Scan barcode
A review by rorikae
Mort by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As with every Terry Pratchett book that I've read, 'Mort' is utterly delightful.
'Mort' introduces the series of books in the larger Discworld series that feature the character of Death. In 'Mort,' Death takes on an apprentice, the titular Mort, who is an awkward boy who is having trouble finding a normal apprenticeship. Death is looking for someone who can assist him and whisks Mort away to his home, outside of space and time, where he lives with his manservant and his daughter. He slowly teaches Mort what it is to be Death but Mort, who has caught feelings for a princess destined to die, has some other ideas.
I've heard a lot of people love the character of Death and with his full introduction in this novel, I now understand why. He's a fascinating character and getting to follow his exploits during the book (particularly when he takes an evening off to learn about human vices) is both hilarious and insightful. Pratchett weaves humor with life lessons in a way that makes them so much fun to read. I would say the one downside of the book is that though I liked Mort, I found Death so much more engaging that I favored Death's scenes and wanted more of them.
I am so excited to continue reading more of the Discworld books and I'll be looking forward in particular to the next installment that centers on Death's adventures.
'Mort' introduces the series of books in the larger Discworld series that feature the character of Death. In 'Mort,' Death takes on an apprentice, the titular Mort, who is an awkward boy who is having trouble finding a normal apprenticeship. Death is looking for someone who can assist him and whisks Mort away to his home, outside of space and time, where he lives with his manservant and his daughter. He slowly teaches Mort what it is to be Death but Mort, who has caught feelings for a princess destined to die, has some other ideas.
I've heard a lot of people love the character of Death and with his full introduction in this novel, I now understand why. He's a fascinating character and getting to follow his exploits during the book (particularly when he takes an evening off to learn about human vices) is both hilarious and insightful. Pratchett weaves humor with life lessons in a way that makes them so much fun to read. I would say the one downside of the book is that though I liked Mort, I found Death so much more engaging that I favored Death's scenes and wanted more of them.
I am so excited to continue reading more of the Discworld books and I'll be looking forward in particular to the next installment that centers on Death's adventures.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death