it start to finish!
This book is fantastic for those who enjoy a light-hearted romp through comical satire complete with interesting characters, enjoyable action and a good plot. I loved the first 6 or 7 books in the Xanth Series, but as the series continued I found that in the later books the plot began to be subsumed by Mr. Anthony's search for the perfect pun.
Read this many years ago, and it was thoroughly fun. Later books in the series had a few too many puns, but this one was still a bit on the serious side.
Brittany Q. (notebook-junkie) reviewed A Spell for Chameleon (Xanth, Bk 1) on + 81 more book reviews
This was a very weird book. Beer trees? Jelly Trees? Whatever! I liked it though-could'nt put it down.
Pretty good, not quite enough to draw me into the rest of the series. However, I realize it's a famous and well-loved series, so I may try one other book to see how things progress before I completely give it up.
this is the cute first book in the xanth series and probably the best
I love all of his Xanth books. They're innocent but fun.
The absurdity of everything in the book was just too much! I was laughing at everything. Ha! I despise living in Mundania. Now if I had a magic power what would I want it to be....?
Many puns- Xanth series book 1
Xanth is a Magical land with magical people and if you don't show a magical talent you are exspelled.
Wonderful sci fi series. First book is most serious
I never read this book, although I was into the Xanth series for a time (brain candy!).
Amazon.com
Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled--where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. According to the Good Magician Humpfrey, the charts said that Bink was as powerful as the King or even the Evil Magician Trent. Unfortunately, no one could determine its form. Meanwhile, Bink was in despair. If he didn't find his magic soon, he would be forced to leave....
Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled--where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. According to the Good Magician Humpfrey, the charts said that Bink was as powerful as the King or even the Evil Magician Trent. Unfortunately, no one could determine its form. Meanwhile, Bink was in despair. If he didn't find his magic soon, he would be forced to leave....
Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled-where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. It was a land of centaurs and dragons and basilisks.
For Bink of North Villiage, however, Xanth was no fairy tale. He alone had no magic. And unless he got some-and got some fast!-he would be exiled. Forever. But the Good Magician Humfrey was convinced that Bink did indeed have magic. In fact, both Beauregard the genie and the magic wall chart insisted that Bink had magic. Magic as poereful as any possessed by the or by Good Magician Humfrey-or even by the Evil Magician Trent.
Be that as it may, no one could fathom the nature of Binks's special magic. Bink was in despair. This was even worse than having no magic at all....and he would still be exiled!
Thus begins Piers Anthony's entralling Xanth series.....
For Bink of North Villiage, however, Xanth was no fairy tale. He alone had no magic. And unless he got some-and got some fast!-he would be exiled. Forever. But the Good Magician Humfrey was convinced that Bink did indeed have magic. In fact, both Beauregard the genie and the magic wall chart insisted that Bink had magic. Magic as poereful as any possessed by the or by Good Magician Humfrey-or even by the Evil Magician Trent.
Be that as it may, no one could fathom the nature of Binks's special magic. Bink was in despair. This was even worse than having no magic at all....and he would still be exiled!
Thus begins Piers Anthony's entralling Xanth series.....
