Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a prolific British-American author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels, particularly the long-running 'Xanth' series.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. A Spell For Chameleon

    The First Xanth Novel

    In this fantasy novel, we follow the adventures of Bink, a young man from the magical land of Xanth, who lacks his own magic in a realm where magic is the norm. Facing exile for his deficiency, Bink embarks on a quest to discover his true magical talent. Along the way, he encounters a variety of creatures, challenges, and a mysterious woman named Chameleon, whose beauty and intelligence shift with the phases of the moon. Bink's journey reveals not only the secret of his own latent magic but also addresses themes of self-discovery, the value of nonconformity, and the nature of love and loyalty in a world where everything and everyone is more than they seem.

    The 9672nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Bearing An Hourglass

    Incarnations of Immortality, Book Two

    In this imaginative tale, a man named Norton is thrust into the role of the Incarnation of Time, wielding the powerful Hourglass that allows him to traverse the past and future. As he grapples with the immense responsibility and challenges of his new position, Norton discovers the complexities of time manipulation and its impact on the world. He encounters various other Incarnations, each with their own unique powers and agendas, leading to a series of adventures that test his resolve and understanding of the universe. Through his journey, Norton learns valuable lessons about destiny, free will, and the intricate tapestry of existence.

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  3. 3. On A Pale Horse

    Incarnations of Immortality, Book One

    In a world where magic and technology coexist, a man named Zane finds himself in a desperate situation, contemplating suicide. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally kills Death and must assume the role himself. As the new incarnation of Death, Zane navigates the complexities of his duties, balancing the scales of life and death while uncovering a sinister plot that threatens the cosmic order. Along the way, he encounters various mythical beings and learns profound lessons about the nature of existence, morality, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

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  4. 4. With A Tangled Skein

    Incarnations of Immortality, Book Three

    In a world where the forces of Fate, Time, and Death govern the destinies of all, a young woman named Niobe embarks on a journey to challenge the very fabric of existence. As she navigates the intricate web of life, she discovers her own role as the Incarnation of Fate, tasked with weaving the threads of human destinies. Alongside her allies, Niobe must confront the malevolent forces that seek to disrupt the balance of power, all while grappling with her own personal struggles and the weight of her newfound responsibilities. Her quest is a delicate dance between choice and destiny, where every decision could alter the course of history.

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  5. 5. Being A Green Mother

    A Novel of the Incarnations of Immortality

    In this enchanting installment of the "Incarnations of Immortality" series, the narrative follows Orb, a talented musician with a unique ability to influence nature through her music. As she embarks on a quest to find her missing father, Orb discovers her destiny intertwined with the role of the Incarnation of Nature. Along her journey, she encounters mystical beings, faces moral dilemmas, and learns the true power of harmony and balance. Through her growth and self-discovery, she must ultimately decide whether to embrace her fate and become the embodiment of Earth's life force, all while navigating the complexities of love and sacrifice.

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  6. 6. The Source Of Magic

    In this fantasy novel, the protagonist embarks on a quest to uncover the mysterious source of magic that powers their world. Alongside a diverse group of companions, they navigate a series of challenges and encounters with magical creatures, each revealing more about the nature of their realm. As they journey through enchanted landscapes, they confront personal fears and moral dilemmas, ultimately discovering that the true source of magic lies within themselves and the connections they forge with others. The story blends adventure, humor, and introspection, exploring themes of self-discovery and the power of unity.

  7. 7. Castle Roogna

    In this fantasy novel, a young man named Dor embarks on a time-traveling adventure to prove his worth as the future king of Xanth. Tasked with finding a magical elixir to save a comatose queen, Dor is transported 800 years into the past, where he encounters a vibrant world filled with magical creatures and formidable challenges. Along the way, he befriends a shape-shifting ghost named Jumper and learns valuable lessons about courage, leadership, and the complexities of history. As Dor navigates the dangers of the past, he discovers his own potential and the true meaning of responsibility.

  8. 8. Total Recall

    A Novelization

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, Douglas Quaid, experiences recurring dreams about Mars, prompting him to visit Rekall, a company that implants false memories. However, the procedure reveals that Quaid's memories of being a secret agent on Mars are real, leading him on a thrilling journey to uncover his true identity and mission. As Quaid navigates a world of deception and intrigue, he battles against oppressive forces and uncovers a conspiracy that could alter the fate of Mars and its inhabitants. The story explores themes of identity, memory, and the nature of reality, as Quaid struggles to reconcile his past with his present.

