Jumper Cable

Xanth #33

by Piers Anthony

In the thirty-third thrilling escapade in Piers Anthony's rousing Xanth fantasy series, an adventurous arachnid named Jumper must assume human form to save the enchanted realm from a cosmic peril.A cataclysmic battle between two all-powerful Demons has severed a mystical connection that joins Xanth to our own world. The key to restoring it is hidden within a cryptic prophecy that Jumper discovers when he is suddenly transformed from spider to man. As he sets out to discern the prophecy's meaning, he gathers about him a half dozen alluring damsels who do their best to help him solve the riddle while vying for his attentions.But a seductive siren and her demonic consort have determined to use their wiles to lure Jumper and his lovely companions away from their urgent mission. In a madcap adventure that is alternately harrowing and hilarious, they soon discover that danger, deception, and even true love may be found where they least expect it.In Jumper Cable, master storyteller Piers Anthony spins a wild and witty web of wonder that is sure to captivate fans of fantastic adventure everywhere!At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Ebooks, Humor, Science Fiction Fantasy, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2009

About the author

Though he spent the first four years of his life in England, Piers never returned to live in his country of birth after moving to Spain and immigrated to America at age six. After graduating with a B.A. from Goddard College, he married one of his fellow students and and spent fifteen years in an assortment of professions before he began writing fiction full-time.

Piers is a self-proclaimed environmentalist and lives on a tree farm in Florida with his wife. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love the Xanth series. I love the puns that Anthony uses. I use his books as a fun escape from reality. However, this book was the worst Xanth book yet. It has flat characters and seemed to be a composed of a very thin story line and a mismash of puns. I was extrememly disappointed. The dialogue was horrible, especially from the woodwife character. If I had to read one more piece of dialogue like "I dew knot know about him. Then yew rescued me," I was going to lose it. or "Yew see, I'm knot really a girl." This wasn't funny. It got really aggravating after the first few pages.

[Unwisely · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why oh why, do people keep publishing Piers Anthony novels? They're recycled jokes that no one beyond the age of 14 will find new (or humorous), storylines that make my one foray into MarySues look well-plotted, and smutty enough to embarrass me, even though they're PG. Gods. My aunt got it for Xmas, and said I should read it, so I dutifully did. Awful, awful, awful. (I should have stopped reading, because everyone around me was tired of me bitching about how terrible it was.)

Gah.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course a giant spider would save all of Xanth, become an honorary Prince, and marry a Demoness! It makes perfect sense, at least in Piers Anthony's fantastic world! Oh, and the girls Jumper befriends along the way all get their happy endings too -- except for Princess/Sorceress Dawn, who will probably be featured in a forthcoming book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Jumper Cable is the thirty-third madcap adventure in the Xanthe series by Piers Anthony. Jumper is a spider who must take on human form to save the realm from imminent peril. Along with twelve damsels, this story takes quite a quirky turn as they set off to save the day. With demons and prophecy to contend with, things won't be easy. And another intriguing and hilarious quest begins.
The Xanthe Series is quite a really long series that has spanned many decades. I remember reading the first few books back in the very early 1980’s and was totally captivated by the epic fantasy that unfolded before my eyes. I collected all the books as each new one was released and have revisited them a few times over the years.
I can honestly say that although these books didn’t blow me away as they did the first couple of times I read them- I still really enjoyed all the adventure, magic, swords & sorcery like, epic fantasy that Mr. Anthony is renowned for.
He has imbued his stories with plenty of humour, a playfulness, lots of fun, action, some history, conspiracies, secrets, surprising developments, and much, much more. We meet so many varied and original characters along the way- the books are full of wonderful fictional beasts and paranormal creatures. From centaurs, to demons, dragons, fauns, gargoyles, goblins, golems, harpies, merfolk, elves, nymphs, ogres, zombies, and curse fiends- and a few more I am sure have slipped my mind.
The world of Xanthe is wonderfully rich and vividly descriptive. It is really well written and is so easy to imagine, it came to life before my eyes. Each ‘person’ in Xanthe is born with their own unique magical ability, which is called a ‘talent’. We follow along on many epic adventures and explore the world as the story unfolds.
I have many fond memories of reading this book/series and it’s definitely a series that’s worth exploring- especially for any epic fantasy lover who loves some fun and humour served with their adventure.

Thank you, Mr. Anthony!

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full disclosure: A Spell for Chameleon was the book that started me on the road to becoming the bibliophile I am today. I adored that book and blame my love of puns and punsmithing on the Xanth series.

