A Spell for Chameleon

EDITORIAL REVIEW: Though already developing a successful career in SF with such heady novels as *Chthon* and *Omnivore*, Piers Anthony did not reach brand-name status until he cooked up some fantasy in 1977. And it was cheerful, humorous fantasy at that, as in his first Xanth series novel, *A Spell for Chameleon*. The book's young hero, Bink, is without magical powers in a world ruled entirely by magic. Worse still, if he doesn't discover his own magical talent soon, he will be forever banished from his homeland. Naturally, it takes an epic quest for Bink to learn what his unique talent truly is--and perhaps to win the girl of his dreams as well. *A Spell for Chameleon* was the very first of Anthony's bestselling (and still ongoing) humorous fantasy series. Noteworthy for their outrageous word puns and bizarre characters, the Xanth books are a light yet often satisfying brew, especially when compared with the author's sometimes nihilistic and ultraviolent hard SF. *--Stanley Wiater* 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, dragons and basiliks.But poor Bink alone had no magic. And unless he got some - and fast - he would be exiled. The Good Magician Humfrey was convined that Bink did indeed have magic, magic as powerful as any possessed by the King or Good Magician Humfrey himself. But no one could fathom the nature of Bink's very special magic. Bink was in despair. This was worse than having no magic at all...and he would still be exiled. Sept. 1985 DEL REY mass market paperback, Piers Anthony (Isis Orb). 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. - Amazon A small lizard perched on a brown stone.