  9. 9. Refugee

    Set in a dystopian future, the story follows the journey of a young protagonist who is forced to flee their homeland due to political turmoil and environmental disasters. As they navigate through treacherous landscapes and encounter various challenges, they form unexpected alliances and discover hidden strengths within themselves. The narrative explores themes of survival, resilience, and the quest for a place to call home, all while highlighting the impact of human actions on the planet and society.

  10. 10. God Of Tarot

    In a universe where the mystical and the scientific intertwine, a priest named Brother Paul is sent to the planet Tarot to investigate the mysterious phenomena surrounding its enigmatic tarot cards. As he delves deeper into the planet's secrets, Paul encounters a diverse array of beings and challenges that test his faith and understanding of reality. The journey becomes a profound exploration of spirituality, human nature, and the cosmic forces that govern existence, ultimately leading him to confront the divine and question the very essence of belief.

  11. 11. Vision Of Tarot

    A Tarot Sequence Novel

    Set in a world where the mystical and the mundane intertwine, the narrative follows a young protagonist who discovers a deck of tarot cards imbued with extraordinary powers. As they delve deeper into the secrets of the cards, they are drawn into a journey that challenges their understanding of fate, destiny, and the nature of reality itself. With each card revealing a new layer of mystery and insight, the protagonist must navigate a path filled with enigmatic characters, ancient prophecies, and personal revelations, ultimately leading to a transformative confrontation with their own inner truths.

  12. 12. Faith Of Tarot

    Being a Trilogy Comprising God of Tarot, Vision of Tarot, and Faith of Tarot

    In this captivating tale, a group of diverse individuals embarks on a perilous journey through a mystical universe governed by the enigmatic forces of the Tarot. As they traverse through a series of surreal landscapes and face challenges that test their faith, courage, and understanding, they must unravel the mysteries of their own destinies. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy, philosophy, and adventure, exploring themes of belief, fate, and the interconnectedness of all things, ultimately leading the characters to profound revelations about themselves and the world around them.

  13. 13. Crewel Lye

    A Caustic Yarn

    In a whimsical and adventurous tale set in the magical land of Xanth, a ghost named Jordan the Barbarian recounts his tragic yet humorous story of love, betrayal, and redemption. After being betrayed by his closest friends and losing his life in a gruesome manner, Jordan's spirit is trapped in a tapestry, waiting for someone to unravel the mystery of his demise. With the help of a young girl named Ivy, he embarks on a journey to piece together the events leading to his untimely death, encountering a host of fantastical creatures and challenges along the way. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, bravery, and the quest for truth in a world where magic and reality intertwine.

  14. 14. Wielding A Red Sword

    A Novel of the Incarnations of Immortality

    In a world where the forces of nature are personified by powerful Incarnations, a young man named Mym is thrust into the role of the Incarnation of War. Struggling with his own personal demons and a tumultuous love life, Mym must learn to wield the formidable Red Sword, a symbol of his new office, to maintain the delicate balance between peace and conflict. As he navigates the complexities of his new responsibilities, he discovers that the true battle lies not only in the physical realm but also within his own heart and mind, challenging him to redefine his understanding of power and responsibility.

  15. 15. Blue Adept

    Book Two of the Apprentice Adept

    In this captivating fantasy novel, the protagonist, Stile, finds himself navigating between two parallel worlds: the technological realm of Proton and the magical land of Phaze. As he grapples with his dual identity, Stile must master his newfound magical abilities to compete in a deadly game that determines his fate in both worlds. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including unicorns, androids, and powerful adversaries, all while unraveling the mysteries that bind the two worlds together. The story weaves a rich tapestry of adventure, intrigue, and self-discovery as Stile strives to fulfill his destiny.

  16. 16. Golem In The Gears

    In this whimsical fantasy tale, the protagonist embarks on a daring quest through the magical land of Xanth, accompanied by a unique and unlikely ally—a golem. As they navigate a world filled with enchantments, peculiar creatures, and unexpected challenges, the duo must rely on their wits and growing friendship to overcome obstacles and fulfill their mission. Along the way, they encounter a host of eccentric characters, each adding a layer of humor and intrigue to their journey, ultimately leading to revelations about courage, identity, and the power of companionship.

  17. 17. Ogre, Ogre

    In this whimsical fantasy tale, a gentle-hearted ogre named Smash embarks on a quest across the magical land of Xanth, seeking answers to his own existential questions. Along the way, he encounters a diverse group of companions, each with their own unique challenges and desires. Together, they navigate a series of enchanting and perilous adventures, discovering the power of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. As Smash learns more about himself and the world around him, he finds that true strength lies not in physical might but in understanding and compassion.

