Dragon on a Pedestal

Xanth #7

by Piers Anthony

There is trouble in Xanth again. The Gap Dragon had escaped and was ravaging across the land, the forget-spell was causing mass amnesia, three-year-old Ivy was headed right for a hungry dragon. Could things get any worse? Probably....


From the Paperback edition.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Science Fiction Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Magic

306 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1983

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

[Kirsten]

This is the very first book I ever read. Other than "See Spot Run" that is.

I am mildly dyslexic. Not enough to get the special classes in school, or beneficial status in college, but enough to have made learning how to read a truly traumatic experience. Then one summer my father gave me his copy of this book. I was about 8 or 9-years-old. It took me several months, and a lot of help, but I finished this book, and never looked back.

As a young girl I didn't understand a lot of the puns Anthony uses, but I did know this was a story about a little girl, and a dragon, and a wonderful world where anything could happen. I have never lost the love I felt for Xanth at that moment. And I often reach for one of these books when this mundane world becomes to overwhelming. And while my husband's puns make me groan in pain, Anthony's always make me laugh, chuckle or smile.

I will always cherish this book and I recommend it to anyone.

[Nola Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Night Mare, Anthony skips over most of his sexist remarks because the main character is a very precocious three year old who believes herself to be even smarter than the average tyke. Ivy's talent is definitely creative, even in the world of Xanth, but it is funny how arbitrary the judgement of its caliber is.

Of course, even Anthony can't keep a toddler and a dragon compelling, so her mother must trek through the wilderness after her, constantly worrying that no one wants to see her panties now that she's all of twenty-nine. Because if MY child were lost in the wilderness, that would be my primary concern. Nor would anyone convince me to stop and sleep while my three year old wandered around...and I can't imagine a father who would hand off the search for his only child to someone else so he could go back and be king. Especially a king who could talk to inanimate objects.

Dragon also takes the opportunity to throw in approximately a trillion plant puns, often clustering them en masse in a single paragraph that least has the virtue of being easily skippable with zero loss content.

Once again, Anthony tells a good, imaginative, and entertaining story, marred only with his constant sexism and inability to understand how a parent would react, responsibilities be damned.

[Kristen (belles_bookshelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Men seldom knew as much about life as they thought they did."

This was the first Xanth novel I read (strictly a cover-buy, I knew nothing about the series at the time). Since we're only six books in, there's still enough backstory given at the beginning that I pretty much understood what was going on, and the fact that the Xanth plots are pretty basic and straightforward, meant I could read it without having to look up information.

This is a typical Xanth novel: protagonist, sidekicks, problem, solution, interspersed with puns and humor.

I love, love, LOVE Ivy's magical talent of enhancement! That is one of the most original super powers I've ever heard of. So simple, yet so powerful. (It's how I felt when I watched Heroes and learned about Sylar's power of intuitive aptitude - but Ivy's has less murder.) I just love how Anthony can come up with such a simple idea, but show you all the amazing things that can be done with it.

[Jason Prodoehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The the puns and gender may be silly at times, this is my favorite book in the Xanth series.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual star score 4.25.
Ivy, is the 3 year old daughter of King Dor and Queen Irene. She went with her parents to the zombie castle where the adults were to hold a meeting and then celebrate the zombie masters twins. But when the meeting ends Ivy ends up lost, good magician Humphrey and the gap dragon end up getting overdosed on youth elixir and the forget spell on the gap is breaking up into small, invisible forget woralls (sic) that are spinning out making anything that goes through one forget everything.
Can Irene find her daughter before she forgets everything? Can a 3 year old survive in the wilderness of Xanth with the friends she finds, since of course she is a sorceress and will be the next King of Xanth.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure that the ability to enjoy Anthony's puns is a test of some kind. After a while the stereotyped female characters start to grow a little stale, as does the jokes at the expense of the female characters.

[Shaumbra Papritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in 6th grade and LOVED it! I had no idea it was part of a series... which may explain why I was so lost! It was my foray into this genre so I didn't know what to expect. I feel I must go back and read the series!!

[Jenniffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! Enjoyed reading it again.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was the most samey from all the others. I dont think it really went into the same depths of like Ogre Ogre or even Golem in the Gears which go into deeper themes of "not judging something by its cover" and "caring is actually important about life." This book ended very much like all the others with everyone coming together to help kill wiggles which has felt the least exciting ending. Still a fun read with puns and stupid jokes. However, I have found that some think he is like a fetish writer which makes me conflicted about reading his books because they are more sexual than they need to be.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Xanth!
Can't go wrong with these books, you always know what you're getting into. While this book wasn't quite as good as Night Mare, I did think it was kind of cute. We introduce some new talents, reintroduce an old villain as a new friend, and then referenced a lot of Greek mythology for some reason.

Irene's vision of the pedestals was tied in fairly nicely at the end, but I found the appearance of the Wiggles (not the kids show) was a little weak. I faintly remember them being in an earlier book, but it kind of felt like Anthony had no big bad planned for this book, so pulled the wiggles out of his back pocket.

Stanley the Steamer was a great character and got criminally under played.

[Brianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though brilliant as always. This particular Xanth is not what I would consider up to par with others of the series. There is a certain repetitiveness in the plot, and a reuse of past events I didn't quite like.

Still, I'm going to read the next one.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on my memory of reading this book in the 80s.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy my trips to Xanth with all of the intriguing characters and of course the puns that abound. It's so much different than it is here in Mundania.

[Jimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that got me reading.

[Athimar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Popular demand, me thinks, forced Mr. Anthony to once again take up his pen and write this particular Xanth novel. His heart just didn't seem to be in it, as is evidenced in the author's notes following the story where, after giving credit where credit is due to his fans for some of the puns he used, he asks them to STOP mailing in puns - a policy he will reverse in later novels.

It provides two, equal stories following two main characters as opposed to one - a first in the Xanth series: the story of 3 year old Ivy who, thanks to a forget whorl, has gotten lost in the jungles around Castle Zombie, and the story of her mother, Queen Irene, who is desperately searching for the missing girl. While both stories are decently organized, they rely on many of the same character bits over and over - for example, Ivy telling Hugo to think up a solution to whatever problems they encounter time and again. As such, neither story is as good as the ones provided in the previous 6 Xanth novels.

Also, it is overloaded with puns and tongue-in-cheek messages from the author to his readers. Don't get me wrong - starting with this novel, EVERY Xanth novel to follow will be overloaded with puns and such quirks. But in this book, it feels like the author is over-relying on them...

You should consider Dragon on a Pedestal to be the turning point in the series - the first 6 novels are much more serious and better suited to adults. Books 8 and on are suited for not just adults but also for junior and senior high school student readers as well. This 7th novel... I get the impression that Mr. Anthony wasn't completely ready to continue the series in this new fashion, even though it's evident that he's already planning future novels. He's really breaking new ground here or trying out his new wings - this novel should be considered Xanth, Chapter 2, the beta version. Thankfully, by book 8, he seems to have become better accustomed to the new approach and the novels, though significantly different from the first 6, become highly entertaining in their own new, consistent fashion.

The characters are lovable, as usual. Of note, everyone's favorite golem, Grundy, is back with with his wise cracks. Also, a new, minor antagonist makes his first appearance in the series - King Cumulo Fracto Nimbus. He will interfere with the main characters in some fashion in many other Xanth novels to follow.

I give Dragon on a Pedestal 3 1/4 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the novel, Piers!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Dragon on a Pedestal is the seventh book in the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. In this story the Gap Dragon escapes causing trouble and leaving chaos in its wake. Three-year-old Ivy is right in its path? What happens you ask? Well you really should discover all the intriguing details for yourself.
The Xanth 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. Recently I had been reorganising my bookshelves, because eight book cases have become insufficient to house all my books (#bookwhoredilemma)- and it came to the point where I was going to have to get rid of some of my older books/series in order to make way for new favourites. I looked at all the larger/longer series first and this is one of the larger series that I have, it came under scrutiny. I decided to reread all the books I was considering getting rid of first- before making a final decision. I can honestly say that although I these books didn’t blow me away as they once did- 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/beasts. 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 I have missed.
The world of Xanth 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 Xanth 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 in the end I can’t cull any of my collection. So I decided to just purchase a couple of extra bookcases instead. #myprecious
A series worth exploring- especially for any epic fantasy lover who loves some fun and humour served with their adventure.

