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Discworld #2
肖邪薪褌邪褋褌懈褔薪邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪
袛懈褋泻褗褌 褋械 锌褉懈斜谢懈卸邪胁邪 泻褗屑 屑芯卸械 斜懈 薪械懈蟹斜械卸械薪 褋斜谢褗褋褗泻 褋褗褋 蟹谢芯泻芯斜薪邪 褔械褉胁械薪邪 蟹胁械蟹写邪 懈 褋邪屑芯 械写懈薪 褔芯胁械泻 屑芯卸械 写邪 谐芯 褋锌邪褋懈.
袧芯 蟹邪 薪械褖邪褋褌懈械 褌芯胁邪 械 袪懈薪褋褍懈薪写. 袧邪泄-薪械褋泻芯锌芯褋邪薪懈褟褌 懈 褋褌褉邪褏谢懈胁 屑邪谐褜芯褋薪懈泻 蟹邪 锌芯褋谢械写械薪 锌褗褌 械 斜懈谢 蟹邪斜械谢褟蟹邪薪 胁 屑芯屑械薪褌邪 薪邪 锌邪写邪薪械褌芯 褋懈 芯褌 褉褗斜邪 薪邪 袛懈褋泻邪鈥�
袧芯 蟹邪 薪械褖邪褋褌懈械 褌芯胁邪 械 袪懈薪褋褍懈薪写. 袧邪泄-薪械褋泻芯锌芯褋邪薪懈褟褌 懈 褋褌褉邪褏谢懈胁 屑邪谐褜芯褋薪懈泻 蟹邪 锌芯褋谢械写械薪 锌褗褌 械 斜懈谢 蟹邪斜械谢褟蟹邪薪 胁 屑芯屑械薪褌邪 薪邪 锌邪写邪薪械褌芯 褋懈 芯褌 褉褗斜邪 薪邪 袛懈褋泻邪鈥�
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 1986
4,774 people are currently reading
35.5k people want to read
About the author
Terry Pratchett
626听books45k听followersSir Terence David John Pratchett was an English author, humorist, and satirist, best known for the Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels published between 1983鈥�2015, and for the apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens (1990), which he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,004 reviews
August 22, 2024
Reading Sir Terry Pratchett鈥檚 Discworld series makes me smile. Because of his writing I invented the "Smile-O-meter" which measures smiles per book. Pratchett always scores high.
Three years after Terry Pratchett published , the first Discworld book, he published the second, The Light Fantastic, having decided convincingly that this was a worthwhile project.
Though the action in The Light Fantastic takes over immediately following the events in the first book, Rincewind has fallen off of the edge of the world, this novel seems to gather momentum from a good but somewhat shaky start and proceed with a comic authority. While The Colour of Magic could have been a funny stand alone, Pratchett鈥檚 entry with The Light Fantastic seems to usher in a certainty that the Discworld as a multiverse, as a literary institution, has begun and with no end in sight.
Actually, I suppose he could have written a third, making the obligatory trilogy and then moving on to something else, but Pratchett wraps up his story tidily and leaves the fertile soil of Discworld as a fun idea from which more books can be written. (There are over 50 works in publication, and the series is a phenomenon with over 80 million novels sold and in 37 languages. Pratchett himself was knighted in 2009).
So what is all the fuss about? Our heroes Rincewind and Twoflower go on an adventure to save the world, or try to, or accidentally end up in all the right places, or something.
The real hero of the novel, and of the series, is Pratchett himself. It is his narration that amuses, cajoles, and encourages laughter and that keeps the reader鈥檚 attention. Playfully, and with wry English humor, Pratchett weaves a fun fantasy story with references to Biblical, classical, and mythical themes as well as modern subjects like Conan the Barbarian.
It is simply, a lot of fun.
*** 2024 reread -
In my earlier review I noted how Pratchett seemed to hit his stride and I noticed that again here. The Colour of Magic was the first Discworld book, but I think that the Discworld series began here.
We get to spend time with Rincewind, Death, Ysabell, the Librarian and Cohen the Barbarian and the what is best in life scene, lifted from the Schwarzenegger film was hilarious. There鈥檚 also druids and gnomes and if Nac Mac Feegles are just one kind of gnome, then a mention in the second book would make them some of the earliest Discworld characters.
An examination of the character of TwoFlower is also intriguing in that Pratchett uses him as a tourist to introduce us to the Discworld while also providing satire of wealth as voyeurism.
Rincewind as a survivor also made me consider another connection with Piers Anthony鈥檚 Xanth as Bink from that series is a similar character.
I鈥檓 rereading all of these, too much fun.
Three years after Terry Pratchett published , the first Discworld book, he published the second, The Light Fantastic, having decided convincingly that this was a worthwhile project.
Though the action in The Light Fantastic takes over immediately following the events in the first book, Rincewind has fallen off of the edge of the world, this novel seems to gather momentum from a good but somewhat shaky start and proceed with a comic authority. While The Colour of Magic could have been a funny stand alone, Pratchett鈥檚 entry with The Light Fantastic seems to usher in a certainty that the Discworld as a multiverse, as a literary institution, has begun and with no end in sight.
Actually, I suppose he could have written a third, making the obligatory trilogy and then moving on to something else, but Pratchett wraps up his story tidily and leaves the fertile soil of Discworld as a fun idea from which more books can be written. (There are over 50 works in publication, and the series is a phenomenon with over 80 million novels sold and in 37 languages. Pratchett himself was knighted in 2009).
So what is all the fuss about? Our heroes Rincewind and Twoflower go on an adventure to save the world, or try to, or accidentally end up in all the right places, or something.
The real hero of the novel, and of the series, is Pratchett himself. It is his narration that amuses, cajoles, and encourages laughter and that keeps the reader鈥檚 attention. Playfully, and with wry English humor, Pratchett weaves a fun fantasy story with references to Biblical, classical, and mythical themes as well as modern subjects like Conan the Barbarian.
It is simply, a lot of fun.
*** 2024 reread -
In my earlier review I noted how Pratchett seemed to hit his stride and I noticed that again here. The Colour of Magic was the first Discworld book, but I think that the Discworld series began here.
We get to spend time with Rincewind, Death, Ysabell, the Librarian and Cohen the Barbarian and the what is best in life scene, lifted from the Schwarzenegger film was hilarious. There鈥檚 also druids and gnomes and if Nac Mac Feegles are just one kind of gnome, then a mention in the second book would make them some of the earliest Discworld characters.
An examination of the character of TwoFlower is also intriguing in that Pratchett uses him as a tourist to introduce us to the Discworld while also providing satire of wealth as voyeurism.
Rincewind as a survivor also made me consider another connection with Piers Anthony鈥檚 Xanth as Bink from that series is a similar character.
I鈥檓 rereading all of these, too much fun.
May 17, 2020
Some timid, rare Sci-Fi buds spring in the, unofficially second half, of the tour de force introduction into the settings of the Discworld, including multi dimensions, human sacrifice, possession, lynch mobs, and the apocalypse.
I do tend to ask myself how it would have been if Pratchett would have dealt with more sci-fi concepts instead of focusing on fantasy and society, and the whole multi dimension idea gives a tiny glimpse at what could have been. I麓ll keep waiting for an author who might combine the stellar writing with cosmic ideas to form galactic novels of universal dimensions, but, realist that I am, I fear it might not be in my lifetime, if ever. Pratchett was an ingenious, exceptional phenomenon and possibly groups of writers could collaboratively create something close to it with the help of the audience and proofreaders participating in the process, but one woman/man alone? Forget it.
There have been many variations of the unwilling, tentative, comedic hero, but someone like Rincewind has to be topped, as Pratchett is able to awake sympathy for a disagreeable, incompetent, and manipulative wanna be fringe pop wizard. One can麓t get enough of seeing which terrible, earthshaking problem he might cause next without even recognizing.
Magic can go so many ways and Pratchett doesn麓t just make fun of the stereotypes, he gives some new, fresh ideas to the mix I can麓t mention without spoilering and I am too lazy to copy and paste the formatting template.
And here comes the DEATH. I don麓t know how many personifications of evanescence might have been inspired by this skinny buddy, but hardly someone came closer to demonstrate the importance of carpe diem than this human studying manifestation of the not so grim reaper with time management issues.
World domination, ultimate power, and invincibility are as ridiculous as popular, but Pratchett gives the setting a new special taste by satirizing it with the allegedly mundane hurdles towards entity status that hide the key to the destruction of the maniac.
Rincewind gets a bit insane in the membrane, although it麓s difficult to see the difference, very alternative physics change some parts of the fictional reality, and after finishing, the reader is ready to enter the Discworld with more or less profound knowledge about why what is happening when. Just joking, reading Pratchett is never done in one sitting, next to the mandatory rereading passages to relaugh, the ideas keep rotating in ones麓 mind, characters and scenes coming to life without even asking, as hardly seen or felt before after finishing other reads.
It麓s impressing how Pratchett managed to establish many of the settings and characters in the hero麓s journey of his first two novels and the style of just showing some places, presenting the inhabitants, harvesting some laughs, planting McGuffins麓and Chekhovs麓for the further parts, and continuing the introduction trip without looking back is something modern fantasy is not used to anymore. Today there are more fast cuts between perspectives, always cliffhangery, well plotted, suspenseful, retrospectives,鈥� in modern writing that is far less exhausting to read and difficult to follow than this classic series, one of the reasons some might find Pratchett hard to read.
I don麓t know if there are many people who may be able to find all the innuendos, connotations, and subtilities hidden in the Discworld, as one would have to have immense knowledge about so many different fields to fully enjoy each treasure hidden by this literary prodigy.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
I do tend to ask myself how it would have been if Pratchett would have dealt with more sci-fi concepts instead of focusing on fantasy and society, and the whole multi dimension idea gives a tiny glimpse at what could have been. I麓ll keep waiting for an author who might combine the stellar writing with cosmic ideas to form galactic novels of universal dimensions, but, realist that I am, I fear it might not be in my lifetime, if ever. Pratchett was an ingenious, exceptional phenomenon and possibly groups of writers could collaboratively create something close to it with the help of the audience and proofreaders participating in the process, but one woman/man alone? Forget it.
There have been many variations of the unwilling, tentative, comedic hero, but someone like Rincewind has to be topped, as Pratchett is able to awake sympathy for a disagreeable, incompetent, and manipulative wanna be fringe pop wizard. One can麓t get enough of seeing which terrible, earthshaking problem he might cause next without even recognizing.
Magic can go so many ways and Pratchett doesn麓t just make fun of the stereotypes, he gives some new, fresh ideas to the mix I can麓t mention without spoilering and I am too lazy to copy and paste the formatting template.
And here comes the DEATH. I don麓t know how many personifications of evanescence might have been inspired by this skinny buddy, but hardly someone came closer to demonstrate the importance of carpe diem than this human studying manifestation of the not so grim reaper with time management issues.
World domination, ultimate power, and invincibility are as ridiculous as popular, but Pratchett gives the setting a new special taste by satirizing it with the allegedly mundane hurdles towards entity status that hide the key to the destruction of the maniac.
Rincewind gets a bit insane in the membrane, although it麓s difficult to see the difference, very alternative physics change some parts of the fictional reality, and after finishing, the reader is ready to enter the Discworld with more or less profound knowledge about why what is happening when. Just joking, reading Pratchett is never done in one sitting, next to the mandatory rereading passages to relaugh, the ideas keep rotating in ones麓 mind, characters and scenes coming to life without even asking, as hardly seen or felt before after finishing other reads.
It麓s impressing how Pratchett managed to establish many of the settings and characters in the hero麓s journey of his first two novels and the style of just showing some places, presenting the inhabitants, harvesting some laughs, planting McGuffins麓and Chekhovs麓for the further parts, and continuing the introduction trip without looking back is something modern fantasy is not used to anymore. Today there are more fast cuts between perspectives, always cliffhangery, well plotted, suspenseful, retrospectives,鈥� in modern writing that is far less exhausting to read and difficult to follow than this classic series, one of the reasons some might find Pratchett hard to read.
I don麓t know if there are many people who may be able to find all the innuendos, connotations, and subtilities hidden in the Discworld, as one would have to have immense knowledge about so many different fields to fully enjoy each treasure hidden by this literary prodigy.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
December 8, 2020
Buddy read with my lovely friend, Choko 馃槝
Omg! We had so much fun with this book!! I loved it so much!! Me and Choko plan on reading them all and I鈥檓 just thrilled! These characters crack me up and I love them!!
