The Color of Magic discussion

Hello people! (:

I have seen Terry Pratchett's books everywhere, in here and in bookstores and generally sitting among other books I like, but I can't figure out what the deal is. What kind of books are they, and would I like them?

If any of you have read them, what do you think? Are they good? And what genre is it? Would I like it at the age of 23?

(I really like books like Harry Potter, A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, The Book Thief, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Room - and generally sci-fi and epic fantasy.)

Thanks!

I don't think Pratchett's books are good I think they are great:).
Discworld roughly belong to comic fantasy genre but it's smart kind of comedy with lot of satire and philosophy.
Closest thing from books you mentioned is Hitchhiker's guide.
Color of magic it's short and cheap so you even if you don't like it you will only lose small amount of time and money and if you like it you have great series ahead of you.

Since you seem to like Neil Gaiman, maybe you should start with "Good Omens" which is a Gaiman/Pratchett collaboration. It's totally standalone, but it gives a nice introduction to the kind of writing you would find in Pratchett's other works.

Hi,

I have read two of the books so far. The Discworld is interesting enough. Even though I did not like the Color of Magic, I do like Pratchet's writing style and the idea behind it.
The Discworld is to Fantasy what Hitchhiker's Guide is to Sci-Fi.

Considering the books you've listed, I'd read Discworld books.

Yes, you should. That is all.

Color of Magic and it's follow-up the Light Fantastic are a good start. If you find that you like some characters better than others there are fans who have gone to the trouble of breaking out the books by character advanced--you can google for their lists. Several of the books have also been made into movies (mostly made for TV). Pratchett also wrote a number of children's stories among them "Only You Can Save Mankind". It doesn't have the depth of the Discworld books, but is short, quick, easy to read and an example of Pratchett's writing style. As well as the satire, the books tend to spoof some area of popular culture and as such some resonate more with some people than others. If you read the Discworld series, though, even if you skip around afterwards, I'd suggest reading Color of Magic first, then Light Fantastic, mostly because a large part of the world building is done in those 1st two books and it's easier to keep score with the recurring characters and the world view in mind. I've been horrendously busy the last few years, so am about 7 books behind, but I read every volume up through Going Postal (book 33). I enjoyed some more than others, mostly because I like some of the characters and story lines more than others, but I read them in order, because I hate to get into one of the series books and realize there's a developed character whose introduction I missed. I love the series.

Rilla wrote: "Color of Magic and it's follow-up the Light Fantastic are a good start. If you find that you like some characters better than others there are fans who have gone to the trouble of breaking out the..."

That's the perfect description, Rilla. I just finished the series today. Though, I did go out of order and I read Raising Steam before Snuff. I wanted Vimes to be my last book. Definitely one of the funnest and most philosophical series I've ever read.

I became interested in the Discworld series last summer when I went to watch my friend's daughter in a stage production of Monster Regiment. I found the play very entertaining, humourous and enjoyable so decided to start reading the series, in order. I've only read 3 so far, but enjoyed the third (Equal Rites) more than the first two; however I recommend starting with the first two because as of the world building that Rilla mentioned.

Discworld is fantasy, it is set in its own distinct world, they are nothing like you will ever read. Each book is pretty short, they sort of read like long fairy tales, so if you are hoping to spend weeks with a book, you can forget it because the way they are written will have you through a book in like a couple hours. However, he manages to really put everything into each book. There's never going to be a down moment. Each book is a stand-alone, you could pretty much start anywhere you want and be fine. They are hilarious and yet manage to make you think.

Pratchett is an anomaly all of us authors would really like to figure out someday. We probably won't, and that's fine. But it is hard not to try, because he does everything so perfectly and he just gets better and better. There isn't anything else like it out there. So go ahead and give it a shot.

I think Terry Pratchett transcends genre. I don't read any 'fantasy' books, but I read Terry Pratchett - it's really funny, and great story-telling.

If you like puns, sarcasm, wit (Hitchhiker's) - then they're for you.

