Roc and a Hard Place

Infobox Book |
name = Roc and a Hard Place


image_caption =
author = Piers Anthony
country = United States
language = English
cover_artist = Darrell K. Sweet Carol Russo Design
genre = Fantasy novel
publisher = TOR Books
release_date = October 1995
media_type = Print (Hardcover and Paperback)
pages = 312 pp (hardcover 1st ed.)
isbn = ISBN 0312853920
preceded_by = Geis of the Gargoyle
followed_by = Yon Ill Wind

"Roc and a Hard Place" is the nineteenth book of the Xanth series by Piers Anthony.

Official Back Cover Plot Introduction

Seeking a solution to a perplexing personal problem, the delectable Demoness Metria asks for help from the wise Magician Humfrey. But before he will help her, she must perform a perilous mission: Rove the length and breadth of Xanth in search of a suitable jury for the trial of Roxanne Roc - a notably noble and virtuous bird charged with a most improbable offense.
Exciting, exhilarating, and brimming with hilarious high jinks, "Roc and a Hard Place" is Xanth at its most enchanting.

More Detailed Plot introduction

One year after the events of Geis of the Gargoyle, Demoness Metria, whilst making her husband Veleno deliriously happy, finds that the stork will not acknowledge her summons. Seeking to summon the stork, Metria (and her worser half, D. Mentia) are sent on a quest by the Good Magician Humphrey. Metria is then given a task by the Simurgh: Deliver a bag's worth of summons to their respective citizens of Xanth in order to hold a trial for Roxanne Roc. All that remains is to find out why Roxanne Roc is being held trial as Metria meets with many old Xanth characters, Grundy Golem, Sorceress Iris, Magician Trent, Gray Murphy, Jordan the Barbarian, Desiree Dryad, and many more!

Plot summary

Characters in "Roc and a Hard Place"

Demoness Metria Veleno Demoness Mentia Good Magician Humphrey Surprise Grundy Golem Rapunzel Magician Trent Sorceress Iris Re Roxanne Roc Simurgh Desiree Dryad Threnody Gray Murphy Jordan the Barbarian Billy Jack Professor Grossclout Dug Kim Jenny Elf and Sammy Cat Arnolde Centaur Princess Nada Naga Prince D. Vore Gweny Goblin Che Centaur