  18. 18. Dragon On A Pedestal

    In a whimsical world where magic and puns abound, a young girl named Ivy embarks on an adventurous journey after a mysterious force causes her mother, Irene, to lose her memory. As Ivy navigates the enchanting land of Xanth, she encounters a variety of fantastical creatures, including a friendly dragon and a mischievous golem. With her innate magical abilities and the help of her newfound companions, Ivy must unravel the mystery behind her mother's amnesia and restore balance to their magical realm, all while discovering her own potential and the power of friendship.

  19. 19. Centaur Aisle

    A Novel of Xanth

    In this fantastical tale, the protagonist embarks on a quest to rescue the kidnapped King Trent, whose absence has plunged the magical land of Xanth into chaos. With the help of a diverse group of companions, including a centaur, a magician, and a young girl with unique abilities, the hero navigates through a series of whimsical and perilous challenges. As they journey through enchanted landscapes and encounter peculiar creatures, the group must rely on wit, courage, and teamwork to restore order and save their kingdom from impending doom.

  20. 20. Mute

    Set in a future where telepathy is a common ability, the story follows the journey of a young man who is mysteriously born without this gift, rendering him "mute" in a world where communication is predominantly mental. As he navigates a society that views him as an anomaly, he discovers hidden truths about his origins and the potential of his unique condition. His quest for identity and acceptance leads him to uncover secrets that could alter the balance of power in his world, challenging the very fabric of a society reliant on telepathic connections.

  21. 21. Split Infinity

    Book One of the Apprentice Adept

    In a world where technology and magic coexist, a master jockey named Stile finds himself caught between two realms: the scientific world of Proton and the magical land of Phaze. As he navigates these parallel universes, he discovers that his very existence is pivotal to the balance between them. With the help of a unicorn companion and his own unique abilities, Stile must confront powerful adversaries and unravel the mysteries of his dual identity to prevent a cataclysmic collision of worlds.

  22. 22. Juxtaposition

    In this captivating installment of the series, the protagonist finds himself navigating the intricate balance between two parallel worlds, each governed by its own unique set of rules and magic. As he endeavors to bridge the gap between these realms, he encounters a myriad of challenges and allies, each adding layers of complexity to his quest. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of adventure, exploring themes of identity, power, and the delicate interplay of fate and choice, all while maintaining a brisk pace that keeps readers enthralled until the very end.

  23. 23. Night Mare

    A Novel of Xanth

    In a whimsical and imaginative world where magic and reality intertwine, the story unfolds in the enchanted land of Xanth, where a dark force threatens to disrupt the balance of power. The narrative follows the courageous and determined mare, Imbri, who is tasked with delivering ominous night mares to the inhabitants of Xanth. As she navigates through a series of challenges and encounters with peculiar creatures, Imbri must confront her own fears and insecurities to aid in the battle against the malevolent forces that seek to plunge the land into chaos. With themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery, the tale weaves a captivating journey filled with humor, adventure, and unexpected twists.

  24. 24. Zombie Lover

    In this whimsical and pun-filled fantasy tale, the magical land of Xanth faces a new threat as a lovesick zombie named Xeth embarks on a quest to win the heart of a living girl, Breanna of the Black Wave. As Xeth's unconventional pursuit unfolds, Breanna finds herself caught in a series of comedic and perilous adventures, navigating the challenges of both the living and undead realms. Along the way, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own quirks and magical abilities, ultimately discovering the true meaning of love and acceptance in a world where anything is possible.

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  25. 25. Desafío Total

    Set in a dystopian future, the story follows a construction worker who begins to suspect that his memories and identity have been artificially implanted. As he delves deeper into his past, he uncovers a conspiracy involving a powerful corporation and a rebellion on Mars. With the help of unexpected allies, he embarks on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth, challenging the boundaries of reality and the essence of self-identity.

  26. 26. Macroscope

    A group of scientists and explorers gain access to a revolutionary instrument that lets them observe and compress information across enormous ranges of scale, revealing a hidden extraterrestrial communication; as they race to decode the message, personal rivalries, political maneuvering, ethical dilemmas, and the addictive lure of ultimate knowledge test their loyalties and force them to confront what humanity should do with such power.

  27. 28. Orn

  28. 29. Prostho Plus

    Prostho Plus is a science-fiction novel by Piers Anthony, published in 1971. It is a 'fix-up' from previously published stories (1967-1970). It is a humorous space opera which follows the adventures of a prosthodontist, Dr. Dillingham, who is picked up by aliens who are in need of dental work. Complications develop when he makes a diplomatic blunder and it results in his being exiled to the Galactic University of Dentistry. He graduates and tackles the problems of several unusual clients. His assistant is also kidnapped to be with him. As well, he acquires the "protection" of a robot who will kill him in 50 years (for awakening it; compare The Fisherman and the Jinni).

