Another great Discworld novel, 29 Dec 2008
Synopsis from Amazon:

'What shall we do?' said Twoflower.
'Panic?' said Rincewind hopefully. He always held that panic was the best means of survival. When the very fabric of time and space are about to be put through the wringer - in this instance by the imminent arrival of a very large and determinedly oncoming meteorite - circumstances require a very particular type of hero. Sadly what the situation does not need is a singularly inept wizard, still recovering from the trauma of falling off the edge of the world. Equally it does not need one well-meaning tourist and his luggage which has a mind of its own. Which is a shame because that's all there is...

This is a funny fantasy book which follows The Colour of Magic in the Discworld Series by Pratchett, and is possibly better! There were fights, crazy characters and some extremely funny one-liners. Although the second book in the series I think it is written in a way that means you could read it as a stand-alone book and still understand and follow the storyline, and still enjoy the book.

I love the way Pratchett writes, drawing you in and he is so descriptive and clever that you feel like you are really there. I had no trouble imagining the red star, the trolls or the luggage. He is a fascinating writer and I have found myself just wanting to read more of his work.

In this book my favourite character was either Cohan the Barbarian or the Luggage. Both were hunourous, the former with his attitude and one-liners and the latter with his presence and response to events.

My only complaint was that Death did not feature enough! I thought the ending was a bit sad but realistic. I just really enjoyed this book.

9/10


Rincewind rides again, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (again) saves the Discworld, this time by saying the eight most powerful spells in the seminal work of magical lore known as the Octavo - which the fearsome Luggage then eats. Another fast-paced series of adventures for Rincewind and Twoflower, in which they fight off creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions and first encounter Cohen, the somewhat superannuated barbarian hero. More of an action adventure than some of the later, more wryly philosophical Discworld novels, but there's still plenty of trademark Pratchett humour in this second instalment of the series.

My review, 13 May 2008
being a Discworld fan, my phoenomena started here.
Rincewind, ever since this book, has beguiled me in certain ways. His sarcasm, his dry sense of humour, his psychological depression, and, as I later realized, his innocence and good nature, beneath that crusty exterior. In Sourcery, he actually saves the world with a half brick in a sock and I thought that was the bravest thing he has ever done, since, despite his reluctance.
In this book, he looks a bit like Wee Willie Winkie 20 years later, I reflected. But his character hadn't changed.
One problem with this book is that they took out one major character- Trymon. Trymon is a great adversary and he's so ambitious and high achieving, which led to his downfall.
All in all, a good book if you haven't read the series.

Has to Be the Best Fantasy Series of Books Ever, 15 Apr 2008

Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1986 is the second of the Discworld novels and to a degree it is amazing that these books have achieved such popularity.

First published twenty one years ago The Light Fantastic is the second book in Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld series and once again features the incorrigible and cowardly wizard Rincewind a graduate of the Unseen University of wizards in Ankh-Morpork. Rincewind has the unfortunate knack of getting most of his spells wrong and this tends to put him in ever deeper trouble than he was to start with.

Twoflower is the Discworld's `first tourist' along with his remarkable luggage, oh for such a piece of luggage in today's modern airports. A piece of luggage that can never get lost. Equipped with a number of legs and the homing instinct of a carrier pigeon, it will always find its owner, even when he owner doesn't want to be found.

In this sequel, the Discworld is rapidly moving towards what seems an inevitable collision with a strange red star, and there is only one person who can avert a major disaster. Unfortunately that person happens to be our ham-fisted university graduate, Rincewind the wizard

Great, 15 Dec 2007
Thankfully for him I love it! (Not all of it!) Rincewind the unsuccessful wizard, is one of the most powerful chararters you would come across in your adventures in the DiscWorld. Sadly I don't like other charators, but the sarcastic impression in which Rincewind is, it comes across very well in the atmosphere. Espeically when the whole of the Disc (or pizza many people are saying!) is riding on the back of a turtle, in which four elephants are carrying the world is heading for a big, red star in which would bring to an end of the whole of the Disc. Don't get upst about the way in which the few pages are written. If you carry on, and head towards the further pages, you'll get into it. Note of Warning: There aren't any chapters. Enjoy the book I did! So have many others! and if you missed Tino Georgiou's--The Fates--I strongly recommend reading it.

Another great Discworld novel, 29 Dec 2008
Synopsis from Amazon:

'What shall we do?' said Twoflower.
'Panic?' said Rincewind hopefully. He always held that panic was the best means of survival. When the very fabric of time and space are about to be put through the wringer - in this instance by the imminent arrival of a very large and determinedly oncoming meteorite - circumstances require a very particular type of hero. Sadly what the situation does not need is a singularly inept wizard, still recovering from the trauma of falling off the edge of the world. Equally it does not need one well-meaning tourist and his luggage which has a mind of its own. Which is a shame because that's all there is...

This is a funny fantasy book which follows The Colour of Magic in the Discworld Series by Pratchett, and is possibly better! There were fights, crazy characters and some extremely funny one-liners. Although the second book in the series I think it is written in a way that means you could read it as a stand-alone book and still understand and follow the storyline, and still enjoy the book.

I love the way Pratchett writes, drawing you in and he is so descriptive and clever that you feel like you are really there. I had no trouble imagining the red star, the trolls or the luggage. He is a fascinating writer and I have found myself just wanting to read more of his work.

In this book my favourite character was either Cohan the Barbarian or the Luggage. Both were hunourous, the former with his attitude and one-liners and the latter with his presence and response to events.

My only complaint was that Death did not feature enough! I thought the ending was a bit sad but realistic. I just really enjoyed this book.

9/10


Rincewind rides again, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (again) saves the Discworld, this time by saying the eight most powerful spells in the seminal work of magical lore known as the Octavo - which the fearsome Luggage then eats. Another fast-paced series of adventures for Rincewind and Twoflower, in which they fight off creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions and first encounter Cohen, the somewhat superannuated barbarian hero. More of an action adventure than some of the later, more wryly philosophical Discworld novels, but there's still plenty of trademark Pratchett humour in this second instalment of the series.

My review, 13 May 2008
being a Discworld fan, my phoenomena started here.
Rincewind, ever since this book, has beguiled me in certain ways. His sarcasm, his dry sense of humour, his psychological depression, and, as I later realized, his innocence and good nature, beneath that crusty exterior. In Sourcery, he actually saves the world with a half brick in a sock and I thought that was the bravest thing he has ever done, since, despite his reluctance.
In this book, he looks a bit like Wee Willie Winkie 20 years later, I reflected. But his character hadn't changed.
One problem with this book is that they took out one major character- Trymon. Trymon is a great adversary and he's so ambitious and high achieving, which led to his downfall.
All in all, a good book if you haven't read the series.

Has to Be the Best Fantasy Series of Books Ever, 15 Apr 2008

Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1986 is the second of the Discworld novels and to a degree it is amazing that these books have achieved such popularity.

First published twenty one years ago The Light Fantastic is the second book in Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld series and once again features the incorrigible and cowardly wizard Rincewind a graduate of the Unseen University of wizards in Ankh-Morpork. Rincewind has the unfortunate knack of getting most of his spells wrong and this tends to put him in ever deeper trouble than he was to start with.

Twoflower is the Discworld's `first tourist' along with his remarkable luggage, oh for such a piece of luggage in today's modern airports. A piece of luggage that can never get lost. Equipped with a number of legs and the homing instinct of a carrier pigeon, it will always find its owner, even when he owner doesn't want to be found.

In this sequel, the Discworld is rapidly moving towards what seems an inevitable collision with a strange red star, and there is only one person who can avert a major disaster. Unfortunately that person happens to be our ham-fisted university graduate, Rincewind the wizard

Great, 15 Dec 2007
Thankfully for him I love it! (Not all of it!) Rincewind the unsuccessful wizard, is one of the most powerful chararters you would come across in your adventures in the DiscWorld. Sadly I don't like other charators, but the sarcastic impression in which Rincewind is, it comes across very well in the atmosphere. Espeically when the whole of the Disc (or pizza many people are saying!) is riding on the back of a turtle, in which four elephants are carrying the world is heading for a big, red star in which would bring to an end of the whole of the Disc. Don't get upst about the way in which the few pages are written. If you carry on, and head towards the further pages, you'll get into it. Note of Warning: There aren't any chapters. Enjoy the book I did! So have many others! and if you missed Tino Georgiou's--The Fates--I strongly recommend reading it.

All good things come in eights..., 20 Dec 2008
The one where a wizard passes on his staff to an eighth (and therefore blessed) son...who turns out to be a daughter. Cue all sorts of problems on the Discworld, where (until now) there have been no female wizards. This story marks the first appearance of Granny Weatherwax, shepherding the powerful trainee wizardess Esk to the wizard seat of learning known as Unseen University. Once there, Esk and trainee wizard-cum-quantum physicist Simon save the Discworld from creatures of the Dungeon Dimensions (again). A complex tale interweaving science and gender equality - rather heavy going compared to its early Discworld predecessors `The Colour of Magic' and `The Light Fantastic'.

I gave this book to my mother when I was already a fan..., 09 Aug 2008
...And she liked it very much!
I think this is a good starting point for anyone new to the series. Its plot makes you think of a Studio Ghibli film (in a good way, mind you) but Pratchett's humour sparkles as brightly as ever.

Third in the Discworld Series, 15 Dec 2007
Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could he ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1987 is the third of the Discworld novels and the author is really getting into his stride in the series that broke all records and continues to do so with new books being regularly published.

Pratchett's wit and imagination are second to none. Who else would have or could have thought of the Discworld, a world of mystery and magic sitting on the back of four elephants, who in turn are standing on the back of the great turtle A'tuin the whole lot journeying through an eternal void. Are you with the plot so far?

Wizard's have the uncanny knack of being able to predict their own death, or so thinks Drum Billet. Having seen his own demise rapidly approaching he sets out to pass his power and his staff on to his predicted successor, who as tradition would have it, has to be the eighth son of an eighth son. The only problem with this is that the eighth son just happens to be a daughter and whoever heard of a woman becoming a wizard. But it's too late Drum Billet has gone to wherever dead wizards go and Eskarina has inherited a wizard's staff and is even now under the doubtful tutelage of Granny Weatherwax, who reckons this being a wizard is as easy as falling off a broomstick for a witch of her calibre . . .

