Tomes of Spellcasting--Another Fine Myth

Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Another Fine Myth
Author: Robert Asprin
Publisher: Ace Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1978

When Skeeve became the apprentice of the wizard Garkin, it was his plan to become a better thief. But when, in the middle of summoning a demon, Garkin is killed by an assassin, Skeeve finds himself embroiled in a conflict begun several years ago. It seems a mad wizard is attempting to once again conquer the dimension. Garkin was one of those who prevented it, hence his death at the assassin's hands. Now Skeeve must step forward and thwart his plans. He, however, has very little going for him. He knows far less magic than Garkin, and he's stuck with a powerless demon with a bad temper. On the other hand, he has a lot going for him. The powerless demon is actually an old friend of Garkin's named Aahz, and while he doesn't have any powers, he still knows all about magic. The question now is, can Skeeve learn enough magic in the short time he has available to him to stop the mad wizard's plans for dimensional domination?

Another Fine Myth opens the Myth Adventures of Aahz and Skeeve series, one which I first encountered while still in intermediate school, and still enjoy reading to this day. I've finally rediscovered them in two-in-one editions, making my enjoyment of them twice as great since I'm paying for only one book instead of two, which would certainly be a bit more.

One of the best things about this book is the way the reader gets to learn all about dimensions and magic and all that at the same time as Skeeve, thus allowing the reader to receive the background information in actual worthwhile story instead of time consuming exposition. What makes it even better is that the whole process also allows for all sorts of character development and humor. And this book is nothing if not humorous, what with Skeeve disguising himself as an assassin and then disguising his assassin disguise as a demon hunter. It gets really convoluted at times, but it is always fun.

Another Fine Myth is only the start of Skeeve's adventures with magic. This book, however, is the only place to start, since otherwise you may have trouble understanding what's going on in later books. So start here, and go on to the next books!

Rating: Thumbs up! Who ever knew that studying magic could be so hard?

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This page posted August 1, 2002.

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