British fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett passed away last week at the age of 66. He was best known and loved for his Discworld series, which started life as a satirical spoof of the fantasy genre but went on to become a work of rich worldbuilding and unique storytelling in its own right. Consisting of over 40 books, the novels were clever, captivating, fresh, poignant -- and always, always funny.
As a massive fantasy fan, the Discworld books were breaths of fresh air to me in my high school and college days. They were fantasy novels that had something new, fascinating, and hilarious to say. It's been years since I've picked up a Discworld novel, but I still remember my fondness for the world and characters that Sir Terry created.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- The Color of Magic
Pratchett fans will often recommend that newcomers not pick up The Color of Magic, the first book in the Discworld series. Indeed, the novel has a much different flavor from future installments in the series, serving as more of a straight-up satire of the fantasy genre than a solid, standalone fantasy tale. Still, if, like me, you're well-versed in the tropes of epic fantasy, this is the satire for you.
- Pyramids
By this, the seventh novel in Pratchett's series, the Discworld had become a unique fantasy realm in its own right. Pratchett still had fun shaking up his stories by drawing on a variety of tropes and influences, however, and here we get a story heavily influenced by Ancient Egyptian culture (and, to a lesser extent, the fairy tales of the Arabian Nights). Teppic is the young prince of Djelibeybi (sound it out, you Doctor Who fans) who has spent the last few years being educated … by the Assassins Guild. When he returns home to reclaim his throne, complications, as can be expected, ensue -- particularly involving the local pyramids, which are magically constructed to control the flow of Time itself.
- Maskerade
This eighteenth entry in the series features the Witches -- Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg -- and newcomer Agnes Nitt, who they hope to make their coven's new protege. But Agnes is off in the town of Lancre for a job at the local Opera House, and promptly finds herself in the middle of a story not so unlike The Phantom of the Opera ... (This one is extra-delightful if you're familiar with that musical; watch especially for Pratchett's take on Christine, who ends all of her sentences with double exclamation points.)
- Monstrous Regiment
Pratchett excelled in writing complex, relatable female characters. Here we're introduced to Polly Perks, who disguises herself as a man and enlists as a soldier to track down her brother (without him, she'll lose all claim on the family business). Luckily for Polly, she's fully accepted by her fellow soldiers -- but it turns out she's not the only one with a secret to hide.
- The Last Hero: A Discworld Fable
Lavishly, beautifully illustrated by Paul Kidby, this Discworld novella stars my favorite character of the series. Rincewind is a wizard (well, actually a "WIZZARD," if his hat is anything to go by). He only knows one spell, and seems to spend the majority of his time running away from all the various people, things, and circumstances that are constantly conspiring to kill him. Reluctantly teaming up with Leonard of Quirm and Captain Carrot Ironfoundersson, Rincewind finds himself on a mission to stop a hoard of elderly barbarians from killing the gods themselves.
- Good Omens
The Apocalypse. Four Horsemen on motorcycles. A misplaced Antichrist (who is kind of fond of the human race). A book of prophecy. An angel and a demon who actually get along. All co-written with Neil Gaiman. It's not Discworld, but it's my favorite Pratchett novel all the same. Don't miss it.
- Interesting Times
… well. Maybe Good Omens is my second-favorite Pratchett read. This story probably takes the true top spot, as we follow Rincewind the Wizzard as he encounters Cohen the Barbarian, meets up with an old tourist friend, and gets involved in a rebellion against an empire being controlled by a villainous Grand Vizier (aren't they always villainous?). He's only on his unlikely mission because he's determined to earn back his title as a right and proper Wizard -- but with Fate and Luck literally playing a game for the rebellion's outcome, Rincewind's got his work cut out for him.
There is a curse. They say:
"May You Live In Interesting Times."
Browse the works of Terry Pratchett from the Catalog
- ARTICLE: Terry Pratchett's Discworld Might Be the Highest Form of Literature on the Planet
- ARTICLE: Neil Gaiman on Terry Pratchett
- ARTICLE: 50 Terry Pratchett quotes
-- Post by Ms. B
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