Mel 馃枻馃惗馃惡馃惥
Omg! We had so much fun with this book!! I loved it so much!! Me and Choko plan on reading them all and I鈥檓 just thrilled! These characters crack me up and I love them!!
Mel 馃枻馃惗馃惡馃惥
April 18, 2022
3.5 stars. A step up from the first Discworld book, but doesn't deliver like books later in the series
This really does feel like the first Discworld book, because the first one seemed like a totally different thing given the episodic nature of it. This one follows a single arc like the rest of the books, and was overall a more enjoyable experience. The story is entertaining, and the characters feel fresh and unique for this genre.
I wouldn't recommend this book to someone however to start out the series given that there are much better Discworld books to be read, however this is a solid read if you are already hooked on the series.
This really does feel like the first Discworld book, because the first one seemed like a totally different thing given the episodic nature of it. This one follows a single arc like the rest of the books, and was overall a more enjoyable experience. The story is entertaining, and the characters feel fresh and unique for this genre.
I wouldn't recommend this book to someone however to start out the series given that there are much better Discworld books to be read, however this is a solid read if you are already hooked on the series.
February 24, 2024
Series Buddy read 2024/25
Well it is 5 years since I last read this and it was just as much fun again.
This is a buddy read with Trish, who is probably the biggest Discworld fan I know. And a lot faster reader than I am, or at least reads more than I do. Well the upshot is, that I am already a couple of books behind. However as Trish says it isn't a competition, and I will bimble along behind her like the luggage.
I have tried twice to read all the Discworld novels, and never managed it for various reasons, so I am hoping with the unflagging support of Trish, that I will this time get to the end of the series. Looking forward to it !!
Ad hoc part series read 2019
Review to follow tomorrow, but tell me why have I waited so long to re-read the Discworld books. 馃槩馃槼
And the honest answer is, well for a while I didn't have a copy of any Discworld novel, due to the fact that (as I think I've mentioned before (oh no am I getting so old I'm repeating myself ?) ) I lost so so so many books in one of my house moves, Discworld novels amongst them. And then somehow I forgot just how good the books were.
So The Light Fantastic picks up where The Colour of Magic left off and we find Rincwind, Twoflower and the Luggage in a precarious (as normal) situation. In my view this is better than Colour of Magic in that it is less a series of quite disjointed stories and more a whole novel. We meet various other characters that help/hinder/attack/welcome our intrepid trio as well as separating them and ultimately bringing it all back together for an amazing finale. A great book that showcases the amazing talent that Terry Pratchett had .
A more than solid 5 star read and already a favourite of 2019.
Well it is 5 years since I last read this and it was just as much fun again.
This is a buddy read with Trish, who is probably the biggest Discworld fan I know. And a lot faster reader than I am, or at least reads more than I do. Well the upshot is, that I am already a couple of books behind. However as Trish says it isn't a competition, and I will bimble along behind her like the luggage.
I have tried twice to read all the Discworld novels, and never managed it for various reasons, so I am hoping with the unflagging support of Trish, that I will this time get to the end of the series. Looking forward to it !!
Ad hoc part series read 2019
Review to follow tomorrow, but tell me why have I waited so long to re-read the Discworld books. 馃槩馃槼
And the honest answer is, well for a while I didn't have a copy of any Discworld novel, due to the fact that (as I think I've mentioned before (oh no am I getting so old I'm repeating myself ?) ) I lost so so so many books in one of my house moves, Discworld novels amongst them. And then somehow I forgot just how good the books were.
So The Light Fantastic picks up where The Colour of Magic left off and we find Rincwind, Twoflower and the Luggage in a precarious (as normal) situation. In my view this is better than Colour of Magic in that it is less a series of quite disjointed stories and more a whole novel. We meet various other characters that help/hinder/attack/welcome our intrepid trio as well as separating them and ultimately bringing it all back together for an amazing finale. A great book that showcases the amazing talent that Terry Pratchett had .
A more than solid 5 star read and already a favourite of 2019.
January 26, 2024
Re-Read 1/25/24:
It always seems to get better with every read.
It's not only comforting to almost die 28... or wait, 29 times(?) but also a joy to be swallowed by your luggage.
And yet, this is not nearly anything like the complete happiness of reading Pratchett.
What a grand, magical adventure. With babies.
Original Review:
Re-read with buddies!
I'm still very much enjoying these early Pratchett books, especially in mind that I'll be seeing a *lot* more of these folks in the near future. And even if I'll mainly be focused on folks I haven't seen yet, anyway, I'm still enjoying what may as well be an overview primer of the whole Discworld universe.
That being said, I think Rincewind is given a bad rap in the series. I love the hell out of him. He's the ultimate bumbling idiot under the geas of a penultimate Eighth Spell, the casting of which will make or destroy the universe or something, and the making and breaking is ultimately left up only to him.
And he's a wizard with a hat that says "wizzard" on it. You know... to make sure people understand that he's actually one of their kind. :) I particularly loved the bits with the floating rocks and the computers of the universe and the dungeon universes and, of course, Cohen the Barbarian.
It's funny, it's BIG, and we even get to see the tourism industry take off in a really big way, even going so far as to have the very first tourist play a big part in a very special birth. Aww... So sweet! :)
Plotwise, I think it's well up to the standards of the rest of the series and while Rincewind falls away in people's favor, *cry* He'll always have a very special place in my heart.
And by the way, that sword is definitely smarter than him. Oh well!
Great fun! Even better the second time!
It always seems to get better with every read.
It's not only comforting to almost die 28... or wait, 29 times(?) but also a joy to be swallowed by your luggage.
And yet, this is not nearly anything like the complete happiness of reading Pratchett.
What a grand, magical adventure. With babies.
Original Review:
Re-read with buddies!
I'm still very much enjoying these early Pratchett books, especially in mind that I'll be seeing a *lot* more of these folks in the near future. And even if I'll mainly be focused on folks I haven't seen yet, anyway, I'm still enjoying what may as well be an overview primer of the whole Discworld universe.
That being said, I think Rincewind is given a bad rap in the series. I love the hell out of him. He's the ultimate bumbling idiot under the geas of a penultimate Eighth Spell, the casting of which will make or destroy the universe or something, and the making and breaking is ultimately left up only to him.
And he's a wizard with a hat that says "wizzard" on it. You know... to make sure people understand that he's actually one of their kind. :) I particularly loved the bits with the floating rocks and the computers of the universe and the dungeon universes and, of course, Cohen the Barbarian.
It's funny, it's BIG, and we even get to see the tourism industry take off in a really big way, even going so far as to have the very first tourist play a big part in a very special birth. Aww... So sweet! :)
Plotwise, I think it's well up to the standards of the rest of the series and while Rincewind falls away in people's favor, *cry* He'll always have a very special place in my heart.
And by the way, that sword is definitely smarter than him. Oh well!
Great fun! Even better the second time!
February 26, 2021
鈥淭he sun rose slowly as if it wasn鈥檛 sure it was worth all the effort.鈥�
If you follow my reviews, you already know that I鈥檓 a sucker for English humor. I adore the sarcasm, wit, innuendo, and self-depreciation that the English apply with such skill. And the very English Sir Terry Pratchett is inventive, irreverent, ingenious, and imaginative as indicated! Before I read my first Pratchett novel, I did a little research. The advice I found was to start with 鈥淕uards, Guards,鈥� followed by 鈥淭he Light Fantastic鈥�, and then 鈥淪oul Music鈥�. I now wish I had just started with 鈥淭he Color of Magic鈥� and then just continued in order. You don鈥檛 have to, the books work standalone, but I think you鈥檒l miss out on some subtleties if you jump around. Anyway, although 鈥淕uards, Guards!鈥� is often held to be the best of Discworld (and I did love it), I enjoyed 鈥淭he Light Fantastic鈥� even more.
鈥淚t looked like the sort of book described in library catalogues as 'slightly foxed', although it would be more honest to admit that it looked as though it had been badgered, wolved and possibly beared as well.鈥�
This book follows an inept wizard, Rincewind and an array of traveling companions, Twoflower 鈥� a na茂ve tourist, the luggage 鈥� a loyal, murderous suitcase with a set of centipede-like legs, and an elderly and toothless Conan the Barbarian. Chased by wizards and then spurred on by a looming apocalypse, the story ambles though a series of odd and hilarious locations such as a gingerbread house, a stone computer, a trans dimensional store, and ultimately climaxing at the Unseen University in the fabled town of Ankh-Morpork. The tale is fun and unpredictable, but the real joy is the continuous onslaught of humor. Pratchett is relentless and packs in more jokes, puns, and anecdotes in a chapter, than most comedic authors cover in an entire novel.
鈥淭he Luggage said nothing, but louder this time.鈥�
Five zany stars for this fantastic romp though the twisted imagination of Sir Terry Pratchett that made me smirk, giggle, snicker, and right larf out loud from Page 1 to 鈥楾he End!"
If you follow my reviews, you already know that I鈥檓 a sucker for English humor. I adore the sarcasm, wit, innuendo, and self-depreciation that the English apply with such skill. And the very English Sir Terry Pratchett is inventive, irreverent, ingenious, and imaginative as indicated! Before I read my first Pratchett novel, I did a little research. The advice I found was to start with 鈥淕uards, Guards,鈥� followed by 鈥淭he Light Fantastic鈥�, and then 鈥淪oul Music鈥�. I now wish I had just started with 鈥淭he Color of Magic鈥� and then just continued in order. You don鈥檛 have to, the books work standalone, but I think you鈥檒l miss out on some subtleties if you jump around. Anyway, although 鈥淕uards, Guards!鈥� is often held to be the best of Discworld (and I did love it), I enjoyed 鈥淭he Light Fantastic鈥� even more.
鈥淚t looked like the sort of book described in library catalogues as 'slightly foxed', although it would be more honest to admit that it looked as though it had been badgered, wolved and possibly beared as well.鈥�
This book follows an inept wizard, Rincewind and an array of traveling companions, Twoflower 鈥� a na茂ve tourist, the luggage 鈥� a loyal, murderous suitcase with a set of centipede-like legs, and an elderly and toothless Conan the Barbarian. Chased by wizards and then spurred on by a looming apocalypse, the story ambles though a series of odd and hilarious locations such as a gingerbread house, a stone computer, a trans dimensional store, and ultimately climaxing at the Unseen University in the fabled town of Ankh-Morpork. The tale is fun and unpredictable, but the real joy is the continuous onslaught of humor. Pratchett is relentless and packs in more jokes, puns, and anecdotes in a chapter, than most comedic authors cover in an entire novel.
鈥淭he Luggage said nothing, but louder this time.鈥�
Five zany stars for this fantastic romp though the twisted imagination of Sir Terry Pratchett that made me smirk, giggle, snicker, and right larf out loud from Page 1 to 鈥楾he End!"
May 17, 2017
I adore Terry Pratchett. I don't know how to elaborate on that so I'll just share some of my favorite moments in Light Fantastic.
Snarky social commentary:
General humor:
The lamest pun ever:
The Luggage remains my favorite:
I might briefly have shipped Rincewind and Twoflower in this moment:
Snarky social commentary:
She is there, down below the mines and sea ooze and fake fossil bones put there by a Creator with nothing better to do than upset archaeologists and give them silly ideas.
Not for the first time she reflected that there were many drawbacks to being a swordswoman, not the least of which was that men didn't take you seriously until you'd actually killed them, by which time it didn't really matter anyway. (...) But she was too big to be a thief, too honest to be an assassin, too intelligent to be a wife, and too proud to enter the only other female profession generally available.
General humor:
Someone who spent his life living rough under the sky knew the value of a good thick book, which ought to outlast at least a season of cooking fires if you were careful how you tore the pages out.
Magic! So that's what it felt like! No wonder wizards didn't have much truck with sex!
"She's not bad," said Twoflower. "She's going to marry a friend of ours."
"Does he know?"
Most people on the Disc were currently in a state of mind normally achievable only by a lifetime of dedicated meditation or about thirty seconds of illegal herbage.
The lamest pun ever:
"Rincewind, all the shops have been smashed open, there was a whole bunch of people across the street helping themselves to musical instruments, can you believe that?"
"Yeah," said Rincewind. "Luters, I expect."
The Luggage remains my favorite:
The Luggage said nothing.
"Look he's not my responsibility," said Rincewind. "Let's be absolutely clear about that."
The Luggage said nothing, but louder this time.
"Um," said Twoflower. "Yes. That's about enough, I think. Put him down, please."
The Luggage gave a creak of betrayal at the sound of its master's voice.
