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The Dastard

(Xanth #24)

Piers Anthony

3.81 · Rating details · 3,072 ratings · 31 reviews

Many malevolent menaces have imperiled the magical land of Xanth in its long and storied history. But none has been as despicably dangerous as the Dastard-a craven miscreant who sold his soul to a detestable demon for the power to erase events. Now the entire future of Xanth is at the mercy of his every whim. Only a young dragon-girl named Becka has the power to stop his d ...more

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Paperback, 384 pages

Published October 14th 2001 by Tor Books (first published 2000)

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Jan 09, 2012 Paul Darcy rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

by Piers Anthony, published in 2000.

I can’t believe the Xanth series is now over 30 years old and that I have been reading it since the beginning. Well, if Fauns, Nymphs, puns a plenty and the sight of panties freaking men out is your cup of tea, hop on the Xanth train and party.

“The Dastard” is book 24 in the Xanth series which has well over 30 novels now and counting, and is everything you have come to expect if you have been reading along like I have. There is usually by Piers Anthony, published in 2000.

I can’t believe the Xanth series is now over 30 years old and that I have been reading it since the beginning. Well, if Fauns, Nymphs, puns a plenty and the sight of panties freaking men out is your cup of tea, hop on the Xanth train and party.

“The Dastard” is book 24 in the Xanth series which has well over 30 novels now and counting, and is everything you have come to expect if you have been reading along like I have. There is usually a quest to be performed which starts with a visit to the good magician Humphrey’s castle to have a question answered.

Enter Becka, a half breed dragon girl, who is told by the good magician that she must assist the Dastard even though he has traded away his soul for a talent which can ruin Xanth; the Dastard’s talent is the ability to travel back in time and undo events.

I have always liked that the Xanth novels were so clear of focus spiced with naughty and sometimes outrageous and/or just plain silly fun. We always know what each character is trying to achieve, a key element in good fiction I think, and Piers Anthony’s writing (though he uses the ly words an awful lot) is so refined as to make itself almost transparent leaving the reader able to journey along for the fun without any wordly distractions . . .

And it is quite a bit of fun, though I always find snippets of moral and ethical lessons strewn in for good measure. I won’t give away much of the plot but tell you the three princesses, Melody, Rhythm and Harmony play a key role in events as well as Sim. Oh, and the Sea Hag shows up and does a lot of damage but gets hers in the end. Not really a spoiler, just and inevitability.

If you have been reading Xanth forever, as I have, you will not want to miss any of them, and if you have never heard of Xanth before then you should pick up “A Spell for Chameleon” and begin your punny journey . . .

How can I write a Xanth novel review without once using the word Punny at least once? I would list all the Xanth novels to date but that would take up about twice as much space as this review. All you need do is a search on them and lists will be found by Com Puter for you . . .

I’ll leave it alone now, before this turns into a comic strip . . . ...more

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Feb 06, 2014 Jeremiah Johnson rated it liked it

This was a much better book than the previous few. It still had Ptero and it's stupid comic strips and geography, but thankfully not a lot of it.
I really liked the Dastard. He was a unique character whom unfortunately we likely won't see again.
The story was average for the series. More unnecessary adult themes that I still say aren't needed.

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Aug 26, 2019 Angela rated it really liked it

4 Stars

The Dastard is the twenty-fourth book in the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. Xanth seems to face one disaster after another, and this book is no different. The Dastard is the worst yet- and only a young dragon girl called Beca has what it takes to defeat him. But not without facing some dangers herself.
The Xanth Series is quite a really long series that has spanned many decades. I remember reading the first few books back in the very early 1980’s and was totally captivate 4 Stars

The Dastard is the twenty-fourth book in the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. Xanth seems to face one disaster after another, and this book is no different. The Dastard is the worst yet- and only a young dragon girl called Beca has what it takes to defeat him. But not without facing some dangers herself.
The Xanth Series is quite a really long series that has spanned many decades. I remember reading the first few books back in the very early 1980’s and was totally captivated by the epic fantasy that unfolded before my eyes. I collected all the books as each new one was released and have revisited them a few times over the years. Recently I had been reorganising my bookshelves, because eight book cases have become insufficient to house all my books (#bookwhoredilemma)- and it came to the point where I was going to have to get rid of some of my older books/series in order to make way for new favourites. I looked at all the larger/longer series first and this is one of the larger series that I have, it came under scrutiny. I decided to reread all the books I was considering getting rid of first- before making a final decision. I can honestly say that although I these books didn’t blow me away as they once did- I still really enjoyed all the adventure, magic, swords & sorcery like epic fantasy that Mr. Anthony is renowned for. He has imbued his stories with plenty of humour, a playfulness, lots of fun, action, some history, conspiracies, secrets, surprising developments, and much, much more. We meet so many varied and original characters along the way- the books are full of wonderful fictional beasts and paranormal creatures/beasts. From centaurs, to demons, dragons, fauns, gargoyles, goblins, golems, harpies, merfolk, elves, nymphs, ogres, zombies, and curse fiends- and a few more I am sure I have missed.
The world of Xanth is wonderfully rich and vividly descriptive. It is really well written and is so easy to imagine, it came to life before my eyes. Each ‘person’ in Xanth is born with their own unique magical ability, which is called a ‘talent’. We follow along on many epic adventures and explore the world as the story unfolds.
I have many fond memories of reading this book/series- and in the end I can’t cull any of my collection. So I decided to just purchase a couple of extra bookcases instead. #myprecious
A series worth exploring- especially for any epic fantasy lover who loves some fun and humour served with their adventure.