Terry Pratchett has been a fantasy writer that has been around a while. His books have a hint of comedy, seriousness, and over story. You must be ready for some off the wall stuff thou, because disk world will have your head spinning at times. I would say try to look up the order of his disc world books and read the first of them. Color of Magic is a good start, it introduces the world nicly and gets you learning some of Disc world's more weird characters that you will see often in other books.

Okay, thanks guys! I can see I need to give Terry Pratchet a chance.

Just to some up, you think I should start with the two first Discworld books, but after that I don't have to read them chronologically?

I think I'll check out that collaboration with Neil Gaiman too.

Felicia wrote: "Just to some up, you think I should start with the two first Discworld books, but after that I don't have to read them chronologically?"

Just a small warning: The first two books are very different in style from the rest of the books. Some people (including myself) would recommend not reading them first. Other people will scream bloody murder at the idea of reading the books out of sequence. ;)

What you eventually decide is entirely up to you. Just remember that the second book (The Light Fantastic) is a direct continuation of the first one (The Colour of Magic), while the rest of the books in the Discworld series are mostly standalone (though there are continuing themes are characters in all of them) and can mostly be read in any order.

Several books have the same main character eg. Rincewind books, Sam Vimes books, and certainly with Vimes, the main character changes as he gets older and his life changes (gets promoted, has family). So the ideal is reading them in order. But they're not episodic, and it won't be a big deal. Enjoy!

This question is invalid lol......
Everyone should read Sir Pratchett, it's one of those greatest experiences this life can offer...and this is an understatement. It's not fantasy alone, no no, it's that blend of flavorful humor and fragrant atmosphere that comes with them makes his books feel like it's your secret, magical home. His books goes best with the rain, next to a fire place and some beverages...cheers

Felicia wrote: "...you think I should start with the two first Discworld books..."

I'm with Mitali, I don't think the first two are the best and the style hadn't settled in. If you're OCD then just plough through them, but if not then I would possibly suggest starting with Equal Rites, Pyramids or even Moving Pictures.

If you use a popular search engine you'll find charts that give you the order of the various major character strands, i.e. Witches, Wizards, Death, Watch, etc. I'd certainly keep to those orders because of the character development.

If you like Hitchhikers then you'll like Discworld, I'd classify them as funny fantasy, just as I would classify Hitchhikers as funny sci-fi. Pratchett likes to take things like Hollywood, MacBeth and the Egyptian religion and turn it on it's ear. But he also creates these weird wonderful worlds like Ankh-Morport, Death, and the Disc itself. The Color of Magic and the Light Fantastic actually take you all over the Disc and establish the world. Rincewind is one of my favorite characters. They are written in a more young adult fashion than some of the other ones. They will give you a tour and good intro to the world, writing style, and narrative voice.

And don't forget Dodger! Not disc world but a great book.

Felicia wrote: "Just to some up, you think I should start with the two first Discworld books, but after that I don't have to read them chronolo..."

That's up to you. It really doesn't matter. I started with, I think, book 3 and it was awesome. I've read four discworld novels now, and I think the third is my favorite: Equal Rites.

I read Equal Rites last year and enjoyed it. I took a break from Pratchett but now I'm just about to start the fourth book Mort. I'm OCD on book series so I have to read them in order!

Felicia wrote: "Hello people! (:

I have seen Terry Pratchett's books everywhere, in here and in bookstores and generally sitting among other books I like, but I can't figure out what the deal is. What kind of boo..."

Hell YES you should read Sir Terry!

Definitely worth a try. Good Omens was a fun book and the Discworld books I read were pretty, good though I was not additively hooked the way some are.

If you enjoy humorous fantasy, there's not a large drop to choose from and Pratchett is near the top of that heap. Certainly one of the most prolific.

I've read the first 5 books of the series so far, and I really like it a lot. Started with the series earlier this year. I've found that some books are definitely better than the others. I've given all the books 3 and 4 star ratings, but I have no doubt that there will be a few in this large series that will get 5 star ratings.

I've been reading them in the order they were published. I'm not sure how far that carries into the series, but the first few books play off the others with some inside jokes. I do see the merit in reading in order with the characters instead of perfect chronological order, but that's not how my brain works.