I might briefly have shipped Rincewind and Twoflower in this moment:
(Rincewind, about Twoflower) He just looks at things, but nothing he looks at is ever the same again. Including me, I expect.
August 22, 2016
Put two of my favourite Discworld characters,the Luggage and Death, into the same book and I am obviously going to be happy! This was a reread of this book which I read the first time many years ago. Pratchett obviously improved his writing as the series progressed and his books became more sophisticated, but these early works are still a delight. I love the humour, the characters, the story and the sheer imagination of the man.
The world is poorer without him but thank goodness he left us so many books to enjoy.
The world is poorer without him but thank goodness he left us so many books to enjoy.
April 28, 2025
鈥炐捬佇秆囆盒� 谐褉邪卸写邪薪懈 薪邪 袛懈褋泻邪 褋 薪褟泻邪泻胁懈 锌褉械褌械薪褑懈懈 蟹邪 泻褍谢褌褍褉邪 锌芯褋褌芯褟薪薪芯 褋械 写褉邪蟹薪械褏邪, 褔械 谐懈 褍锌褉邪胁谢褟胁邪褌 斜芯谐芯胁械, 褔懈褟褌芯 锌褉械写褋褌邪胁邪 蟹邪 胁褗蟹胁懈褕械薪芯 邪褉褌懈褋褌懈褔薪芯 锌褉械卸懈胁褟胁邪薪械 褋褗胁锌邪写邪褕械 褋 屑械谢芯写懈褔薪懈褟 蟹胁褗薪械褑 蟹邪 胁褉邪褌邪.鈥�
鈥炐ば靶窖傂把佈傂秆囆叫� 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪鈥� 械 锌褉械泻褉邪褋械薪 褉芯屑邪薪, 泻芯泄褌芯 锌褉械写褋褌邪胁谢褟胁邪 蟹邪斜械谢械卸懈褌械谢薪芯 锌褉芯写褗谢卸械薪懈械 薪邪 鈥炐π残笛傃娧� 薪邪 屑邪谐懈褟褌邪鈥�! 孝邪蟹懈 褔邪褋褌 芯锌褉械写械谢械薪芯 屑懈 写芯锌邪写薪邪 锌芯胁械褔械 芯褌 锌褉械写薪邪褌邪, 褌褗泄 泻邪褌芯 锌械褉懈锌械褌懈懈褌械 薪邪 袪懈薪褋褍懈薪写 懈 袛胁褍褑胁械褌泻芯 褌褍泻 屑懈 褋械 褋褌芯褉懈褏邪 芯褖械 锌芯-懈薪褌械褉械褋薪懈 懈 褍胁谢械泻邪褌械谢薪芯 锌芯写薪械褋械薪懈. 袪邪蟹斜懈褉邪 褋械, 蟹邪写褗谢斜芯褔械薪懈褌械 锌芯褋谢邪薪懈褟 薪邪 袩褉邪褌褔械褌 胁褋械泻懈 锌褗褌 褋褌褉邪褕薪芯 褋懈谢薪芯 屑械 胁锌械褔邪褌谢褟胁邪褌, 锌褉械胁褉褗褖邪泄泻懈 芯褔邪泻胁邪薪懈褌械 蟹邪斜邪胁薪懈 锌褉懈泻谢褞褔械薪褋泻懈 懈褋褌芯褉懈懈 胁 懈蟹泻谢褞褔懈褌械谢薪芯 褋褌芯泄薪芯褋褌薪芯 谢懈褌械褉邪褌褍褉薪芯 锌褉械卸懈胁褟胁邪薪械...
鈥炐斝狙€懈 胁 褌芯胁邪 薪械斜谢邪谐芯锌褉懈褟褌薪芯 蟹邪 胁褋懈褔泻懈 屑邪谐懈褔械褋泻懈 薪械褖邪 胁褉械屑械, 写芯褉懈 胁 褋褌邪褟, 泻芯薪褋褌褉褍懈褉邪薪邪 褌邪泻邪, 褔械 写邪 芯屑械泻芯褌褟胁邪 屑邪谐懈褔械褋泻懈褌械 胁懈斜褉邪褑懈懈, 袨泻褌邪胁芯 锌褉芯写褗谢卸邪胁邪褕械 写邪 锌褉邪褖懈 芯褌 褋懈谢邪.
袙 写械泄褋褌胁懈褌械谢薪芯褋褌 薪褟屑邪褕械 薪褍卸写邪 芯褌 褎邪泻谢懈. 袨泻褌邪胁芯 懈蟹锌褗谢胁邪褕械 褋褌邪褟褌邪 褋 屑褗谐谢褟胁邪 锌芯褌懈褋泻邪褖邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪, 泻芯褟褌芯 锌芯-褌芯褔薪芯 懈蟹芯斜褖芯 薪械 斜械褕械 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪, 邪 芯斜褉邪褌薪芯 薪邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪褌邪; 褌褗屑薪懈薪邪褌邪 薪械 械 芯斜褉邪褌薪芯褌芯 薪邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪褌邪, 褌褟 械 锌褉芯褋褌芯 薪械泄薪芯褌芯 芯褌褋褗褋褌胁懈械, 邪 褌芯胁邪, 泻芯械褌芯 褋械 懈蟹谢褗褔胁邪褕械 芯褌 泻薪懈谐邪褌邪 斜械褕械 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪褌邪, 泻芯褟褌芯 褋械 薪邪屑懈褉邪 芯褌胁褗写 褌褗屑薪懈薪邪褌邪, 褎邪薪褌邪褋褌懈褔薪邪褌邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪.鈥�
鈥炐斝拘盒把傂� 褋械 胁蟹懈褉邪褕械, 袪懈薪褋褍懈薪写 芯褋褗蟹薪邪胁邪褕械, 褔械 懈屑邪 屑薪芯谐芯 锌芯-谢芯褕懈 薪械褖邪 芯褌 袟谢芯褌芯. 袛械屑芯薪懈褌械 胁 袗写邪 懈蟹屑褗褔胁邪褏邪 褋邪屑懈褌械 薪懈 写褍褕懈, 薪芯 谐芯 锌褉邪胁械褏邪 褌芯褔薪芯 蟹邪褖芯褌芯 胁懈褋芯泻芯 褑械薪褟褏邪 写褍褕懈褌械; 蟹谢芯褌芯 胁懈薪邪谐懈 褖械 褋械 芯锌懈褌胁邪 写邪 锌褉械胁蟹械屑械 胁褋械谢械薪邪褌邪, 懈 褌芯 锌芯薪械 褋褔懈褌邪, 褔械 胁褋械谢械薪邪褌邪 褋懈 蟹邪褋谢褍卸邪胁邪 褍褋懈谢懈械褌芯. 袛芯泻邪褌芯 褋懈胁懈褟褌 褑胁褟褌 蟹邪写 褌械蟹懈 锌褉邪蟹薪懈 芯褔懈 褖械 褌褗锌褔械 懈 褉褍褕懈, 斜械蟹 写芯褉懈 写邪 褍写芯褋褌芯懈 卸械褉褌胁懈褌械 褋懈 褋 褍胁邪卸械薪懈械褌芯 薪邪 芯屑褉邪蟹邪褌邪.鈥�
鈥炐澬靶�-胁邪卸薪芯褌芯 泻邪褌芯 懈屑邪褕 屑薪芯谐芯 褋锌芯屑械薪懈 械, 褔械 褌褉褟斜胁邪 写邪 芯褌懈写械褕 薪褟泻褗写械 褋谢械写 褌芯胁邪, 泻褗写械褌芯 屑芯卸械褕 写邪 褋懈 谐懈 褋锌芯屑薪褟褕, 薪邪谢懈 褉邪蟹斜懈褉邪褕? 孝褉褟斜胁邪 写邪 褋锌褉械褕. 袙褋褗褖薪芯褋褌 薪懈泻褗写械 薪械 褋懈 斜懈谢, 锌褉械写懈 写邪 褋懈 褋械 锌褉懈斜褉邪谢 褍 写芯屑邪.鈥�
鈥炐ば靶窖傂把佈傂秆囆叫� 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪鈥� 械 锌褉械泻褉邪褋械薪 褉芯屑邪薪, 泻芯泄褌芯 锌褉械写褋褌邪胁谢褟胁邪 蟹邪斜械谢械卸懈褌械谢薪芯 锌褉芯写褗谢卸械薪懈械 薪邪 鈥炐π残笛傃娧� 薪邪 屑邪谐懈褟褌邪鈥�! 孝邪蟹懈 褔邪褋褌 芯锌褉械写械谢械薪芯 屑懈 写芯锌邪写薪邪 锌芯胁械褔械 芯褌 锌褉械写薪邪褌邪, 褌褗泄 泻邪褌芯 锌械褉懈锌械褌懈懈褌械 薪邪 袪懈薪褋褍懈薪写 懈 袛胁褍褑胁械褌泻芯 褌褍泻 屑懈 褋械 褋褌芯褉懈褏邪 芯褖械 锌芯-懈薪褌械褉械褋薪懈 懈 褍胁谢械泻邪褌械谢薪芯 锌芯写薪械褋械薪懈. 袪邪蟹斜懈褉邪 褋械, 蟹邪写褗谢斜芯褔械薪懈褌械 锌芯褋谢邪薪懈褟 薪邪 袩褉邪褌褔械褌 胁褋械泻懈 锌褗褌 褋褌褉邪褕薪芯 褋懈谢薪芯 屑械 胁锌械褔邪褌谢褟胁邪褌, 锌褉械胁褉褗褖邪泄泻懈 芯褔邪泻胁邪薪懈褌械 蟹邪斜邪胁薪懈 锌褉懈泻谢褞褔械薪褋泻懈 懈褋褌芯褉懈懈 胁 懈蟹泻谢褞褔懈褌械谢薪芯 褋褌芯泄薪芯褋褌薪芯 谢懈褌械褉邪褌褍褉薪芯 锌褉械卸懈胁褟胁邪薪械...
鈥炐斝狙€懈 胁 褌芯胁邪 薪械斜谢邪谐芯锌褉懈褟褌薪芯 蟹邪 胁褋懈褔泻懈 屑邪谐懈褔械褋泻懈 薪械褖邪 胁褉械屑械, 写芯褉懈 胁 褋褌邪褟, 泻芯薪褋褌褉褍懈褉邪薪邪 褌邪泻邪, 褔械 写邪 芯屑械泻芯褌褟胁邪 屑邪谐懈褔械褋泻懈褌械 胁懈斜褉邪褑懈懈, 袨泻褌邪胁芯 锌褉芯写褗谢卸邪胁邪褕械 写邪 锌褉邪褖懈 芯褌 褋懈谢邪.
