Air Apparent

Xanth #31

by Piers Anthony

Wira is wild with worry. Her beloved husband, Hugo, has suddenly disappeared—and on the same night that they had planned to start a family. Could he have gotten cold feet—or has something more sinister happened to him? And what is worse, there is a strange, seemingly lifeless body in his place!

To unravel the riddle of Hugo’s vanishment, Wira asks her father-in-law, the Good Magician Humfrey, to seek the solution in the fabled Book of Answers, only to discover that the pages of that magical tome are hopelessly scrambled, leaving only a few vague clues behind.

Though gifted with the magical talent of Sensitivity, Wira is also sightless, making it difficult for her to search for her mate alone. Desperate, she enlists the services of a young girl named Debra, who has come as a querent to the Magician’s castle seeking a cure for an annoying curse that causes men to have unworthy thoughts about her. In exchange for Wira’s help in lifting the bane, Debra agrees to be transformed into the shape of a buxom, winged centaur, acting as Wira’s escort and her eyes.

Meanwhile, far across the enchanted land of Xanth, Hugo is having troubles of his own, suddenly finding himself imprisoned in the dungeon of Castle Maidragon. The renegade rogue known as the Random Factor has used his mysterious powers to swap places with Hugo and gain his freedom. Hugo’s only hope of escape lies in the claws of a lovesick fruit bat named Bathos who can change bodies with others at will.

As these two star-crossed soul mates set out to find each other, their separate quests become curiously intertwined with several of Xanth’s most unusual denizens, including Nimbus, a numinous boy with a mysterious heritage; Happy and Fray, two tempestuous cloud creatures from a rarified realm; and Ilene, the youngest daughter of the Magician Trent and the Sorceress Iris, whose magical gift is the power to make illusions real.

Their journeys lead them through realms of danger and desire, intrigue and astonishment—from the High Castle of the Air King and the Hidden Village of the voracious vixens known as Vila to an infinitesimal planetoid at the farthest end of space and time—only to discover they are players in a much greater game older even than Xanth itself.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2007

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

[Victor Merling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I still read Xanth books. They used to be really good, and then, somewhere along the line they became just a collection of puns sewn together by a quasi-plot hardly worth the time it takes to read. I believe what keeps bringing me back is the familiarity of the characters and setting and maybe a completist mindset, but the near total absence of quality in the writing makes it really hard to justify this ongoing exercise in mental hoarding.

Speaking of puns, the ones in this book were really cringe worthy at times. There were whole series of puns based on words that end with a certain syllable and how it makes them sound like a certain object.
Words like honesty and sincerity became kinds of tea, or even worse, kinds of tree. I know puns are, more often than not, cringe worthy but if you take away the interesting word play and make them just an exercise in pseudo-etymology it just ruins the whole purpose of reading them and it makes you want to throw your book at the wall.

There are some new moons of Ida in this one, but unlike the first handful of such places, these ones are extremely lacking in creativity. There were at least four of them based on such simplistic ideas as spiders, birds or trees. This determines what the moon is shaped like and to which species every one of its inhabitants belongs to. All very predictable and uninspired.

I was having no fun at all reading this and was going to give it one star, but the last chapter was interesting and surprising, so I gave it one extra star. I also enjoyed the change in talent of one of the characters. It made him a lot more interesting even if the means to achieve this end were yet another horrible pun. The character in question is Hugo, son of Humphrey, whose talent is to conjure spoiled fruit. When a seed of mediocritree (see what I said about a horrible pun) comes out of his ears, his full talent becomes possible and he now can summon good fruit, allowing him to provide sustenance to himself and his companions, weaponry through the use of cherry bombs and multiple other things, this being Xanth after all. All kinds of pun based magical fruit exists. The downside to this talent is how similar it is to Irene's talent, minus the hassle of having to carry seeds around and turning them into trees.

This is not the last one of these I'll read. I'll probably keep coming back and reading them for as long as Piers keeps pumping them out. It's a vicious circle, I know, I just realized it, so, please observe a moment of silence for the little part of me that just died.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m through with this series. Like other things Piers Anthony has written it is getting more and more obsessed with the act of sex, assuming that love follows sex rather than the reverse. I’m finding it more and more simply a waste of my time. Not recommended.

[Jamie Barringer (Ravenmount) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot more than the last one I read by Piers Anthony (Chaos Mode). The Xanth series is all about puns and creative, semisensical storytelling, and it works. Since the story is built around puns, any weak dialogue, flat characters, or bad scene construction (problems I see in a lot of this author's books) is masked by the silliness and wordplay. The result reads more like a fairy tale, with all the attention on the story itself, and no expectation of great, literary (or highly literate) writing.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. I can't believe this series is still going! I think his punny fans are practically writing it at this point...

