The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

The Color of Magic

by Terry Pratchett

Publication Date: 1983

Number of Pages: 210

ISBN: 9780061020711

This is the first novel of the legendary Discworld series, where the flat, disc-shaped world is balanced on the backs of four elephants, which then stand on the back of a giant turtle named the Great A’Tuin, who walks with infinite slowness toward a destination unknown.  In this introduction to Discworld, we meet Twoflower, a gullible tourist from the Counterweight Continent, and Rincewind, a blundering wizard, who have banded together (through rather contrived circumstances) to explore the Disc.  Twoflower’s insatiable curiosity and inability to assess potential danger lead the pair into a series of misadventures in their journey across the Disc. 

Discworld is a unique combination of magic and everyday practicality; Rincewind the wizard only managed to learn one spell before being kicked out of the Unseen University and survives largely on his wits and ability to outrun those he’s offended.  Much of the humor in the novel relies on parodying the traditional fantasy elements.  In Discworld, the wizard is incompetent, the heroes can barely string three syllables together, the magical objects (like the aggressive and slightly homicidal Luggage) are certainly unique, and the dragons tend to explode. 

This novel moves quickly from one event to the next, and features lots of humorous adventure and action.  The jokes are just as frequently seamless as they are momentary head-scratchers, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. 

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If you enjoyed The Color of Magic, you might also enjoy these books:

Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett

The Color of Magic is merely the first in a series of Discworld novels; there are currently 35 books in the series (as well as picture books, graphic novels, video games, and companion guides), with the release of Raising Steam in March 2014.  Each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel, though the each member of the cast of characters generally appears in numerous titles.  Continuity is not particularly important, so each novel has its own plot and theme, though titles can be grouped together as story arcs.  Try this page or this flowchart for more information! 

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Set in an alternative version of England, The Eyre Affair begins the series with the mysterious kidnappings of literary characters, which is changing the content of classic literature, and therefore, the very fabric of society.  This novel is the first in Fforde’s Thursday Next series, and in the same way that Pratchett parodies traditional fantasy fiction stories, Fforde’s series parodies the world of literature.  This series is more mystery-driven, but equally humorous and witty. 

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This classic fantasy novel features Englishman Arthur Dent’s adventures (and misadventures) as he travels throughout the galaxy with a tour-guide writer.  This irreverent, humorous novel is also the first in a series that includes six books, each featuring the offbeat Dent and a zany cast of characters.