"Whoever heard of a female wizard?", 15 Sep 2007
By now most of you know about Discworld, right? It is a fantastic place, which resembles our world but that presents us with some notable differences. As its name suggests, Discworld is shaped like a pizza, and it rests on top of four elephants, who in turn stand on top of a giant turtle, the Great A'Tuin. And as everyone knows, there is a small sun that orbits around this world, which is only reasonable. I guess that by know you get the idea. These characteristics are just a snippet of the elements Pratchett uses for his satire, and quite a few clever elements they are.

This story starts when Mr. Billet, an old wizard, shows up at the house of a blacksmith in a small and forgotten village. He is there looking for the eighth son of an eighth son, who is supposed to be given birth momentarily by the blacksmith's wife. Mr. Billet will pass on his powers and die soon thereafter. Maybe he should have done his homework more carefully, because after the ritual, they all notice that the new wizard is a baby girl. Thus, the first female wizard was created.

Eskarina lives a normal life until she is eight, but at that time things begin to change as she discovers her magic. At first, Granny, her nanny, tries to steer her towards witch magic, but soon enough the old witch realizes she cannot prevent Esk from fulfilling her destiny. Therefore, Esk starts her journey to the Unseen University and her fight against gender stereotypes and discrimination.

Even though this is not one of Pratchett's best efforts, and it slows down a bit in a few sections, there are a lot of things the author does proficiently. As always, there is one main subject for the satire, in this case gender discrimination, and the author makes us laugh out loud with some of the situations he creates. Pratchett also succeeds in inserting other topics in his satire, like the description of the Zoon, a tribe formed of people that are honest and that have to select those that can lie a little better to be tribal liars, or as other tribes call them, diplomats and public relations officers. Another ability of this author is finishing phrases that seem normal in odd ways, to make us laugh unexpectedly, like "Time passed, which, basically, is its job".

There are many other great aspects to this book, and even a Pratchett that is not completely at the top of his game, delivers a book that is worth your time and money. Even the title is clever, using the homonym for "Equal Rights". On top of this, there is an appearance of one of my favorite characters in the series, Death, and we also get to learn a couple of secrets behind magic in Discworld. I am already looking forward to grabbing the next Discworld book, lay back in the deck of a cruise and relax. I won't be able to relax totally though, since I will have to be checking that the cruise does not reach the end of the world and fall over.

first discwolrd i read all the way..loved it, 28 Jul 2007
Well many many moons ago i tried to read a discWorld novel but couldnt get into it..it was the 80s and i was a young mum..now ive finally got time to read the trilogy i bought myself for christmas and this is the first book in it..
I am hooked..totally enchanted and found the humour delighful. i was one of many who thought id have to read the series from book number one,i am happy to report it isnt so!
granny weatherwax is someone id love to have look out for me..i was mesmerised. I found myself laughing out loud which wasnt easy following a nasty tooth extraction..hence me reading instead of going online etc.I had become a non ficton only reader since the eighties..but this book has reawakened the reader in me and filled my niche of humour and fantasy.
I whole heartedly recommend this book.i hated falling asleep or doing anything where i couldnt read further!
A fantastic way to start. death and the witches are my favourite characters.

Another great Discworld novel, 29 Dec 2008
Synopsis from Amazon:

'What shall we do?' said Twoflower.
'Panic?' said Rincewind hopefully. He always held that panic was the best means of survival. When the very fabric of time and space are about to be put through the wringer - in this instance by the imminent arrival of a very large and determinedly oncoming meteorite - circumstances require a very particular type of hero. Sadly what the situation does not need is a singularly inept wizard, still recovering from the trauma of falling off the edge of the world. Equally it does not need one well-meaning tourist and his luggage which has a mind of its own. Which is a shame because that's all there is...

This is a funny fantasy book which follows The Colour of Magic in the Discworld Series by Pratchett, and is possibly better! There were fights, crazy characters and some extremely funny one-liners. Although the second book in the series I think it is written in a way that means you could read it as a stand-alone book and still understand and follow the storyline, and still enjoy the book.

I love the way Pratchett writes, drawing you in and he is so descriptive and clever that you feel like you are really there. I had no trouble imagining the red star, the trolls or the luggage. He is a fascinating writer and I have found myself just wanting to read more of his work.

In this book my favourite character was either Cohan the Barbarian or the Luggage. Both were hunourous, the former with his attitude and one-liners and the latter with his presence and response to events.

My only complaint was that Death did not feature enough! I thought the ending was a bit sad but realistic. I just really enjoyed this book.

9/10


Rincewind rides again, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (again) saves the Discworld, this time by saying the eight most powerful spells in the seminal work of magical lore known as the Octavo - which the fearsome Luggage then eats. Another fast-paced series of adventures for Rincewind and Twoflower, in which they fight off creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions and first encounter Cohen, the somewhat superannuated barbarian hero. More of an action adventure than some of the later, more wryly philosophical Discworld novels, but there's still plenty of trademark Pratchett humour in this second instalment of the series.

My review, 13 May 2008
being a Discworld fan, my phoenomena started here.
Rincewind, ever since this book, has beguiled me in certain ways. His sarcasm, his dry sense of humour, his psychological depression, and, as I later realized, his innocence and good nature, beneath that crusty exterior. In Sourcery, he actually saves the world with a half brick in a sock and I thought that was the bravest thing he has ever done, since, despite his reluctance.
In this book, he looks a bit like Wee Willie Winkie 20 years later, I reflected. But his character hadn't changed.
One problem with this book is that they took out one major character- Trymon. Trymon is a great adversary and he's so ambitious and high achieving, which led to his downfall.
All in all, a good book if you haven't read the series.

Has to Be the Best Fantasy Series of Books Ever, 15 Apr 2008

Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1986 is the second of the Discworld novels and to a degree it is amazing that these books have achieved such popularity.

First published twenty one years ago The Light Fantastic is the second book in Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld series and once again features the incorrigible and cowardly wizard Rincewind a graduate of the Unseen University of wizards in Ankh-Morpork. Rincewind has the unfortunate knack of getting most of his spells wrong and this tends to put him in ever deeper trouble than he was to start with.

Twoflower is the Discworld's `first tourist' along with his remarkable luggage, oh for such a piece of luggage in today's modern airports. A piece of luggage that can never get lost. Equipped with a number of legs and the homing instinct of a carrier pigeon, it will always find its owner, even when he owner doesn't want to be found.

In this sequel, the Discworld is rapidly moving towards what seems an inevitable collision with a strange red star, and there is only one person who can avert a major disaster. Unfortunately that person happens to be our ham-fisted university graduate, Rincewind the wizard

Great, 15 Dec 2007
Thankfully for him I love it! (Not all of it!) Rincewind the unsuccessful wizard, is one of the most powerful chararters you would come across in your adventures in the DiscWorld. Sadly I don't like other charators, but the sarcastic impression in which Rincewind is, it comes across very well in the atmosphere. Espeically when the whole of the Disc (or pizza many people are saying!) is riding on the back of a turtle, in which four elephants are carrying the world is heading for a big, red star in which would bring to an end of the whole of the Disc. Don't get upst about the way in which the few pages are written. If you carry on, and head towards the further pages, you'll get into it. Note of Warning: There aren't any chapters. Enjoy the book I did! So have many others! and if you missed Tino Georgiou's--The Fates--I strongly recommend reading it.

All good things come in eights..., 20 Dec 2008
The one where a wizard passes on his staff to an eighth (and therefore blessed) son...who turns out to be a daughter. Cue all sorts of problems on the Discworld, where (until now) there have been no female wizards. This story marks the first appearance of Granny Weatherwax, shepherding the powerful trainee wizardess Esk to the wizard seat of learning known as Unseen University. Once there, Esk and trainee wizard-cum-quantum physicist Simon save the Discworld from creatures of the Dungeon Dimensions (again). A complex tale interweaving science and gender equality - rather heavy going compared to its early Discworld predecessors `The Colour of Magic' and `The Light Fantastic'.

I gave this book to my mother when I was already a fan..., 09 Aug 2008
...And she liked it very much!
I think this is a good starting point for anyone new to the series. Its plot makes you think of a Studio Ghibli film (in a good way, mind you) but Pratchett's humour sparkles as brightly as ever.

Third in the Discworld Series, 15 Dec 2007
Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could he ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1987 is the third of the Discworld novels and the author is really getting into his stride in the series that broke all records and continues to do so with new books being regularly published.

Pratchett's wit and imagination are second to none. Who else would have or could have thought of the Discworld, a world of mystery and magic sitting on the back of four elephants, who in turn are standing on the back of the great turtle A'tuin the whole lot journeying through an eternal void. Are you with the plot so far?

Wizard's have the uncanny knack of being able to predict their own death, or so thinks Drum Billet. Having seen his own demise rapidly approaching he sets out to pass his power and his staff on to his predicted successor, who as tradition would have it, has to be the eighth son of an eighth son. The only problem with this is that the eighth son just happens to be a daughter and whoever heard of a woman becoming a wizard. But it's too late Drum Billet has gone to wherever dead wizards go and Eskarina has inherited a wizard's staff and is even now under the doubtful tutelage of Granny Weatherwax, who reckons this being a wizard is as easy as falling off a broomstick for a witch of her calibre . . .

"Whoever heard of a female wizard?", 15 Sep 2007
By now most of you know about Discworld, right? It is a fantastic place, which resembles our world but that presents us with some notable differences. As its name suggests, Discworld is shaped like a pizza, and it rests on top of four elephants, who in turn stand on top of a giant turtle, the Great A'Tuin. And as everyone knows, there is a small sun that orbits around this world, which is only reasonable. I guess that by know you get the idea. These characteristics are just a snippet of the elements Pratchett uses for his satire, and quite a few clever elements they are.

