Luck of the Draw (Xanth novel)

Xanth (/ˈzænθ/ ZANTH) is a fantasy world created by author Piers Anthony for his Xanth series of novels, also known as The Magic of Xanth. Anthony originally intended for Xanth to be a trilogy, and after the success of the first three books expanded the series to nine books. A devoted fan base persuaded the author to continue writing the series, which is now open-ended.

In an interview with AgonyBooth.com, Anthony stated that he has kept the series going as long as he has because the Xanth novels are "just about the only thing the publishers want" from him.

The name Xanth pronounced as part of the author's name ("Piers Anthony"), is in itself an unintentional pun, matching the playful tone of the books.

As of August 2017, there are 41 novels, with the latest novel being released in April 2017.

Each human character in Xanth is born with a unique magical ability, called a talent. With the exception of the curse fiends, the winged centaurs, and the child Surprise Golem (Daughter of Rapunzel and Grundy Golem), these abilities never repeat exactly in individuals throughout the entire history of Xanth (although nearly identical talents show up on occasion.) Though many talents are limited in scope (called the "spot-on-a-wall" variety), the series focuses mainly on individuals with "Magician" caliber abilities (one of the criteria for serving as King of Xanth).

In addition to the human characters, Xanth is populated by centaurs, demons, dragons, fauns, gargoyles, goblins, golems, harpies, , naga, nymphs, ogres, zombies, curse fiends, and other fictional beasts. Though initially introduced as obstacles to the human characters, some individuals from those groups become main characters in later books of the series.

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Wikipedia