Another Fine Myth

Another Fine Myth; Robert Asprin (part of Myth Adventures, Volume One) (Meisha Merlin; 2006; ISBN 1-59222-111-4; cover by Phil Foglio).

Just about the same time that I learned the sad news that Robert Asprin had passed away, I was finishing up this book. Meisha Merlin had put out two omnibus editions (this one is made up of Another Fine Myth, Myth Conceptions, Myth Directions, Hit or Myth, Myth-ing Persons and Little Myth Marker); shortly afterwards, Meisha Merlin went under. What is it with small publishers and this series? It's a curse, I tell you...

The first volume is the tale of Skeeve, an apprentice magician and Aahz, a demon. Skeeve's teacher summons Aahz to impress Skeeve, but not only ends up dead but has a hand in Aahz losing his powers. Toss in a baby dragon, a demon hunter, a beautiful assassin, various sidekicks, a war unicorn, dimensional travel...and another magician who is trying to take things over. Lots of puns, lots of verbal jokes in names, each chapter is headed by a quote allegedly made by folks ranging from Hamlet to Bruce Lee to Laurel and Hardy and others.

Due to various unfortunate events (failing publishers, books going out of print, troubles with the IRS), this series never gained the widespread reputation that it should have. Sure we have Rowling. We have Pratchett. But the name of Asprin should have been as widely known. The books are a hoot 'n' a holler. They're fun. They're a riot. Seek them out.