This story starts when Mr. Billet, an old wizard, shows up at the house of a blacksmith in a small and forgotten village. He is there looking for the eighth son of an eighth son, who is supposed to be given birth momentarily by the blacksmith's wife. Mr. Billet will pass on his powers and die soon thereafter. Maybe he should have done his homework more carefully, because after the ritual, they all notice that the new wizard is a baby girl. Thus, the first female wizard was created.

Eskarina lives a normal life until she is eight, but at that time things begin to change as she discovers her magic. At first, Granny, her nanny, tries to steer her towards witch magic, but soon enough the old witch realizes she cannot prevent Esk from fulfilling her destiny. Therefore, Esk starts her journey to the Unseen University and her fight against gender stereotypes and discrimination.

Even though this is not one of Pratchett's best efforts, and it slows down a bit in a few sections, there are a lot of things the author does proficiently. As always, there is one main subject for the satire, in this case gender discrimination, and the author makes us laugh out loud with some of the situations he creates. Pratchett also succeeds in inserting other topics in his satire, like the description of the Zoon, a tribe formed of people that are honest and that have to select those that can lie a little better to be tribal liars, or as other tribes call them, diplomats and public relations officers. Another ability of this author is finishing phrases that seem normal in odd ways, to make us laugh unexpectedly, like "Time passed, which, basically, is its job".

There are many other great aspects to this book, and even a Pratchett that is not completely at the top of his game, delivers a book that is worth your time and money. Even the title is clever, using the homonym for "Equal Rights". On top of this, there is an appearance of one of my favorite characters in the series, Death, and we also get to learn a couple of secrets behind magic in Discworld. I am already looking forward to grabbing the next Discworld book, lay back in the deck of a cruise and relax. I won't be able to relax totally though, since I will have to be checking that the cruise does not reach the end of the world and fall over.

first discwolrd i read all the way..loved it, 28 Jul 2007
Well many many moons ago i tried to read a discWorld novel but couldnt get into it..it was the 80s and i was a young mum..now ive finally got time to read the trilogy i bought myself for christmas and this is the first book in it..
I am hooked..totally enchanted and found the humour delighful. i was one of many who thought id have to read the series from book number one,i am happy to report it isnt so!
granny weatherwax is someone id love to have look out for me..i was mesmerised. I found myself laughing out loud which wasnt easy following a nasty tooth extraction..hence me reading instead of going online etc.I had become a non ficton only reader since the eighties..but this book has reawakened the reader in me and filled my niche of humour and fantasy.
I whole heartedly recommend this book.i hated falling asleep or doing anything where i couldnt read further!
A fantastic way to start. death and the witches are my favourite characters.


All-out war, Discworld-style, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (last seen in `The Light Fantastic') rides again, this time joined by Conina the Hairdresser (daughter of Cohen the Barbarian) and the very fearsome Nijel the Destroyer. Together, they take on the Sourcerer, with his grand plans for a Discworld run by wizards. Features a spectacular magical war, in which the wizards' seat of learning, Unseen University, comes under some very peculiar bombardment. Heavy on the spells, curses and magical hocus-pocus, so not as flowing an adventure as some in the series.

Pivitol Event In Discworld History, 16 Jul 2008
Sourcery is one of the pivitol moments in the Discworld series, and one any fan should be greatful for. Whilst the first two novels were large in scope, and introduced a vast array of colourful, exciting characters, in an exciting universe built on satire, the plots don't feel so much thought out, as thrown together, and the following two novels seemed independant to the rest of the charcater saga's (The Witches and Death respectively), in the exclusion of main characters (Nanny Ogg and Magrat) and obvious character differences(Death in Mort is such a contrast to Death in Reaper Man), almost as if the lead roles were different people of the same name to the ones we have become familiair to.

No, Sourcery is special in that Rincewind, the accidental hero, is the same Rincewind that appears in the later episodes, but is allowed room to develop into a more rounded character. It also feels tighter as a story, in that the actions of Rincewind, Conina and Ipslore in the begining few pages of the book, and important elements of the story, and affect everybody. It was some time later that Pratchett discovered subtlety of narrative, often best displayed in the Guards novels, but here you can feel it beginning to develop, and as pace goes, this book has the right combination of speed and depth to be greatly entertaining.

It must also be applauded for it's cast of supporting characters. Conan's daughter Conina is funny, and refreshingly strong, whislt remaining feminine (like a proto-Susan D'eath), and the cowering, naive Nijel the barbarian, as well as Coin, and the Librarian (ok, he is a recurring character, but fantastic in this none the less), all give the book a vibrancy missing in a lot of modern fiction.

Whilst this isn't the best Rincewind novel (Interesting Times is much more accomplished), it is still great fun to read, with jokes densley populating each page, and worth buying, even if you don't like Pratchetts early work.




Zap, 09 May 2008
This is the story of how the world of wizzards (sic) gets turned upside down by a young boy who's reincarnated dad has grand plans for him. It is a typically bizarre Pratchett outing and includes everyones favourites Rincewind and the Luggage.

Its a strange book though in the fact it doesnt end on the happiest note, accepted it ends with a sort of tranquillity, but its hard to call it happy - and for that reason you need to read it PLUS read the next instalment just to find out exactly how Pratchett puts his normal cast back together.

Pardon my Klatchian, 10 Feb 2008
"Sourcery" is the fifth novel in Terry Pratchett's hugely popular Discworld series, was first published in 1988 and is the third to give a starring role to Rincewind, the cowardly one-spell wizard.

Wizardry is widely seen as the most appropriate profession for the eighth son of an eighth son - however, given that it's also a celibate profession, is isn't a job that is intended to run in the family. Unfortunately, accidents do occasionally happen and the eighth son of a wizard is known as a Soucerer - a wizard who is also a source of magic. They are hugely dangerous, and will increase the background levels of magic to such a degree that other wizards may just start building towers and launch another round of the Mage Wars...

Ipslore the Red is one of the exceptions : he fled the halls of the Unseen University, married and had a family. The inevitable eighth son, Coin, is only a baby when Death arrives for Ipslore and the ex-wizard decides to choose his son's destiny. The future he picks for Coin includes wearing the Archchancellor's Hat of the Unseen University and, in an attempt to cheat Death, Ipslore enters his staff when he leaves his body. His intention is to guide Coin to his destiny....

Coin is roughly ten years old when he makes it to the University, and isn't long in taking over. When he deals with two of the Wizards - including the incoming Archchancellor - in a swift and very final manner, the remaining members of staff are understandably reluctant to stand against him. However, two of the survivors - a rather devious pair called Spelter and Carding - smell an opportunity. In seeing themselves as Coin's most senior and trusted advisors, they don't realise that Ipslore already has that role to himself.

Coin's arrival isn't universally welcomed - the rats and the gargoyles are amongst the first to flee, while the books in the University's library are distinctly unsettled. Rincewind, now acting as the University's honourary assistant librarian, is the first member of staff to realise there's something strange happening and nips off to the pub in a panic with the Librarian (an orang-utan), and his Luggage. (Luggage is a large brass-bound box, made from sapient pearwood - the same material wizard's staff is traditionally made from. It can move around by itself, has rather a vicious temper and - like Dr Who's Tardis - appears to be much bigger on the inside than on the outside). While Rincewind has been lucky enough to avoid Coin at the University, he's unfortunate enough to be apprehended by Conina at the Mended Drum. Conina, a very successful thief, is the daughter of Cohen the Barbarian and has pilfered the Archchancellor's Hat from the University. In this case, however, she stole the hat at its own request. (It is a magic hat after all...and it has realised that Coin's arrival will signal the Apocralypse). Under the Hat's instructions, Rincewind and Conina travel to Klatch, where the Hat believes there is a mind devious enough to wear it...and stand against the Sourcerer.

As usual from Pratchett, this is an easily read, rather silly and very enjoyable book.

Not a Pratchett's best novel, 21 Jan 2008
I have not enjoyed this novel as much as other of the Discworld series. Of course, there is material for the Pratchett fan, and as other reviewers point out, it has some really good points like War, Famine, Hunger and Death playing dice and becoming quite drunk at a roadside inn. Again, Rincewind, that coward and ungifted magician is entrusted with the world's safety. But in my opinion, a much shorter novel, would make the message come trough much better. The central part of the novel, with the two magial towers covers up the core of the novel, and we do not know what a sourcerer actually does. Also the character of Cohen the Barbarian's daughter could be better developed, because in the end she plays no real role.
All in all, a read if you have read some other Discworld novels.

Another great Discworld novel, 29 Dec 2008
Synopsis from Amazon:

'What shall we do?' said Twoflower.
'Panic?' said Rincewind hopefully. He always held that panic was the best means of survival. When the very fabric of time and space are about to be put through the wringer - in this instance by the imminent arrival of a very large and determinedly oncoming meteorite - circumstances require a very particular type of hero. Sadly what the situation does not need is a singularly inept wizard, still recovering from the trauma of falling off the edge of the world. Equally it does not need one well-meaning tourist and his luggage which has a mind of its own. Which is a shame because that's all there is...

This is a funny fantasy book which follows The Colour of Magic in the Discworld Series by Pratchett, and is possibly better! There were fights, crazy characters and some extremely funny one-liners. Although the second book in the series I think it is written in a way that means you could read it as a stand-alone book and still understand and follow the storyline, and still enjoy the book.

I love the way Pratchett writes, drawing you in and he is so descriptive and clever that you feel like you are really there. I had no trouble imagining the red star, the trolls or the luggage. He is a fascinating writer and I have found myself just wanting to read more of his work.

In this book my favourite character was either Cohan the Barbarian or the Luggage. Both were hunourous, the former with his attitude and one-liners and the latter with his presence and response to events.

My only complaint was that Death did not feature enough! I thought the ending was a bit sad but realistic. I just really enjoyed this book.

9/10


Rincewind rides again, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (again) saves the Discworld, this time by saying the eight most powerful spells in the seminal work of magical lore known as the Octavo - which the fearsome Luggage then eats. Another fast-paced series of adventures for Rincewind and Twoflower, in which they fight off creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions and first encounter Cohen, the somewhat superannuated barbarian hero. More of an action adventure than some of the later, more wryly philosophical Discworld novels, but there's still plenty of trademark Pratchett humour in this second instalment of the series.

