In the second novel of the series, Jason Striker runs afoul of the black karate mistress Ilunga and a deadly drug conspiracy. These are fast-moving and violent stories, without ignoring human values.

Piers Anthony is one of the world's most popular fantasy writers, and a New York Times-bestselling author twenty-one times over. His Xanth novels have been read and loved by millions of readers around the world, and he daily receives hundreds of letters from his devoted fans. In addition to the Xanth series, Anthony is the author of many other bestselling works. He lives in Inverness, Florida.