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Xanth #9
Golem in the Gears
Grundy Golem got no respect. So, to prove himself, he volunteered for a quest to find the long-lost dragon, Stanley Steamer. On the way, he somehow manages to free a damsel in distress-- but not without incurring the wrath of the Sea Hag in the process. And when it comes to avenging herself on Grundy, the Sea Hag will never give up....
From the Paperback edition.
From the Paperback edition.
326 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1986
136 people are currently reading
2420 people want to read
About the author
Piers Anthony
441 books4,214 followersThough 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.
Piers is a self-proclaimed environmentalist and lives on a tree farm in Florida with his wife. They have two grown daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 25, 2018
I flew through my re-read of this novel, Golem in the Gears. Grundy Golem is and will forever be one of my favorite characters in Mr. Anthony's Xanth series. His quest: to ride the creature beneath Princess Ivy's bed in order to reach the Ivy tower and, by doing so, somehow rescue Ivy's pet dragon, Stanley Steamer. His purpose: to find both the creature beneath the bed and himself romance.
Tastefully loaded with puns, as was the last novel Crewel Lye, Grundy joins, albeit briefly, with many other characters from the earlier novels - including another one of my favorite Xanthians, Bink - both before and after reaching the Ivy Tower. In the tower he encounters the ever innocent Rapunzel, who is unknowingly being held prisoner by the book's antagonist, the Sea Hag, who intends for Rapunzel a fate worse than death.
Grundy flees with Rapunzel. Together, they find Stanley Steamer, all the while evading the attacks of Rapunzel's former captor. In the end, Grundy will face off against the Sea Hag in a battle of wits before of one of the most interesting of all Xanth's creatures - the source of the magic in Xanth himself - the Demon X(A/N)^th.
Rapunzel has to be one of my favorite female characters in Xanth. Mr. Anthony, as I've mentioned before, does not always do his female characters justice IMO. This time, he does - Rapunzel's innocence prevents him from giving her the... playful two faced nature that too many other females in Xanth seem to have.
Do women in real life have that quality? Many do, sure. So too do many men! Perhaps I'm wrong... but I seriously get the feeling that most of the women in Mr. Anthony's life must indeed have that quality. If they do, I'm sure he'd have it no other way. His treatment of the trait is at times exasperated in nature, yes... but it's also embraced by the author with a fierce tenderness.
Well... I digress. Golem in the Gears is fun and engaging. It's one you'll find hard to put down, and I award it 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the novel Piers!
Tastefully loaded with puns, as was the last novel Crewel Lye, Grundy joins, albeit briefly, with many other characters from the earlier novels - including another one of my favorite Xanthians, Bink - both before and after reaching the Ivy Tower. In the tower he encounters the ever innocent Rapunzel, who is unknowingly being held prisoner by the book's antagonist, the Sea Hag, who intends for Rapunzel a fate worse than death.
Grundy flees with Rapunzel. Together, they find Stanley Steamer, all the while evading the attacks of Rapunzel's former captor. In the end, Grundy will face off against the Sea Hag in a battle of wits before of one of the most interesting of all Xanth's creatures - the source of the magic in Xanth himself - the Demon X(A/N)^th.
Rapunzel has to be one of my favorite female characters in Xanth. Mr. Anthony, as I've mentioned before, does not always do his female characters justice IMO. This time, he does - Rapunzel's innocence prevents him from giving her the... playful two faced nature that too many other females in Xanth seem to have.
Do women in real life have that quality? Many do, sure. So too do many men! Perhaps I'm wrong... but I seriously get the feeling that most of the women in Mr. Anthony's life must indeed have that quality. If they do, I'm sure he'd have it no other way. His treatment of the trait is at times exasperated in nature, yes... but it's also embraced by the author with a fierce tenderness.
Well... I digress. Golem in the Gears is fun and engaging. It's one you'll find hard to put down, and I award it 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the novel Piers!
May 20, 2023
The actual star score is 4.5.
Grundy, the golem is bored. Plus, he thinks that the people around him don't think much of him. Let's face it, he's only as tall as the spread of a man's hand, and he likes to cause trouble.
So when Ivy gets worried about Stanley steamer, her pet baby dragon. Who is actually the gap dragon who was youthened by the youth elixir. Grundy takes on the quest to find and return Stanley to Ivy.
