Night Mare

The magical land of Xanth faces an unprecedented crisis as barbarian hordes, the Nextwave, invade from the north, laying waste to everything in their path. Yet, the fate of Xanth seems to hinge on an unlikely savior: Mare Imbrium, a night mare whose life has taken an unexpected turn. Since gaining a half-soul, Mare's once-flawless ability to deliver bad dreams has faltered, leading to her dismissal by the formidable Night Stallion. Exiled to the day world, she carries a cryptic warning for King Trent: 'Beware the Horseman!'—a prophecy whose meaning eludes her until she confronts its very embodiment. The Horseman, far from a distant threat, proves to be a master of 'bit and spur,' challenging Mare's autonomy and plunging her into a deeply personal nightmare even as Xanth teeters on the brink of destruction. This installment blends Piers Anthony's signature humor and pun-filled narrative with a compelling tale of self-discovery, destiny, and the struggle against forces both external and internal.