Knot Gneiss

Xanth #34

by Piers Anthony

Wenda Woodwife expected to live Happily Ever After once a magical spell turned her carved wooden body into lovely human form and won her the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. But now Wenda finds herself cross and confused, beset by emotional upheavals that are driving her beloved away.

When she seeks a solution from the Good Magician Humfrey, he refuses, asking her instead to volunteer for an arduous assignment that has little chance of success. For in the depths of the Gap Chasm, a gigantic Knot of reverse wood has become petrified, transforming it into a beacon of terror that no one dares approach. If Wenda’s own magical mastery of wood cannot neutralize the Knot’s powers, nothing can.

As she travels toward the source of the danger, she gathers about her a company of remarkable allies, each with their own special talents, and their own personal crises. Meryl Mermaid is a winged creature who despairs of ever finding a proper mate. Wenda’s old friend Jumper, a giant spider who can assume human form, is struggling to find happiness with the Demoness Eris. The brave Prince Hilarion is searching for his vanished soul mate. Angela Angel was exiled from Heaven for tasting forbidden love. And the kindly Princess Ida has begun to wonder if she has grown too old to ever find true romance.

The path to the object of their quest is filled with myriad mysterious obstacles, including a Reverse World where everything changes into its opposite, a perplexing invisible maze that confound one’s deepest wishes, and even an armada of bug-eyed space aliens. Wenda and her Companions find themselves transformed, in body, mind, and spirit, and begin to realize that the solution to the problem, and their hearts’ desires, may be far closer than they have suspected.

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

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 23, 2010

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

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was painful reading this book. So why did I read it? Well, its the 34th book in the series. Maybe I suffer from OCD, but I feel compelled to finish the series. Unfortunately, it just keeps going. I really enjoyed the first 20 or so books in the series, although now I can't really remember why. Either the books have gotten progressively worse or I have just gotten tired of the formula---especially the puns. This installment was especially bad in this regard since the characters keep going back to the comic strip, where the author gleefully punishes the reader with the awkward and pointless insertion of his worse puns. One good thing about it, though, it gives me incentive to work on my reading speed.

I hear Piers Anthony has yet another Xanth book out. Perhaps alcohol will help me through it.

[Lori Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the older, more innocent Xanth books more.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Knot Gneiss is the thirty-fourth book in the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. Wenda Woodwife's happily ever after dreams are crumbling before her eyes. She is desperate for Magician Humfrey to help her. But he has worrisome developments that need urgent attention, and so Wanda finds herself on a quest to Gap Chasm and a Knot of petrified wood that has transformed into a beacon of terror. She will need to find a way to neutralize the power before it's too late. Gathering an odd group of companions along the way, we catch up with Jumper the spider again- as the quest takes off.

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!

[Aviva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used to live the Xanth series. Then I kind of lost track of it for a decade or two, but when I spotted this one in the new book shelf at the library, I grabbed it eagerly.

This one irritated me on so many levels, and I'm not sure if it's me who outgrew the books or if the series has really gotten worse as it grew.

Too much emphasis on sex, and not even good sex. Seven minutes start to finish, with the women not particularly involved is off putting to say the least.

I do always enjoy Anthony's author's notes. And I hope the improvements in the stock market DO mean his health has improved. May they both flourish :)

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I have made a mistake, reading all of these novels in a row. There is a formula for these novels that becomes apparent once you read these in a line like I am. The main character has a problem and can’t solve it on their own. They go to the Good Magician. Now, rather than serve for a year, which is more interesting at this point, they go on a quest to solve a problem in Xanth, they meet more people that become the storyline for later novels, and they solve the problem, which originated from a demon bet somehow. Time passes in the story revolving mostly around sexual relationships (I.e. signaling the stork). I am not looking forward to I think ten more of these unoriginal books. If the next one is anything like this one, it’s time for the lowest ratings I can give. Let’s see if Anthony can break the mold. At least this storyline from this novel involved a small problem within the Xanth community.

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

"Memories are what makes us what we are."

I read this before Jumper Cable on accident, so I was kind of confused for a while as to who all of the characters were and what they were talking about, so that kind of took me out of the story for a while. But once I understood everything, it read just like your typical Xanth novel.

Adventure, puns, romance, quests, more puns, and some lessons learned.