袙 写械泄褋褌胁懈褌械谢薪芯褋褌 薪褟屑邪褕械 薪褍卸写邪 芯褌 褎邪泻谢懈. 袨泻褌邪胁芯 懈蟹锌褗谢胁邪褕械 褋褌邪褟褌邪 褋 屑褗谐谢褟胁邪 锌芯褌懈褋泻邪褖邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪, 泻芯褟褌芯 锌芯-褌芯褔薪芯 懈蟹芯斜褖芯 薪械 斜械褕械 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪, 邪 芯斜褉邪褌薪芯 薪邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪褌邪; 褌褗屑薪懈薪邪褌邪 薪械 械 芯斜褉邪褌薪芯褌芯 薪邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪褌邪, 褌褟 械 锌褉芯褋褌芯 薪械泄薪芯褌芯 芯褌褋褗褋褌胁懈械, 邪 褌芯胁邪, 泻芯械褌芯 褋械 懈蟹谢褗褔胁邪褕械 芯褌 泻薪懈谐邪褌邪 斜械褕械 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪褌邪, 泻芯褟褌芯 褋械 薪邪屑懈褉邪 芯褌胁褗写 褌褗屑薪懈薪邪褌邪, 褎邪薪褌邪褋褌懈褔薪邪褌邪 褋胁械褌谢懈薪邪.鈥�
鈥炐斝拘盒把傂� 褋械 胁蟹懈褉邪褕械, 袪懈薪褋褍懈薪写 芯褋褗蟹薪邪胁邪褕械, 褔械 懈屑邪 屑薪芯谐芯 锌芯-谢芯褕懈 薪械褖邪 芯褌 袟谢芯褌芯. 袛械屑芯薪懈褌械 胁 袗写邪 懈蟹屑褗褔胁邪褏邪 褋邪屑懈褌械 薪懈 写褍褕懈, 薪芯 谐芯 锌褉邪胁械褏邪 褌芯褔薪芯 蟹邪褖芯褌芯 胁懈褋芯泻芯 褑械薪褟褏邪 写褍褕懈褌械; 蟹谢芯褌芯 胁懈薪邪谐懈 褖械 褋械 芯锌懈褌胁邪 写邪 锌褉械胁蟹械屑械 胁褋械谢械薪邪褌邪, 懈 褌芯 锌芯薪械 褋褔懈褌邪, 褔械 胁褋械谢械薪邪褌邪 褋懈 蟹邪褋谢褍卸邪胁邪 褍褋懈谢懈械褌芯. 袛芯泻邪褌芯 褋懈胁懈褟褌 褑胁褟褌 蟹邪写 褌械蟹懈 锌褉邪蟹薪懈 芯褔懈 褖械 褌褗锌褔械 懈 褉褍褕懈, 斜械蟹 写芯褉懈 写邪 褍写芯褋褌芯懈 卸械褉褌胁懈褌械 褋懈 褋 褍胁邪卸械薪懈械褌芯 薪邪 芯屑褉邪蟹邪褌邪.鈥�
鈥炐澬靶�-胁邪卸薪芯褌芯 泻邪褌芯 懈屑邪褕 屑薪芯谐芯 褋锌芯屑械薪懈 械, 褔械 褌褉褟斜胁邪 写邪 芯褌懈写械褕 薪褟泻褗写械 褋谢械写 褌芯胁邪, 泻褗写械褌芯 屑芯卸械褕 写邪 褋懈 谐懈 褋锌芯屑薪褟褕, 薪邪谢懈 褉邪蟹斜懈褉邪褕? 孝褉褟斜胁邪 写邪 褋锌褉械褕. 袙褋褗褖薪芯褋褌 薪懈泻褗写械 薪械 褋懈 斜懈谢, 锌褉械写懈 写邪 褋懈 褋械 锌褉懈斜褉邪谢 褍 写芯屑邪.鈥�
May 17, 2020
Death made a great appearance in this story. Small, but spot on. This is absurdism at its best.
I enjoy The Color of Magic, but it was a slow read. It didn't hook me completely into the series, but I did know that I wanted more of this. I thought this story was fantastic. I know it's only the 2nd one, but this story was great. It's so funny and punny.
We see Rincewind hanging over the rim of the discworld. I mean this whole story is so great. Then we find out that the great turtle is heading toward a red star in space and it freaks the people of discworld right out.
Rincewind is chased all over the place. He has one of the great 8 spells lodged in his head and it's needed to deal with this red star threat. This book was what I had been wanting from this series and I get why it's so popular now. Pieces, like the retail shop that materializes here and there, remind me of the Hitchhiker's guide.
Terry is an amazing wit and author and now I can't wait to read more of this series. I thought the ending was simply beautiful. I also love the way Terry makes fun of the eggheads and the wise wizard archetypes, but yet, they are still important. This is stellar storytelling.
I'm a huge fan.
I enjoy The Color of Magic, but it was a slow read. It didn't hook me completely into the series, but I did know that I wanted more of this. I thought this story was fantastic. I know it's only the 2nd one, but this story was great. It's so funny and punny.
We see Rincewind hanging over the rim of the discworld. I mean this whole story is so great. Then we find out that the great turtle is heading toward a red star in space and it freaks the people of discworld right out.
Rincewind is chased all over the place. He has one of the great 8 spells lodged in his head and it's needed to deal with this red star threat. This book was what I had been wanting from this series and I get why it's so popular now. Pieces, like the retail shop that materializes here and there, remind me of the Hitchhiker's guide.
Terry is an amazing wit and author and now I can't wait to read more of this series. I thought the ending was simply beautiful. I also love the way Terry makes fun of the eggheads and the wise wizard archetypes, but yet, they are still important. This is stellar storytelling.
I'm a huge fan.
August 8, 2021
I鈥檓 glad I didn鈥檛 give up on this series, I thought book one was overrated but after reading book two, it鈥檚 safe to say that though this isn鈥檛 your regular fantasy book it is a great one.
鈥淚nside every sane person there鈥檚 a madman struggling to get out,鈥� said the shopkeeper. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I鈥檝e always thought. No one goes mad quicker than a totally sane person.鈥�
Book two still follows Rincewind and Two Flower, their adventure continues. I really enjoyed reading this, I think I finally get the world. I can鈥檛 wait to see what the author throws at us next.
The writing is sporadic but fun, It鈥檚 get it now, the POV shift is the worst but I get it now. Then there鈥檚 the humor, I love it so much.
Rincewind was the hero in this, I hope things gets better for him. Two Flower is still very optimistic, I like that about him. There was more information about the wizards in this, the plot is slowly expanding. However there are lots of random information that makes absolutely no sense to me. I hope it does in time.
鈥淚nside every sane person there鈥檚 a madman struggling to get out,鈥� said the shopkeeper. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I鈥檝e always thought. No one goes mad quicker than a totally sane person.鈥�
Book two still follows Rincewind and Two Flower, their adventure continues. I really enjoyed reading this, I think I finally get the world. I can鈥檛 wait to see what the author throws at us next.
The writing is sporadic but fun, It鈥檚 get it now, the POV shift is the worst but I get it now. Then there鈥檚 the humor, I love it so much.
Rincewind was the hero in this, I hope things gets better for him. Two Flower is still very optimistic, I like that about him. There was more information about the wizards in this, the plot is slowly expanding. However there are lots of random information that makes absolutely no sense to me. I hope it does in time.
January 27, 2024
Awesome!!!
What can I say, which has not been said about the brilliant Terry Pratchett? He is still the best at bringing humor to absurd Fantasy, and we as readers just have to buckle up for the ride! I am happy to be reading the series with my friend Mel, and the shared joy of following our reluctant heroes through the Diskworld, makes the experience even more cherished! Highly recommend to all馃槈
What can I say, which has not been said about the brilliant Terry Pratchett? He is still the best at bringing humor to absurd Fantasy, and we as readers just have to buckle up for the ride! I am happy to be reading the series with my friend Mel, and the shared joy of following our reluctant heroes through the Diskworld, makes the experience even more cherished! Highly recommend to all馃槈
December 14, 2020
I'm late to the Discworld party but I'm not leaving. Pratchett's writing is stealthily brilliant, the world-building is already remarkable with over forty to go, and it's often quite funny. I've been in a reading slump; in different times I'd have devoured this. No matter, when I could disappear in its pages I was entertained, absorbed and happy. I finished and bought the next two; joy has been in short supply for many of us and when I can concentrate and not lose focus to the constant incoming on the news, this series makes me joyful.
And I'm in Character Love with the Luggage. which has tourist Twoflower's clothes and accessories and also many spindly legs on which it moves quickly and creepily. Like most of our luggage has at some time, the Luggage goes missing and shows back up...when it shows back up. It first appears in book one, The Color of Magic, and won my heart then, just that short quote in my review has me laughing as I type:
/review/show...
In The Light Fantastic, Luggage plays an important part, be still my heart: chomping on bad creatures, disappearing and reappearing, doing some great jump scares, solving problems, still pulling faces ahaha and generally doing things I'm, no pun intended, enchanted with.
Good Omens is one of my favorite books (and, fyi, also one of my favorite adaptations) and in The Light Fantastic it became obvious that certain parts of Good Omens were written by Pratchett, particularly one of my favorite parts: the dialogue of the Hell's Angels that ride with the Four Horsepersons of the Apocalypse. The dialogue is so hilarious it wasn't in the miniseries because it wouldn't have worked. You have to have been there: in the book, bless his brilliant brain and friendship with Neil Gaiman.
The quality of Pratchett's writing is terrific. The intelligence and thought poured into every character and element of the book, the technical aspects Pratchett has nailed, aren't always obvious amid all that fun and cleverness. It's there though. And with over forty more Discworld books to go, it's great knowing the series holds as many riches as my dear Luggage does gold.
And I'm in Character Love with the Luggage. which has tourist Twoflower's clothes and accessories and also many spindly legs on which it moves quickly and creepily. Like most of our luggage has at some time, the Luggage goes missing and shows back up...when it shows back up. It first appears in book one, The Color of Magic, and won my heart then, just that short quote in my review has me laughing as I type:
/review/show...
In The Light Fantastic, Luggage plays an important part, be still my heart: chomping on bad creatures, disappearing and reappearing, doing some great jump scares, solving problems, still pulling faces ahaha and generally doing things I'm, no pun intended, enchanted with.
Good Omens is one of my favorite books (and, fyi, also one of my favorite adaptations) and in The Light Fantastic it became obvious that certain parts of Good Omens were written by Pratchett, particularly one of my favorite parts: the dialogue of the Hell's Angels that ride with the Four Horsepersons of the Apocalypse. The dialogue is so hilarious it wasn't in the miniseries because it wouldn't have worked. You have to have been there: in the book, bless his brilliant brain and friendship with Neil Gaiman.
The quality of Pratchett's writing is terrific. The intelligence and thought poured into every character and element of the book, the technical aspects Pratchett has nailed, aren't always obvious amid all that fun and cleverness. It's there though. And with over forty more Discworld books to go, it's great knowing the series holds as many riches as my dear Luggage does gold.
June 14, 2017
The Light Fantastic (Discworld #2), Terry Pratchett
The Light Fantastic is a comic fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, the second of the Discworld series.
鬲丕乇蹖禺 賳禺爻鬲蹖賳 禺賵丕賳卮: 卮卮賲 賲丕賴 賲蹖 爻丕賱 2016 賲蹖賱丕丿蹖
毓賳賵丕賳: 賲噩賲賵毓賴 噩賴丕賳 氐賮丨賴 - 讴鬲丕亘 02 - 賳賵乇 丨蹖乇鬲 丕賳诏蹖夭貨 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴: 爻乇 鬲乇蹖 倬乇鬲趩鬲 (倬乇丕趩鬲)貨 賲鬲乇噩賲: 丌乇夭賵 丕丨賲蹖貨 鬲賴乇丕賳貙 賵蹖丿丕貙 1392貨 丿乇 290 氐貨 卮丕亘讴: 9789646807860貨 賲賵囟賵毓: 丿丕爻鬲丕賳賴丕蹖 賳賵蹖爻賳丿诏丕賳 丕賳诏賱蹖爻蹖 賯乇賳 20 賲
丕丿丕賲賴 讴鬲丕亘 賳禺爻鬲 丕爻鬲 丕夭 爻乇蹖 噩賴丕賳 氐賮丨賴
丕蹖賳 賲噩賲賵毓賴 亘蹖卮 丕夭 趩賴賱 乇賲丕賳 丕爻鬲 讴賴 丿乇 夭賲蹖賳賴贁 禺蹖丕賱倬乇丿丕夭蹖 賵 胤賳夭 賵 賴夭賱 賴爻鬲賳丿貨 賵 鬲賯乇蹖亘丕賸 賴乇 趩蹖夭蹖 乇丕 夭蹖乇 丕蹖賳 丌爻賲丕賳 賵 鬲丕亘卮 禺賵乇卮蹖丿貙 亘賴鈥� 爻禺乇賴 诏乇賮鬲賴鈥� 丕賳丿. 丿蹖爻讴鈥� 賵乇賱丿貙 氐賮丨賴贁 鬲禺鬲蹖 丕爻鬲 讴賴 乇賵蹖 卮丕賳賴贁 趩賴丕乇 賮蹖賱 睾賵賱鈥屬聚屭┴� 賯乇丕乇 诏乇賮鬲賴貙 賮蹖賱鈥屬囏й屰� 讴賴 禺賵丿 亘乇 乇賵蹖 倬卮鬲 丌鬲賵卅蹖賳 讴亘蹖乇貙 賱丕讴鈥� 倬卮鬲 毓馗蹖賲鈥� 丕賱噩孬賴鈥� 丕蹖 賯乇丕乇 诏乇賮鬲賴鈥� 丕賳丿貙 讴賴 丿乇 丿賳蹖丕蹖 亘蹖讴乇丕賳貙 卮賳丕讴賳丕賳 亘賴 爻賵蹖 賲賯氐丿 賳丕賲毓賱賵賲蹖 丨乇讴鬲 賲蹖鈥屭┵嗀�. 乇賲丕賳鈥屬囏й� 鬲乇蹖 倬乇趩鬲貨 鬲賯乇蹖亘丕賸 賴乇趩賴 卮禺氐蹖鬲 禺蹖丕賱蹖 賵 毓賱賲蹖-鬲禺蹖賱蹖 爻鬲貙 乇丕 卮丕賲賱 賲蹖鈥屫促堌� 丕蹖丿賴鈥� 賴丕 賵 丨賯賴鈥屬囏ж� 卮乇讴鬲 賮蹖賱賲鈥屫池ж槽� 亘乇诏賲賳貙 丕爻鬲乇丕賱蹖丕貙 丕賳鬲卮丕乇 乇賵夭賳丕賲賴貙 賲賵夭蹖讴 乇丕讴 丕賳丿 乇賵賱貙 賮乇賴賳诏貙 賮賱爻賮賴貙 鬲丕乇蹖禺 賲氐乇 亘丕爻鬲丕賳貙 賲賴丕噩乇鬲 賯亘丕蹖賱 丕賵賱蹖賴貙 亘蹖鈥屬嗀纲呟� 賵 爻賱胤賳鬲. 賵 ... 鬲丕 亘賴 丕賲乇賵夭 丕夭 丕蹖賳 賲噩賲賵毓賴 乇賲丕賳賴丕蹖: 賳賵乇 丨蹖乇鬲 丕賳诏蹖夭貨 賲賵乇鬲貨 乇賳诏 噩丕丿賵貨 禺賵丕賴乇丕賳 爻乇賳賵卮鬲貙 噩丕丿賵蹖 賲乇噩毓貨 丕賴乇丕賲貨 丌蹖蹖賳賴丕蹖 亘乇丕亘乇 丿乇 讴卮賵乇 賲丕 賳蹖夭 鬲乇噩賲賴 賵 賲賳鬲卮乇 卮丿賴 丕爻鬲. 丕. 卮乇亘蹖丕賳蹖
The Light Fantastic is a comic fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, the second of the Discworld series.
