Tomes of Spellcasting--Hit or 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: Hit or Myth
Author: Robert Asprin
Publisher: Ace Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1983

In his office as Court Magician, Skeeve has undertaken some rather strange assignments. Okay, only one, really, but no one ever told him that he'd have to impersonate the king! Then, he finds out exactly why he's impersonating his absent monarch and why the monarch is absent: there's a wedding coming up, and the king...er, Skeeve...is one of the two guests of honor. Now, before he gets involved in a relationship he has no desire to pursue, he has to find the real king and get him to marry the murderous, powerhungry queen. But that's not all. There's also a Mob don who's looking for a missing army...specifically, the one that Skeeve made disappear during his first assignment as Court Magician. Could his day get any worse? Do you have to ask?

In Hit or Myth, Skeeve is essentially flying solo for the most part, which gives him a chance to shine. It's about time, really, since in all the other books he's been sort of chaperoned by his friends. This time he's all on his own and the others are, for the most part, just tagging along for the ride.

I'm not certain which part of this fourth book is actually more interesting, the marriage or the Mob. Or is the marriage to the mob that's the most interesting? Well, let me just say that it allows for a great deal of humor and amusement all the way through. Actually, what's most impressive is the way Skeeve manages to develop a backbone worthy of a Pervect, at least in the face of non-Pervects. Or actually, even in the face of a particular Pervect, given the way he an Aahz square off momentarily over Skeeve's new apprentice. Of course, that has nothing to do with the marriage to the mob bit. The new apprentice thing, that is. It's really confusing, so just take my word for it.

Hit or Myth finally has the gang moving away from independence on any one entity like the kingdom of Possiltum, to the stage that I like these books best. To see what I mean, you'll just have to follow through and read the book...and all the rest of them, too!

Rating: Thumbs up! Who knew that getting out of one marriage could lead to another?

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This page posted September 16, 2002.

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