Grundy starts out by going to see the good magician Humphreys, who's now reaching his teenage years. He was involved in the same accident with the youth elixir as Stanley. Humphreys is in a bad mood and wants Grundy to pay 1 years service to answer the question of how to find Stanley, but when Grundy comes up with the way to reverse the youth elixir that is controllable, Humphreys tells Grundy to go see Ivys pun pal who lives in the ivory tower.
Grundy knows because of his size, he can't do this by himself,so he enlists Bink, Ivys grandfather, Binks best centaur friend and strangest thing of all, Ivys monster under the bed to be his steed. Which means that they have to take Ivys bed too, because that's where he lives. The monster under the bed agrees to be grundy's steed only if Grundy will help him find romance. It is an interesting way to start a quest that Grundy already doesn't feel like he's in charge of.
Side Note: This will be my last Xanth book review for a while. I have several books that I have won on Goodreads, or promised authors that I would read and review, so when I get caught up with some of those I will come back to the land of Xanth since I have many more to read to reach the end of the series.
Grundy, the golem is bored. Plus, he thinks that the people around him don't think much of him. Let's face it, he's only as tall as the spread of a man's hand, and he likes to cause trouble.
So when Ivy gets worried about Stanley steamer, her pet baby dragon. Who is actually the gap dragon who was youthened by the youth elixir. Grundy takes on the quest to find and return Stanley to Ivy.
Grundy starts out by going to see the good magician Humphreys, who's now reaching his teenage years. He was involved in the same accident with the youth elixir as Stanley. Humphreys is in a bad mood and wants Grundy to pay 1 years service to answer the question of how to find Stanley, but when Grundy comes up with the way to reverse the youth elixir that is controllable, Humphreys tells Grundy to go see Ivys pun pal who lives in the ivory tower.
Grundy knows because of his size, he can't do this by himself,so he enlists Bink, Ivys grandfather, Binks best centaur friend and strangest thing of all, Ivys monster under the bed to be his steed. Which means that they have to take Ivys bed too, because that's where he lives. The monster under the bed agrees to be grundy's steed only if Grundy will help him find romance. It is an interesting way to start a quest that Grundy already doesn't feel like he's in charge of.
Side Note: This will be my last Xanth book review for a while. I have several books that I have won on Goodreads, or promised authors that I would read and review, so when I get caught up with some of those I will come back to the land of Xanth since I have many more to read to reach the end of the series.
May 12, 2015
This book falls far short of the others in the series that preceded it, and was a one-star read for the most part. From my perspective, the last chapter redeemed the book to at least a three-star read, and I'd recommmend sticking with it if you've started already and are thus far disappointed.
Beyond a few mildly amusing puns, the boxes and lines challenges (both of them) were appealing, but my favorite thing about this book is quite simply the "tough but fair" strategy that appears in the final chapter.
Worth a look, mainly because it's such a fast read, but don't start here if you're new to Xanth.
Beyond a few mildly amusing puns, the boxes and lines challenges (both of them) were appealing, but my favorite thing about this book is quite simply the "tough but fair" strategy that appears in the final chapter.
Worth a look, mainly because it's such a fast read, but don't start here if you're new to Xanth.
April 5, 2009
I remember I enjoyed this series a great deal when I was an early teen. I also remember that as the series went on it got darker, weirder and a little pervier.
March 10, 2025
As with all Xanth books, it is filled with quirky puns and magics that give a delight to the serious sort of books that usually rule this genre. Each of these books I read make me feel like I'm reading an adult version of Dr. Seuss. Although, I do find myself thinking about the simplistic views of gender roles in the books and if they are doing a disservice to either sex. I don't know at the end of the day because I think they give a bit of complexity in the simplicity of the book. Overall, enjoyed a book that showed that you can be the hero no matter your size and the necessity of community (or a good woman) to enable you to do noble things!
August 17, 2019
2.5 stars. I found this unsatisfying since it was pretty obvious what would happen. Conversely, I found the winning math b wildering even if I followed the ethics b ing described. Gundy golem hates women, so obviously he was going to end up with a woman. He gets sent on a quest by Ivy which is what the story is supposed to be about till the romance takes over the action. I’ll read the next one but this one just didn’t seem as fun as others in the series.