Yeah, this book is pretty typical of the Xanth series. Not much there except fluff. And yet, since I thrived on this series as a kid, I enjoyed snuggling up in the fluff and getting lost... a fun little nostalgia trip. :)

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Air Apparent is the thirty-first book in the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. Wirra's husband has disappeared and she is worried sick So she goes to her father-in-law, Magician Humfrey, for some answers. But things don't quite go according to plan, and Wirra finds herself on a quest along with a young girls named Debra- to find what they're looking for. With castles, dungeons, trading places, winged centaurs, rogues, and even a love-sick bat- this story is full of surprises and twists.

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!

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this installment was as well written and just as good to read as the previous installment, I had a few fundamental issues with this book, most notably with Debra and the elusive “Factory” that created the Random Factor, one of the prime characters of the book, and Debra, created from the Factory as well. The Factory, supposedly, in Mundania, sends Debra to eliminate the RF from Xanth and return him where he can do no harm. How did a mundane Factory creat either? Now Debra starts as unreality and later becomes reality, but how does the Factory pull this off without Magic? What happens to Debra after RF is restored to himself at the end and the curse dissapates? We’re left hanging on these issues, hoping it gets explained away in future novels. Now I can suspend my disbelief many times during the course of Anthony novels because I am used to it now, but at this point I am just aggravated and trying to get through these books, attempting to maintain impartiality, but failing because he used to be so much better than this. Onwards.

[Richard Ayars · Rating 2 out of 5]

I forgive a lot with these novels generally. I know they are meant to be silly entertainment. But, this one was even to much for me in most parts. Others talk about the author and his inclusion of sex (heavily suggested and rarely explicit) and I'm usually fine with it. But, this one seemed to push the envelope further than previous novels. The story itself meandered all over even more so than a typical Xanth novel. And, please, can we retire Princess Ida and get ridiculous moons? I almost never enjoy any chapter that takes place on her moons.

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

"Even a very small world is a very big place."

I basically read a Xanth novel any time I want to read something quick, with a linear plotline, that I don't need to overtly think about it. They're basic, easy to read and always straightforward. Same basic outline, but usually with some deeper meaning hidden along the way somewhere.

[Kate H · Rating 4 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.

[James Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. When I started this novel, it had been a long time reading a xanth book. I was a huge fan and read about 10 of them in high school and college. It was refreshing, punny, and funny. I enjoyed it, but then some of the content got a little old. I have to remind myself that I am not in high school anymore, but it's ok. I can still enjoy reading these.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Vader · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish

[Bill Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Random Factor escapes, leading to a journey through the worlds of Ida . . .

[Arliegh Kovacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm fond of the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. I'm fond of puns. And falling in love. But, I thought that ultimately, this book was about sex.

[MyLy Pham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished reading this book! Had been on my Kobo for a long while!

[Don LaFountaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Air Apparent is book 31 of the Xanth series. This installment can be described as a little odd, even for Xanth, but it is an enjoyable addition to the storyline of the series.

The story starts with the disappearance of Hugo, the Good Magician’s son and Wira’s husband. A spell blocking their summons to the stork was removed, and Hugo went to the cellar to get some Rhed Whine to celebrate the renewed effort to summon the stork. However, Hugo did not return after a while and Wira became worried. It turned out that Hugo disappeared, a dead body was in the cellar, and the Good Magician’s Book of Answers had been corrupted. At the same time, a girl named Debra arrived at the castle questioning how to remove a curse she had. Unable to provide an answer to her, it was agreed that she would be Wira’s eyes as she searched for Hugo as her service and her answer would come afterwards. Following the clues that were left aside certain entries of the muddle Book of Answers, they set out.

As they ventured out, they met with Fray and Happy, the daughter and wife of Fracto Cloud. The Cloud family relates that, like Hugo, Fracto has been missing and they were out searching for him. Reviewing the various clues that were found, they agreed to work together, though they would search separately. They then come across Nimbus, Demon Xanth’s son. Taking care of him, they continue their search, which leads them to the Nameless Castle, where they come across information about the whereabouts of Hugo. Hugo, meanwhile, has been confined in a prison at an unknown location. After switching places with a bat that is outside his cell, he comes to the realization that he is confined in the Random Factor’s cell at Castle Maidragon.

The Random Factor experimented with randomizing himself, which randomly switched him, Fracto, and Hugo. Now that he was out, he was enjoying himself. Knowing that the Factory would send an agent to find him and return him to his cell, he does his best to avoid his stalker. But what he did not “factor” in was that when he searched the agent out that it would be Debra and that they would fall in love with one another. This leads Random and Hugo needing to team up, which in turn encompasses Wira, Debra, Nimbus, Fray, and even Sim Bird. Inadvertently causing trouble on the worlds, they are cursed, and are forced to look for a suitable place to live on one of Ida’s moons. This journey through the moons is the most interesting trip yet undertaken, and the characters end up in a place they never expected.

