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theaceofpages's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“You could say to the universe this is not fair. And the universe would say: Oh, isn’t it? Sorry.”
The gods have decided to play with Rincewind again, this time in a (not-quite) war-torn Ancient Asian inspired setting where they are trying to decide who the next emperor will be. And as usual, Rincewind manages to somehow get caught up in the middle of it! (And of course he's meant to be an all powerful wizzard which doesn't help matters much).
I think that this is the best we have seen Rincewind so far (and we even get to meet Twoflower again!). Although the earlier Rincewind books may not always be as strong I would definitely reccomend reading them first though due to how the characters are introduced - you get more background information in the earlier books. Be aware that Pratchett does make some questionable jokes in this one. Given Pratchett's other books I believe these are meant in a satirical fashion, but parts do maybe dig a little too much into stereotypes. I've seen some comments that people didn't like the mismatch of cultures, but I wasn't bothered by this. I don't know how much of this is because it's very common in African-inspired fantasy worlds (and I've seen far less of this kind of commentary in this case). (And hey, if you aren't trying to write historical fantasy or something it can help create a more unique world, assuming it's well done. This one could maybe have had a bit more nuance but I feel like I'm getting off track here).
I enjoyed a lot of the characters in this book. And we get more proof that there is a Dibbler everywhere! I do enjoy looking out for them in these more far-flung books. And The Luggage! Probably one of my favourite Discworld characters.(And I guess we get some potential background on how The Luggage exists despite the apparent rarity of sapient pearwood? I hope he (at least Rincewood think he's a he) find the love he seeks) I enjoyed seeing Rincewind get more confident here although obviously Fate doesn't like it! and getting to learn more about some of the first characters we met in Pratchett's books in the style that all but the first few are written in.
The gods have decided to play with Rincewind again, this time in a (not-quite) war-torn Ancient Asian inspired setting where they are trying to decide who the next emperor will be. And as usual, Rincewind manages to somehow get caught up in the middle of it! (And of course he's meant to be an all powerful wizzard which doesn't help matters much).
I think that this is the best we have seen Rincewind so far (and we even get to meet Twoflower again!). Although the earlier Rincewind books may not always be as strong I would definitely reccomend reading them first though due to how the characters are introduced - you get more background information in the earlier books. Be aware that Pratchett does make some questionable jokes in this one. Given Pratchett's other books I believe these are meant in a satirical fashion, but parts do maybe dig a little too much into stereotypes. I've seen some comments that people didn't like the mismatch of cultures, but I wasn't bothered by this. I don't know how much of this is because it's very common in African-inspired fantasy worlds (and I've seen far less of this kind of commentary in this case). (And hey, if you aren't trying to write historical fantasy or something it can help create a more unique world, assuming it's well done. This one could maybe have had a bit more nuance but I feel like I'm getting off track here).
I enjoyed a lot of the characters in this book. And we get more proof that there is a Dibbler everywhere! I do enjoy looking out for them in these more far-flung books. And The Luggage! Probably one of my favourite Discworld characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Racism, Sexism, and Fatphobia
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