My review, 13 May 2008
being a Discworld fan, my phoenomena started here.
Rincewind, ever since this book, has beguiled me in certain ways. His sarcasm, his dry sense of humour, his psychological depression, and, as I later realized, his innocence and good nature, beneath that crusty exterior. In Sourcery, he actually saves the world with a half brick in a sock and I thought that was the bravest thing he has ever done, since, despite his reluctance.
In this book, he looks a bit like Wee Willie Winkie 20 years later, I reflected. But his character hadn't changed.
One problem with this book is that they took out one major character- Trymon. Trymon is a great adversary and he's so ambitious and high achieving, which led to his downfall.
All in all, a good book if you haven't read the series.

Has to Be the Best Fantasy Series of Books Ever, 15 Apr 2008

Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1986 is the second of the Discworld novels and to a degree it is amazing that these books have achieved such popularity.

First published twenty one years ago The Light Fantastic is the second book in Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld series and once again features the incorrigible and cowardly wizard Rincewind a graduate of the Unseen University of wizards in Ankh-Morpork. Rincewind has the unfortunate knack of getting most of his spells wrong and this tends to put him in ever deeper trouble than he was to start with.

Twoflower is the Discworld's `first tourist' along with his remarkable luggage, oh for such a piece of luggage in today's modern airports. A piece of luggage that can never get lost. Equipped with a number of legs and the homing instinct of a carrier pigeon, it will always find its owner, even when he owner doesn't want to be found.

In this sequel, the Discworld is rapidly moving towards what seems an inevitable collision with a strange red star, and there is only one person who can avert a major disaster. Unfortunately that person happens to be our ham-fisted university graduate, Rincewind the wizard

Great, 15 Dec 2007
Thankfully for him I love it! (Not all of it!) Rincewind the unsuccessful wizard, is one of the most powerful chararters you would come across in your adventures in the DiscWorld. Sadly I don't like other charators, but the sarcastic impression in which Rincewind is, it comes across very well in the atmosphere. Espeically when the whole of the Disc (or pizza many people are saying!) is riding on the back of a turtle, in which four elephants are carrying the world is heading for a big, red star in which would bring to an end of the whole of the Disc. Don't get upst about the way in which the few pages are written. If you carry on, and head towards the further pages, you'll get into it. Note of Warning: There aren't any chapters. Enjoy the book I did! So have many others! and if you missed Tino Georgiou's--The Fates--I strongly recommend reading it.

All good things come in eights..., 20 Dec 2008
The one where a wizard passes on his staff to an eighth (and therefore blessed) son...who turns out to be a daughter. Cue all sorts of problems on the Discworld, where (until now) there have been no female wizards. This story marks the first appearance of Granny Weatherwax, shepherding the powerful trainee wizardess Esk to the wizard seat of learning known as Unseen University. Once there, Esk and trainee wizard-cum-quantum physicist Simon save the Discworld from creatures of the Dungeon Dimensions (again). A complex tale interweaving science and gender equality - rather heavy going compared to its early Discworld predecessors `The Colour of Magic' and `The Light Fantastic'.

I gave this book to my mother when I was already a fan..., 09 Aug 2008
...And she liked it very much!
I think this is a good starting point for anyone new to the series. Its plot makes you think of a Studio Ghibli film (in a good way, mind you) but Pratchett's humour sparkles as brightly as ever.

Third in the Discworld Series, 15 Dec 2007
Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could he ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1987 is the third of the Discworld novels and the author is really getting into his stride in the series that broke all records and continues to do so with new books being regularly published.

Pratchett's wit and imagination are second to none. Who else would have or could have thought of the Discworld, a world of mystery and magic sitting on the back of four elephants, who in turn are standing on the back of the great turtle A'tuin the whole lot journeying through an eternal void. Are you with the plot so far?

Wizard's have the uncanny knack of being able to predict their own death, or so thinks Drum Billet. Having seen his own demise rapidly approaching he sets out to pass his power and his staff on to his predicted successor, who as tradition would have it, has to be the eighth son of an eighth son. The only problem with this is that the eighth son just happens to be a daughter and whoever heard of a woman becoming a wizard. But it's too late Drum Billet has gone to wherever dead wizards go and Eskarina has inherited a wizard's staff and is even now under the doubtful tutelage of Granny Weatherwax, who reckons this being a wizard is as easy as falling off a broomstick for a witch of her calibre . . .

"Whoever heard of a female wizard?", 15 Sep 2007
By now most of you know about Discworld, right? It is a fantastic place, which resembles our world but that presents us with some notable differences. As its name suggests, Discworld is shaped like a pizza, and it rests on top of four elephants, who in turn stand on top of a giant turtle, the Great A'Tuin. And as everyone knows, there is a small sun that orbits around this world, which is only reasonable. I guess that by know you get the idea. These characteristics are just a snippet of the elements Pratchett uses for his satire, and quite a few clever elements they are.

This story starts when Mr. Billet, an old wizard, shows up at the house of a blacksmith in a small and forgotten village. He is there looking for the eighth son of an eighth son, who is supposed to be given birth momentarily by the blacksmith's wife. Mr. Billet will pass on his powers and die soon thereafter. Maybe he should have done his homework more carefully, because after the ritual, they all notice that the new wizard is a baby girl. Thus, the first female wizard was created.

Eskarina lives a normal life until she is eight, but at that time things begin to change as she discovers her magic. At first, Granny, her nanny, tries to steer her towards witch magic, but soon enough the old witch realizes she cannot prevent Esk from fulfilling her destiny. Therefore, Esk starts her journey to the Unseen University and her fight against gender stereotypes and discrimination.

Even though this is not one of Pratchett's best efforts, and it slows down a bit in a few sections, there are a lot of things the author does proficiently. As always, there is one main subject for the satire, in this case gender discrimination, and the author makes us laugh out loud with some of the situations he creates. Pratchett also succeeds in inserting other topics in his satire, like the description of the Zoon, a tribe formed of people that are honest and that have to select those that can lie a little better to be tribal liars, or as other tribes call them, diplomats and public relations officers. Another ability of this author is finishing phrases that seem normal in odd ways, to make us laugh unexpectedly, like "Time passed, which, basically, is its job".

There are many other great aspects to this book, and even a Pratchett that is not completely at the top of his game, delivers a book that is worth your time and money. Even the title is clever, using the homonym for "Equal Rights". On top of this, there is an appearance of one of my favorite characters in the series, Death, and we also get to learn a couple of secrets behind magic in Discworld. I am already looking forward to grabbing the next Discworld book, lay back in the deck of a cruise and relax. I won't be able to relax totally though, since I will have to be checking that the cruise does not reach the end of the world and fall over.

first discwolrd i read all the way..loved it, 28 Jul 2007
Well many many moons ago i tried to read a discWorld novel but couldnt get into it..it was the 80s and i was a young mum..now ive finally got time to read the trilogy i bought myself for christmas and this is the first book in it..
I am hooked..totally enchanted and found the humour delighful. i was one of many who thought id have to read the series from book number one,i am happy to report it isnt so!
granny weatherwax is someone id love to have look out for me..i was mesmerised. I found myself laughing out loud which wasnt easy following a nasty tooth extraction..hence me reading instead of going online etc.I had become a non ficton only reader since the eighties..but this book has reawakened the reader in me and filled my niche of humour and fantasy.
I whole heartedly recommend this book.i hated falling asleep or doing anything where i couldnt read further!
A fantastic way to start. death and the witches are my favourite characters.


All-out war, Discworld-style, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (last seen in `The Light Fantastic') rides again, this time joined by Conina the Hairdresser (daughter of Cohen the Barbarian) and the very fearsome Nijel the Destroyer. Together, they take on the Sourcerer, with his grand plans for a Discworld run by wizards. Features a spectacular magical war, in which the wizards' seat of learning, Unseen University, comes under some very peculiar bombardment. Heavy on the spells, curses and magical hocus-pocus, so not as flowing an adventure as some in the series.

Pivitol Event In Discworld History, 16 Jul 2008
Sourcery is one of the pivitol moments in the Discworld series, and one any fan should be greatful for. Whilst the first two novels were large in scope, and introduced a vast array of colourful, exciting characters, in an exciting universe built on satire, the plots don't feel so much thought out, as thrown together, and the following two novels seemed independant to the rest of the charcater saga's (The Witches and Death respectively), in the exclusion of main characters (Nanny Ogg and Magrat) and obvious character differences(Death in Mort is such a contrast to Death in Reaper Man), almost as if the lead roles were different people of the same name to the ones we have become familiair to.

No, Sourcery is special in that Rincewind, the accidental hero, is the same Rincewind that appears in the later episodes, but is allowed room to develop into a more rounded character. It also feels tighter as a story, in that the actions of Rincewind, Conina and Ipslore in the begining few pages of the book, and important elements of the story, and affect everybody. It was some time later that Pratchett discovered subtlety of narrative, often best displayed in the Guards novels, but here you can feel it beginning to develop, and as pace goes, this book has the right combination of speed and depth to be greatly entertaining.

It must also be applauded for it's cast of supporting characters. Conan's daughter Conina is funny, and refreshingly strong, whislt remaining feminine (like a proto-Susan D'eath), and the cowering, naive Nijel the barbarian, as well as Coin, and the Librarian (ok, he is a recurring character, but fantastic in this none the less), all give the book a vibrancy missing in a lot of modern fiction.

Whilst this isn't the best Rincewind novel (Interesting Times is much more accomplished), it is still great fun to read, with jokes densley populating each page, and worth buying, even if you don't like Pratchetts early work.




Zap, 09 May 2008
This is the story of how the world of wizzards (sic) gets turned upside down by a young boy who's reincarnated dad has grand plans for him. It is a typically bizarre Pratchett outing and includes everyones favourites Rincewind and the Luggage.

