Book info

• Title The Colour of Magic
• Author Terry Pratchett
• Year 1983
• Genre Fantasy

Somewhere between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a magical world not totally unlike our own. Except for the fact that it travels through space on the shoulders of four giant elephants who in turn stand on the shell of an astronomically huge star turtle, of course. Rincewind is the world's worst wizard who has just been handed a very important job: to look after the world's first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land. Unfortunately, their journey across the Disc includes facing robbers, monsters, mercenaries, and Death himself. And the whole thing's just a game of the gods that might send them over the edge...

Thoughts

I have tried to read this book several times before, but now that it makes an appearance on my list of books to read (along with many Terry Pratchett ones - argh!), I thought I would give it a real proper attempt.

Actually, on this reading, it was nowhere near as bad as I had thought. Some of the satirical moments are amusing, and I particularly like the conversations between Rincewind and Twoflower - I can almost picture them in my head, and the relationship between the two is excellent.

For some reason, the world itself doesn’t resonate with me so much. I don’t know why because other magical lands, such as in Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, are much more vivid in my head. I don’t doubt my imagination, but sometimes the descriptions were just a little off for me.

Still, I was super impressed to get to the finish after so many false starts, and I would even go so far as to say I enjoyed most of it. Now, though, I am simply left wanting some luggage with little feet.

Rating: 3 / 5