鬲丕乇蹖禺 賳禺爻鬲蹖賳 禺賵丕賳卮: 卮卮賲 賲丕賴 賲蹖 爻丕賱 2016 賲蹖賱丕丿蹖
毓賳賵丕賳: 賲噩賲賵毓賴 噩賴丕賳 氐賮丨賴 - 讴鬲丕亘 02 - 賳賵乇 丨蹖乇鬲 丕賳诏蹖夭貨 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴: 爻乇 鬲乇蹖 倬乇鬲趩鬲 (倬乇丕趩鬲)貨 賲鬲乇噩賲: 丌乇夭賵 丕丨賲蹖貨 鬲賴乇丕賳貙 賵蹖丿丕貙 1392貨 丿乇 290 氐貨 卮丕亘讴: 9789646807860貨 賲賵囟賵毓: 丿丕爻鬲丕賳賴丕蹖 賳賵蹖爻賳丿诏丕賳 丕賳诏賱蹖爻蹖 賯乇賳 20 賲
丕丿丕賲賴 讴鬲丕亘 賳禺爻鬲 丕爻鬲 丕夭 爻乇蹖 噩賴丕賳 氐賮丨賴
丕蹖賳 賲噩賲賵毓賴 亘蹖卮 丕夭 趩賴賱 乇賲丕賳 丕爻鬲 讴賴 丿乇 夭賲蹖賳賴贁 禺蹖丕賱倬乇丿丕夭蹖 賵 胤賳夭 賵 賴夭賱 賴爻鬲賳丿貨 賵 鬲賯乇蹖亘丕賸 賴乇 趩蹖夭蹖 乇丕 夭蹖乇 丕蹖賳 丌爻賲丕賳 賵 鬲丕亘卮 禺賵乇卮蹖丿貙 亘賴鈥� 爻禺乇賴 诏乇賮鬲賴鈥� 丕賳丿. 丿蹖爻讴鈥� 賵乇賱丿貙 氐賮丨賴贁 鬲禺鬲蹖 丕爻鬲 讴賴 乇賵蹖 卮丕賳賴贁 趩賴丕乇 賮蹖賱 睾賵賱鈥屬聚屭┴� 賯乇丕乇 诏乇賮鬲賴貙 賮蹖賱鈥屬囏й屰� 讴賴 禺賵丿 亘乇 乇賵蹖 倬卮鬲 丌鬲賵卅蹖賳 讴亘蹖乇貙 賱丕讴鈥� 倬卮鬲 毓馗蹖賲鈥� 丕賱噩孬賴鈥� 丕蹖 賯乇丕乇 诏乇賮鬲賴鈥� 丕賳丿貙 讴賴 丿乇 丿賳蹖丕蹖 亘蹖讴乇丕賳貙 卮賳丕讴賳丕賳 亘賴 爻賵蹖 賲賯氐丿 賳丕賲毓賱賵賲蹖 丨乇讴鬲 賲蹖鈥屭┵嗀�. 乇賲丕賳鈥屬囏й� 鬲乇蹖 倬乇趩鬲貨 鬲賯乇蹖亘丕賸 賴乇趩賴 卮禺氐蹖鬲 禺蹖丕賱蹖 賵 毓賱賲蹖-鬲禺蹖賱蹖 爻鬲貙 乇丕 卮丕賲賱 賲蹖鈥屫促堌� 丕蹖丿賴鈥� 賴丕 賵 丨賯賴鈥屬囏ж� 卮乇讴鬲 賮蹖賱賲鈥屫池ж槽� 亘乇诏賲賳貙 丕爻鬲乇丕賱蹖丕貙 丕賳鬲卮丕乇 乇賵夭賳丕賲賴貙 賲賵夭蹖讴 乇丕讴 丕賳丿 乇賵賱貙 賮乇賴賳诏貙 賮賱爻賮賴貙 鬲丕乇蹖禺 賲氐乇 亘丕爻鬲丕賳貙 賲賴丕噩乇鬲 賯亘丕蹖賱 丕賵賱蹖賴貙 亘蹖鈥屬嗀纲呟� 賵 爻賱胤賳鬲. 賵 ... 鬲丕 亘賴 丕賲乇賵夭 丕夭 丕蹖賳 賲噩賲賵毓賴 乇賲丕賳賴丕蹖: 賳賵乇 丨蹖乇鬲 丕賳诏蹖夭貨 賲賵乇鬲貨 乇賳诏 噩丕丿賵貨 禺賵丕賴乇丕賳 爻乇賳賵卮鬲貙 噩丕丿賵蹖 賲乇噩毓貨 丕賴乇丕賲貨 丌蹖蹖賳賴丕蹖 亘乇丕亘乇 丿乇 讴卮賵乇 賲丕 賳蹖夭 鬲乇噩賲賴 賵 賲賳鬲卮乇 卮丿賴 丕爻鬲. 丕. 卮乇亘蹖丕賳蹖
August 1, 2008
I'm pretty sure people have told me about Pratchett and his Diskworld series before, usually working in the phrase "He's the Douglas Adams of fantasy" into the description. But the problem was that I always felt that I had had enough of Adams after the third Hithiker's Guide to the Galaxy book, and whenever I scanned Pratchett's section in the bookstore I was immediately put off by not knowing where to start reading among the approximately five hundred thousand Diskworld books. I'm glad I finally took the time to find out that these two books, The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic, jointly comprise the first tale in the series, and that they were definitely worth reading.
The Diskworld books are essentially satire of the high fantasy genre, or at least that's the foundation upon which everything else is built. This pair of books follows the misadventures of Rincewind, a utterly inept and thoroughly cowardly wizard, and Twoflowers, a clueless traveler who happens to be in possession of both endless optimism and a magical suitcase that's always wandering off and messily devouring people who get in its way. Things go from bad to worse for the two as divine powers both deliver them into and yank them out of all kinds of fantastic perils.
As someone who grew up reading plenty of this kind of thing and playing a lot of Dungeons& Dragons, I'm familiar enough with the genre and trappings that Pratchett lampoons. Yes, there's the Conan parody, there's the Dragonriders of Pern tribute, there's the in-joke about Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser. But that's easy. The thing that made me almost immediately fall in love with these books is the author's dry wit and his ability to derive humor not only from the absurdity of the story (and believe me, it gets plenty absurd) but also from just good old fashioned turns of phrase, wry commentary, and jokes. The guy just has an amazing ability to stuff five or six jokes into a single sentence, most of them making masterful use of that trusty standby of British humor, irony. It's really smart and really funny, and the fact that it builds on the inherent silliness of the high fantasy genre is just icing.
I should also note how imaginative Pratchett is, which is a useful quality given his subject matter. He bounces his heroes from one (generally horrible and dangerous) situation to another at a frantic pace, and his ability to come up with new material and new situations amazes me. And while many of them are obvious parodies of fantasy staples, just as many seem to be wholly new creations. As one small (and obligatory) example, the Diskworld itself is a flat coin of a world that rides atop four enormous elephants, who themselves ride on the back of a colossal turtle with two continent-sized flippers that it uses to swim slowly through the cold reaches of space.
But at the same time, if I have one complaint about these first two books, it's that they're almost maniacal in their plotting. While it's nice to see Pratchett's considerable imagination and humor on display as we go from situation to situation, the first book reads like an extended doodle with little plot and a whole "gods playing games with mortals" subtext that's entirely dropped in the next book. There's also one Conan the Barbarian parody that's abruptly dropped in favor of another Conan the Barbarian parody who Pratchett apparently liked better. It's not until the latter part of the second book does an overall plot come into play, but honestly I was enjoying myself so much I really didn't mind. Expect to see lots more Discworld books reviewed here in the future.
The Diskworld books are essentially satire of the high fantasy genre, or at least that's the foundation upon which everything else is built. This pair of books follows the misadventures of Rincewind, a utterly inept and thoroughly cowardly wizard, and Twoflowers, a clueless traveler who happens to be in possession of both endless optimism and a magical suitcase that's always wandering off and messily devouring people who get in its way. Things go from bad to worse for the two as divine powers both deliver them into and yank them out of all kinds of fantastic perils.
As someone who grew up reading plenty of this kind of thing and playing a lot of Dungeons& Dragons, I'm familiar enough with the genre and trappings that Pratchett lampoons. Yes, there's the Conan parody, there's the Dragonriders of Pern tribute, there's the in-joke about Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser. But that's easy. The thing that made me almost immediately fall in love with these books is the author's dry wit and his ability to derive humor not only from the absurdity of the story (and believe me, it gets plenty absurd) but also from just good old fashioned turns of phrase, wry commentary, and jokes. The guy just has an amazing ability to stuff five or six jokes into a single sentence, most of them making masterful use of that trusty standby of British humor, irony. It's really smart and really funny, and the fact that it builds on the inherent silliness of the high fantasy genre is just icing.
I should also note how imaginative Pratchett is, which is a useful quality given his subject matter. He bounces his heroes from one (generally horrible and dangerous) situation to another at a frantic pace, and his ability to come up with new material and new situations amazes me. And while many of them are obvious parodies of fantasy staples, just as many seem to be wholly new creations. As one small (and obligatory) example, the Diskworld itself is a flat coin of a world that rides atop four enormous elephants, who themselves ride on the back of a colossal turtle with two continent-sized flippers that it uses to swim slowly through the cold reaches of space.
But at the same time, if I have one complaint about these first two books, it's that they're almost maniacal in their plotting. While it's nice to see Pratchett's considerable imagination and humor on display as we go from situation to situation, the first book reads like an extended doodle with little plot and a whole "gods playing games with mortals" subtext that's entirely dropped in the next book. There's also one Conan the Barbarian parody that's abruptly dropped in favor of another Conan the Barbarian parody who Pratchett apparently liked better. It's not until the latter part of the second book does an overall plot come into play, but honestly I was enjoying myself so much I really didn't mind. Expect to see lots more Discworld books reviewed here in the future.
June 1, 2015
Decid铆 darle una segunda oportunidad al Mundodisco, porque los fans de Pratchett me han comentado que la saga lo merece, no porque tenga alg煤n problema obsesivo compulsivo con dejar cosas sin terminar...
y 隆Wau! las diferencias entre El color de la magia y La luz fant谩stica son abismales, casi todos los problemas que tuve con el primer libro se resuelven ac谩, este si me pareci贸 gracioso, si es concluyente y... resuelve una inc贸gnita del primer libro que me molestaba bastante Rincewind, a pesar de ser un mago bastante simpl贸n y no hacer magia, sobrevive a toda la serie de eventos desafortunados que se le ha presentado, pues hay una raz贸n para ello.
En la luz fant谩stica continuaremos la historia de Rincewind y Dosflores (Two-flo-wers)
esta pareja dispareja que ha desarrollado una especie de amistad gracias a todas sus aventuras y cuya traves铆a por el Disco aun no termina, y que seria de ellos sin el fiel Equipaje el mejor de los artilugios m谩gicos de todos los tiempos, ademas, esta vez conoceremos a Cohen el b谩rbaro, el guerrero mas famoso del disco, que ya tiene 87 a帽os y esta sufriendo problemas de espalda, lo que no le impide realizar proezas, solo las hace mas graciosas.
En fin, esta libro me gusto mucho, me saco varias risas y me dejo con ganas de leer mas del Mundodisco, me alegra haberle dado otra oportunidad a la saga, y creo que si hab茅is le铆do El color de la magia, debes leer este libro, quien sabe quiz谩s quedes
y 隆Wau! las diferencias entre El color de la magia y La luz fant谩stica son abismales, casi todos los problemas que tuve con el primer libro se resuelven ac谩, este si me pareci贸 gracioso, si es concluyente y... resuelve una inc贸gnita del primer libro que me molestaba bastante Rincewind, a pesar de ser un mago bastante simpl贸n y no hacer magia, sobrevive a toda la serie de eventos desafortunados que se le ha presentado, pues hay una raz贸n para ello.
En la luz fant谩stica continuaremos la historia de Rincewind y Dosflores (Two-flo-wers)
esta pareja dispareja que ha desarrollado una especie de amistad gracias a todas sus aventuras y cuya traves铆a por el Disco aun no termina, y que seria de ellos sin el fiel Equipaje el mejor de los artilugios m谩gicos de todos los tiempos, ademas, esta vez conoceremos a Cohen el b谩rbaro, el guerrero mas famoso del disco, que ya tiene 87 a帽os y esta sufriendo problemas de espalda, lo que no le impide realizar proezas, solo las hace mas graciosas.
En fin, esta libro me gusto mucho, me saco varias risas y me dejo con ganas de leer mas del Mundodisco, me alegra haberle dado otra oportunidad a la saga, y creo que si hab茅is le铆do El color de la magia, debes leer este libro, quien sabe quiz谩s quedes
sonriendo como un necr贸filo en un dep贸sito de cad谩veres.
September 14, 2015
"Inside every sane person, there's a madman struggling to get out. That's what I've always thought. No one goes mad quicker than a totally sane person."
The second installment in the Discworld series is a bigger, funnier delight. One heck of a Laugh Out Loud read.
Something I consider very special in Sir Terry Pratchett's works is that many authors can pull off a joke every once in a while in their stories but Mr Pratchett managed to keep the whole thing comical, while at the time satirical. Not once did I not grin or snort out loud.
In , Rincewind was last seen (read?) falling off the rim of the world. Well, he landed safely on his arse. Thank goodness or he couldn't be much use if he's dead.
Things are turning quite grim now. Great A'Tuin the turtle is wading its giant flippers toward a 'red star'. The closer it is (I feel very sorry for calling the World Turtle an 'it' but in my defense, 'it's' sex is still undetermined afterall!) to the star, the weaker and more unbalanced the magic is back in Discworld!
The only way to prevent the apocalypse is to recite all 8 spells from a magic book called Octavo. However one last spell is missing. Where could it be?! It also didn't help Rincewind's situation and mood when he found out that there's a certain prophecy about him.
I'm not a big reader when it comes to books with apocalypse in it looming just around the corner. Too bleak, I say. But this was a purely fun ride that follows with Rincewind's unfortunate adventures.
The worldbuilding is still just as bizarre as the last book. Except now it has a fairytale feel to it. There's even a scene where Rincewind and Twoflower took refuge in a gingerbread house! Sounds familiar? *cough* Hansel and Gretel! *cough*
Characterizations [humans, fantastical creatures and things alike]:
I have a very special place in my heart for nearly all the peopleand creatures in the book. Of course I have certain favourites myself but I couldn't resist liking nearly everything and everyone. It sounds so corny of me, I know. But damn it, I can't help myself not when they're all so fleshed out well. Definitely not when they each have their own unique quirky personality.
Rincewind shows even more of his cynicism and it didn't exactly help his ill bedside manners being partnered with the impossibly, insufferably optimistic Twoflower.
He held a great disdain within him toward people and situations in life. He's not just cynical, I like to think of him as pessimistic too. He also has a knack of running in the opposite directions from things he's terrified of instead of plunging straight into the fire and save the day. Some people would say that he's quite the coward. I would say that he's quite the survivalist.
Rincewind's snappy moods, impatience and crankiness have really grown on me. Irregardless of how distasteful his actions may be at times!
I have to tip my hat on behalf of Twoflower, the first tourist of Ankh-Morpork may be the only one who can understand and tolerate Rincewind. While he is pessimistic, Twoflower is optimistic. Rincewind's cowardly but Twoflowers's noble and is willing to sacrifice himself to save others. Rincewind is quick to rage but Twoflower's best merits are his patience and his forgiving nature.
How can I not resist someone like him? I can't! He's so good-hearted, it either made you despise how he's so insufferably annoying at that or... you find him irresistible. It is the latter for me.
Then there's The Luggage, it's name suggest what it is. A luggage that carries laundries for its master! Except it's no ordinary luggage. For one thing, it has hundreds of tiny little legs to take it anywhere. It's lid serves as a mouth and when it wants to look menancing, it snaps the lid up and down. Don't get too close - it's a luggage that bites and snapsand eats people up!
With the Luggage in your possession, you can be in no harm as long as:
So aside from looking menancing, what else does it do? You'd be awed that not only The Luggage is useful in carrying loads, it is also very loyal, quick in thinking and even quicker so in taking actions (with those hundreds of little legs? No doubt) to save those in distress. Don't ask me how a luggage can think. I have no idea! Point is, the Luggage can be real scary to the point that even barbarians soil their trousers. You should be scared.
Then there are the minor people, creatures and things alike such as a group of incompetent swordsmen led by a woman, talking trees, a goblin, an imp who paints, a barbarian, DEATH and his comrades, stone trolls, a cursed shopkeeper, a mob of crazy superstitious people with pitchforks.... and so on and so forth. I expected to get clogged up with all these many minor characters coming and going. But not-so-surprisingly, I didn't feel confused or got side tracked by them. Each one of them has personalities and they're not forgettable. Not when they do or say something incredibly incredible, funny or stupid. Pratchett can write about the smallest pebble on a ground of dirt and still make it interesting and full of persona.
As a final conclusion, I can't say much except that... well, this book was just fucking fantastic and it won my heart and soul completely. That about sums up my thoughts.
Besides, it's almost impossible to pick apart or find anything wrong in something that can switch on your 'HAHA' button each seconds. The jokes are distracting!
Doctor's Prescription and Warning:
This is the medicine for when you feel blue or angry.
No, it's not supposed to be some pills.
It's this book.
However, read with care for each sentences and every passages are induced with high dosages of humour. Limit your level of intake in case you overdosed on the words and choke on your spit bellowing with laughter.
The second installment in the Discworld series is a bigger, funnier delight. One heck of a Laugh Out Loud read.
Something I consider very special in Sir Terry Pratchett's works is that many authors can pull off a joke every once in a while in their stories but Mr Pratchett managed to keep the whole thing comical, while at the time satirical. Not once did I not grin or snort out loud.
In , Rincewind was last seen (read?) falling off the rim of the world. Well, he landed safely on his arse. Thank goodness or he couldn't be much use if he's dead.
Things are turning quite grim now. Great A'Tuin the turtle is wading its giant flippers toward a 'red star'. The closer it is (I feel very sorry for calling the World Turtle an 'it' but in my defense, 'it's' sex is still undetermined afterall!) to the star, the weaker and more unbalanced the magic is back in Discworld!
The only way to prevent the apocalypse is to recite all 8 spells from a magic book called Octavo. However one last spell is missing. Where could it be?! It also didn't help Rincewind's situation and mood when he found out that there's a certain prophecy about him.
I'm not a big reader when it comes to books with apocalypse in it looming just around the corner. Too bleak, I say. But this was a purely fun ride that follows with Rincewind's unfortunate adventures.
The worldbuilding is still just as bizarre as the last book. Except now it has a fairytale feel to it. There's even a scene where Rincewind and Twoflower took refuge in a gingerbread house! Sounds familiar? *cough* Hansel and Gretel! *cough*
Characterizations [humans, fantastical creatures and things alike]:
I have a very special place in my heart for nearly all the people
Rincewind shows even more of his cynicism and it didn't exactly help his ill bedside manners being partnered with the impossibly, insufferably optimistic Twoflower.
"I expect everything will turn out quite all right in the end," said Twoflower.
Rincewind looked at him. Remarks like that always threw him off.
"Do you really believe that? I mean," he said. "Really?"
"Well, things generally do work out satisfactorily, when you come to think about it."
"If you think the total disruption of my life in the last year is satisfactory then you might be right. I've lost count of the times I've nearly been killed--"
"Twenty-seven," said Twoflower.
"What?"
He held a great disdain within him toward people and situations in life. He's not just cynical, I like to think of him as pessimistic too. He also has a knack of running in the opposite directions from things he's terrified of instead of plunging straight into the fire and save the day. Some people would say that he's quite the coward. I would say that he's quite the survivalist.
'He always held that panic was the best means of survival; back in the olden days, his theory went, people faced with hungry saber-toothed tigers could be divided very simply into those who panicked and those who stood there saying. "What a magnificent brute!" and "Here, pussy."
Rincewind's snappy moods, impatience and crankiness have really grown on me. Irregardless of how distasteful his actions may be at times!
I have to tip my hat on behalf of Twoflower, the first tourist of Ankh-Morpork may be the only one who can understand and tolerate Rincewind. While he is pessimistic, Twoflower is optimistic. Rincewind's cowardly but Twoflowers's noble and is willing to sacrifice himself to save others. Rincewind is quick to rage but Twoflower's best merits are his patience and his forgiving nature.
"Against the whole of human experience Twoflower believed that if only people would talk to each other, have a few drinks, exchange pictures of their grandchildren, maybe take in a show or something, then everything could be sorted out. He also believed that people were basically good but sometimes had their bad days."
How can I not resist someone like him? I can't! He's so good-hearted, it either made you despise how he's so insufferably annoying at that or... you find him irresistible. It is the latter for me.
Then there's The Luggage, it's name suggest what it is. A luggage that carries laundries for its master! Except it's no ordinary luggage. For one thing, it has hundreds of tiny little legs to take it anywhere. It's lid serves as a mouth and when it wants to look menancing, it snaps the lid up and down. Don't get too close - it's a luggage that bites and snaps
With the Luggage in your possession, you can be in no harm as long as:
a) you're not trying to harm it's master and his friends.
b) you don't kick its wooden sides and be a big bully.
c) you don't try to force open its lid apart to see what treasure is inside (there are usually none).
So aside from looking menancing, what else does it do? You'd be awed that not only The Luggage is useful in carrying loads, it is also very loyal, quick in thinking and even quicker so in taking actions (with those hundreds of little legs? No doubt) to save those in distress. Don't ask me how a luggage can think. I have no idea! Point is, the Luggage can be real scary to the point that even barbarians soil their trousers. You should be scared.
Then there are the minor people, creatures and things alike such as a group of incompetent swordsmen led by a woman, talking trees, a goblin, an imp who paints, a barbarian, DEATH and his comrades, stone trolls, a cursed shopkeeper, a mob of crazy superstitious people with pitchforks.... and so on and so forth. I expected to get clogged up with all these many minor characters coming and going. But not-so-surprisingly, I didn't feel confused or got side tracked by them. Each one of them has personalities and they're not forgettable. Not when they do or say something incredibly incredible, funny or stupid. Pratchett can write about the smallest pebble on a ground of dirt and still make it interesting and full of persona.
As a final conclusion, I can't say much except that... well, this book was just fucking fantastic and it won my heart and soul completely. That about sums up my thoughts.
Besides, it's almost impossible to pick apart or find anything wrong in something that can switch on your 'HAHA' button each seconds. The jokes are distracting!
Doctor's Prescription and Warning:
This is the medicine for when you feel blue or angry.
No, it's not supposed to be some pills.
It's this book.
However, read with care for each sentences and every passages are induced with high dosages of humour. Limit your level of intake in case you overdosed on the words and choke on your spit bellowing with laughter.
May 28, 2019
"You still love Terry Pratchett, after all these years?"
"Always."
- Gandalf, Return of the Jedi.
