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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
It took a while to build the world and characters and for the plot to get going, but after it did, it was a fairly interesting book. “Ambi-sinistrous” was probably my favorite joke of the book but I got a good dose of Terry Pratchett’s wit and humour here. I think I shall have to pick up one of his series instead of a stand alone book at some point.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For someone currently reading through the Discworld series, Small Gods is arguably Sir Terry Patchett's best work so far. And not just because of the tortoise.
As with any Pratchett book, you can expect the humorous, witty, and insightful commentary that is characteristic of his narration style. His ability to make the supernatural feel human comes into play here too.
As with any Pratchett book, you can expect the humorous, witty, and insightful commentary that is characteristic of his narration style. His ability to make the supernatural feel human comes into play here too.
The Voice of the Turtle was heard in the land.
'Who's this bugger?'
[...]
'This cabbage stinks like a swamp! Let there be lettuce! Let there be slices of melon!
It may start slow, but when it does quicken its pace and establishes a goal, it improves substantially.
It is a deeper dive into the worldbuilding of the Disc, compared to Pratchett's previous books in the setting, exploring how gods work - through a smart-arse god trapped in a tortoise's body, and his only believer.
'Let there be another leaf.'
Brutha pulled one off the nearest plant. And lo, he thought, there was another leaf.
The god-turned-tortoise inevitably steals the show for me, as- well, he is a tortoise...
*clears throat* In all seriousness, Pratchett develops this character by putting him in a hilariously intriguing situation - after all, if one is demoted from a position of power, wouldn't they wrestle with that reality?
On another note, the antagonist, Vorbis makes an excellent villain and foil to protagonist Brutha - Vorbis' cruelty, cold intelligence, and single-minded pursuit of power contrasts well with Brutha's patience, kindness, and thoughtfulness. There's also some superb symbolism of these two characters, but I won't spoil it.
That's not all. In a trek through the desert, it avoids falling into Tolkien's 'every blade of grass' trap through interesting encounters, humorous and thought-provoking dialogue, and skipping of unnecessary scenery description.
'Got to have a whole parcel of worshippers to live on Nob Hill. Got to be an anthropomorphic personification, one of them things.'
I have a fascination with religion, deities (especially the zoomorphic kind), mythology, and anthropology in general - so this book definitely appealed to my interests, but it works well as a fun read too.
For those who are considering reading a Discworld novel, Small Gods is an excellent start - and for those who have already started, it is one to look forward to!
For those who are considering reading a Discworld novel, Small Gods is an excellent start - and for those who have already started, it is one to look forward to!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Torture, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexism, Slavery, Murder
4 stars. Wasn't my favorite but was still witty and fun as hell.
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Of all of the Discworld books I’ve read so far this one is the one. I don’t really know how to describe how much I loved this book but I found myself choked up on multiple occasions. I just idk there was something special about this one. If you’re gonna take my opinion seriously and want to read a disc novel this is the one to read if no other.
Top stuff from Sir Terry, with that most deserving topic of his trademark gentle prodding finally being given a go: organized religion and other assorted dogma. Philosophy gets it good too, mind you. Like Reaper Man, this one GITS GUD when the sad melancholy of singular people faced with eternity is confronted.
Couple animals bite it in this one and the books are generally so gentle that I was shook at this!
Couple animals bite it in this one and the books are generally so gentle that I was shook at this!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated