The Gutbucket Quest

I loved Piers Anthony's Xanth books (the ones I read, I probably got up to the 10th) so thought I'd try this one. Although Mr. Anthony basically said that he had nothing really to do with the writing, but just proof reading, it still seemed very much his style of writing. As for the story, the premise of a washed out quasi-famous heavy metal musician with a longing love of Blues music being blasted into an alternate dimension seemed interesting, but the story just never really intrigued me. I believe it may have been the protagonist's attitude which I didn't really agree with. Overall I felt it was an okay book, but certainly not one of my faves.

According to the Author Notes, Anthony lent his name to this one to help a down and out author. I'm not sure I buy that. The tone is too much like Anthony's. This book feels like a grown-up Xanth novel. There aren't as many puns, but then the book is written for an older audience and the "mature content" doesn't have to be disguised.

I enjoyed the story and liked the "matter of factness" of the magic. There's no real explanation - it just IS. And, since my husband plays blues guitar (among other styles), I really enjoyed all the musical references. But, no musical knowledge is needed to understand or enjoy this story.

While I was reading this I couldn't help but think that Piers Anthony must have had Jack Black in mind for the lead character. Same body shape, same scruffiness, same passion for power riffs. Is it possible he was thinking of turning this into a movie?