Wow, what a difference 30+ years makes. I recall loving the world and the series back in the day, eventually wearing out on it about 15 books in, when the writing and puns were just not fun anymore. I recently returned to this, the first Xanth book, and found it unreadable.

Characters were weak and 2-dimensional, Misogynistic characters across the board, and a lot of almost Incel-level creepiness.

How did I even plow through this when I was in 6th grade? My belief system and sense of entitlement has changed quite a bit in the last few decades, it seems.

I would have given it 4 stars back in the day, but I just can’t stomach this at all now.

Avoid. No stars.