Its a strange book though in the fact it doesnt end on the happiest note, accepted it ends with a sort of tranquillity, but its hard to call it happy - and for that reason you need to read it PLUS read the next instalment just to find out exactly how Pratchett puts his normal cast back together.

Pardon my Klatchian, 10 Feb 2008
"Sourcery" is the fifth novel in Terry Pratchett's hugely popular Discworld series, was first published in 1988 and is the third to give a starring role to Rincewind, the cowardly one-spell wizard.

Wizardry is widely seen as the most appropriate profession for the eighth son of an eighth son - however, given that it's also a celibate profession, is isn't a job that is intended to run in the family. Unfortunately, accidents do occasionally happen and the eighth son of a wizard is known as a Soucerer - a wizard who is also a source of magic. They are hugely dangerous, and will increase the background levels of magic to such a degree that other wizards may just start building towers and launch another round of the Mage Wars...

Ipslore the Red is one of the exceptions : he fled the halls of the Unseen University, married and had a family. The inevitable eighth son, Coin, is only a baby when Death arrives for Ipslore and the ex-wizard decides to choose his son's destiny. The future he picks for Coin includes wearing the Archchancellor's Hat of the Unseen University and, in an attempt to cheat Death, Ipslore enters his staff when he leaves his body. His intention is to guide Coin to his destiny....

Coin is roughly ten years old when he makes it to the University, and isn't long in taking over. When he deals with two of the Wizards - including the incoming Archchancellor - in a swift and very final manner, the remaining members of staff are understandably reluctant to stand against him. However, two of the survivors - a rather devious pair called Spelter and Carding - smell an opportunity. In seeing themselves as Coin's most senior and trusted advisors, they don't realise that Ipslore already has that role to himself.

Coin's arrival isn't universally welcomed - the rats and the gargoyles are amongst the first to flee, while the books in the University's library are distinctly unsettled. Rincewind, now acting as the University's honourary assistant librarian, is the first member of staff to realise there's something strange happening and nips off to the pub in a panic with the Librarian (an orang-utan), and his Luggage. (Luggage is a large brass-bound box, made from sapient pearwood - the same material wizard's staff is traditionally made from. It can move around by itself, has rather a vicious temper and - like Dr Who's Tardis - appears to be much bigger on the inside than on the outside). While Rincewind has been lucky enough to avoid Coin at the University, he's unfortunate enough to be apprehended by Conina at the Mended Drum. Conina, a very successful thief, is the daughter of Cohen the Barbarian and has pilfered the Archchancellor's Hat from the University. In this case, however, she stole the hat at its own request. (It is a magic hat after all...and it has realised that Coin's arrival will signal the Apocralypse). Under the Hat's instructions, Rincewind and Conina travel to Klatch, where the Hat believes there is a mind devious enough to wear it...and stand against the Sourcerer.

As usual from Pratchett, this is an easily read, rather silly and very enjoyable book.

Not a Pratchett's best novel, 21 Jan 2008
I have not enjoyed this novel as much as other of the Discworld series. Of course, there is material for the Pratchett fan, and as other reviewers point out, it has some really good points like War, Famine, Hunger and Death playing dice and becoming quite drunk at a roadside inn. Again, Rincewind, that coward and ungifted magician is entrusted with the world's safety. But in my opinion, a much shorter novel, would make the message come trough much better. The central part of the novel, with the two magial towers covers up the core of the novel, and we do not know what a sourcerer actually does. Also the character of Cohen the Barbarian's daughter could be better developed, because in the end she plays no real role.
All in all, a read if you have read some other Discworld novels.

A Midsummer Night's Dream - as you've never seen it before, 08 Dec 2008
The one where things are a bit like A Midsummer Night's Dream, except that the rude mechanicals are called things like Carpenter the Tailor and Baker the Weaver. Features a battle with malevolent elves, and some tense rivalry between Granny Weatherwax's coven and teenage pretenders (including the magnificently named Magenta Frottidge), whose dabbling has weakened the veil separating the Discworld from sinister magical realities. Some genuinely dark elements to this tale, spliced with comic interludes involving the on-off marriage between King Verence of Lancre and Magrat Garlick, Nanny Ogg's annual bath, and the rather painful, if legendary, Lancre Stick and Bucket dance. To appreciate this one, you really need to have read `Wyrd Sisters' and `Witches Abroad' first.

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, especially simian ones., 25 Nov 2008
Terry Pratchett's first novel, "The Carpet People", appeared in 1971. "Lords and Ladies" is the fourteenth novel in his hugely popular Discworld series and was first published in 1992. It's also the fourth book (after "Equal Rites", "Wyrd Sisters" and "Witches Abroad") to feature Granny Weatherwax, the Discworld's greatest witch.

Granny Weatherwax is joined by the two other members of her coven - Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick - and begins as the trio return home from a lengthy trip in foreign parts. Nanny Ogg is the raucous head of the Ogg clan based in Lancre town, and is pretty much Granny's oldest friend. Magrat is a much younger witch, and she has a few fanciful ideas about magic that Granny doesn't altogether approve of. Where Granny prefers Headology, Magrat has always been fond of dancing, occult jewellery and runes. However, she's also the closest thing Lancre has to a medical expert. Before the coven's trip abroad, Magrat had been romantically involved with Verence, Lancre's King. She had been a little worried about where she now stood, having been away for so long. However, it comes as something of a shock when she Verence has made all the plans for a Midsummer Day's Wedding...without having ever actually proposed to her.

The trouble, however, isn't caused by either the Royal Wedding : the Elves are trying to break through again. When Granny and Nanny see their first crop circles appearing, they know immediately what the trouble is...but they're initially reluctant to explain it to Magrat. They know that Magrat would see elves as lovely, wise and kind - when, in reality, they're cruel and vain. Eventually, Magrat storms off in her frustration and resigns as a witch to start being a Queen. However, she has a great deal to learn about being a Queen...though it's Queen Ynci and the castle's bees she learns the most from. (Bees are famous for hating chaos...and Lancre's bees are very worried).

For many years, the Elf Queen and her followers have been kept in their own world by the Dancers - eight standing stones, arranged roughly in a circle. However, the circle's power has been getting weakened recently - thanks to a group of young girls, who have been dancing around it - and the Queen will soon be able to return. While it's the two senior witches who lead the fight against the invaders, they do have some help. There is a group of wizards in town for the Royal Wedding - the Archchancellor, the Bursar, the Librarian and Ponder Stibbons - who do what they can, while Lancre's crack squad of Morris Dancers also provide a little help. (They're also working on a play, as part of the wedding-related celebrations - but that, unfortunately, causes more trouble than it's worth). Casanunda also returns, a dwarven count and the Discworld's second greatest lover. Being particularly smitten with Nanny Ogg, he's naturally very keen to help her out...

Another very funny book and - like "Wyrd Sisters" - some of the laughs are inspired by Shakespeare. Pratchett himself acknowledges that this is one of the few Discworld books where the reader would be better off knowing a bit of the back-story. (You could probably skip "Equal Rites", though you'd be better off reading at least "Wyrd Sisters"). While there's never been any mention of a Grandpa Weatherwax - let alone any children or grandchildren - "Lords and Ladies" does throw a little light on one of Granny's early romances...and the love-interest may come as a slight surprise. Totally recommended, this is Pratchett on top form.

Lords and Ladies review., 18 Mar 2006
Lords and Ladies is a another spellbining book by Terry Prattchett.In Lords and Ladies the elves have come back and its down to Granny Weatherwax,Nanny Ogg,Magrat Garlick,the Lancre morris men and Shaun Ogg,Lancre's standing army,to stop them.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or fairy tales then read Lords and Ladies.If you enjoy this book then try books 3,6,12,18 and 23.

My favourite Witches book, 16 Jan 2006
I absolutely loved this book, everything about it is just perfect. It is perhaps one of the darker of Pratchett's witches books - the elves are actually quite a frightening adversary. I always hated Tolkein's high-handed elves, so effortlessly beautiful, so graceful, so noble, so eternally young, bleuch! Smug b*stards. Here Pratchett explodes the myth that being beautiful means you must be good.
Nanny Ogg is - as ever - a joy to read about. Her exploits around the 'Long Man' and her date with Casanunda are comic gold, as is her rousing speech to Lancre's ragtag army.
Granny Weatherwax also gets a bit of a backstory and, as a result a more rounded character. We can see why she is like she is and some of what she's had to give up to be the most powerful witch of all.
But it's Magrat who undergoes the biggest change - the scenes of her confrontation with the elves had me on the edge of my seat mentally cheering her on. This is Pratchett doing a more conventional style of adventure than his usual and it's very good.
I could almost taste the night air and smell the snow.

No one is to do the Stick and Bucket Dance ever again, 31 Oct 2005
The three witches, especially Granny Weatherwax, have always been my favorite denizens of the Discworld, and they do nothing to disappoint the reader over the course of Lords and Ladies. Add in a few of Unseen University's highest-ranking wizards, and you're guaranteed to have one wild time in the kingdom of Lancre. This novel wasn't quite as funny as Pratchett's earlier witch novels, but it shows Granny Weatherwax in a whole new light and makes for a very entertaining read all the way around.

Lords and Ladies opens with the three witches returning home to Lancre after their encounter with the Godmother in the novel Witches Abroad. They arrive just in the nick of time. A group of young girls have started doing some witching of their own; dancing around (with or without their drawers on) some of the ancient stones up in the hills isn't good for anybody, especially when the barriers between the worlds are rubbing close together and beings on the other side are just waiting to pounce on anyone capable of weakening the borders a wee bit more. The Elf Queen has set her sights on crossing over into reality, but there just isn't room in this reality for Granny Weatherwax and the Elf Queen. Granny knows what regular people forgot long ago - all that glamour and beauty that Elves project is just a mask. Elves are really nasty little buggers who care about human beings only insofar as they can torture them for their own amusement. Things are really nip and go here, as Granny Weatherwax isn't her old self these days - she can't even see the future anymore, and that doesn't bode well for anybody.

