Dragon on a Pedestal
"Dragon on a Pedestal" by Piers Anthony is the seventh installment in the Xanth series and takes readers on a whimsical yet perilous adventure centered around Princess Ivy, the young daughter of King Dor and Queen Irene. When Ivy is accidentally struck by a forget spell and wanders away, her disappearance sets off a frantic search across Xanth. Meanwhile, the mysterious and expanding Gap Chasm begins to affect memory and geography in unsettling ways, threatening to destabilize the entire realm. As Ivy, blissfully unaware of the danger, makes unlikely allies—including a baby dragon named Stanley—the adults around her struggle to find her and uncover the cause of the magical chaos.
Anthony shines in this novel by capturing the wonder and unpredictability of a child’s perspective, crafting a narrative that feels both lighthearted and suspenseful. Ivy’s charm and unfiltered logic offer a unique lens through which the reader experiences Xanth, and her interactions with creatures and spells are filled with both humor and unexpected insight. The author continues to deliver his signature puns and playful magic system while expanding the lore of the series with new locations, characters, and complications. The interplay between innocence and responsibility is particularly effective here, as Ivy’s journey subtly challenges the wisdom of the adults around her.
I recommend "Dragon on a Pedestal" to readers who enjoy imaginative fantasy worlds, clever magical systems, and stories that balance childlike wonder with genuine stakes. It’s a delightful and inventive addition to the Xanth series that showcases Piers Anthony’s skill in blending whimsy with world-building.