[Keith Beasley-Topliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

As in all the Xanth books, this pun-fest alternates between fun and tedious. This one explores new places and revisit old friends and relationships. The one constantly recurring theme is that sex (at least for men) takes at most 7 minutes and then they fall asleep. (And, in this book, where they've been brought magically to their beloved questing spouse, once satisfied (serviced?) they vanish back to their homes.)

[Hazel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy Xanth for it's wild interesting pun filled worlds. But the series is problematic with its betrayal of both masculine and feminine stereotypes. This particular book involves an off page rape that the protagonist believes is deserved.

The story itself was kind of mediocre, though interesting enough. The parts that I enjoyed remind me of Oz. This story is pretty straightforward, and not as interestingly complex as I would like.

[Richard Ayars · Rating 2 out of 5]

The early Xanth books were really enjoyable. Well over 20 of them I read with ease for fun. But, the last few just seem to be little more than a thin plot out together to shove all the new puns into. Here and there I find one that I really enjoy, but some are almost difficult to finish. But, I'm someone who can't leave something unfinished and will continue to forge through and find the occasional gem in a patch of rough.

[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.

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Piers Anthony continues to be a misogynistic dickwad. The puns continue to be bad. This book is basically what you'd expect your perpetually drunk, but over-educated uncle to write and self publish. I only read it, because I needed a book with "knot" in the title for a book club criteria. Please, do yourself a favor and steer clear of Piers Anthony.

[Margaret Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

#34, Amazing. Great, as usual. I cannot even think of a part I did not like. I was distracted bye”other” more unimportant things that took my time and sometimes had a bit of trouble getting back to my ‘Xanth persona’, but nevertheless I loved it.

[John S. Guthrie Jr.]

It was interesting although some parts were apparent but as it went on the plot enabled the ending even though I wonder why all realities did not get applied until the end.

[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

[Sprout · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is... bizarre in an interesting way, though it got really cliche at certain parts. Would be a good companion on long salon trips though.

[Bill Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delivering a knot of Petrified Reverse wood proves a bit of a problem . . . good read

[Vicki G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, I liked enough parts in it to merit a 4-star rating. Someone once accused him of having no imagination, or not as much of one as SHE thinks SHE has, but I can tell you from reading this book and one other that she couldn't be more wrong if they called her by that name; wrong. More wrong than anyone I've ever seen.

It's pretty damn hard for me to read his books with an eye toward rating them, b/c I know him.
How are you going to feel comfortable rating a friend?
I don't know, that's why I have a hard time doing so.
And knowing the person does change how you view his writing, b/c you're aware of things about him that regular readers don't know.
But even if I were in solid fan status, I'd still think his books are good. I started out as a fan and I'm still more that than I am friend.
But I also know things about him that other people don't. They're not bad things, just information that changes the way I think. A little anyway.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 34th of the series - why did I stop reading this series 20 or so books ago? I seem to remember the books went down in quality but this one was fresh and funny. Xanth itself has always been great fun in the books: the Gap Chasm, Stanley Steamer the Dragon, the talents, the dread of Mundania. I like recognizing the Florida geography in Xanth as well.
Wenda Woodwife, this book's heroine, is an especially good creation. The main characters are likeable; all work together for the common good and everything ends well. In between, there's lots of quick action, a little bit of philosophizing and good puns. I'm going to work my way backward through this series but maybe Xanth is best done in small doses & I'll wait a while before starting another one.

[Karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the beginning, I was annoyed by the protagonist. It's what the other characters called "innocence", and what I perceived as "cluelessness". But she got some character development by the end, becoming a leader; I warmed up to her.

The author seems like he confused himself with the wood-speak. There were times where Wenda actually did say "wood" even though she was supposedly affected by the spell and couldn't say that, but had to say "would". And Prince Hillarion called her a woodwife before they were introduced--he couldn't know she was a woodwife since she looked like a woman.

It took far too long for Princess Ida and Prince Hillarion to figure out who their ideal man/woman was.

Quick, fun read again. Maybe a touch disappointing.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 34th volume of the History of Xanth, as recorded by the master Piers Anthony, contains one of the most useful puns in the series: Open a humidor and pass through a humid door. This is an important plot point, not just a throwaway as so many of PA's puns are.