Of course, the citizens of Lancre are all distracted by the upcoming nuptials of King Verence and Magrat Garlick. Wyrd Sisters tells the story of Verence's witch-assisted rise from the king's Fool to the King of Lancre, as well as the budding romance between Verence and Magrat. Magrat is of course the third member of the witches' trio, a young lass with eternally plain looks, great interest in the traditions and proper ceremonies of witchcraft, and a naivety and generosity of nature that frequently drives Granny up the wall. She and Verence are as shy as the day is long, but they are to be married on Midsummer's Eve. Granny and Nanny Ogg tend to treat Magrat as a child, and she finally gets so perturbed she abandons the coven and settles in to learning the ways of being a Queen - which mostly involves being incredibly bored.

All kinds of folks arrive for the royal wedding, including Giamo Casanunda, the world's second greatest lover ("he tries harder," a process which invariably involves the use of a stepladder), and a caravan of wizards from Unseen University. Archchancellor Ridcully is extremely excited about it because he used to live in Lancre. He goes on and on about this girl he once knew and wanted to marry, a girl who happens to be Granny Weatherwax. It's hard to imagine Granny as a young woman, but Lords and Ladies shows us a side of the old crone we've never seen before. Magrat really starts to come into her own, as well, after the Elves capture Verence. Of course, everything comes down to a big fight with the Elves, but that's the least exciting part of the novel, as far as I'm concerned. It's much more fun just watching Pratchett put all his players in place for the ending.

Pratchett is absolutely on fire in a number of passages here, especially when young Ponder Stibbons tries to explain his theory of parallel universes and multiple forms of existence to Archchancellor Ridcully. Granny and Nanny Ogg are always hilarious, the whole makeup of Lancre sets up many a joke, and Verence's dependence on book knowledge sets up one of the funniest bits in the whole Discworld series. Lords and Ladies is enough to get a new reader hooked on Pratchett's unique genius, but you won't truly appreciate this novel unless you read Wyrd Sisters and Witches Abroad first.

In Feet of Clay, Terry Pratchett continues the fantasy adventures on Discworld--where anything goes. Anything but murder, that is. Commander Vimes of the Watch must investigate a puzzling series of deaths, with help from various trolls and dwarfs. Pratchett's humour and excellent writing skills draw the reader effortlessly into his zany world. Feet of Clay is 19th in the series. --Blaise Selby

Another great Discworld novel, 29 Dec 2008
Synopsis from Amazon:

'What shall we do?' said Twoflower.
'Panic?' said Rincewind hopefully. He always held that panic was the best means of survival. When the very fabric of time and space are about to be put through the wringer - in this instance by the imminent arrival of a very large and determinedly oncoming meteorite - circumstances require a very particular type of hero. Sadly what the situation does not need is a singularly inept wizard, still recovering from the trauma of falling off the edge of the world. Equally it does not need one well-meaning tourist and his luggage which has a mind of its own. Which is a shame because that's all there is...

This is a funny fantasy book which follows The Colour of Magic in the Discworld Series by Pratchett, and is possibly better! There were fights, crazy characters and some extremely funny one-liners. Although the second book in the series I think it is written in a way that means you could read it as a stand-alone book and still understand and follow the storyline, and still enjoy the book.

I love the way Pratchett writes, drawing you in and he is so descriptive and clever that you feel like you are really there. I had no trouble imagining the red star, the trolls or the luggage. He is a fascinating writer and I have found myself just wanting to read more of his work.

In this book my favourite character was either Cohan the Barbarian or the Luggage. Both were hunourous, the former with his attitude and one-liners and the latter with his presence and response to events.

My only complaint was that Death did not feature enough! I thought the ending was a bit sad but realistic. I just really enjoyed this book.

9/10


Rincewind rides again, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (again) saves the Discworld, this time by saying the eight most powerful spells in the seminal work of magical lore known as the Octavo - which the fearsome Luggage then eats. Another fast-paced series of adventures for Rincewind and Twoflower, in which they fight off creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions and first encounter Cohen, the somewhat superannuated barbarian hero. More of an action adventure than some of the later, more wryly philosophical Discworld novels, but there's still plenty of trademark Pratchett humour in this second instalment of the series.

My review, 13 May 2008
being a Discworld fan, my phoenomena started here.
Rincewind, ever since this book, has beguiled me in certain ways. His sarcasm, his dry sense of humour, his psychological depression, and, as I later realized, his innocence and good nature, beneath that crusty exterior. In Sourcery, he actually saves the world with a half brick in a sock and I thought that was the bravest thing he has ever done, since, despite his reluctance.
In this book, he looks a bit like Wee Willie Winkie 20 years later, I reflected. But his character hadn't changed.
One problem with this book is that they took out one major character- Trymon. Trymon is a great adversary and he's so ambitious and high achieving, which led to his downfall.
All in all, a good book if you haven't read the series.

Has to Be the Best Fantasy Series of Books Ever, 15 Apr 2008

Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1986 is the second of the Discworld novels and to a degree it is amazing that these books have achieved such popularity.

First published twenty one years ago The Light Fantastic is the second book in Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld series and once again features the incorrigible and cowardly wizard Rincewind a graduate of the Unseen University of wizards in Ankh-Morpork. Rincewind has the unfortunate knack of getting most of his spells wrong and this tends to put him in ever deeper trouble than he was to start with.

Twoflower is the Discworld's `first tourist' along with his remarkable luggage, oh for such a piece of luggage in today's modern airports. A piece of luggage that can never get lost. Equipped with a number of legs and the homing instinct of a carrier pigeon, it will always find its owner, even when he owner doesn't want to be found.

In this sequel, the Discworld is rapidly moving towards what seems an inevitable collision with a strange red star, and there is only one person who can avert a major disaster. Unfortunately that person happens to be our ham-fisted university graduate, Rincewind the wizard

Great, 15 Dec 2007
Thankfully for him I love it! (Not all of it!) Rincewind the unsuccessful wizard, is one of the most powerful chararters you would come across in your adventures in the DiscWorld. Sadly I don't like other charators, but the sarcastic impression in which Rincewind is, it comes across very well in the atmosphere. Espeically when the whole of the Disc (or pizza many people are saying!) is riding on the back of a turtle, in which four elephants are carrying the world is heading for a big, red star in which would bring to an end of the whole of the Disc. Don't get upst about the way in which the few pages are written. If you carry on, and head towards the further pages, you'll get into it. Note of Warning: There aren't any chapters. Enjoy the book I did! So have many others! and if you missed Tino Georgiou's--The Fates--I strongly recommend reading it.

All good things come in eights..., 20 Dec 2008
The one where a wizard passes on his staff to an eighth (and therefore blessed) son...who turns out to be a daughter. Cue all sorts of problems on the Discworld, where (until now) there have been no female wizards. This story marks the first appearance of Granny Weatherwax, shepherding the powerful trainee wizardess Esk to the wizard seat of learning known as Unseen University. Once there, Esk and trainee wizard-cum-quantum physicist Simon save the Discworld from creatures of the Dungeon Dimensions (again). A complex tale interweaving science and gender equality - rather heavy going compared to its early Discworld predecessors `The Colour of Magic' and `The Light Fantastic'.

I gave this book to my mother when I was already a fan..., 09 Aug 2008
...And she liked it very much!
I think this is a good starting point for anyone new to the series. Its plot makes you think of a Studio Ghibli film (in a good way, mind you) but Pratchett's humour sparkles as brightly as ever.

Third in the Discworld Series, 15 Dec 2007
Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could he ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book first published in 1987 is the third of the Discworld novels and the author is really getting into his stride in the series that broke all records and continues to do so with new books being regularly published.

Pratchett's wit and imagination are second to none. Who else would have or could have thought of the Discworld, a world of mystery and magic sitting on the back of four elephants, who in turn are standing on the back of the great turtle A'tuin the whole lot journeying through an eternal void. Are you with the plot so far?

Wizard's have the uncanny knack of being able to predict their own death, or so thinks Drum Billet. Having seen his own demise rapidly approaching he sets out to pass his power and his staff on to his predicted successor, who as tradition would have it, has to be the eighth son of an eighth son. The only problem with this is that the eighth son just happens to be a daughter and whoever heard of a woman becoming a wizard. But it's too late Drum Billet has gone to wherever dead wizards go and Eskarina has inherited a wizard's staff and is even now under the doubtful tutelage of Granny Weatherwax, who reckons this being a wizard is as easy as falling off a broomstick for a witch of her calibre . . .

"Whoever heard of a female wizard?", 15 Sep 2007
By now most of you know about Discworld, right? It is a fantastic place, which resembles our world but that presents us with some notable differences. As its name suggests, Discworld is shaped like a pizza, and it rests on top of four elephants, who in turn stand on top of a giant turtle, the Great A'Tuin. And as everyone knows, there is a small sun that orbits around this world, which is only reasonable. I guess that by know you get the idea. These characteristics are just a snippet of the elements Pratchett uses for his satire, and quite a few clever elements they are.

This story starts when Mr. Billet, an old wizard, shows up at the house of a blacksmith in a small and forgotten village. He is there looking for the eighth son of an eighth son, who is supposed to be given birth momentarily by the blacksmith's wife. Mr. Billet will pass on his powers and die soon thereafter. Maybe he should have done his homework more carefully, because after the ritual, they all notice that the new wizard is a baby girl. Thus, the first female wizard was created.

Eskarina lives a normal life until she is eight, but at that time things begin to change as she discovers her magic. At first, Granny, her nanny, tries to steer her towards witch magic, but soon enough the old witch realizes she cannot prevent Esk from fulfilling her destiny. Therefore, Esk starts her journey to the Unseen University and her fight against gender stereotypes and discrimination.

Even though this is not one of Pratchett's best efforts, and it slows down a bit in a few sections, there are a lot of things the author does proficiently. As always, there is one main subject for the satire, in this case gender discrimination, and the author makes us laugh out loud with some of the situations he creates. Pratchett also succeeds in inserting other topics in his satire, like the description of the Zoon, a tribe formed of people that are honest and that have to select those that can lie a little better to be tribal liars, or as other tribes call them, diplomats and public relations officers. Another ability of this author is finishing phrases that seem normal in odd ways, to make us laugh unexpectedly, like "Time passed, which, basically, is its job".

