A soulless scoundrel with the power to "unhappen" history threatens the future of the land of Xanth!

Story Synopsis ...

Piers Anthony's comical chronicles of his enchanted realm of Xanth are among the most beloved fantasy series ever written, with millions of readers worldwide. Tor's last Xanth novel, Xone of Contention, was one of the most popular volumes in recent years. Now Anthony returns with an all-new adventure that blends high hilarity with super-scary suspense.

Many malevolent menaces have imperiled the magical land of Xanth in its long and storied history. But none has been as despicable as the Dastard. Once a common country boy who's only talent was the Stupid Idea, Anomy sold his soul to a detestable demon for the power to erase events and rewrite history for his own devious ends. Now the entire future of Xanth is at the mercy of the Dastard's every whim.

But this depraved desparado underestimates the courage and cleverness of a young girl named Becka, who, because she is the daughter of Draco Dragon (and a human female), can transform herself into a fearsome dragon at the speed of thought. With the help of a color band of triplet princesses as brave companions, Becka challenges the Dastard with the greatest magic of all—the human heart.

Piers' Story Description ...

The Dastard is the 24th novel in the Xanth series. The main character does really dastardly deeds, and because he can travel in time, he is very hard to stop. When he encounters someone who is really successful or happy, he goes back in time to eliminate the thing that made that happiness or success possible. For example, when a little Mundane girl finds her way into Xanth and is thrilled, the Dastard goes back and blocks the way, so the girl never finds Xanth. When a man finds his ideal woman, the Dastard goes back and diverts him so he never meets her.

Well, the three little princesses, Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm, catch on, and decide to do something about this. But they're only four years old, so they exchange places with their 21 year-old selves on Ida's moon Ptero, and the three big princesses tackle the Dastard. But then the awful Sea Hag escapes the Brain Coral's pool after 33 years in storage, and comes to join the Dastard, and together they are really tough to beat. Especially when the Sea Hag takes over the body of Princess Melody. Oh, no! Be there. Melody really needs your help.

This was published in hardcover at the end of September 2000, and the paperback should be out around October 2001.

Reviewer Quotes ...

"Newcomers and old-timers alike will enjoy Anthony's latest collection of truly mind-boggling puns. Every so often, most readers get a craving for a book like this; be grateful to Anthony for continuing to satisfy it."   —BOOKLIST

"[Piers Anthony] is a romp to read."   —VOICES OF YOUTH ADVOCATES

Tor's Marketing Plans ...

• Advertising in science fiction/fantasy publications.
• Publicity.
• Teaser ad in Xone of Contention, mass-market paperback released October 2000.

Chapters ...

The following chapter list refers to the ARC publication of The Dastard.