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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry
Moderate: Death, Violence
Minor: Slavery, Violence, War
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐║The best Discworld book I’ve read so far. Pratchett takes aim at organized religion, blind faith, and philosophical absurdities, and it’s his sharpest, funniest takedown yet.
The plot is clear, linear, and perfectly paced, something the previous 12 books didn’t always manage. Brutha, a naive but sincere novice, ends up as the only true believer of the great god Om—who just so happens to be stuck in the body of a powerless, grumpy tortoise. Their journey through the fanatical Omnian Empire, ruled by dogmatic tyrants like the treacherously self-righteous Vorbis and full of vicious turtle-murdering predatory eagles, kept me entertained from start to finish. The satire is relentless but never heavy-handed. The story balances humor, heart, and razor-sharp commentary flawlessly.
The characters absolutely shine. Om’s mix of arrogance and desperation is hilarious, and Brutha is exactly the kind of protagonist this story needs—earnest, stubborn, and surprisingly wise. Vorbis is one of Pratchett’s best villains yet. Even the side characters add so much, from philosophers trapped in their own logic to yet another Dibbler finding a way to make a quick buck. I’m always on the lookout now for a sighting of a sneaky salesman named Dibbler. He’s everywhere and he never fails to crack me up. And Ephebe, filled with philosophers led by none other than Aristocrates? I was laughing out loud, looking like a nutcase.
The pacing is perfect. The book moves fast, every scene adding either a joke, a philosophical insight, or a genuinely great character moment. Comedic gold in every scene. I never felt like it dragged, and I never wanted to stop reading or listening. I mostly listened to the audiobook, and Nigel Planer is fantastic yet again.
On a personal level, this one resonates more than any Discworld book I’ve read so far. I studied psychology and religion back in the day, so the themes of belief, power, and ideology really hit home. Pratchett skewers fanaticism, but he also understands the complexity of faith, and that nuance makes this book stand out.
I loved Small Gods. It’s hilarious, insightful, and full of moments of sheer brilliance. By book 13, Pratchett is at the top of his game, and I’m more excited than ever to continue my Discworld journey.
Discworld by Terry Pratchett
Book 1: The Color of Magic 2/5
Book 2: The Light Fantastic 3/5
Book 3: Equal Rites 3/5
Book 4: Mort 4/5
Book 5: Sourcery 4/5
Book 6: Wyrd Sisters 4/5
Book 7: Pyramids 4/5
Book 8: Guards! Guards! 5/5
Book 9: Eric 3.5/5
Book 10: Moving Pictures 5/5
Book 11: Reaper Man 4/5
Book 12: Witches Abroad 5/5
Book 13: Small Gods 5/5
The plot is clear, linear, and perfectly paced, something the previous 12 books didn’t always manage. Brutha, a naive but sincere novice, ends up as the only true believer of the great god Om—who just so happens to be stuck in the body of a powerless, grumpy tortoise. Their journey through the fanatical Omnian Empire, ruled by dogmatic tyrants like the treacherously self-righteous Vorbis and full of vicious turtle-murdering predatory eagles, kept me entertained from start to finish. The satire is relentless but never heavy-handed. The story balances humor, heart, and razor-sharp commentary flawlessly.
The characters absolutely shine. Om’s mix of arrogance and desperation is hilarious, and Brutha is exactly the kind of protagonist this story needs—earnest, stubborn, and surprisingly wise. Vorbis is one of Pratchett’s best villains yet. Even the side characters add so much, from philosophers trapped in their own logic to yet another Dibbler finding a way to make a quick buck. I’m always on the lookout now for a sighting of a sneaky salesman named Dibbler. He’s everywhere and he never fails to crack me up. And Ephebe, filled with philosophers led by none other than Aristocrates? I was laughing out loud, looking like a nutcase.
The pacing is perfect. The book moves fast, every scene adding either a joke, a philosophical insight, or a genuinely great character moment. Comedic gold in every scene. I never felt like it dragged, and I never wanted to stop reading or listening. I mostly listened to the audiobook, and Nigel Planer is fantastic yet again.
On a personal level, this one resonates more than any Discworld book I’ve read so far. I studied psychology and religion back in the day, so the themes of belief, power, and ideology really hit home. Pratchett skewers fanaticism, but he also understands the complexity of faith, and that nuance makes this book stand out.
I loved Small Gods. It’s hilarious, insightful, and full of moments of sheer brilliance. By book 13, Pratchett is at the top of his game, and I’m more excited than ever to continue my Discworld journey.
Discworld by Terry Pratchett
Book 1: The Color of Magic 2/5
Book 2: The Light Fantastic 3/5
Book 3: Equal Rites 3/5
Book 4: Mort 4/5
Book 5: Sourcery 4/5
Book 6: Wyrd Sisters 4/5
Book 7: Pyramids 4/5
Book 8: Guards! Guards! 5/5
Book 9: Eric 3.5/5
Book 10: Moving Pictures 5/5
Book 11: Reaper Man 4/5
Book 12: Witches Abroad 5/5
Book 13: Small Gods 5/5
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really really enjoyed the story and characters. Played well with established tropes, and carried a good message. Funny as always
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
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:
Yes
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
DNF’d at 55%. I did the audiobook, narrated by Andy Serkis. He is an excellent narrator. His version of LOTR are my favorites. The writing is good and it’s funny but I am just not connecting with it. I found myself totally uninterested in what happens next. This happened to me with Brandon Sanderson’s books too. They also had all the right elements and I see why anyone would think I’d love them but the vibe was off.