Intense play on words with a plethora of puns ranging from confusing to hilarious. His contribution to the fantasy pool are his books that provide an interesting display of unusual writing. Though not for every audience, Piers Anthony's Xanth novels were an intricate twist of events that have you on the edge of your seat in stitches of laughter. However, when he comes to speaking about the planets in his Xanth series, the depth is often confusing to the general audience. I personally suggest his books, but not the entirety of his collection.

Fun to read, a very punny series.

Endless extended puns, badly done, do not make for riveting fiction. This clown should have his word-processor confiscated.

He's soooooo cool!!! And nice! And a great author!!!

Reading the "Incarnations of Immortality" series and part of the "Xanth" series, I think Piers Anthony shows a great flexibility in his writing. To the puns of the Xanth world to the slightly more serious "Incarnations" stories, he has a vivid imagination that it refreshing and vibrant. More lighthearted than other fantasy writers, he is a welcome change from the soap opera-ish tone of many other fantasy writers.

Piers is one of my all-thyme favo-writes!I just love the puntacular puntiff of fawn and games... Reading Piers is to guarantee a harpy thyme for all! Don't get me started! I rarely give 5 stars to anyone but Heinlein or Julian May... Piers might not write to such literary heights- but he makes up a lot in sheer volume- I think he is past 70 books which is an accomplishment by any standard. I do have a goodly portion of his work and always look forward to more. He does have the reputation of being an Ogre- but the way publishers treat authors will drive a saint to drink! Piers merely expects the publishers and editors to keep their side of the deal. I think the reissue of 'But What of Earth?' should be required reading for anyone who would desire to critique or edit professionally. I loved his critique of the gritics! I think that Piers Xanth series is good fun for all ages and will stand the test of thyme like L F Baum's Wizard of Oz books.

The Adept series, Incarnations of Immortality, Bio of a Space Tyrant are terrific. I love his author's notes--a nice personal touch. There are some of his books that didn't grab me and some that I didn't like at all. Xanth is just for fun. I give him credit for how many books he writes and the variety of work he creates. Don't dismiss him because you didn't like one series--you may absolutely love another.

When I was about 14 I used to love reading his Incarnations of Immortality and I started collecting them. I didn't read them for a while, and then tried reading the first in the series again when I was 19, and couldn't. I think the concept of them are extremely good, but it just lacks something. I think the romance cheapens it and the writing can be a bit immature.

The Incarnations of Immortality series was wonderful. I read the entire seven book series in less than 2 weeks, they were so absorbing. While I don't find the Xanth series to be nearly as engrossing, I still feel that 7 excellent books is worthy of a 5 star rating for good ol' Piers. I love his comments at the end of each I of I book too...it really helps you gain insight on the author and his work. I'm still working on the Xanth series...I may change my rating when I get through more books.

Hooray for Xanth! Although it is not on the same scale of seriousness as other fantasy authors, I think it is what makes him more refreshing for me to read. I hate this idea that every author has to describe the structural foundation of a castle, blah blah blah...or have plot lines so thick you can't see the point of the work through the layers. Don't call me a simpleton, but I think if you want the "magical" fantasy that has enough sophistication for adults and enough humor for younger people, then you have found the right person for the job. Good job Piers!

Best author in the world. Best books in the world. Love his books! --Mystique

Awful.

good for when you don't want to think

Being a pro in Piers Anthony works, mostly the Xanth series, I have read all of the Xanth novels. Anthony must have a way of keeping the reader coming back for more, because he has done it to me. He uses his pun-tacular magic to keep you anticipating the next page throughout the entire book. Congrats for being my favorite author!

pulp fantasy trash (with occasional glimmers of hope)

Only his Incarnations of Immortality saved him from a 1 rating

Anthony writes like a pro. His humor and storylines are memorable. He understands life and portrays it well--what's wrong with a little humor? If everyone read Anthony, we'd probably be a lot less uptight.

Very amusing, but like Adams not up to the standard of Pratchett.

Piers Anthony has a wonderful way with comedy and parody in the Xanth novels of his.

The Incarnations series, Blue Adept, Race Against Time, and the early books in the Xanth Series (the 1st 12 or 13) is some entertaining reading.

His fantasy is a tad too goofy for my taste.