April 25, 2025
I liked this book a lot. It is a fun adventure through a fantasy land with some childish themes throughout. Made me feel like a kid again. Grundy is just like me and I want to be like him.
Don’t let anyone tell you about these Xanth books. Just read them and like them or don’t like them I guess. Don’t hop on the gravy train just because you don’t understand that cultural views and norms have changed.
I know making this comment makes me just as crazy as these “mofos” writing these other reviews?? Guess that makes me a comment leaver?
Peace.
All LOVE!
I’m out! End of review. Hope it helped!
Don’t let anyone tell you about these Xanth books. Just read them and like them or don’t like them I guess. Don’t hop on the gravy train just because you don’t understand that cultural views and norms have changed.
I know making this comment makes me just as crazy as these “mofos” writing these other reviews?? Guess that makes me a comment leaver?
Peace.
All LOVE!
I’m out! End of review. Hope it helped!
January 18, 2011
I read the Xanth novels in college and I loved them, the puns and the humor was right up my ally. I cannot remember everyone on its on merit, but the series is funny and fast to read. I now need to get my kids started on this series. If you like fantasy and puns, you will love this group of books.
September 17, 2019
Good for kids, but written in the 80s so there are some troublesome parts regarding the treatment of female characters. Women are also logical in addition to having feelings, men have no sole claim to the use of logic. Also, I hope the Succubus wears the badge of being called "slut" proudly. You do you, girl.
Easy read, good story overall, excellent puns.
Easy read, good story overall, excellent puns.
September 25, 2011
The story felt a little short, but, over all a good book.
March 31, 2019
Works too hard on getting in as many puns as possible.
April 29, 2020
This is the 9th book in the Xanth series. These were my first pure fantasy series as a child. I never got too far past the first 3 or 4 books. I picked this one up on my birthday. This book follows Grundy Golem a tiny hero with a big mouth. He goes on a quest to find Stanley Steamer, Princess Ivy's dragon. Grundy is accompanied by Snortimer, Ivy's monster under the bed and encounters various trails and adventures. He ends up rescuing Rapunzel from a Sea Hag and must keep the Sea Hag from possessing Rapunzel. Over all Grundy over comes things with his wit and magical ability to talk to animate creatures (dragons, grass, trees, bugs, etc). I enjoyed the book but it is dated. Released in 1984 I may have moved beyond Xanth but its always to look back at what I liked as a child. I have a few other Xanth novels I picked up that I'll probably read. But this will not be a series I need to complete all the books.
2.5/5
2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
The book was entertaining for the most part. I wish it would have completed with them actually making it back to the castle but it didn’t end in a bad spot either. But I also own the next book so i can easily pick up from where it left off. I can’t imagine how it would have been if I was reading these as they came out.
Also I was very confused initially about the huge glossary in the back so I took a peak at the authors note and its seems mainly done due to the fact a break was going to be happening for awhile before the next book so it was the perfect time to just have a generalized what is what that we’ve come across in this series so far. Nice to have but maybe should have been smaller and just addressed only what was seen in this book and continue to add onto it as needed in the following books.
Also I was very confused initially about the huge glossary in the back so I took a peak at the authors note and its seems mainly done due to the fact a break was going to be happening for awhile before the next book so it was the perfect time to just have a generalized what is what that we’ve come across in this series so far. Nice to have but maybe should have been smaller and just addressed only what was seen in this book and continue to add onto it as needed in the following books.
October 3, 2019
Grundy Golem goes on a quest to find Stanley Steamer (a dragon) for Ivy. On the way he meets Rapunzel who is held prisoner by the Sea Hag, a potentially immortal fiend who can endlessly die and take over new bodies. She keeps Rapunzel, intent on taking over her body one day. Grundy reascues Rapunzel but is followed by the Sea Hag in many new bodies, still intent on taking over Rapunzel who has fallen for Grundy Golem. She is able to alter her size from human to Golem size but doubts cloud Grundy's mind, making him think he is not worthy of her (which is why I gave this four stars instead of five), which almost makes him lose her. The end comes after an encounter with X(A/N)th the demon who controls the magical kingdom.