Thank you, Mr. Anthony! ...more

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Feb 08, 2018 Sarah J rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy

Xanth is a fantasy novel that is based almost entirely on wordplay, specifically puns. The series occupies a strange space between silly and weird. Anthony has some odd opinions on themes, such as sex, racism, prejudice, growing up, and the use of magic in everyday life. The writing vacillates between heavy-handed condescending to extended analysis of magic, science, and the application of the rules of Xanth. Some love it, some hate it; I personally thought it was a strange read but harmless, al ...more

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Dec 31, 2017 Lel rated it liked it

Shelves: defenders-vs-wca

If you have read one Xanth Book you almost feel like you have read them all. The puns are still so spectacularly bad they become good again, very convenient characters and magic happens to move the stories on and someone is always trying to get around the Adult Conspiracy.

This one is about a character called The Dastard (I'll let you work out what his name actually should be!), he is travelling around Xnath bringing woe to all by undoing good events. This is a quest to try and stop him made by ...more

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Mar 07, 2019 Nancy McPherson rated it liked it

Not the best in the series, but if you've been reading them it's worth your time.

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Apr 24, 2016 Don LaFountaine rated it liked it

Book 24 of the Xanth series is a fun book and a quick read that fans of the series will enjoy.

The book starts out with two events that are a large part of the story. The first is that Draco Dragon was on spying a delicious female morsel to eat, and both of them end up drinking from a love spring, the result of which was Becka. The second event is that a demon makes a trade with a human man named Anomy - the talent to be able to erase events for his soul. The result of this is The Das Book 24 of the Xanth series is a fun book and a quick read that fans of the series will enjoy.

The book starts out with two events that are a large part of the story. The first is that Draco Dragon was on spying a delicious female morsel to eat, and both of them end up drinking from a love spring, the result of which was Becka. The second event is that a demon makes a trade with a human man named Anomy - the talent to be able to erase events for his soul. The result of this is The Dastard, who goes around Xanth deviously undoing things. Though he is not physically harming the people who's lives he has changed, he is undoing their happiness in order to make himself feel important.

Becka becomes involved with this nefarious creature because she goes to the Good Magician to ask what her purpose is. The God Magician, being the Magician of Information, is aware of The Dastard, and enlists Becka to help try to stop him. The adventure becomes complicated right off because in order to stop The Dastard, he must break The Rule of 10, thereby making it possible for the secret mission to be exposed and not work because more than 10 people know about it.

Also enlisted in the mission are the Princesses Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm. They actually see The Dastard doing a dastardly deed and are encouraged by their parents to seek out the Good Magician. While there they meet their friend Sim, and they find out that all four of them are to be involved, albeit not in the way they imagined. As it turns out, the only way to have a chance to stop The Dastard is for the young Princesses and Sim to travel to the world of Ptero and exchange with their adult selves. This is necessary not only for the maturity that is needed, but also to be able to handle Adult Conspiracy issues. Their Ptero selves come to Xanth and attempt to stop the Dastard. During this attempt Melody gets taken over by the Sea Hag who makes a deal with The Dastard, and Sim and her sisters, along with Becka's help must try to save her.

All in all this is a pretty good installment for the Xanth series. It's fun and it is a quick read. There are some areas that it seems rather farfetched, even for a fantasy book. For instance, having a vehicle from Mundania come to life in Xanth and end up at a love spring where it mates with the first female it sees is a little much! And the story seemed a little dragged out, though maybe that was because of the large amount of puns used. Also, unlike other books in the series, I don't feel that this is a book in the series that could stand on its own. While the reader does not need all the background of the previous books, there are parts that would not make as much sense without previous books in the series having been read. Anyway, I think fans of the Xanth series will like this book. ...more

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Nov 01, 2009 Leeanna rated it liked it

Shelves: purge

Xanth #24: The Dastard, by Piers Anthony

While most people in Xanth have a magic talent, many of the talents are minor - the "spot on the wall" variety. Usually only Magicians and Sorceress' have powerful talents, such as being able to transform any living creature into something else.

Anomy has a useless magic talent - the talent of stupid ideas. Frustrated by this, he sells his soul to a demon for a much more powerful talent - the ability to rewrite history. With his new talent and ...more

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Dec 31, 2014 George Deoso rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, piers-anthony, fantasy, humor-funny

This is the very first full-length novel I ever finished, and I think I made no mistake for choosing this book to be the one.

When I was 1st year in high school we were asked to pick a book (any book) and do apply the usual summary/characters/settings/moral lesson shit our teachers love to burden us with. Prior to this, I have no interest in reading whatsoever, so this seems to be a task.