Jokes aside, my teen years were marked by edginess, heavy metal, nihilism and Terry Pratchett. I think the latter was never a phase; he is an author that will always be in my heart and in my head, providing bellyache-inducing laughs whenever Death has an identity crisis (which is always) or when Nanny Ogg is trying to explain to her seemingly infinite children who their real fathers are(and lying through her teeth).
Even though Rincewind and Twoflower aren't my favourites, they still hold a special place in my heart because they were in the first Pratchett books I read.
courtesy of Jen's mini review
"Always."
- Gandalf, Return of the Jedi.
Jokes aside, my teen years were marked by edginess, heavy metal, nihilism and Terry Pratchett. I think the latter was never a phase; he is an author that will always be in my heart and in my head, providing bellyache-inducing laughs whenever Death has an identity crisis (which is always) or when Nanny Ogg is trying to explain to her seemingly infinite children who their real fathers are(and lying through her teeth).
Even though Rincewind and Twoflower aren't my favourites, they still hold a special place in my heart because they were in the first Pratchett books I read.
courtesy of Jen's mini review
May 6, 2014
This book was every bit as fun as the last- maybe more so. Since this is number two in series order, I am getting a feel for where the author was at the point in time it was written. The character development seems more vivid. Rincewind, the Luggage, the Druid sacrifice girl, and the over the hill barbarian fighter are characters that will live with me long after this series is done.
This story has more of a quest feel to it than the last one did. It definitely builds to a strong climax. In order to avert certain doom, all of the eight great spells must be read in order. The eighth and final spell is, of course, in Rincewind鈥檚 mind. His death would solve that problem for the planet鈥檚 most powerful spell casters.
The story progresses through one mishap after another as the author continues to add characters and build his world. Rather than read these books by order of character type (for example, all of the Rincewind stories followed by all of the Witches stories and so forth), I have chosen to attempt to read them chronologically. I think it gives a clear picture of where the author is at in a point in time and what his conception of this world and these characters is and is becoming.
This story has more of a quest feel to it than the last one did. It definitely builds to a strong climax. In order to avert certain doom, all of the eight great spells must be read in order. The eighth and final spell is, of course, in Rincewind鈥檚 mind. His death would solve that problem for the planet鈥檚 most powerful spell casters.
The story progresses through one mishap after another as the author continues to add characters and build his world. Rather than read these books by order of character type (for example, all of the Rincewind stories followed by all of the Witches stories and so forth), I have chosen to attempt to read them chronologically. I think it gives a clear picture of where the author is at in a point in time and what his conception of this world and these characters is and is becoming.
March 21, 2021
Failed wizard Rincewind and the first and last Discworld tourist Twoflower and his animated luggage, are joined by Cohen the Barbarian and Bethan as they head towards the foretold destiny of Rincewind and the Great Spell in his head. Marginally better than the first book in the series, but apparently it is from the next book that this series begins to get good...as I am personally struggling to find anything that funny or interesting about this cult series 3 out of 12.
May 17, 2020
Another excellent Discworld adventure from the late Sir Pratchett. All that was missing in my judgement was more inspiration and positivity by the main characters 6 of 10 stars
June 3, 2017
3.5 stars (yes, I actually liked the first one a bit better)
"The important thing about having lots of things to remember is that you've got to go somewhere afterward where you can remember them, you see? You've got to stop. You haven't really been anywhere until you've got back home."
Thus, this second book in the Discworld series is about the continued adventure of Twoflower, the very first tourist, and Rincewind, the failed wiz(z)ard with only one spell in his head.
We get to know more about that spell in particular and how it caused Rincewind to fail at being a wizard. Moreover, we get to see much more of the Unseen University and their machinations.
At the beginning, we start where the last novel ended and I really think the two books should be considered one story. Twoflower in the ship and Rincewind and the Luggage without a mode of transportation have "gone overboard". However, the most magical book on the entire Dicworld (the Octavo) can't let Rincewind die so magic saves them.
From there, they continue their journey through odd landscapes (a very peculiar forest for example) and meet new people (like Cohen, a parody of Conan the Barbarian).
Oh, and to make matters more interesting, we then find out that the Discworld is about to be destroyed unless the eight spells of the Octavo are being recited in time.
What I also liked was the portrayal of DEATH's domain (not to mention )! But then again, I always had a weakness for the bony fella. ;)
Again, the book had some interesting spins on ideas, witty observations aboutour the Discworld, as well as funny moments, but nothing groundbreaking or laugh-out-loud. As I stated before, I think this and the first should be regarded as one piece, because of the story and because of how it was delivered so it's no surprise there isn't much more to say about this except for what has already been said in my review for the previous volume.
However, I will point out that one of the saviors in this story and a wonderful character all on its own, was luggage! I really liked the little guy with his right-action-at-the-right-time interventions and "comments" on certain matters.
I marked a few lines and passages in this book again but am leaving you with this, one of my favourites:
"Inside every sane person there's a madman struggling to get out. That's what I've always thought. No one goes mad quicker than a totally sane person."
"The important thing about having lots of things to remember is that you've got to go somewhere afterward where you can remember them, you see? You've got to stop. You haven't really been anywhere until you've got back home."
Thus, this second book in the Discworld series is about the continued adventure of Twoflower, the very first tourist, and Rincewind, the failed wiz(z)ard with only one spell in his head.
We get to know more about that spell in particular and how it caused Rincewind to fail at being a wizard. Moreover, we get to see much more of the Unseen University and their machinations.
At the beginning, we start where the last novel ended and I really think the two books should be considered one story. Twoflower in the ship and Rincewind and the Luggage without a mode of transportation have "gone overboard". However, the most magical book on the entire Dicworld (the Octavo) can't let Rincewind die so magic saves them.
From there, they continue their journey through odd landscapes (a very peculiar forest for example) and meet new people (like Cohen, a parody of Conan the Barbarian).
Oh, and to make matters more interesting, we then find out that the Discworld is about to be destroyed unless the eight spells of the Octavo are being recited in time.
What I also liked was the portrayal of DEATH's domain (not to mention )! But then again, I always had a weakness for the bony fella. ;)
Again, the book had some interesting spins on ideas, witty observations about
However, I will point out that one of the saviors in this story and a wonderful character all on its own, was luggage! I really liked the little guy with his right-action-at-the-right-time interventions and "comments" on certain matters.
I marked a few lines and passages in this book again but am leaving you with this, one of my favourites:
"Inside every sane person there's a madman struggling to get out. That's what I've always thought. No one goes mad quicker than a totally sane person."
March 24, 2024
The second in my re-read of the entire Discworld series and, as with the first volume, it was even better this time around!
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this second book (in chronological order) are:
This continues where the previous book left off: Rincewind and Twoflower went over the rim of the world ... and landed somewhere entirely different. Gods and other supernatural beings have a vested interest in Rincewind NOT dying while the magic spells of the magical book, Octavo, simply need him to keep running away just long enough.
You see, something is happening. It has to do with that weird, red ... star. It's getting bigger every day and if DEATH's guests are anything to go by, it's not gonna be pretty. However, there are a lot of misunderstandings and confusion - and not just if we're talking about the druids. *chuckles*
I have to admit that the first time around I would have NEVER guessed that this is what Pratchett would make of the . BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! A very clever and - most importantly - very hilarious take indeed.
But before we get to that resolution, we end up all over the place - troll mountains, forests reminiscent of our fairytales, peculiar clouds, ...
Best scenes here were the introduction to the library at UU (see my first status update) and getting to experience where DEATH lives.
Just imagining him playing that game with the other 3 horsemen had me giggling! :D
The narrators were impeccable and really nailed it. Promising start to this re-read and I hope the audiobook quality will either continue on this level or get even better (if possible). Yep, I had a grande old time!
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this second book (in chronological order) are:
This continues where the previous book left off: Rincewind and Twoflower went over the rim of the world ... and landed somewhere entirely different. Gods and other supernatural beings have a vested interest in Rincewind NOT dying while the magic spells of the magical book, Octavo, simply need him to keep running away just long enough.
You see, something is happening. It has to do with that weird, red ... star. It's getting bigger every day and if DEATH's guests are anything to go by, it's not gonna be pretty. However, there are a lot of misunderstandings and confusion - and not just if we're talking about the druids. *chuckles*
I have to admit that the first time around I would have NEVER guessed that this is what Pratchett would make of the . BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! A very clever and - most importantly - very hilarious take indeed.
But before we get to that resolution, we end up all over the place - troll mountains, forests reminiscent of our fairytales, peculiar clouds, ...
Best scenes here were the introduction to the library at UU (see my first status update) and getting to experience where DEATH lives.
Just imagining him playing that game with the other 3 horsemen had me giggling! :D
The narrators were impeccable and really nailed it. Promising start to this re-read and I hope the audiobook quality will either continue on this level or get even better (if possible). Yep, I had a grande old time!
February 19, 2018
3.5-4*
Aunque esta historia empieza d贸nde lo dej贸 su primera parte (El Color de la Magia), me ha parecido mucho mejor, menos ca贸tica y m谩s entra帽able. Imposible no re铆rse con los gui帽os a los cuentos infantiles, Conan (o Cohen xD) el B谩rbaro y con las aventuras de Rincewind y Dosflores.
Al final del libro hasta me he dado cuenta del cari帽o que les he cogido a este par de desastrillos.. (:
Gracias Pratchett por el buen rato!
Aunque esta historia empieza d贸nde lo dej贸 su primera parte (El Color de la Magia), me ha parecido mucho mejor, menos ca贸tica y m谩s entra帽able. Imposible no re铆rse con los gui帽os a los cuentos infantiles, Conan (o Cohen xD) el B谩rbaro y con las aventuras de Rincewind y Dosflores.
Al final del libro hasta me he dado cuenta del cari帽o que les he cogido a este par de desastrillos.. (:
Gracias Pratchett por el buen rato!
March 24, 2021
"The disc, being flat, has no real horizon. Any adventurous sailor who got funny ideas from staring at eggs and oranges for too long and set out for the antipodes soon learned that the reason why distant ships sometimes looked as though they were disappearing over the edge of the world was that they were disappearing over the edge of the world."
Like Douglas Adams' books, I find myself kind of at a loss whenever I sit down and try to write a review of a Terry Prachett book. The Discworld books that I've read so far have all been delightful and entertaining (and Terry Prachett has the Dorothy Parker gift of creating one-liners as quick and deadly as a sniper's bullet) but they kind of defy summary. I mean, this book picks up right where the previous installment left off, with our hero falling off the edge of the world. And as far as things go in this book, that's a relatively normal occurrence.
All there really is to say here is that I've thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Rincewind, aka the world's best worst magician, and I'm kind of sad that the third Discworld book is a diversion from his story. But I'm sure it'll be great.
Like Douglas Adams' books, I find myself kind of at a loss whenever I sit down and try to write a review of a Terry Prachett book. The Discworld books that I've read so far have all been delightful and entertaining (and Terry Prachett has the Dorothy Parker gift of creating one-liners as quick and deadly as a sniper's bullet) but they kind of defy summary. I mean, this book picks up right where the previous installment left off, with our hero falling off the edge of the world. And as far as things go in this book, that's a relatively normal occurrence.
All there really is to say here is that I've thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Rincewind, aka the world's best worst magician, and I'm kind of sad that the third Discworld book is a diversion from his story. But I'm sure it'll be great.
March 17, 2021
鈥淭he Luggage said nothing, but louder this time.鈥�
This took me quite a while to read considering it's a relatively short book, but I was trying to make it last as long as possible, because I don't have a copy of Equal Rites yet, and I wasn't looking forward to the break in my Discworld journey, especially since I've only just started it! It was actually quite challenging to pace myself with this though, because these books are so enjoyable and fun to read.
I think this is something of a rarity in the series in that it continues on directly from the previous one. While I am looking forward to discovering all the various directions that the series goes in, I think I will miss these early times as well. Still, since everyone says they only get better, so I'm not too worried.
I found the parting of Twoflower and Rincewind very touching, and was pleased that the luggage got to stay. I know Rincewind will appear again, but I'm not sure about Twoflower. I will miss his cluelessness and occasional moments of sensible observations. He and Rincewind were a fun duo.
鈥淭woflower didn't just look at the world through rose-tinted spectacles, Rincewind knew--he looked at it through a rose-tinted brain, too, and heard it through rose-tinted ears.鈥�
This took me quite a while to read considering it's a relatively short book, but I was trying to make it last as long as possible, because I don't have a copy of Equal Rites yet, and I wasn't looking forward to the break in my Discworld journey, especially since I've only just started it! It was actually quite challenging to pace myself with this though, because these books are so enjoyable and fun to read.