That being said this installment of the Xanth series (which I had stopped following around the 18th or 19th book) was simply terrible. The characters were remarkably flat, there wasn't a challenge in the course of the book, save for the final one, that lasted more than a page or two before being overcome, the female characters seemed to be there just for some T&A, and the puns seemed both contrived and forced.

If it didn't say Piers Anthony on the cover I would have taken it as a parody of the Xanth novels given how all of the tell tale qualities of Xanth novels (adult conspiracy, the power of panties, puns, etc.) was massively emphasized.

It was a terrible, boring read and I would warn others away from even making eye contact with it.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love the Xanth series. I've read all 33 books and re-read the first 9 or 10, 2 or 3 times. Jumper Cable, I did not love. I barely liked it. And then only because I am such a long time fan. This edition has none of the suspence or adventure of the earlier books in the series. The puns are week at best and the characters were flat.

[David Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to reread this one.

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains exactly why I love Piers Anthony's Xanth series. This is book #33 and in a previous book, the reader learned that spiders only live a very short time. Well, here it is the 33rd book in the series, and the beloved (at least by me) character of Jumper the spider appears again and this time he doesn't play second fiddle to a MAIN character. In this book, Jumper is the Hero, not the sidekick! Early on it is explained that this isn't the Jumper of the previous book but instead the several times great-grandson of the original Jumper. But even knowing this does not take away from the feeling of instant recognition that the reader (me) felt for this "new" Jumper the Spider.

Jumper's quest gets him changed into a human male and all his quest companions are female. Yes, sex is alluded to but it doesn't get into erotic or porno sex! There is some teasing by the girls but like most of the Xanth novels, each character has a life lesson to learn. Along the way, a few old "friends" from previous books make cameo appearances which is another main reason why I love the Xanth novels. I also love the pure fantasy and the puns (which I know some don't) but I LOVE them!

If you like a book series with puns adding to the straight-out fantasy, this series is for you. If you like a book series with a lot of "Easter Eggs" for the reader, then this series is for you. Finally, if you want a book series that is just plain FUN and will take you out of the everyday humdrum world, then this book is for you! AND each book in the series can be read without reading any of the ones before. (But, I would advise reading at least the first 3 in the series so that you get an idea of what the world of Xanth is about).

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 2 out of 5]

He is getting closer to the one star rating with this installment of the series. At least in the author’s note he admits to the content being more suitable to teenage children than to adults but then rethinks it and says he wants to keep the adult audience. He is not trying hard enough in this respect. The premise was dumb, the solutions predictable, and the end result preordained. At least we learn where the “prophecy” came from eventually, rather than remaining in the dark. I’m guessing Sharon will be the antagonist in the next Demon novel, since were running out of bad boy Demons. Can’t our author find something else to write about besides trips to the Good Magician that end in a quest to save Xanth from a demon bet? Stay tuned

[Richard Ayars · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite Xanth novel so far. Which is a disappointment because I was really looking forward to it. I lived the original Jumper in Castle Roogna. The sex, though hidden in silliness, was just more that I personally care for. The earlier books hinted at things in moderation. This one was a full fledged Xanth orgy. Characters having sex with each other with abandon. I'm no prude, and have no problems with sex scenes, but this was just too much. The razor thin plot took a back seat to the characters sexual urges. It gets 2 starts only because I lived so many of the earlier novels.

[LiteraryCryptid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jumper the spider is trapped in a world with a prophecy to fulfill. Now he must travel alongside a group of beautiful and headstrong women in order to succeed in his mission.

I've been a fan of Xanth novels since I first stumbled upon the pun-tastic world years ago. And yew wood knot bee-leaf the puns that can branch from one tree reference 🤣 they just keep growing. Once again, Xanth does not disappoint in puns, storytelling, and adventure.

[Liane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nowhere near my recollection of his skill, but assuredly my perspective has wholly changed. The puns start out fast and never slow down, enough to make them sometime amusing and sometimes irritating. Also, what seems like lighthearted fun between the girls and guys seems gratuitous, patriarchal and sexist. Maybe I’ll try to reread an earlier book, but I doubt it.

[Kate H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Xanth books by Piers Anthony were one of the first SciFi/Fantasy series I ever read. I love puns so I have always enjoyed them. Upon re-reading them I can see that they have some weaknesses but overall they stand the test of time. They are a fun and fast read that keeps me amused without any deep thinking required.

[Feri Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I found this story, a book with interesting stories full of adventure and magic.

