Myth-Ing Persons / Little Myth Marker (2-In-1) [Paperback]

Robert Asprin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Myth 2-in-1 | Publication Date: June 25, 2002

Ace Books is reissuing the entire Myth series in these special-value, 2-in-1 collections.

The third omnibus edition follows bumbling magician's apprentice Skeeve into 1.) an alternate dimension and 2.) an alternate poker game.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Ace (June 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441009530
• ISBN-13: 978-0441009534
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 0.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Are two in one better than one?, March 5, 2006

By 

Naor Wallach (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Myth-Ing Persons / Little Myth Marker (2-In-1) (Paperback)

Ace Fantasy has packaged the MYTH series as collections of volumes where they package two of the stories in one book cover. In this particular instance this does not work at all as the two stories are so completely different and dissimilar that one wonders why they did it. The reason, of course, is that these two volumes happened to fall one after the other chronologically and so they ended up sharing the same cover.

The first book "Mything Persons" is classic Aahz and Skeeve. The zany story line has Aahz trying to apprehend some fugitives by cold cocking Skeeve and bursting into a world populated by vampires and werewolves. When he does not return, the rest of the gang goes in to rescue him and the normal mayhem ensues. Of course, the ending is typical with much hilarity and absolutely nonsensical events happening to end well. We are treated to all of the characters that have been following Skeeve in the past few books and get to meet some from the very first book who come back in a way that promises that they will become bigger parts in the future.

The second story is completely different. This one is really a serious reflective novel on the growth paths that adults take. At one time or another Skeeve, Aahz, Tananda, Massha, and Nunzion all reflect on what it means to grow up and how adults should behave towards one another. While there is a thin plot involving a preposterously complex card game and a character assassin hired to bring Skeeve down a notch, this is not in the same league as the previous five volumes. The humor is almost completely absent in a book that is turning rather serious. Even when the author tries to liven things up by introducing a bimbo companion to Skeeve by the name of Bunny, we find out that she is really a smart accountant who puts on the sex kitten act as a defensive mechanism!

So, if you are looking for vintage Asprin, the first volume will be to your liking while the second will drive you batty! I am wondering how the rest of the series shapes up as the second story here suggests a major departure from the norm and a completely different direction for the series to go in.

I will read the next volume (two-in-one set) just to see how it goes. I suggest you come along to, as the journet might be fun, or might be serious....

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This is where the series really gets tired, December 4, 2002

By 

Gavin S. Richmond (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Myth-Ing Persons / Little Myth Marker (2-In-1) (Paperback)

I read these books about 15 years ago in high school and recently picked them up looking for some light reading. The first two volumes of double Myth tales were enjoyable enough, but by the time I got to this collection, Asprin's style of writing was beginning to grow somewhat annoying. He goes way overboard providing explanation for the characters attitude and motivation and turns them all into well mannered polite caring do-gooders who never break a promise and always turn their enemies into new best friends. It gets old really quick.

Another major problem with the books at this point is the fact that it takes so long to establish the plot and to rope in all the supporting characters that the resolutioins seem anti-climactic at best. The second book in this collection is a bad offender in this respect as most of the book is spent with no action taking place and lots and lots of boring exposition on why everyone is so good at giving advice and helping to be a good team member. Also, the big mystery character is pretty non-mysterious and I saw the outcome of the thin plot coming a mile away.

All in all, I can't say I recommend this collection of Myth stories unless you really really really enjoyed the first two. I won't be picking up the latter installations unless I really can't find anything else to read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff, September 4, 2010

By 

Twilightfan2010 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Myth-Ing Persons / Little Myth Marker (2-In-1) (Paperback)

Okay, call me hokey, but I love the Myth series. These two books are very enjoyable, and I read them in a single day. Next, I'm onto Myth-Adventures 2! That one is about inches thick, so probably take more than a day. These are really fun stories if you like the fantasy realm.