An ogre with a talent for protest must stop the destruction of an untouched paradise in the New York Times-bestselling author's fantasy adventure. Esk is part ogre, part nymph, and all attitude. He has a magical talent for protest-when he says "No!" people don't just listen, they literally stop in their tracks. But even his abilities haven't been enough to thwart a seductive demoness. When Esk sets out on a pilgrimage to get help from the Good Magician Humphrey, he discovers that he will be going much further... on an unexpected mission of mercy. A greedy demon horde has descended on a running river paradise and its harmless inhabitants. Now it is up to Esk and his companions-a beautiful winged centaur named Chex and a brave burrower Called Volney-to search Xanth's treacherous reaches, gather together a mind-boggling company of creatures, and defend the precious Vale of the Vole.

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 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.