There are many other great aspects to this book, and even a Pratchett that is not completely at the top of his game, delivers a book that is worth your time and money. Even the title is clever, using the homonym for "Equal Rights". On top of this, there is an appearance of one of my favorite characters in the series, Death, and we also get to learn a couple of secrets behind magic in Discworld. I am already looking forward to grabbing the next Discworld book, lay back in the deck of a cruise and relax. I won't be able to relax totally though, since I will have to be checking that the cruise does not reach the end of the world and fall over.

first discwolrd i read all the way..loved it, 28 Jul 2007
Well many many moons ago i tried to read a discWorld novel but couldnt get into it..it was the 80s and i was a young mum..now ive finally got time to read the trilogy i bought myself for christmas and this is the first book in it..
I am hooked..totally enchanted and found the humour delighful. i was one of many who thought id have to read the series from book number one,i am happy to report it isnt so!
granny weatherwax is someone id love to have look out for me..i was mesmerised. I found myself laughing out loud which wasnt easy following a nasty tooth extraction..hence me reading instead of going online etc.I had become a non ficton only reader since the eighties..but this book has reawakened the reader in me and filled my niche of humour and fantasy.
I whole heartedly recommend this book.i hated falling asleep or doing anything where i couldnt read further!
A fantastic way to start. death and the witches are my favourite characters.


All-out war, Discworld-style, 20 Dec 2008
The one where Rincewind (last seen in `The Light Fantastic') rides again, this time joined by Conina the Hairdresser (daughter of Cohen the Barbarian) and the very fearsome Nijel the Destroyer. Together, they take on the Sourcerer, with his grand plans for a Discworld run by wizards. Features a spectacular magical war, in which the wizards' seat of learning, Unseen University, comes under some very peculiar bombardment. Heavy on the spells, curses and magical hocus-pocus, so not as flowing an adventure as some in the series.

Pivitol Event In Discworld History, 16 Jul 2008
Sourcery is one of the pivitol moments in the Discworld series, and one any fan should be greatful for. Whilst the first two novels were large in scope, and introduced a vast array of colourful, exciting characters, in an exciting universe built on satire, the plots don't feel so much thought out, as thrown together, and the following two novels seemed independant to the rest of the charcater saga's (The Witches and Death respectively), in the exclusion of main characters (Nanny Ogg and Magrat) and obvious character differences(Death in Mort is such a contrast to Death in Reaper Man), almost as if the lead roles were different people of the same name to the ones we have become familiair to.

No, Sourcery is special in that Rincewind, the accidental hero, is the same Rincewind that appears in the later episodes, but is allowed room to develop into a more rounded character. It also feels tighter as a story, in that the actions of Rincewind, Conina and Ipslore in the begining few pages of the book, and important elements of the story, and affect everybody. It was some time later that Pratchett discovered subtlety of narrative, often best displayed in the Guards novels, but here you can feel it beginning to develop, and as pace goes, this book has the right combination of speed and depth to be greatly entertaining.

It must also be applauded for it's cast of supporting characters. Conan's daughter Conina is funny, and refreshingly strong, whislt remaining feminine (like a proto-Susan D'eath), and the cowering, naive Nijel the barbarian, as well as Coin, and the Librarian (ok, he is a recurring character, but fantastic in this none the less), all give the book a vibrancy missing in a lot of modern fiction.

Whilst this isn't the best Rincewind novel (Interesting Times is much more accomplished), it is still great fun to read, with jokes densley populating each page, and worth buying, even if you don't like Pratchetts early work.




Zap, 09 May 2008
This is the story of how the world of wizzards (sic) gets turned upside down by a young boy who's reincarnated dad has grand plans for him. It is a typically bizarre Pratchett outing and includes everyones favourites Rincewind and the Luggage.

Its a strange book though in the fact it doesnt end on the happiest note, accepted it ends with a sort of tranquillity, but its hard to call it happy - and for that reason you need to read it PLUS read the next instalment just to find out exactly how Pratchett puts his normal cast back together.

Pardon my Klatchian, 10 Feb 2008
"Sourcery" is the fifth novel in Terry Pratchett's hugely popular Discworld series, was first published in 1988 and is the third to give a starring role to Rincewind, the cowardly one-spell wizard.

Wizardry is widely seen as the most appropriate profession for the eighth son of an eighth son - however, given that it's also a celibate profession, is isn't a job that is intended to run in the family. Unfortunately, accidents do occasionally happen and the eighth son of a wizard is known as a Soucerer - a wizard who is also a source of magic. They are hugely dangerous, and will increase the background levels of magic to such a degree that other wizards may just start building towers and launch another round of the Mage Wars...

Ipslore the Red is one of the exceptions : he fled the halls of the Unseen University, married and had a family. The inevitable eighth son, Coin, is only a baby when Death arrives for Ipslore and the ex-wizard decides to choose his son's destiny. The future he picks for Coin includes wearing the Archchancellor's Hat of the Unseen University and, in an attempt to cheat Death, Ipslore enters his staff when he leaves his body. His intention is to guide Coin to his destiny....

Coin is roughly ten years old when he makes it to the University, and isn't long in taking over. When he deals with two of the Wizards - including the incoming Archchancellor - in a swift and very final manner, the remaining members of staff are understandably reluctant to stand against him. However, two of the survivors - a rather devious pair called Spelter and Carding - smell an opportunity. In seeing themselves as Coin's most senior and trusted advisors, they don't realise that Ipslore already has that role to himself.

Coin's arrival isn't universally welcomed - the rats and the gargoyles are amongst the first to flee, while the books in the University's library are distinctly unsettled. Rincewind, now acting as the University's honourary assistant librarian, is the first member of staff to realise there's something strange happening and nips off to the pub in a panic with the Librarian (an orang-utan), and his Luggage. (Luggage is a large brass-bound box, made from sapient pearwood - the same material wizard's staff is traditionally made from. It can move around by itself, has rather a vicious temper and - like Dr Who's Tardis - appears to be much bigger on the inside than on the outside). While Rincewind has been lucky enough to avoid Coin at the University, he's unfortunate enough to be apprehended by Conina at the Mended Drum. Conina, a very successful thief, is the daughter of Cohen the Barbarian and has pilfered the Archchancellor's Hat from the University. In this case, however, she stole the hat at its own request. (It is a magic hat after all...and it has realised that Coin's arrival will signal the Apocralypse). Under the Hat's instructions, Rincewind and Conina travel to Klatch, where the Hat believes there is a mind devious enough to wear it...and stand against the Sourcerer.

As usual from Pratchett, this is an easily read, rather silly and very enjoyable book.

Not a Pratchett's best novel, 21 Jan 2008
I have not enjoyed this novel as much as other of the Discworld series. Of course, there is material for the Pratchett fan, and as other reviewers point out, it has some really good points like War, Famine, Hunger and Death playing dice and becoming quite drunk at a roadside inn. Again, Rincewind, that coward and ungifted magician is entrusted with the world's safety. But in my opinion, a much shorter novel, would make the message come trough much better. The central part of the novel, with the two magial towers covers up the core of the novel, and we do not know what a sourcerer actually does. Also the character of Cohen the Barbarian's daughter could be better developed, because in the end she plays no real role.
All in all, a read if you have read some other Discworld novels.

A Midsummer Night's Dream - as you've never seen it before, 08 Dec 2008
The one where things are a bit like A Midsummer Night's Dream, except that the rude mechanicals are called things like Carpenter the Tailor and Baker the Weaver. Features a battle with malevolent elves, and some tense rivalry between Granny Weatherwax's coven and teenage pretenders (including the magnificently named Magenta Frottidge), whose dabbling has weakened the veil separating the Discworld from sinister magical realities. Some genuinely dark elements to this tale, spliced with comic interludes involving the on-off marriage between King Verence of Lancre and Magrat Garlick, Nanny Ogg's annual bath, and the rather painful, if legendary, Lancre Stick and Bucket dance. To appreciate this one, you really need to have read `Wyrd Sisters' and `Witches Abroad' first.

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, especially simian ones., 25 Nov 2008
Terry Pratchett's first novel, "The Carpet People", appeared in 1971. "Lords and Ladies" is the fourteenth novel in his hugely popular Discworld series and was first published in 1992. It's also the fourth book (after "Equal Rites", "Wyrd Sisters" and "Witches Abroad") to feature Granny Weatherwax, the Discworld's greatest witch.

Granny Weatherwax is joined by the two other members of her coven - Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick - and begins as the trio return home from a lengthy trip in foreign parts. Nanny Ogg is the raucous head of the Ogg clan based in Lancre town, and is pretty much Granny's oldest friend. Magrat is a much younger witch, and she has a few fanciful ideas about magic that Granny doesn't altogether approve of. Where Granny prefers Headology, Magrat has always been fond of dancing, occult jewellery and runes. However, she's also the closest thing Lancre has to a medical expert. Before the coven's trip abroad, Magrat had been romantically involved with Verence, Lancre's King. She had been a little worried about where she now stood, having been away for so long. However, it comes as something of a shock when she Verence has made all the plans for a Midsummer Day's Wedding...without having ever actually proposed to her.

The trouble, however, isn't caused by either the Royal Wedding : the Elves are trying to break through again. When Granny and Nanny see their first crop circles appearing, they know immediately what the trouble is...but they're initially reluctant to explain it to Magrat. They know that Magrat would see elves as lovely, wise and kind - when, in reality, they're cruel and vain. Eventually, Magrat storms off in her frustration and resigns as a witch to start being a Queen. However, she has a great deal to learn about being a Queen...though it's Queen Ynci and the castle's bees she learns the most from. (Bees are famous for hating chaos...and Lancre's bees are very worried).

