This is the 42nd book in the Xanth series and it follows the familiar formula that fans of this pun filled fantasy realm have come to know and love. The novel recounts the adventure of Lydell and Grania, who go by Dell and Nia respectively. Dell is old and Nia is young, but the two are similar in that they are mutually cursed with a case of compulsive honesty. After visiting the Good Magician Humfrey they are tasked with sailing a fire boat on a quest that will take them all across fantastical Xanth.I recently revisited some of Anthony's earlier work with my children and found the experience quite interesting. He's often accused of having old fashioned ideas, but I've always felt that there is an underlying kindness in his stories. I believe the pairing of a young male and an older female protagonist in 'Fire Sail' is a response to some of the criticisms that have been leveled against him, and it signals that the the criticisms have been heard. You can ask no more of an individual than to evolve with the times.The depressing thing about criticism is that people will always be able to find cause for it whether it's warranted or not. For example, in the early chapters of 'Fire Sail' Nia lectures Dell on the importance of loving others for their personality and not their appearance. I believe these chapters contain a good message that is of great social benefit. However, it's possible critics of Anthony could accuse him of suggesting that beautiful people are unintelligent or superficial. The point is that if people want to find something to criticize, they will do so. For my part, I believe this story is a sincere effort to convey a noble theme. Sometimes, however, Anthony does seem to engage in a little mischief.If this is your first Xanth novel, you will undoubtedly be delighted by one of the most wonderful and joyous realms in all of fantasy. I recently read the original Oz books by Baum, and I feel Anthony's work is a continuation of that kind of fun filled fantasy tradition. In Xanth, every character has a magic talent, pants grow on trees, and mythical creatures are abundant to cause problems at every turn. Coming back to Xanth is like coming back home. If you're new to Xanth, this book contains the strong friendships, romance, and life advice that is sure to make you happy.