210 Pages PB (Fantasy Fiction)
This is the first in a series of books that all involve a world called Discworld. It is a disk floating though space on the back of four enormous elephants. These in turn are standing on the shell of an even bigger turtle. Pratchett takes the fantasy genre and turns it on its ear for a humorous and fun ride.
Rincewind is a pretty unfortunate wizard. In fact, he isn’t much of a wizard at all. In fact, in fact, he only knows one spell. And he can’t use it. Most likely it would destroy the world. He isn’t sure. Death is on his tail, but he is doing everything he can do avoid the appointment.
Twoflower is a tourist from the other side of the disc. Luckily for him gold is very easy to come by where he comes from. What he considers a normal tip for a small service is enough to keep a family happy for many years. He has a set of Luggage. This Luggage is a fantastic magical device that will protect and follow its owner anywhere.
Twoflower offers to hire Rincewind as a guide. Unfortunately, the city is soon consumed by a terrible fire. This sends the two into the wild country side of Discworld.
The book is broken into 4 chapters that cover the length of their journeys. Each one has its own story, but involves the same main characters. Rincewind and Twoflower find themselves in the tomb of a forgotten god, fight in an upside down mountain where dragons are made with a thought and find themselves captured by water fearing wizards when they thought they were about to fall off the edge of the world.
Pratchett has an entertaining way of writing. He uses plays on words and unexpectedly spins “traditional” fantasy so that it is very engaging. Since the world is filled with magic many impossible things are easily done and he uses it in a creative and humorous way.
I found myself laughing at parts, but the book wasn’t so silly as to turn a reader off. This leads to having a lighthearted feel. The book is also very fast paced. The “heroes” are swept from here to there encountering all types of strange people and fantastic places.
2 Intellectual/Emotional: The books focus is to have fun in a magical world. It really doesn’t get too deep.
5 Style/Readability: This is where this book shines. Pratchett’s humor reminds me of Douglas Adams, but has his own style and it is filled with creative ideas that you won’t expect. It is also an extremely easy read.
3 Long Term: It was printed over 25 years ago. I have heard about him for many years and sadly hadn’t read him until now. I sure this book and series will be popular for some time. I certainly intend to read more.
10 out of 13
I feel having a large background in fantasy reading made this even more enjoyable. It takes your view of what is possible in a “Magic Place” and makes fun of it. I think most readers would find this a quick and fun book, but fantasy fans would have even more to enjoy.
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