Draca kept talking about this series, and this character. Disc-something. And his name was...Ricewand? Something odd like that. Eventually, I got sick of hearing about it and had to ask her who wrote the books. This was the winter of 2000/2001.
And now I've read all of the main novels at least once, some three or four times. Terry Pratchett is a genius, he really is. He's written scores of books, all with these wonderful, complex, engaging characters and complicated, surprising plots with twists and turns galore, and the most marvelous satirical humour imaginable. He is on par with the likes of Douglas Adams and Monty Python, for Zarquon's sake.
The Discworld series is composed of 27 (soon to be 28) main novels, two YA novels, an illustrated story, several supplemental companions and the like, maps, three video/PC games, two Cosgrove Hall miniseries, theatrical adaptations, and musical compilations/soundtracks. We have four main casts of characters: the wizards (a bumbling bunch of old men, for the most part. Primarily humour, some science-fictionish stuff), the witches (a coven of women who are quite animated. Primarily fantasy), the City Watch (a rag-tag group of misfits lead by a cynical, suspicious old @#$%@&. Primarily mystery), and Death's family (which you can find out about on your own. Primarily...soap opera? ;^) )
My favourite group is the Watch, though they just barely beat the Wizards. My favourite characters are Rince, Vimes, Cheery, Agnes, Ponder, and the Magpyrs. My favourite books are Pyramids, Carpe Jugulum, The Fifth Elephant, and Interesting Times. I adore Paul Kidby's artwork, I've played the 2nd and about half of the 1st games, seen both of the miniseries, and am listening to the Soul Music soundtrack as I type.
There really is something for everyone here. Go to the library and grab The Colour of Magic. It's in the Ps.
Page updated July 25, 2003.