I picked this book up from a garage sale near our house for twenty pesos. Not bad for ...more

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Apr 25, 2017 Kristen Coffin rated it liked it

Shelves: author-anthony

"Nothing is predetermined."

Another chance love spring encounter, another crazy crossbreed species that I have to just really not think about too hard because it makes my head hurt. We've got Becka DragonGirl (how? I mean, literally, how?) that is such a cool concept if, once again, you don't think too hard about it. She wants to know her place in the world (don't we all) and, apparently, that place right now is with The Dastard, a once ordinary man who sold his sold to a demon for a ...more

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Jun 06, 2012 Kirsti rated it it was amazing

When I read this book originally, I admit I was pretty confused. I hadn't at that time read the book about Ida's moons, so the whole concept of the switching of characters didn't really make much sense to me then, but I just went with it. Now though, reading through again I have more of an idea and can appreciate the concept.

I love the layers to Xanth, it is definitely an onion of a series. Just when you think you have it figured, something else crops up and changes everything. Aweso ...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Nathan Johnson rated it really liked it

I read many Xanth books as a preteen/teen. I loved them then.
Lately I have been going back and reading the whole series. On the whole I realize now that Piers Anthony is not the great writer I remember, but he is perfectly suited for young adult fiction.

This was actually the first book in some time that I really enjoyed. Certainly some aspects I do get tired of (comic strips are just a way to wedge in more reader suggested puns), but the plot of this particular book was q ...more

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Jul 10, 2009 B-original rated it it was amazing

I absolutely love this author, I have been reading the Xanth series as I can find them, totally going out of order but it really doesnt seem to matter with this series, I love the Puns, they are so funny and give me a laugh whenever I come across one I wouldnt have thought of. I was glad that the Dastard did indeed become dashing in this book and hope he and the princess are very happy together!!!

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Jul 22, 2010 Doris rated it it was ok

Shelves: series, fantasy, xanth, magic

Maybe I am just becoming bored with the entire series (I have read them all, starting with A Spell for Chameleon). At any rate, this seemed to me to be a repeat of an ongoing line, with very little variation. It did serve to remind me why I stopped eagerly looking forward to the next XANTH book around the time Ogre, Ogre came out.

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Jan 09, 2013 Serena rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

While this book did have a few redeeming qualities, due to a lack of editorial contribution I would not recommend.

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.

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Jul 24, 2010 Teresa rated it it was ok

Xanth turned into the "same old, same old" long ago; apparently the author is just going through the alphabet. There were a few books I enjoyed earlier in the series, but after Dragon on a Pedestal, they just got old.

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Jul 23, 2010 Brianne rated it it was ok

Shelves: xanth, science-fiction, parallel-universe

While it is a lovely Xanth novel. I just wasn't feeling it. It kicked up a but more towards the end. But I want to hear more about characters I know about. Which at the moment aren't plenty. Too many new characters being introduced in a row for these last few books.

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Feb 25, 2015 Theresa added it

The Dastard is a man character who is a Dastard. :0 He wants to marry a princess and does wind up meeting one that can't seem to stand him. You'll have to read the book for more. He is a real piece of work in the book.

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Feb 01, 2013 Joanna Hyde rated it liked it

Shelves: piers-anthony

I thought Piers Anthony had stopped writing Xanth novels and only recently managed to purchase this next book in the series. I am hooked again and enjoying reading these new old books that I missed. Xanth is the place I hide when I need a break from reality.

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Jun 21, 2009 Kaylynn Johnsen rated it really liked it

Everyone needs to know where they fit in the world and what role they play. Sometimes you need an adventure to figure it out.

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May 25, 2012 Shawn rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, piers-anthony, zanth

Young adult 10-15

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Aug 16, 2013 Kyra Dunst rated it it was amazing

The Xanth series is one of my favorites. Ooh, the Dastard is a really bad boy, and the quest to bring him down has a wonderful ending.

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Sep 25, 2007 Dana rated it it was amazing

good one

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Nov 17, 2008 Izlinda rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

The puns were a bit on overload in this book, and the sexual tension and teases weren't as amusing as they were in previous books.

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Jan 23, 2013 Crystal rated it did not like it

Shelves: piers-anthony

Forgot this book. Made me cry. Sooo sad. Despite the non-bad ending- kinda mediocre- this book made me feel sad. :(

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Dec 10, 2013 Natalie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Back on form, I was getting a tad bored of Xanth, but this one restored my Xanthlove!

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Dec 04, 2013 Debra Meyer rated it liked it · review of another edition

not sure why but seem to have a lot of trouble reading this one, had put it down for awhile due to life getting in the way and finally picked it back up recently and finished it off.

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Rachel rated it liked it
Jul 09, 2015

Candace Marie rated it it was amazing
Aug 30, 2015

Nicole rated it really liked it
Mar 25, 2016

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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

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Though he spent the first four years of his life in England, Piers never returned to live in his country of birth after moving to Spain and immigrated to America at age six. After graduating with a B.A. from Goddard College, he married one of his fellow students and and spent fifteen years in an assortment of professions before he began writing fiction full-time.

Piers is a self-proclai ...more