THE WILLING SPIRIT

New collaboration from Anthony (Yon Ill Wind, p. 1110) and Tella (Sundered Soul, not reviewed)—though the latter "did most of the work." In a fantasy India, the young, naive Brahmin Ilari sets off on a pilgrimage in search of true wisdom. Meanwhile, the beautiful lesser goddess Mohini and the hideous demon Ravana are engaged in their own contest of wills, and Hari unwittingly becomes a pawn in their game. To win, according to the rules they've agreed upon, Mohini, using only indirect means, must help Hari accomplish the seduction of seven different women. After every seduction, Ravana, again indirectly, will attempt to arrange Hari's demise. So, will honorable, well-favored, quick-witted, and forever innocent Hari succeed in his pleasant task before Ravana's machinations bring about his downfall? The details don't matter: This is a lighthearted, agreeably diverting yarn, duly respectful of India's cultures and customs. Something like a thinking reader's Xanth—without that series' more ludicrous scenarios or tedious, relentless puns.