But really, go for it. They're short, so you've got nothing to lose.

ALSO IMPORTANT - don't let yourself get too confused in the first book. He throws a lot of world building in the beginning and it can be a little confusing. Discworld is a strange place, and what doesn't make sense in the beginning somehow comes together in your mind a little later.

The Discworld books have several different subseries. I suggest starting with Small Gods, which stands alone. The first book in the Death series is Mort. The first Witches book is Equal Rites. The first City Watch book is Guards! Guards!

The first City Watch book I read was Night Watch, but I think it's best not to start with that one.

Good Omens and especially Nation are some of Pratchett's best non-Discworld books. They're both amazing.

Yes. Read Discworld. The first one I read was Guards! Guards!, and I've been a big fan of Vimes (the main character) ever since. If you want an often tongue-in-cheek view of our own world, with witches, wizards, dwarves, trolls, werewolves and vampires thrown in (to name but a few of the cast of characters), then get reading. If you like the style of Pratchett's writing, you can either read in order or dip in and out. There's always enough in later books about characters that have been written about previously not to worry about missing anything, if you see what I mean? Every book is standalone in my opinion. Enjoy discovering Discworld!

I read Mort years and years ago, I have collected the first ten or so in paperback from charity shops and I really want to read them in order as I loved Mort but I can not get through Colour of Magic. The advice on this thread is great.

Okay! I'll give him a try!

There is a FB group that is quite entertaining and very friendly....Discworld or something, forgotten proper title.

Felicia wrote: "Hello people! (:

I have seen Terry Pratchett's books everywhere, in here and in bookstores and generally sitting among other books I like, but I can't figure out what the deal is. What kind of boo..."

Absolutely. The man is a genius. One book not to miss is one he co-write with Nick Gaiman; "Good Omens". This was the first book of his I read and I was instantly hooked. I also almost ended up in a mental institution; walking around laughing to yourself is apparently not normal behaviour. Who knew?

Felicia wrote: "Okay! I'll give him a try!"

Good call! I hope you love it.

I've read them all, some many times. I've read them out of order and in order and cherry-picked them to suit my current mood. My faves are the ones with the witches, closely followed by Vimes. I like Death too. I agree that the first two and last few would not be my faves, but all are still better than a lot of other stuff one might be reading.

Felicia wrote: "Hello people! (:

I have seen Terry Pratchett's books everywhere, in here and in bookstores and generally sitting among other books I like, but I can't figure out what the deal is. What kind of boo..."

Yes - do! The early books especially are fantastic - like nothing else I know.

Pratchett is laugh out loud. My own favorite is Mort (book 4 from memory), which is about Death getting an apprentice.

Yes do read them! I was first introduced to them by my A level English teacher who recommended Mort as a perfect way of understanding the medieval concept of death and it's portrayal in literature. I have never looked back, although the earlier works in the series such as Wyrd Sisters are my favourites, possibly through fond memories of reading them in my late teens, but also because they're wrapped up in the whole process of discovering Discworld. Pratchett creates worlds and characters which are insanely human despite their otherworldliness - he's satirical, ascerbic, witty, observant. He's like the stand up comedian of literary fantasy with tonnes of observational humour and cult references. Love it !!!

Absolutely read them. I have been reading Terry Pratchett for over thirty years and have enjoyed every one of his books. He uses humor to make social commentary and his books have gotten better. Pratchett has developed quite a few lead characters and he explores them every couple of books so you never tire of the assortment.

Love Pratchett!
My fav standalone is The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents.

I'm a huge fan of Tiffany Aching, before that it was Wyrd Sisters and Sam Vimes all the way.

Felicia wrote: "Hello people! (:

I have seen Terry Pratchett's books everywhere, in here and in bookstores and generally sitting among other books I like, but I can't figure out what the deal is. What kind of boo..."

Yes, you should.

I suggest you start off with Equal Rites if you plan on reading the Discworld series chronologically. It's the third discworld novel but if you start with his first - The Colour of Magic - it may discourage you. His first two discworld novels are still quite confused; not less funny though. After Equal Rites, Mort and Sourcery I'd say you're safe in attacking the colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic. Of course this is just subjective. Enjoy.

