Phaze Doubt

With this last book in the Apprentice Adept series, Anthony almost (but not quite) redeems himself for the poor quality of the last three books. With a good bit less random sex, a strong lesbian character, and a proper enemy, he provides a fitting conclusion to the tale of the split worlds of Proton and Phaze.
Since the frames were merged in the last episode, the planet's value has gone up in the estimation of the local alien takeover experts. The Hectare come to exploit the expensive and rare Protonite. They are true Bug Eyed Monsters, but fortunately also have a love of gaming and a sense of honor. Almost all the former players are immediately captive but Flach/Nepe (the two of whom merged into one when the frames did), is free and show more are entrusted with a three-part plan to save the world. Acompanying the youngster is Lysander, a human-like android with a Hectare brain, who is an enemy sleeper agent whose mission is to infiltrate the local resistance and betray it to his leaders. The resistance is aware of this, though, and their counter-plan includes a prophecy that states Lysander can be turned. They engage every bit of magic at their disposal to make that happen, and Lysander's eventual choice involves heart-pounding suspense. Fortunately, as well, there is less (not none, but less) random games that decide extremely important things. This wouldn't be an Adept novel if it were entirely devoid of this device, but it works better when there are fewer contests, particularly at this late stage when most of the games which would be interesting to read about have already been depicted so far.
Overall, a satisfying end to the series. show less

This is almost a stand-alone story within the universe of Anthony's Apprentice Adept series. I liked it better than the prior book, so it was a redeeming end to his 7-book "trilogy." (The truth is that the original trilogy would have been superb if left alone!)

The one point of contention I had with the book was his portrayal of the suddenly-lesbian character (seriously, she's gone 6 books without being gay - while he explains it, this was obviously something he hadn't planned prior to the last book). In his author's note, he talks about how he didn't want to ignore the gay community in his universe, so I think he did have noble intentions. However, I'm not sure he's ever met a lesbian.

The merged magical world of Phaze and the technological world of Proton face invasion by the Hectare. With most inhabitants imprisoned, the planet's fate rests on young children, Nepe and Flach, who possess unique powers, guided by a complex plan involving a traitorous Hectare spy and magical maneuvers to shift Phaze away from danger.

I enjoy Piers Anthony's writing style and characters. This is not my favorite book or series of his but I do still quite enjoy it and I would recommend it.

Anthony is just a bit like Asprin with these plays on words, and i think that we'd be safe in saying that this is finally the last we'll see of this series. And a good series it was.

well, I can say I've read the whole series.....and that's the nicest thing I can say about this one.

My first purchase from Amazon.com!