We were able to get re-acquainted with several of the characters from the previous tale, Jumper Cable: Jumper himself, his Demoness wife Eris, Wenda Woodwife, her spouse Prince Charming, and Princess Ida, who has appeared in several volumes of the History. The conclusion to the tale was very satisfying. The Prince Hilarion/Princess Ida connection seemed obvious to me early in the book.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthony seems to have finallllly moved on from his obsession with panties! Thank goodness! If the author had continued on in the same style as Jumper Cable and Air Apparent, this was to be the last Xanth novel I would ever read! Quite to my surprise Anthony did manage to put aside his teenage fantasies and write a real Xanth adventure! The abilities given to Jumper made for an easy Quest. There was never a moment of doubt that theyd fulfill their purpose & I did miss that element of surprise and suspense. Only a 3 out of 5 and I'm only giving it that because I really am still in shock that Piers Anthony kept his hornones mostly in check for an entire novel! Puns galore!

[Barbi Faye (The Book Fae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wenda Woodwife has a knotty problem--her mood swings have sent her beloved husband, Prince Charming, off on Adventure. She seeks the cure from the Good Magician Humphrey, only to discover that he has a knotty problem of his own and that only Wenda Woodwife can help him. She’ll need Companions. Luckily, in Xanth magical companions are never far away, and all roads lead to Adventure. This 34th installment in the saga of the magical land of Xanth proves the enduring appeal of Piers Anthony’s peerless creation. As ALWAYS, any Piers Xanth novel is a DELIGHT & pleasure to read. Incomparable! Always five stars!

[Stuart Macmartin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a silly fluff book, and this fit the bill. The earliest Xanth novels get good ratings, but the rest are for when you don't want anything too engrossing. Some excellent lines, some better than usual (for recent Xanth) plot and characters keep this on the strong side of 2 stars. Still too much attention to juvenile humour. Nice that she recognizes she wants more from her Prince Charming. Lots of loose ends tidied up, some predictably. A little moralizing. Usual stuff. This is not A Spell for Chameleon or Castle Roogna, but then very few of these books are.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was a teen, I read several books by Piers Anthony, and absolutely loved them. So my rating I think is more a reflection of my having “matured”, not too much I felt. The interactions between the characters do feel like those of middle school classmates. So I would absolutely recommend his books, maybe first A Spell for Chameleon and Blue Adept (two that really stand out to me), for younger readers, but as a boring adult it just didn’t do it for me. But again, because his books are magical, I can say reading his books transported me away to the amazing worlds he creates.

[Mia Darien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rating this one higher because I found it more heart-warming than the last few. Not that they weren't their same happy-ending selves, but I found the characters from "Jumper Cable" to be particularly endearing and some of the favorites from that one show up again in this one and we get to see more happy.

I love Jumper, and I really liked what Anthony did with Jumper, Eris and Wenda and Wenda got the best future. It was just lovely.

[bitfed · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dare I say some of the more negative/surprised reviews here seem like they haven't touched the Xanth series in a while.

If you have read the last 3 books, you know just what you're in store for, though there are a few less panty-related plot points in this one. (Finally)

It's the same formula that revisits some of the characters from the last book. No huge surprises and it wraps up nicely with only a slight dip in speed around 40% through.

[Scotchneat · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's what you'd expect from Piers Anthony - and you will laugh. But is the 34th (?) book in the series...

Wenda Woodwife is married to Prince Charming (yes, that Prince Charming) but she's been rather moody lately.

She finds out the only cure is an adventure. Good news is that she finds some useful companions along the way, and maybe some magic.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** "Knot Gneiss" by Piers Anthony is yet another pun-filled Xanth novel. Wenda, a wood nymph, gathers friends for a quest of monsters and magic. These erratic wordy flights are an acquired taste, more alike than different. I like the impossibilities of imagination inspired.

[Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another satisfying Xanth adventure. While I have enjoyed other recent books in the series more, this book was still more substantial than the earliest books of the series that were more about puns than character growth. Spending more time with Wenda Woodwife and Jumper Spider was time well spent.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not exactly sure how, but I missed a few Xanth books when I read the series again and this was one of them. Sure I own it, or I can try and get it at the library if I don't. Still though, I will get right onto that read again!