I also have a kabel nym that is of high quality and very suitable for you to use for various daily needs at home, to turn on the computer and read digital books is also very possible with the best quality cables from us.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually closer to three and half stars, found the beginning to get my attention, thought the ending was foreseeable but there was enough going on to keep me interested. The Xanth series has a lot of highs and lows but still is interesting to me.

[Kristen (belles_bookshelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Some folk don’t appreciate what they have. They are unhappy because they want more."

I love the non-human main character and I love the happy ending outcome for him!

[Amanda MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piers Anthony always delivers! I picked this book up and started reading it yesterday and just kept going. A lovely light read

[Don LaFountaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wrote a review but hit a button and lost it. So to be succinct, a good book, though it is a combination of other Xanth books.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread. Silly puns. People I remember. Plot moves itself strangely.

[Paschalis]

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[Marc K · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first dozen Xanth books were the best.
Nothing can match up.
It is a quick easy read which doesn't require a lot of attention.

[Bill Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A descendant of Jumper Spider is called to Xanth to help restore the link with Mundania - and collects a bevy of girls to help him . . . worth reading

[Henry Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every now and then I need a little time in Xanth and this filled the need.

[Alan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The list of authors who can do genuinely funny fantasy can probably be counted on one hand. Terry Pratchett tops the list, of course, with Tom Holt and Robert Rankin and... well, there's America's entry, Piers Anthony.

Anthony has written, seemingly, a trizillion volumes about his imaginary version of Florida, called Xanth (presumably the name comes from "Pier XANTHony, though he apparently denies this), a world inhabited by demons, elves, centaurs mer-folk and the usual denizens of fantasy novels, but in which puns (the more dreadful the better) assume actual shapes!

In fact, every paragraph in a typical Xanth tale seems to contain the embodiment of a pun. This particular volume, for example, has a spider named Jumper suddenly lifted into Xanth from Mundania (Anthony's derogatory name for our own boring world) by a massive fish-hook on a chain. Yes, you guessed it - it's a literal "narrative hook!" These puns, it seems (along with many of the characters) are actually sent in by adoring readers, which in a way gives the series the feel of a fanfic collection, albeit a particularly well-written and homogenous one.

As well as the puns and standard mythological characters, Xanth also contains some other intriguing concepts. For example, there is the "Adult Conspiracy" wherein no-one under sixteen is allowed to know where babies come from lest it corrupt them - and those in on the secret know that frantic lovemaking summons the storks whose job it is to deliver babies! Apparently, just being sentient is enough to reproduce - no nonsense about miscegenation being a sin here. We have mer-folk (the children of humans and fish), centaurs (humans and horses) and harpies - (humans and birds)... I don't know about anyone else, but the thought of how the last named came into being is certainly boggling my mind! Not to mention that the sight of a female character's panties can freeze even the bravest hero into immobility! The Xanth stories might be written in a breezy, lucid style, but they are certainly not children's books!

As with most of the series, a quest is involved. In this case, Jumper has to restore the magical connection between Mundania and Xanth, aided by some gloriously lovely mythical females and hampered by a gorgeous siren and her demon lover. Despite being a hilarious story, the narrative also tugs at the heartstrings somewhat, even though regular readers know that everything is guaranteed to turn out all right in the end. In fact, it's this last trait that made me, after some thought, subtract the fourth star that this story's entertainment value probably entitles it to. Sure, it's fast-moving and readable, but (like most of the Xanth tales) lacks enough "bite" to really move readers in the way Pratchett's writing does.

Nonetheless, I can think of a lot worse ways to pass an afternoon that venturing into the Piers Anthony's imaginary universe. So if you're looking for a comedy fantasy that's a tad gentler than Pratchett or Rankin, here's the place to be!

[Ami E. Bowen · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, It's been a long time since I've ventured back into the punniful magical land of Xanth and if the other books were as bad as this one then I must have been wearing some very effective rose-colored glasses when I read them and actually liked them enough to read more. This entire book is such a jumble of groping, panty/bra-flashing, stork-summoning hot mess. Everything feels rushed and formula as if Anthony was eager just to fill pages and collect a paycheck. All the right Xanthly ingredients were present but the cook was drunk and stumbling around in the kitchen shoving everything into a pot without heed to the finished product. Even the love scenes, if one could call them that, were rushed. Just take a look at this:

*He was cut off by her fierce kiss. It was so passionate that it threatened to freak him out. Phanta wrapped her arms and legs about him, still avidly kissing him. She was hot and soft and fantastically exciting. Then something happened. Jumper wasn’t sure exactly how, but the next thing he knew he was exploding in plea sure that radiated from his midsection throughout his body. Phanta was with him, sharing it, never relinquishing the kiss.
For a timeless yet eternal moment they clung together, immersed in the sheer delight of the experience. Then at last it faded, and they fell apart.
“What was that?” Jumper panted.
Phanta started laughing, helplessly. “Maybe you can guess!” she gasped.
Then he caught on. “The stork!”
“We signaled the stork,” she agreed. “Not in imagination, not in a dream, but for real. Are you disappointed?”*

Yes, Phanta, yes I am. That whole scene was so rushed even the reader isn't sure exactly what just happened. First they were kissing and then they'd had sex aka summoned the stork and we didn't even get the courtesy of a classical fade out/scene change. That'd be more acceptable than "Oops, now look what we just did!"

I don't think I'll be back to visit Xanth again anytime soon. Not this new, not-so-improved version, at least.

[Hazel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the worst Xanth novel that I've ever read, but it is pretty bad. The method of Jumper's entry is difficult to scrabble over. Though Piers is not known for being a feminist, this is by far the most sexist book of his I've read. The Character's are flat and the whole book just seems rushed. This may be because Piers is getting old, and was having some problems at the time of writing, but I'm going to blame it on the fans (and Piers' willingness to use their suggestions.)If you read the author's note you will see that Piers put forward few of his own devices in the book. Most of the characters, most of the plot, most of the puns were submitted by readers. Piers just haphazardly strung them together. In the Author's note Piers said that he's letting Xanth grow up. Now I believe this is a mistake as well. Xanth is for adolescent males, which isn't to say other groups can't enjoy them. The hints, the lack of sex, that annoying censor ship. These are things that people of that age group can identify with. Sure a lot of Piers' readers are older now. They still read Xanth, they like the puns and the stories, but does this mean Xanth needs to be more adult? Of course not. We liked Xanth as adolescents, and we continue to like it because of that flavor. Also I believe it may lose him some readers from the adolescent age group. They get the sex too easy, so soon it becomes uninteresting.
I love Jumper, If you haven't read Castle Roogna you should. It's my favorite in the Xanth Series.

[Vicki G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's actually possible to think about some things a little too much. Not that I should talk, since obsessing about things is one of the characteristics that I always have to work on to keep it under control. I get addicted to everything but housework. However, I don't think about sex as much as he does...I don't think Hugh HEFner thinks about it as much as he does.
But he's not alone. My brother wanted to read one of my books, by this same author, when I told him the story starts out on a planet where everyone walks around naked and they look good too. Most people can't accomplish that.
My brother replied with, "Interesting. Can I read that after you're done?"

Still, I like the Xanth book for one important reason. The scenes of summoning the stork went right along with the plot, they seemed like they were actually PART of the plot, b/c the women have to seduce the Demon Pluto, which will distract him and save Xanth from his nefarious schemes. So they practice and hone their techniques on Jumper, the spider who's been given a potion to appear in man-form.
As long as it's integral to the plot, I'm mostly okay with it. I just can't believe how much some people think about that. That's all.

[Blake · Rating 1 out of 5]

This just sucked. There's no other way to put it. (Actually, there's plenty: it was awful, crap, 2-dimensional, undeveloped, barely a plot... the list goes on) I'm a long time Xanth fan so I managed to struggle through it. But... it was such a shame. Why does he turn out such cliched and cookie-cutter trash nowadays? I went back to the first ever Xanth novel I read - Demon's Don't Dream - to see if it had actually been just as bad but I'd never noticed, but no, that wasn't the case. His old writing in those and other books (like Split Infinity!) is so much more exciting! Back when he actually had original ideas. Whereas now it's just an on parade of puns submitted by readers... If packing in that many reader contributions is going to be as detrimental as this to the story then I think he should stop doing it!
Such a shame... I don't know if I'll be able to bring myself to pick up another Xanth book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one tried very hard to be more grown up than past Xanth stories. Actual curse words were both used and hinted at. Panty flashing and freak outs more rampant than Color of Her Panties. And stork summoning was at such an all time high that it happened by accident a few times. I would say the older Piers and Xanth gets, the more it is probably best left to only the most loyal of die hard fans. First time readers who start the stories this late in the game tend to magically turn into those dreaded critics. I think we all know how pesty those little critters can be. I myself am a loyal, die hard fan... so, of course, really enjoyed it! Even if we did recycle old characters in the guise of new characters. The heart of Xanth was still there.