December 13, 2021
As someone who’s a sucker for fantasy, Golem in the Gears was perfect for me! It did not only give a wonderful opening, but the narration, and the imagery kept me reading. I actually started this book when I was having a hell week in school (I didn’t have plenty of time), but if I hadn’t, I could’ve finished it in one sitting. I’m in love with Sir Anthony’s choice of words. The way he described it made things vivid in my imagination. There were a lot of creative things he added in the story too (like Con-Pewter), and I surely enjoyed the little games included in the book. It was as though I was experiencing the actual situation more than the MC. Lol. To top it all, the vibe of this book was very warm and cottagecore-y (which is exactly my taste). Definitely worth my time!
June 27, 2017
This is another fun Xanth adventure. The misadventures of Grundy Golem, Snortimer the Monster Under the Bed and Rapunzel (who happens to be a pun-pal of young Ivy the Sorceress) is quite enjoyable. They face off against the Sea Hag a villain who never dies. The book is excellent in the manner of Xanth, filled with puns and monsters (some serve both roles). The only improvement is that it ended a bit abruptly. A bit more of a denouement would have helped. However, that didn't stop my enjoyment of the book.
March 10, 2018
Grundy has been my favorite character since he was introduced into the series because he’s never been afraid to speak his mind. He doesn’t always do it in the best way and it gets him into trouble he could have avoided and there are times when he should keep quiet and doesn’t, but he’s not afraid of the consequences of speaking up. I like this book because his less likeable qualities are explained and make him more understandable and his experiences mellow him out without changing him completely.
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June 26, 2023*Spoiler*
Possibly.
I'm currently 69% into the book, Grundy is on his quest to find the Ivory Tower in search for the Little Dragon Stanley Steamer.
He has found the Ivory Tower and Rescued Rapunzel from the ole Sea Hag, the sea hag's quest is to take over Rapunzel's Body, has been trailing Grundy and the party causing Havoc along the way.
Enjoying so thar the ups and downs of Grundy's journey to find Stanley Steamer.
Possibly.
I'm currently 69% into the book, Grundy is on his quest to find the Ivory Tower in search for the Little Dragon Stanley Steamer.
He has found the Ivory Tower and Rescued Rapunzel from the ole Sea Hag, the sea hag's quest is to take over Rapunzel's Body, has been trailing Grundy and the party causing Havoc along the way.
Enjoying so thar the ups and downs of Grundy's journey to find Stanley Steamer.
June 24, 2019
The Xanth books by Piers Anthony were some of the first SciFi/Fantasy books 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.
November 16, 2021
I read this to see if Xanth holds up from when I was a kid, and it really doesn't. This golem may be small but it sure is full of misogyny. I had a memory Xanth was the straightest fantasy world I've ever read, and this is still true. Also, the gears show up once on one page, which is even more disappointing.
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October 23, 2025Grundy Golem got no respect. So, to prove himself, he volunteered for a quest to find the long-lost dragon, Stanley Steamer. On the way, he somehow manages to free a damsel in distress-- but not without incurring the wrath of the Sea Hag in the process. And when it comes to avenging herself on Grundy, the Sea Hag will never give up....
March 3, 2020
I started reading this series of books in my teenage years. I still love them and reading them is like visiting a old friend. I had no idea the authour has wrote so many more (so far there are 43) guess I have to spend some time catching up.
June 11, 2021
Almost every Xanth novel is about someone trying to get laid to one degree or another. This time its Grundy Golem's turn to find him some minge...er, love. Also, the monster under the bed wants in on this action, too.
March 27, 2023
Making a guess as to when I read this one. I read perhaps another ten books past this one and owned copies but they were taking a lot of shelf space and looking back as an adult this was the last volume I remembered with fondness. I was probably 12 or 13 when I read it.
June 18, 2017
9 down, only 30 more to go...
November 26, 2017
A bit predictable
October 26, 2019
An amusing and whimsical fantasy adventure with excellent comedy and a mixture of intrigue.
April 2, 2020
Coming down from the high of Crewel Lye.
May 4, 2020
Excellant
June 27, 2020
My favorite of the Xanth novels. Grundy has long been one of my favorite characters and in this one he becomes the main character. The puzzles are intriguing. The ending is satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews