Reviews

Vale of the Vole by Piers Anthony

rabbitwoman's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. There was a nice, satisfying and happy ending.

craftingrama's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

this one really brought a few insights into my brain as well as the laughs over the puns, I think one of the reasons I keep reading this series is the puns LOL ( I don't think I've groaned this much in my entire life as I have since I started this series )

vaderbird's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

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

utbw42's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Pretty much follows the standard Anthony formulae at this point in the Xanth series...protagonist is introduced (Esk), encounters problem (demoness Metria), sets out on quest to solve problem and meets characters on the way (Volney, Chex, Latia, Marrow), a love interest (Bria), and travels through Xanth eventually solving problem and winning love interest. I still enjoy reading Anthony's Xanth series, but they are starting to follow the same theme.

waden34's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This book appears to be a departure from the format of the earlier books in the series. There are very few puns in this book, which makes it necessary for it to stand alone as a descent fantasy novel. It does this okay, but not great. As always, the characters are enjoyable, but the story was just okay.

zoes_human's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted

2.0

angelahayes's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4 Stars

Vale of the Vole is the tenth book in the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. It is an action-packed adventure with Esk as we follow him on his quest. Magician Humphrey has set him to task, but along the way he gets sidetracked by a peaceful village in desperate need of defending from a nasty demon horde. Along with his companions, Centaur Chex and Volney the burrower, they're in for an encounter that will test them to their limits.
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!

bookcrazylady45's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

The series continues with children and grandchildren of people in the first few books. This one has three protagonists instead of one adding to the adventures. As life progresses and readers get older...I think their reading needs change a bit but nostalgia can hold you to a loved series through thick and thin.

katekat's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

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.
More...