Yes. Ctrl + A, read all.
Igor

I started reading Pratchett at about the age of 23 and enjoyed his Discworld books enormously. He writes in the fantasy genre, but he knows it well enough to play around with the familiar tropes; he also throws in a lot of very British humour and there are some profound reflections tucked away in apparently throwaway comments.

He also uses and abuses footnotes in a way that no-one else can match. It's like he has too many ideas in his head to fit them all onto the page, so he squeezes them in at the bottom.

If you enjoy the imaginative daftness of Douglas Adams, you will enjoy Pratchett's writing.

I think some of his more recent books have become a bit ponderous and overly-moralising. I struggled to get through Snuff and even Thud because some of the joy and silliness seemed to be missing - also because I'm slightly allergic to detective fiction.

He redeemed himself in my opinion by writing Nation. It's YA and not part of the Discworld series, but it's a lovely, lovely book.

Felicia wrote: "Hello people! (:

I have seen Terry Pratchett's books everywhere, in here and in bookstores and generally sitting among other books I like, but I can't figure out what the deal is. What kind of boo..."

The answer isn't whether or not you should read Pratchett but why aren't you already in love with Discworld!
My friend sent me a picture of her bookshelves and, like me, she has a dedicated Pratchett shelf. We both agreed that we don't trust people who don't read Pratchett ;)

I have read everyone of Terry Pratchett's books he is one of the top 3 authors still alive.

The sooner you start reading his books the sooner you will realise what you have been missing out on.

Darren wrote: "Felicia wrote: "Hello people! (:

I have seen Terry Pratchett's books everywhere, in here and in bookstores and generally sitting among other books I like, but I can't figure out what the deal is. ..."

I used to have a shelf dedicated to Pratchett, but now there's no room and I have to stack them. We have most of the books duplicated, mine and my other halves. It's the one thing we've kept duplicates of.

Ach! Asking if you should read Sir Terry is like asking if you should breathe. Which is to say, you should do so immediately and often if you wish to live a long and happy life. Discworld is a magical place, rife with heroes and heroines in the least expected places as well as all the usual ones.

As a few people expressed in posts above, the first couple of books can be a bit of a slog. It took me nearly a year and 3 goes to get through the Color of Magic but once I hit my stride in the Pratchett multiverse, there was no stopping me. We're only lacking the last 3 in our library and over the past 10 years, both the wife and I have each reread the series (in various orders) at least 4 times, some more.

May you be cursed as blissfully with a Pterry addiction as we have.

Even Sir Pterry says not to start with the earliest couple of books ... heard him say it with my own ears at a Discworld convention a couple of years ago.

I started off with Pratchett's "Reaper Man" many years back, which heavily involves the personification of Death (the grim reaper) and his/her/it's experience of "life" as a common man/woman/thing. Absolutely love it to this day, and just about all of his (Pterry as he is also called) other works.

Another book of his, Small Gods, is also a Discworld novel but with a slightly higher calibre of reading than Reaper Man. Lots of religious satire (but does not actually make fun of the real religions, and rather questions them) and a delight to revel in with all of the characters (Pratchett is a wizard [no pun intended] at creating lively and witty personalities, bar none).

Please, by all means, read him (well his books anyway, he may get aggravated if you survey him for words!)

Wendy wrote: "Even Sir Pterry says not to start with the earliest couple of books ... heard him say it with my own ears at a Discworld convention a couple of years ago."

Now I am curious, what did he suggest to start with?

I actually started with The Light Fantastic.

I don't think that I've ever managed to read any of them in any order other than random. I tried to keep The Watch and the Wee Free Men books in order but in truth, they are so well contained that you can jump right in anywhere.

I started with The Colour of Magic and the light Fantastic, I read them in order in their groups and loved them.
However I was younger, now I think I'd rather start with Death's Domain.

yes definetly give it a try when you are a book lover. I would recommend you though to start with one which has a theme of your interest. It varies greatly between dragons, crime, music, magic etc. I am a huge fan, but not all of them are as good.

Oh, yes!