This was a fun installment of the Xanth series, though at times it seemed a little farfetched, even for a fantasy series about a magical land built on puns. Wira gets to be a major character, Sim falls in love, and readers find out more about the Random Factor. In general, one of the great things about the Xanth series is that readers don’t need to read them in order. However, this is one of the few books that new readers of the series should avoid starting with as there are some references and along with places mentioned that without the background of previous books may make it difficult to follow. All in all, I think Xanth fans will enjoy this book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of minor characters becoming major characters lately. This gives the reader the ability to read Xanth stories in any order. They are chronological, but ever since Centaur Aisle they have not followed one character for more then one book, and any reference to past books is given ample explanation. This one turns out to be two books in one. It starts out a murder mystery then shifts to the usual travel all over Xanth. Sprinkle in random puns, which is fitting since on of the major characters is the Random Factor. Quite a lot of child sexuality. Not really sure what that is all about, but it is happening more and more throughout Xanth. I guess it mirrors the way society is viewing our teens today. Ariel is 16, Jasmine is 15, Snow White was 14, Mulan was 16 and the real Pocahontas wasn't 18 in 1607 when she met John Smith... She was 12. So maybe the sexualizing of young girls isn't so abnormal after all. A lot of focus on Ida's moons again which I think gives everything a very Sci-Fi feel. Xanth is always a great way to escape into someone else's imagination. And the way Piers like to credit the fan ideas, you are really escaping into hundreds of people's imaginations.

[Luseride · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wira and Hugo are ready to summon the stork but Hugo never comes back from the wine cellar where he went to get a bottle to celebrate. In his place is what appears to be a dead body. A mystery!


This would be easy to solve except Magician Humphrey's Book of Answers is scrambled. A quest is in order!


Filled with the usual puns the story drags at times then picks up and drags again. I am not a fan of all the worlds of Ida and they play a major part.


The Adult Conspiracy plays a major role but in this I find it has a bit of a molester feel which was very off putting. Innocent is not always innocent and this is something that creeps into Anthony's writing in other books also. If not for this it would be a typical enjoyable Xanth novel.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right, I'll have a second go at this review. I tried typing it on a smartphone, but the darn thing refused to co operate and I eventually gave up. The reason I have had to use a smartphone and this horrible ancient Compewter is that someone broke in and stole my laptop two weeks ago. Sigh, I miss it.

So, taking advantage of the approximate ten minutes I get on this Compewter before it over heats, I'd like to say this book was great. It seems the more I read through the series, the more I realize that there were books I somehow missed, such as this one. It's fun finding out there are Xanth books still unread that I didn't know about.

You know the drill, five stars!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the Random factor, a girl named Debra, and the Good Magician's son and daughter-in-law as major characters. Transformation and mystery are the central theme to this book. Debra has a problem and sees the Good Magician, she has to accomplish a mission before her problem is solved (like most querents). There is the usual punniness and fantastical throughout the book. I had a hard time putting it down (but that's any of Piers Anthony's book for me), so encourage others to pick it up.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latest Xanth book (series that does not need to be read in any order). I really like Xanth but you need a warped sense of humor. If you don't like Puns, stay away!

Xanth is a magical world that looks a lot like Florida. This story has a mundane girl (from our world) in Xanth trying to break a curse traveling as a transformed female centaur. her companion is a blind Xanth woman trying to solve a murder mystery and save her husband. Anyway, the plot does not really matter!

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like to catch Piers Anthony book here and there. His Xanth books are so light-hearted and don't take themselves seriously at all. They use cringe-worthy puns unabashedly. This one didn't fail to disappoint. If I tried to explain the plot, I don't think anyone would understand it, so I won't attempt. It's just a nice rollicky adventure and you feel happy when it's done.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Air Apparent, is a pun as usual, Piers is taking us on a mystery adventure, that begins with an imposed murder but ends up without anyone dead... A good story as usual
Air Apparent, is a pun as usual, Piers is taking us on a mystery adventure, that begins with an imposed murder but ends up without anyone dead... A good story as usual

[Exportswede · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. I don't even know why I'm still reading these. They used to be amusing but now it just seems they've become a bunch of random and not-very-funny-anymore puns held together by a thread of a plot line.
I'll probably return to these again, due to an obsession to finish things, but for now I think I really just need a break.

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piers Anthony does it again. Any die-hard Xanth fan will thoughly enjoy this book too. A note to readers, I have noticed that in his later Xanth novels, the adult conspiracy has been weakening and occasionally teens will experience a reprieve - not completely but more than some people may be comfortable with. Overall, 5 stars! Read it for the fun, punny story it's mean to be.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea Piers Anthony was in his seventies. I have been reading him for so long he seems immortal. I love the books. Some of the content is silly but it is still a great read when I need something light and doable.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. The puns just add to the enjoyment.

May 14, 2015

This, again, is a book that I read and posted over a month ago. Goodreads seem to only count books that you give a review of a certain lenght to. Again, lets see what happens now.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

great fantasy

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some light reading. I don't know why I still like these, but I do, and I can gobble them up in a couple of days just like this time.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy the puns and word play.