Fantasy

Background

“Pyramids” is a humorous and imaginative fantasy novel written by Terry Pratchett, first published in 1989. Set in the Discworld universe, the story follows Teppic, a young prince who becomes the reluctant ruler of the ancient desert kingdom of Djelibeybi. As he grapples with the peculiarities of ruling, including dealing with pyramids that distort time and space, Teppic finds himself entangled in a series of comical and absurd situations. The novel explores themes of tradition, identity, and the clash between modernity and ancient customs, all while delivering Pratchett’s signature wit and satirical commentary.

My Thoughts

This was an interesting take on the ancient Egypian culture and a fun riff on the metaphysical notions of healing, crystals, and so on. As always, Pratchett delivers his story with witty banter and modern innuendos (for 1989). Pratchett has a somewhat Gary Larson’s “Farside” like sense of humor which I enjoy. I particularly liked that the camel (who thinks of himself as named “You Bastard”) was the the disc’s (world’s) best mathematician.

Recommendation

A fun read.

Background

Published in 2017, “Oathbringer” is the third installment of Brandon Sanderson’s series, “The Stormlight Archive.” The novel delves deeper into the world of Roshar as the Knights Radiant and their allies face escalating challenges, including political turmoil, ancient enmities, and an impending apocalypse known as the Desolation. With intricate character arcs, sweeping battles, and revelations about the true nature of the Radiants and the greater cosmere.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the ending of the book and the plots twists that threw everything on it’s head. Such a fun book and a fitting cap to the series as a whole.

Recommendation

Worth the time.

Background

Published in 2017, “Edgedancer,” by Brandon Sanderson, is a novella set in between the events of “Words of Radiance” and “Oathbringer” in “The Stormlight Archive” series. The story follows Lift, a young and quirky thief with unique powers, as she navigates the bustling city of Yeddaw. When Lift becomes entangled in a series of mysterious disappearances, she is drawn into a web of intrigue that leads her to confront her own purpose and destiny as a budding Radiant.

My Thoughts

At just under 300 pages, it’s fun that Sanderson refers to this as a “Novella” but when your regular book size is 1200 pages, I guess it fits. There was an excerpt at the end of the book which talks about how he wanted it to be smaller at first but the story just kind of grew.

This was a fun story. I don’t know that I really like Lift as a character. I do like she wants to do good and that notion was called into question throughout the book. Lift gets a starring role in the third book of “The Stormlight Archive” series but a few others weren’t quite as fleshed out. Perhaps Sanderson will elaborate more as time goes by.

Recommendation

I’m glad I read it before the third book of “The Stormlight Archive” series. It wasn’t the best in the series but it was still enjoyable.

Background

Published in 2010, “The Way of Kings” is a novel by Brandon Sanderson, and the first in the Stormlight Archive series. The story is set on the world of Roshar, where humans are locked in a war with the Parshendi, a race of mysterious shelled. The novel follows several characters, including Kaladin, a former slave who becomes a leader of a group of slaves used as bridgemen, forced to lead suicidal charges across a field of deadly chasms; Shallan, a young woman trying to save her family by stealing a valuable artifact called a Soulcaster; and Dalinar Kholin, the brother of the murdered king, who keeps to the old codes of honor and integrity and dreams of uniting the Alethi armies against the Parshendi.

My Thoughts

Brandon Sanderson is a master storyteller and has created another world complete with races and magic that I haven’t experienced. The story is engaging and keeps me coming back for more. That’s fortunate because the book is over 1200 pages long. (Make some time on your calendar…) I’m excited to see where this series takes me.

Recommendation

Great book! I’m really enjoying it.

Background

Wyrd Sisters is a novel by Terry Pratchett, the third in the Discworld series. The story follows three witches, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick, as they attempt to overthrow the evil Duke Felmet, who has usurped the throne of Lancre. The witches have the help of the infant heir to the throne, Tomjon, and a troupe of traveling actors.

The novel is a parody of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and it also contains elements of Hamlet and King Lear. Wyrd Sisters is a darkly comic novel, and it is full of Pratchett’s trademark wit and satire. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best Discworld novels.

My Thoughts

What happens when a witch falls in love? Who would ever think to mess with Granny Weatherwax? I really do enjoy Terry Pratchett’s imagination and his take on the world. It is somewhat like Gary Larson in that one can understand and even appreciate their material but still wonder where it all comes from. Regardless, I keep coming back for more. However, I’ve run into a dead end and may actually have to buy some books to keep reading them in order. How annoying… I wouldn’t have such an issue if Sir Pratchett were still with us but it’s been a decade since he passed. Now I can only wonder where the money goes.

Recommendation

Fun book. While part of the Discworld Series, it can stand on it’s own and does not have to be read in order.

Background

Published in 1988, “Sourcery” is the fifth installment in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The story revolves around a young boy named Coin, the eighth son of an eighth son, who inherits unimaginable magical powers as a Sorcerer. With the ability to bend reality to his will, Coin becomes a threat to the balance of power on Discworld. As chaos ensues and the fabric of reality starts to unravel, the inept wizard Rincewind is reluctantly pulled into the turmoil, joined by an eccentric cast of characters. As they navigate through the whimsical and dangerous world of magic, Pratchett weaves a tale filled with sharp humor, sharp social commentary, and a dash of philosophical reflection on power and responsibility.

My Thoughts

I loved Rincewind’s part in this book. He continues to become more interesting as the installments continue. Also, the introduction of Cohen’s daughter and the aspiring barbarian Nijel. So much fun!

Recommendation

Another fun read. Not as good as Mort but still worth the time and attention.

Background

Published in 1987, “Mort” is a novel by Terry Pratchett, and part of the Discworld series. The story follows Mort, an awkward and unhappy apprentice to his family’s farm, who is unexpectedly taken on as an apprentice by Death himself. Mort learns the ropes of his new job, which includes collecting souls and ferrying them to the afterlife. He also begins to question the nature of death and his own place in the world.

Mort’s journey takes him to all corners of the Discworld, where he encounters a variety of characters, including the witches Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the wizard Rincewind, and the vampire lord Krok. Along the way, he learns about the importance of life, death, and free will.

My Thoughts

This was such a good book! British whimsy regarding death himself! This has been my favorite book so far in the series.

Recommendation

Great read. Highly suggested.

Background

Published in 1987, “Equal Rites” is the third novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The book follows the story of Eskarina Smith, a young girl who has inherited the wizarding abilities traditionally reserved for boys. Despite societal expectations and the disapproval of the wizards at Unseen University, Esk sets out to become a wizard herself. With the help of Granny Weatherwax, a wise witch, they navigate a world filled with magic, gender stereotypes, and comedic mishaps.

My Thoughts

This was a fun book and a great canvas to paint the story of Granny Weatherwax. Such a great character and a departure from the traditional witch. I also enjoyed the whole idea of the female wizard and the struggles others would have with that possibility. One could forget this was written in 1987.

Recommendation

Great read.

Background

“The Light Fantastic” is the second novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Set in a flat world resting on the backs of four elephants carried by a giant turtle, it follows the misadventures of the bumbling wizard Rincewind and his hapless companion Twoflower. When a red star appears in the sky, threatening to collide with Discworld and bring about the end of the world, Rincewind, Twoflower, and an odd assortment of characters embark on a hilarious and perilous journey to save the day.

My Thoughts

This one took a little bit to grow on me but I learned to like the characters. (Particularly, the luggage.)

Recommendation

Not his best work but still interesting