Books like Two to the Fifth (Xanth) by Piers Anthony

In the latest Xanth adventure, the free–spirited realm endangers itself when Ragna Roc, a powerful magical bird, launches a campaign to seize absolute control. Swearing loyalty to Ragna guarantees safety, while those who resist simply vanish. Even the Good Magician Humfrey cannot confront the bird directly and instead employs Cyrus the Cyborg—a handsome half‑human playwright unfamiliar with the world—to covertly assemble a traveling troupe of performers. Hidden among the actors are the princesses Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm; their budding magics may be the only counter to Ragna’s sorceries. Ragna has placed an inside spy among the troupe, one who knows their deepest secrets, including Cyrus’s secret love for one of the princesses. A mysterious child named Kadence, and a cryptic hint – “Two to the Fifth” – provide the group with clues that could outwit the tyrant. Piers Anthony’s pun‑packed narrative delivers humor, intrigue, and the classic Xanth blend of adventure and wordplay.

First publish date: 2008