📖 Overview
Another Fine Myth introduces Skeeve, a novice magician in the dimension of Klah who becomes apprenticed to Aahz, a powerless demon from another dimension. The story begins when a summoning ritual goes wrong, leaving the unlikely pair to rely on each other for survival.
The narrative follows Skeeve and Aahz as they travel through different dimensions, encountering assassins and learning about magic. Their journey takes them to the Bazaar on Deva, a trading center populated by master merchants known as Deveels, where they search for ways to stop a powerful magician's plans for multidimensional conquest.
This novel launches the Myth Adventures series by establishing a vast multiverse where "demons" are simply dimensional travelers and magic operates through clear principles. The story combines elements of fantasy, humor, and buddy comedy while exploring themes of mentorship and the complexities of power.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Another Fine Myth as a light, humorous fantasy that doesn't take itself seriously. The book has maintained a loyal following since its 1978 release, particularly among younger readers and those new to fantasy.
Readers appreciate:
- The quick pace and short length
- Pun-filled chapter titles
- The mentor-apprentice relationship between Aahz and Skeeve
- Dimensional travel concepts
- Accessible entry point to fantasy for new readers
Common criticisms:
- Simple plot structure
- Basic character development
- Humor that some find dated or juvenile
- Lack of depth compared to other fantasy series
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (25,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ reviews)
LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Many readers note they discovered the book as teenagers and still return to it for nostalgia. As one Amazon reviewer wrote: "It's fantasy comfort food - not complex but satisfying."
📚 Similar books
The Color of Magic by Sir Terry Pratchett
The bumbling tourist Twoflower and his reluctant wizard guide navigate a fantasy realm filled with magic gone wrong and absurd situations.
Off to Be the Wizard by Scott Meyer A computer programmer discovers reality can be manipulated through a computer file and travels to medieval England to become a wizard.
Magic Kingdom for Sale - SOLD by Terry Brooks A grieving lawyer purchases a magical kingdom through a catalog and must deal with the consequences of ruling a dysfunctional realm.
The Palace Job by Patrick Weekes A thief assembles a crew of misfits to steal a priceless magical artifact from the most secure location in the Republic.
Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez A vampire and a werewolf stop at a small-town diner and end up battling zombies, ghosts, and an adolescent witch who plans to open the gates of hell.
Off to Be the Wizard by Scott Meyer A computer programmer discovers reality can be manipulated through a computer file and travels to medieval England to become a wizard.
Magic Kingdom for Sale - SOLD by Terry Brooks A grieving lawyer purchases a magical kingdom through a catalog and must deal with the consequences of ruling a dysfunctional realm.
The Palace Job by Patrick Weekes A thief assembles a crew of misfits to steal a priceless magical artifact from the most secure location in the Republic.
Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez A vampire and a werewolf stop at a small-town diner and end up battling zombies, ghosts, and an adolescent witch who plans to open the gates of hell.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔮 The word "Aahz" was inspired by the Wizard of Oz, with Asprin playing on the pronunciation of "Oz" while creating his demon character's name.
📚 Robert Lynn Asprin began writing the Myth series while working as a corporate executive, using his business experiences to influence the series' depiction of commerce and negotiation.
🌍 The Bazaar on Deva, a major setting in the book, was inspired by real-world marketplaces like Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and medieval trading posts.
🎭 Each chapter opens with a humorous quote, a signature style that continued throughout the entire series and influenced other fantasy authors.
🤝 The series spawned a successful collaboration with Jody Lynn Nye, who co-authored later books and continued the series after Asprin's passing in 2008.