Tomes of Spellcasting--Mything Persons

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: Mything Persons
Author: Robert Asprin
Publisher: Ace Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1984

If you think you've gotten a good deal off a Deevil, think again. Chances are, you've probably been had and don't realize it yet, and eventually the dark side of the deal will make itself known. For Aahz and Skeeve, their about to see the dark side of the "deal" they got off the Deevils who asked them to protect the Bazaar from the Mob. But who knew that they'd become responsible for returning three strangers with absolutely no ties to Skeeve and Co. back to the Deevils at the Bazaar, who insist--and are supported according to the terms of their contract with the Deevils--that those strangers are part of Skeeve's household? Now, they're off to explore a new dimension, one which even the Deevils are less than enthused about entering and exploring. But this time all of Skeeve's magic tricks may be useless, because this dimension's magic-poor, while the inhabitants are considerably magic-strong. Do they have a chance at succeeding, especially when Aahz somehow becomes an accused murderer and wanted felon?

Skeeve's in for it now in Mything Persons. In the other books he's at least had his magic to fall back on, even when he didn't have Aahz, Tananda, or Chumley to bail him out. This time he's going to have his hands full trying to pull it off, especially when he has his own apprentice, Massha, and his hypochondriac bodyguard Guizo with him.

It's interesting. I remember that this is actually the first book of the series that I ever read, because I discovered it at the time I was just becoming interested in...well, I won't give it away just now. But just as the other books were amusing and serious, this book is amusing and serious. The seriousness of the plot--and facing a murder charge is rather serious, I should think--could be in danger of becoming dramatic and tragic, but the author does a good job of infusing even this serious story with humor, partially through the bumbling of Skeeve's supporting cast...okay, mostly through their bumbling. On the other hand, Aahz adds his bit to the humor, albeit it through his innocence--or ignorance, say--of the effect his storytelling has on listeners.

Mything Persons seems to be the first job Skeeve and Co. have without any interference from employers, although you could say that the Deevils and the Bazaar are a sort of employer. Still, it adds all sorts of dynamics to the situations they get into because this time it's their own survival they're fighting for and not that of a kingdom or a world or a dimension. But just read and see for yourself!

Rating: Thumbs up! Boldly going where even Deevils fear to tread!

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This page posted October 1, 2002.

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