For many years, the Elf Queen and her followers have been kept in their own world by the Dancers - eight standing stones, arranged roughly in a circle. However, the circle's power has been getting weakened recently - thanks to a group of young girls, who have been dancing around it - and the Queen will soon be able to return. While it's the two senior witches who lead the fight against the invaders, they do have some help. There is a group of wizards in town for the Royal Wedding - the Archchancellor, the Bursar, the Librarian and Ponder Stibbons - who do what they can, while Lancre's crack squad of Morris Dancers also provide a little help. (They're also working on a play, as part of the wedding-related celebrations - but that, unfortunately, causes more trouble than it's worth). Casanunda also returns, a dwarven count and the Discworld's second greatest lover. Being particularly smitten with Nanny Ogg, he's naturally very keen to help her out...

Another very funny book and - like "Wyrd Sisters" - some of the laughs are inspired by Shakespeare. Pratchett himself acknowledges that this is one of the few Discworld books where the reader would be better off knowing a bit of the back-story. (You could probably skip "Equal Rites", though you'd be better off reading at least "Wyrd Sisters"). While there's never been any mention of a Grandpa Weatherwax - let alone any children or grandchildren - "Lords and Ladies" does throw a little light on one of Granny's early romances...and the love-interest may come as a slight surprise. Totally recommended, this is Pratchett on top form.

Lords and Ladies review., 18 Mar 2006
Lords and Ladies is a another spellbining book by Terry Prattchett.In Lords and Ladies the elves have come back and its down to Granny Weatherwax,Nanny Ogg,Magrat Garlick,the Lancre morris men and Shaun Ogg,Lancre's standing army,to stop them.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or fairy tales then read Lords and Ladies.If you enjoy this book then try books 3,6,12,18 and 23.

My favourite Witches book, 16 Jan 2006
I absolutely loved this book, everything about it is just perfect. It is perhaps one of the darker of Pratchett's witches books - the elves are actually quite a frightening adversary. I always hated Tolkein's high-handed elves, so effortlessly beautiful, so graceful, so noble, so eternally young, bleuch! Smug b*stards. Here Pratchett explodes the myth that being beautiful means you must be good.
Nanny Ogg is - as ever - a joy to read about. Her exploits around the 'Long Man' and her date with Casanunda are comic gold, as is her rousing speech to Lancre's ragtag army.
Granny Weatherwax also gets a bit of a backstory and, as a result a more rounded character. We can see why she is like she is and some of what she's had to give up to be the most powerful witch of all.
But it's Magrat who undergoes the biggest change - the scenes of her confrontation with the elves had me on the edge of my seat mentally cheering her on. This is Pratchett doing a more conventional style of adventure than his usual and it's very good.
I could almost taste the night air and smell the snow.

No one is to do the Stick and Bucket Dance ever again, 31 Oct 2005
The three witches, especially Granny Weatherwax, have always been my favorite denizens of the Discworld, and they do nothing to disappoint the reader over the course of Lords and Ladies. Add in a few of Unseen University's highest-ranking wizards, and you're guaranteed to have one wild time in the kingdom of Lancre. This novel wasn't quite as funny as Pratchett's earlier witch novels, but it shows Granny Weatherwax in a whole new light and makes for a very entertaining read all the way around.

Lords and Ladies opens with the three witches returning home to Lancre after their encounter with the Godmother in the novel Witches Abroad. They arrive just in the nick of time. A group of young girls have started doing some witching of their own; dancing around (with or without their drawers on) some of the ancient stones up in the hills isn't good for anybody, especially when the barriers between the worlds are rubbing close together and beings on the other side are just waiting to pounce on anyone capable of weakening the borders a wee bit more. The Elf Queen has set her sights on crossing over into reality, but there just isn't room in this reality for Granny Weatherwax and the Elf Queen. Granny knows what regular people forgot long ago - all that glamour and beauty that Elves project is just a mask. Elves are really nasty little buggers who care about human beings only insofar as they can torture them for their own amusement. Things are really nip and go here, as Granny Weatherwax isn't her old self these days - she can't even see the future anymore, and that doesn't bode well for anybody.

Of course, the citizens of Lancre are all distracted by the upcoming nuptials of King Verence and Magrat Garlick. Wyrd Sisters tells the story of Verence's witch-assisted rise from the king's Fool to the King of Lancre, as well as the budding romance between Verence and Magrat. Magrat is of course the third member of the witches' trio, a young lass with eternally plain looks, great interest in the traditions and proper ceremonies of witchcraft, and a naivety and generosity of nature that frequently drives Granny up the wall. She and Verence are as shy as the day is long, but they are to be married on Midsummer's Eve. Granny and Nanny Ogg tend to treat Magrat as a child, and she finally gets so perturbed she abandons the coven and settles in to learning the ways of being a Queen - which mostly involves being incredibly bored.

All kinds of folks arrive for the royal wedding, including Giamo Casanunda, the world's second greatest lover ("he tries harder," a process which invariably involves the use of a stepladder), and a caravan of wizards from Unseen University. Archchancellor Ridcully is extremely excited about it because he used to live in Lancre. He goes on and on about this girl he once knew and wanted to marry, a girl who happens to be Granny Weatherwax. It's hard to imagine Granny as a young woman, but Lords and Ladies shows us a side of the old crone we've never seen before. Magrat really starts to come into her own, as well, after the Elves capture Verence. Of course, everything comes down to a big fight with the Elves, but that's the least exciting part of the novel, as far as I'm concerned. It's much more fun just watching Pratchett put all his players in place for the ending.

Pratchett is absolutely on fire in a number of passages here, especially when young Ponder Stibbons tries to explain his theory of parallel universes and multiple forms of existence to Archchancellor Ridcully. Granny and Nanny Ogg are always hilarious, the whole makeup of Lancre sets up many a joke, and Verence's dependence on book knowledge sets up one of the funniest bits in the whole Discworld series. Lords and Ladies is enough to get a new reader hooked on Pratchett's unique genius, but you won't truly appreciate this novel unless you read Wyrd Sisters and Witches Abroad first.

Sam Vimes, 24 Sep 2008
In the character of Sam Vimes, Terry Pratchett has created one of the memorable police figures of contemporary fiction. As chief of the Ankh-Mopork watch, his interest is only in the pursuit of justice, seeing the world as a black and white place in which social background and privilege does not mean automatic innocence.
Vimes's watchmen are a mixed bag of remarkable characters- the troll Detritus, Nobbs dreaming of joining the aristocracy, the immaculate carrot and the blonde with the bite, Angua. Into this mix is pitched Cheery Littlebottom, a very confused dwarf, and the stage is set for an entertaining crime novel which pursues themes of social justice in a light and hilarious style.
As in all of Pratchett's novels, there are hilarious moments and colourful characterisations and this is certainly a highly enjoyable read.

Pratchett at his best, 11 Sep 2007
This is easily my favourite Pratchett book - laugh-out-loud funny, darkly comic, touching and moving all at the same time. Pratchett holds up a mirror to our society's predjudices of class, creed and religion and allows us to laugh at ourselves whilst feeling a tinge of shame and sadness. There are questions asked about the moral implication of scientific advancement: the clear parallel between the Golems and genetic engineering; the corruption at the heart of government; the class structure and "speciesism" at the same level as racism.

this is a wonderful book, full of outlandish fantasy characters which manage to be so real that you can almost taste the smell (and the texture) of the river Ankh. For fans of Pratchett this is the one.

Excretus Est Ex Altitudine, 03 Jun 2007
Feet of Clay" is the nineteenth novel in Terry Pratchett's hugely popular Discworld series, was first published in 1996 and is the third to focus on Sam Vimes and Ankh-Morpork's City Guard.

Sam is the now the Commander of the City Guard, and - having married Lady Ramkin - a member of the nobility. It's fair to say he's not your typical hero : he doesn't like the Undead (particularly vampires), Assassins (they keep trying to kill him) and - in keeping with an old family tradition - Kings (not an ideal musketeer then). Sam has quit drinking - though it's still something of a struggle - and smokes the occasional cigar to ease the blow.

Although numbers among the ranks are rising, Sam tends to rely on those he knows best. His most capable officer is Captain Carrot - who was born human, although raised as a dwarf. Carrot is an incredibly innocent and very honest character and is widely believed to be Ankh-Morpork's rightful King. (Sam has - to date - refrained from beheading him). Carrot's girlfriend, Angua, is also a member of the City Guard though - being a werewolf - she isn't quite so popular. Sergeant Detritus, a troll who deals roughly with troll drug-dealers, seems a natural - not to mention likeable - cop, though Sergeant Colon and Corporal Nobbs (a confirmed slacker and probably human) are the most experienced officers. The one newcomer is Cheery Littlebottom, an ex-alchimist dwarf who becomes quite useful in the City Guard's newly established forensics department. (Cheery left the Guild of Alchemists after, accidentally, blowing up the Guild Council. Alchemy is an unusual profession for a dwarf, though Cheery - as it turns out - isn't your usual dwarf).

"Feet of Clay" gives Sam a good, old-fashioned mystery to solve - a mystery that includes a couple of rather unusual murders. One of the victims is Father Tubelcek, who Sam considers to be one of the neatest corpses he's ever seen : eyes closed, arms neatly folded across his chest...and a slip of paper with some strange writing on it in his mouth. The other victim was Mr Hopkinson, curator at the Dwarf Bread Museum. Dwarf bread is much more useful on the battlefield than on the breakfast table, and Hopkinson had unfortunately been beaten to death with a loaf. There is a little white clay and a suspicion of Golems hanging around, but the murders are puzzling...however, it's difficult to focus on a puzzle, when you've also got to investigate the poisoning of the Patrician. (He's surviving, but only barely). The difficulties aren't confined to professional matters - there's even bad news for both Sam and Nobby at a personal level. Following a visit to the Royal College of Heralds, Sam learns he is ineligible for a Coat of Arms. (An ancestor, Old Stoneface, killed Ankh-Morpork's last king). To make matters even worse, news of his rejection is delivered by a vampire called Dragon King of Arms. Nobby, on the other hand, is devastated to learn he is Earl of Ankh.

Another very funny book from Pratchett, with a storyline 'underneath' it all that your standard murder-mystery writer would love to tell. Excellent stuff, highly recommended !

Feet Of Clay review., 07 Apr 2006
Feet Of Clay is another fast-paced detective mystery by Terry Prattchett.In Feet Of