  29. 31. Ox

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  31. 34. Robot Adept

    Apprentice Adept is a heptalogy of fantasy and science fiction novels written by English American author Piers Anthony. The series takes place on Phaze and Proton, two worlds occupying the same space in two different dimensional planes. Phaze is a lush planet of magic, where Proton is a barren mining planet of science. As the series opens, each person born on Phaze and Proton has an alternate self living on the other world. But if a person on either world lacks a duplicate (for instance if a Proton citizen immigrated there from another planet, or a counterpart from the opposite frame died), he can cross to the other through an energy "curtain" that circumscribes each frame. The first three books in the series follow Proton serf Stile as he enters Phaze and becomes an important political force there. The next three concern the adventures of Mach (Citizen Blue's son), Bane (Stile's son), and Bane's companions. Finally, volume 7, Phaze Doubt follows Bane's and Mach's nine-year-old children, Flach and Nepe, among others.

  32. 35. Out Of Phaze

    The story follows a man who inhabits two linked worlds—one a technological, game-driven society and the other a mirror realm of living magic—forced to juggle his rival roles as a champion in the machine world and an adept in the enchanted one. When conspiracies and dangers begin to spill across the boundary between realities, he must draw on both cunning and sorcery to protect friends, unravel plots that threaten both societies, and reconcile the divided parts of his identity.

  33. 36. Unicorn Point

    Apprentice Adept is a heptalogy of fantasy and science fiction novels written by English American author Piers Anthony. The series takes place on Phaze and Proton, two worlds occupying the same space in two different dimensional planes. Phaze is a lush planet of magic, where Proton is a barren mining planet of science. As the series opens, each person born on Phaze and Proton has an alternate self living on the other world. But if a person on either world lacks a duplicate (for instance if a Proton citizen immigrated there from another planet, or a counterpart from the opposite frame died), he can cross to the other through an energy "curtain" that circumscribes each frame. The first three books in the series follow Proton serf Stile as he enters Phaze and becomes an important political force there. The next three concern the adventures of Mach (Citizen Blue's son), Bane (Stile's son), and Bane's companions. Finally, volume 7, Phaze Doubt follows Bane's and Mach's nine-year-old children, Flach and Nepe, among others.

  34. 37. Phaze Doubt

    Apprentice Adept is a heptalogy of fantasy and science fiction novels written by English American author Piers Anthony. The series takes place on Phaze and Proton, two worlds occupying the same space in two different dimensional planes. Phaze is a lush planet of magic, where Proton is a barren mining planet of science. As the series opens, each person born on Phaze and Proton has an alternate self living on the other world. But if a person on either world lacks a duplicate (for instance if a Proton citizen immigrated there from another planet, or a counterpart from the opposite frame died), he can cross to the other through an energy "curtain" that circumscribes each frame. The first three books in the series follow Proton serf Stile as he enters Phaze and becomes an important political force there. The next three concern the adventures of Mach (Citizen Blue's son), Bane (Stile's son), and Bane's companions. Finally, volume 7, Phaze Doubt follows Bane's and Mach's nine-year-old children, Flach and Nepe, among others.

  35. 38. Virtual Mode

    The Mode series is a quartet of novels by Piers Anthony. Like many of Anthony's other fictional works, it explores many themes and ideas. This series has themes of violence, the abuse of power, sexism and male dominance, gender roles, the environment, integrity and personal honor, sapient animal life, parallel and alternative evolution, space travel, alternate dimensions, paradox, obscure concepts in physics and mathematics, sexual assault and abuse, child and adolescent sexuality, and suicide. Though initially marketed as fantasy, the Mode series is similar to the Incarnations of Immortality and the Apprentice Adept series, blending fantasy and science fiction.

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  38. 41. Heaven Cent

    Heaven Cent is a fantasy novel by American writer Piers Anthony, the eleventh book of the Xanth series. It is the second book of a trilogy beginning with Vale of the Vole and ending with Man from Mundania.

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  40. 43. And Eternity

    And Eternity is a fantasy novel by Piers Anthony. It is the seventh of eight books in the Incarnations of Immortality series.

  41. 44. For Love Of Evil

    A gifted but restless man is drawn into the office of Evil and must learn to fulfill the grim duties of tempting and corrupting souls while grappling with the moral ambiguities of his role; when unexpected love and his lingering human conscience complicate the tasks assigned by the cosmic bureaucracy, he confronts rivalries among the Incarnations, the nature of free will, and the costs of power, forcing choices that redefine both his identity and the balance between Heaven and Hell.

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