Fiction

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

Background

Published in January of 2023, “Tress of the Emerald Sea” is a fantasy book written by Brandon Sanderson. Tress is a simple girl from a remote island until her one love is captured. She takes it upon herself to venture out to rescue him from the dreaded sorceress of the midnight sea. Sanderson creates an entire world full of unique dangers and delights and yet relatable to any audience.

My Thoughts

This really was a great book and it took me (seemingly) forever to get through it as I was reading just a little before bed each night. I really enjoyed the journey and loved this little one off for Sanderson.

Recommendation

Very enjoyable read.

Background

Published in 1983, “The Color of Magic” is the first novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The book introduces readers to the fantastical and humorous world of Discworld, a flat disc-shaped world carried on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle. The story follows the bumbling wizard Rincewind, who is reluctantly swept up in a series of chaotic and dangerous events after encountering the naïve tourist Twoflower and his magical luggage. As they travel across Discworld, they encounter eccentric characters, wacky situations, and parodies of fantasy tropes.

My Thoughts

I’m writing this review after reading a few more novels in the Discworld series and I can see how Sir Pratchett was just getting his footing in the new world he was creating. (I wonder if he had any idea how prolific and expansive this series would be?) I still enjoyed it but feel it wandered around a bit in the beginning. It took me a while to feel that he got on track. Still, I’m glad I read this one first.

Recommendation

Worth the read but they get better later on.