I think this is something of a rarity in the series in that it continues on directly from the previous one. While I am looking forward to discovering all the various directions that the series goes in, I think I will miss these early times as well. Still, since everyone says they only get better, so I'm not too worried.
I found the parting of Twoflower and Rincewind very touching, and was pleased that the luggage got to stay. I know Rincewind will appear again, but I'm not sure about Twoflower. I will miss his cluelessness and occasional moments of sensible observations. He and Rincewind were a fun duo.
鈥淭woflower didn't just look at the world through rose-tinted spectacles, Rincewind knew--he looked at it through a rose-tinted brain, too, and heard it through rose-tinted ears.鈥�
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2015
Executive Summary: I enjoyed this one a lot more than , and it made me glad I read that book first rather than starting with one of the later in the series.
Full Review
A moment of silence for the passing of a great man.
It's a shame it took the passing of Terry Pratchett for me to give this series a second chance. I've had numerous people tell me how much I'd like it. It was recommended again to me when I said I was in a funk and wanted something light and fun just a few days before his passing.
I just wasn't sure about it though. I'm often stubborn. I know it. I like to read things in publication order. I know this series is more like a loose collection of stories set in the same world, but I still want to read it in the order it came out. So I read last year, and it was alright.
I did plan on reading this book at some point, but I kept putting it off. I wish I hadn't. The humor was better, the plot was more interesting, and some great new characters were introduced.
And the puns. Man there are some great puns in here. I had to stop reading for a few minutes because I was laughing so hard. I'm not normally big on puns, but they really worked for me in this book. I won't ruin them for you though, you should read them for yourself.
So now I'm hooked on the series. I jumped right into and I'm nearly done with that. I'll likely be jumping right into after that.
I'm sad Mr. Pratchett has left us, and that I didn't get a chance to meet him and thank him for his great work. But I'm excited by the fact that I have nearly 40 more books to enjoy. I may have to pace myself though as there will sadly only be one more to come.
I can't say you should be stubborn like I am, and read in publication order. Most people seem to recommend starting with or . I will say that if you do start with make sure you read this one too, because not only is it a continuation of the plot, it's a vast improvement in every way.
Full Review
A moment of silence for the passing of a great man.
It's a shame it took the passing of Terry Pratchett for me to give this series a second chance. I've had numerous people tell me how much I'd like it. It was recommended again to me when I said I was in a funk and wanted something light and fun just a few days before his passing.
I just wasn't sure about it though. I'm often stubborn. I know it. I like to read things in publication order. I know this series is more like a loose collection of stories set in the same world, but I still want to read it in the order it came out. So I read last year, and it was alright.
I did plan on reading this book at some point, but I kept putting it off. I wish I hadn't. The humor was better, the plot was more interesting, and some great new characters were introduced.
And the puns. Man there are some great puns in here. I had to stop reading for a few minutes because I was laughing so hard. I'm not normally big on puns, but they really worked for me in this book. I won't ruin them for you though, you should read them for yourself.
So now I'm hooked on the series. I jumped right into and I'm nearly done with that. I'll likely be jumping right into after that.
I'm sad Mr. Pratchett has left us, and that I didn't get a chance to meet him and thank him for his great work. But I'm excited by the fact that I have nearly 40 more books to enjoy. I may have to pace myself though as there will sadly only be one more to come.
I can't say you should be stubborn like I am, and read in publication order. Most people seem to recommend starting with or . I will say that if you do start with make sure you read this one too, because not only is it a continuation of the plot, it's a vast improvement in every way.
November 4, 2023
4鈽� 鈥� text and audio
鈥淭he very fabric of time and space is about to be put through the wringer.鈥�
What else would you expect in Pratchett鈥檚 Discworld? Failed wizard Rincewind and the incurably enthusiastic tourist-traveller, Twoflower, have discovered what the future holds. One side of the sky held only blackness.
鈥淚n that circle of blackness there was just one star, a red and baleful star a star like the glitter in the eye-socket of a rabid mink. It was small and horrible and uncompromising. And the Disc was being carried straight towards it.
Rincewind knew precisely what to do in these circumstances. He screamed and pointed the broomstick straight down.鈥�
At least he still knew how to carry them on a broom.
Eventually, wizards get together to see what鈥檚 happening and they summon Death, my favourite character. Death speaks in capital letters, and in my copy there are no quotation marks for him. In the audio, the phrases 鈥渉e said鈥� are eliminated, as the voice is echoing, deep and resounding, as if from the grave.
鈥淭he air in the centre of the octogram shimmered and thickened, and suddenly contained a tall, dark figure. Most of it was hidden by a black robe and hood and this was probably just as well. It held a long scythe in one hand and one couldn鈥檛 help noticing that what should have been fingers were simply white bone.
The other skeletal hand held small cubes of cheese and pineapple on a stick.
WELL? said Death, in a voice with all the warmth and colour of an iceberg. He caught the wizards鈥� gaze, and glanced down at the stick.
I WAS AT A PARTY, he added, a shade reproachfully.
鈥極, Creature of Earth and Darkness鈥︹€�
Death nodded. YES, YES, I KNOW ALL THAT, he said. WHY HAVE YOU SUMMONED ME?鈥�
The wizards say he can see the past and future, and they ask him what exactly happened this morning, and the wizard who summoned him begins to his long command chant again鈥�.
鈥淎LL RIGHT, YOU鈥橵E MADE YOUR POINT, said Death. WHAT PRECISELY WAS IT YOU WISHED TO KNOW? QUITE A LOT OF THINGS HAPPENED THIS MORNING, PEOPLE WERE BORN, PEOPLE DIED, ALL THE TREES GREW A BIT TALLER, RIPPLEDS MADE INTERESTING PATTERNS ON THE SEA 鈥� 鈥�
Eventually Death explains 鈥淭HAT, OH, THAT WAS JUST A READJUSTMENT OF REALITY鈥�
The reality being that the eighth spell that is missing from the Octavo (book) and lodged instead in Rincewind, is going to be needed.
鈥淎LL THAT I KNOW IS THAT ALL THE SPELLS HAVE TO BE SAID TOGETHER NEXT HOGSWATCHNIGHT OR THE DISC WILL BE DESTROYED.
. . .
CAN I GO NOW? I LEFT MY DRINK.鈥�
Where is Rincewind with the missing spell? Plummeting down through the skies on a broomstick. The wizards have only two months to find 鈥� capture 鈥� him and put him with the Octavo, which they have chained up safely (they hope) so no more spells will escape.
It鈥檚 silly, fantastical, and wild. And funny. There are so many characters, each with their own foibles and magic properties, that it鈥檚 impossible to keep track. Everyone would like to have the Luggage on their side. It鈥檚 a wooden trunk (sort of) with many tiny little legs, and it runs along behind its owner, something like a dog with a particularly vicious bite when needed. The contents change as needed.
It鈥檚 a fun series with many devoted fans. I鈥檝e read a few of the books not in order, but went back to read the first, a year ago and wrote about it here.
My review of The Colour of Magic
鈥淭he very fabric of time and space is about to be put through the wringer.鈥�
What else would you expect in Pratchett鈥檚 Discworld? Failed wizard Rincewind and the incurably enthusiastic tourist-traveller, Twoflower, have discovered what the future holds. One side of the sky held only blackness.
鈥淚n that circle of blackness there was just one star, a red and baleful star a star like the glitter in the eye-socket of a rabid mink. It was small and horrible and uncompromising. And the Disc was being carried straight towards it.
Rincewind knew precisely what to do in these circumstances. He screamed and pointed the broomstick straight down.鈥�
At least he still knew how to carry them on a broom.
Eventually, wizards get together to see what鈥檚 happening and they summon Death, my favourite character. Death speaks in capital letters, and in my copy there are no quotation marks for him. In the audio, the phrases 鈥渉e said鈥� are eliminated, as the voice is echoing, deep and resounding, as if from the grave.
鈥淭he air in the centre of the octogram shimmered and thickened, and suddenly contained a tall, dark figure. Most of it was hidden by a black robe and hood and this was probably just as well. It held a long scythe in one hand and one couldn鈥檛 help noticing that what should have been fingers were simply white bone.
The other skeletal hand held small cubes of cheese and pineapple on a stick.
WELL? said Death, in a voice with all the warmth and colour of an iceberg. He caught the wizards鈥� gaze, and glanced down at the stick.
I WAS AT A PARTY, he added, a shade reproachfully.
鈥極, Creature of Earth and Darkness鈥︹€�
Death nodded. YES, YES, I KNOW ALL THAT, he said. WHY HAVE YOU SUMMONED ME?鈥�
The wizards say he can see the past and future, and they ask him what exactly happened this morning, and the wizard who summoned him begins to his long command chant again鈥�.
鈥淎LL RIGHT, YOU鈥橵E MADE YOUR POINT, said Death. WHAT PRECISELY WAS IT YOU WISHED TO KNOW? QUITE A LOT OF THINGS HAPPENED THIS MORNING, PEOPLE WERE BORN, PEOPLE DIED, ALL THE TREES GREW A BIT TALLER, RIPPLEDS MADE INTERESTING PATTERNS ON THE SEA 鈥� 鈥�
Eventually Death explains 鈥淭HAT, OH, THAT WAS JUST A READJUSTMENT OF REALITY鈥�
The reality being that the eighth spell that is missing from the Octavo (book) and lodged instead in Rincewind, is going to be needed.
鈥淎LL THAT I KNOW IS THAT ALL THE SPELLS HAVE TO BE SAID TOGETHER NEXT HOGSWATCHNIGHT OR THE DISC WILL BE DESTROYED.
. . .
CAN I GO NOW? I LEFT MY DRINK.鈥�
Where is Rincewind with the missing spell? Plummeting down through the skies on a broomstick. The wizards have only two months to find 鈥� capture 鈥� him and put him with the Octavo, which they have chained up safely (they hope) so no more spells will escape.
It鈥檚 silly, fantastical, and wild. And funny. There are so many characters, each with their own foibles and magic properties, that it鈥檚 impossible to keep track. Everyone would like to have the Luggage on their side. It鈥檚 a wooden trunk (sort of) with many tiny little legs, and it runs along behind its owner, something like a dog with a particularly vicious bite when needed. The contents change as needed.
It鈥檚 a fun series with many devoted fans. I鈥檝e read a few of the books not in order, but went back to read the first, a year ago and wrote about it here.
My review of The Colour of Magic
June 4, 2017
The story picks up where the first one left off, with Rincewind, Twoflower and the Luggage in dire peril. They're mysteriously saved and plonked down in the middle of a magical forest. Meanwhile an ominous red star has appeared in the sky of the disk and it appears to be growing each night. The Wizards of Unseen University want to read the Octavo to save the Disc, but Rincewind still has one of the Eight spells stuck in his head, so the hunt for the wizard is on.
I have no idea how many times I've read this, other than I'm sure this is at least my third time through. I had set my expectations of these first few Discworld novels based on a memory that they weren't all that good compared to later novels in the series, but to my happy surprise I found myself greatly enjoying this. This novel in a lot of ways, rather than , feels like the genesis of what the Discworld becomes.
In this one you get the introduction of the Librarian, Death's daughter Ysabell, Cohen the Barbarian and the beginnings of the more nuanced character of Death himself. This quote from Death regarding the rampant stupidity of the Star cultists could easily have come from a much later book:
Very glad to revise my rating of this book to 5 stars and now I've very much looking forward to and , neither of which I've reread before.
I have no idea how many times I've read this, other than I'm sure this is at least my third time through. I had set my expectations of these first few Discworld novels based on a memory that they weren't all that good compared to later novels in the series, but to my happy surprise I found myself greatly enjoying this. This novel in a lot of ways, rather than , feels like the genesis of what the Discworld becomes.
In this one you get the introduction of the Librarian, Death's daughter Ysabell, Cohen the Barbarian and the beginnings of the more nuanced character of Death himself. This quote from Death regarding the rampant stupidity of the Star cultists could easily have come from a much later book:
NOT LIKE THIS. THE DEATH OF THE WARRIOR OR THE OLD MAN OR THE LITTLE CHILD, THIS I UNDERSTAND, AND I TAKE AWAY THE PAIN AND END THE SUFFERING. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS DEATH-OF-THE-MIND.All-in-all, it's the first inklings of the strong character work, social commentary and razor sharp humor that have made Pratchett a household name.
Very glad to revise my rating of this book to 5 stars and now I've very much looking forward to and , neither of which I've reread before.
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