This series is about a science based world that is juxtaposed with a world of magic. The story is interesting enough with good elements of plot and suspense, but other than that I have come to expect much more from the science fiction and fantasy realms. Part of the attraction of these genres is the ability to write a story with little or no rules about the nature of reality, however; ignoring the rules of reason has the unfortunate consequence of producing an unbelievable story with little intellectual appeal. I felt like I was reading a child’s bedtime story (except for the frequent adult themes in the books) because something crazy would pop into the story out of nowhere and then have some sort of lame explanation like “anything is possible ’cause it’s magic!” I have come to appreciate writers like Robert Jordan and Christopher Paolini because of the depth of thought put into how magic works and what the strict guidlines are concerning it. I think these guidlines make for a better story with much more suspense. All in all I would suggest the aforementioned authors before Piers Anthony. They are more appropriate for all age groups and are much stronger writers. I think I can some up this entire experience wth the phrase “watered down”.