Thank you, Mr. Anthony!

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the Xanth series as a kid, but I had a feeling when I found one on a shelf and decided to re-read it that it wouldn't have aged well, and I was right. It's frustrating because there are plot points I love and characters I adored, and seeing them again makes me feel nostalgic, but like all Xanth books there's a distinctive and unpleasant horny energy that I was pretty oblivious to as a kid. And by "distinctive" I mean specifically how the main character, all the other characters, and the narrator all agree that being 28 means you're "middle aged" and would be lucky to have a man ever look at you again, and how girls explicitly stated to be 15 and 16 are held up as being at the height of their sexual attractiveness--everyone stops to ogle their legs and "bosoms," and the main character (that ancient crone of 28) is jealous of all the attention they get. When I was 13, 16 did indeed seem quite mature. Now... it's pretty gross to read.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

In need of a palate cleanser and a great escape, I decided to return to the world of Xanth. Indeed, it was just what I needed. Dragon on a Pedestal is a fun and endearing read from start to finish.

I will never tire of the endless supply of witty puns. They lift my spirits and get me smiling and laughing. Anthony again employs the same successful formula as compared to prior installments. Yet he still manages to keep each forthcoming story fresh and creative.

Although existing characters age and new fresh characters are introduced, each volume easily stands on its own, If possible, to reap all the rewards, I suggest published reading order of the series. Nevertheless, each tale has a clear cut beginning, middle, and finale; providing adequate closure.

I am definitely planning another future visit to the world of Xanth.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a typical Xanth story, containing protagonist, sidekicks, problem, solution, interspersed with puns and humour, but it is also more than a typical Xanth story. Moving on from the previous instalment this episode moves on to the next generation and a three year old child, with a simple but seriously powerful talent, who uses her belief to keep her and her companions safe, while lost.

Like many of the Xanth stories it is built around a simple premise of how three year olds behave at times and their absolute belief in somethings. Piers Anthony then takes this simple idea and runs with it, showing exactly how much can be achieved with a simple idea. In my view one of the best Xanth books I have read so far. Fast paced and a complete page turner.

[Caitlan Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book overall was pretty cute I’d say. Story kind of felt all over the place at times or random but I guess there’s always a reason in these books why they do what they do.
I did enjoy the back and forth perspectives between parties so you could see what was going on simultaneously. Occasionally you get it from the same group of characters who are traveling together but having it go between mother and daughter who were separate was kind of nice.
The ending felt oddly cut short but I’m not necessarily mad at it either.

[Al "Tank" · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-year-old Ivy braves Xanth's dangers to find her way home. With the help of the Gap Dragon -- well a younger version -- and Hugo, the son of Good Magician Humphrey and the Gorgon, she overcomes obstacles and save all of Xanth from -- well, you can read it to find out.

Lots of the usual puns and traveling I've come to expect from the series. The story could have been told with fewer words, but that's not Anthony's style.

[Janet Ramski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me awhile to begin to enjoy. The style of writing is odd, to say the least! I had to keep reminding myself, "it's comedy - it's funny", and imagine watching it as a movie. So much of the humor and puns (WAY too many puns) seemed to be visual in nature, and almost made me put down the book many times. In the end, though, I decided I liked it.

[Victor Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I can say it that this one is as good as the rest. It's Ivy when she was a child, and she is already a magician class talent. It works well, and even has the occasional pun, to mark it as Xanth.

[John S. Guthrie Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good action as I remembered it

When I was younger my sister introduced me to these stories and have always loved them. I would like to have the collection in book for in memory of my sister.

[Malum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was nervous when I saw that the main character of this volume was a 3 year old girl because Anthony has been known to write some pretty sick stuff involving children. Luckily he behaved and gave us another standard Xanth novel.

[James]

There is trouble in Xanth again. The Gap Dragon had escaped and was ravaging across the land, the forget-spell was causing mass amnesia, three-year old Ivy was headed right for a hungry dragon. Could things get any worse? Probably....

[Luis Echevarria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that at age 14, I knew I was going to read it to my children some day.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is definately more enjoyable that the first two in the series. Very imaginative with a good natured sense of humor. I would also recommend it as a young adult read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and punny read.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly and clever at the same time.