The Light Fantastic: Discworld, Book 2

While the Light Fanastic isn't the best of the Discworld novels it's certainly more humorous than the previous title 'the Colour of Magic', you can see the start of the writing style that made Pratchett's series so well loved.

The storyline continues directly from the end of the Colour of Magic and serves as a much more epic storyline than the previous novels now Rincewind and Twoflower are established, as well as introducing future Discworld star Cohen as well as the Wizards. It involves the miraculous saving of Rincewind and Twoflower and the threat of a Red star heading towards the Discworld.

There are a few places where the narrative feels a bit long winded in the middle but overall it is a well paced book that in conjunction with the previous novel form an excellent story.

I'd recommend it, if best served back to back with 'The Colour of Magic'

Two stars because the audio quality of this, even on 4 and enhanced, dreadful. There's a background hiss and it sounds tinny. I wish I'd sampled it first. Get the abridged version -- it's shorter, obviously, but the sound quality is much better and it costs less.

Dear Terry Pratchett. One of the sorrows of my life is that I wasted a lot of years, thinking I didn't need to read about Discworld. A mistake I have repeated, several times elsewhere. Still, looking on the bright side, they're all still there, waiting to be enjoyed.
I was a bit puzzled by this, because, my introduction to Discworld came via the film made of 'The Colour of Magic', which I enjoyed, enormously. When I got to The Light Fantastic, I suddenly realised that the film contained a lot of this book too, which, I have to say, was a bit of a disappointment. Add the alterations, and adjustments made with any film, and it all becomes a bit overdone. I loved it, and the characters, and have plotted out the rest of the list. Long Live Sir Terry.

Terry Prachetts style is so cleverly descriptive and greatly amusing and this book is no exception. Brilliantly read by Nigel Planer who has just the perfect voice for a Prachett novel. Well worth every penny, I highly recommend it and guarantee you will not be dissapointed.

I am just getting into the Discworld series and was looking forward to this book. The story met my expectations but the quality of the audio was pretty awful. There is a weird, jarring sound effect and it sounds as though it's been copied from someone's ancient tape. The story deserves better!

'The Light Fantastic' follows on after the introduction of Rincewind and Twoflower in the previous novel 'The Colour of Magic'. Early in the book it becomes apparent that Great A'Tuin, the giant turtle that carries the Discworld is set a new course that leads it directly into a red star. Rincewind and Twoflower are soon accompanied by two new characters, Cohen the Barbarian, the ageing hero, and Bethan, a sacrificial virgin saved by Cohen. Having one of the seven great spells wedged in his head, Rincewind is tormented by the spell and eventually enters the realm of (my favourite character) Death.



Having read the previous book I was worried how this book would actually work as an audio book. I must say that I was impressed. Nigel Planer captures each of the characters personalities perfectly. I look forward to listening to his work in the near future.

Having tried to read this book in paperback so time ago and just not being able to get into it, I was urged by a colleague to try again. Thank goodness I did!

Thoroughly enjoyed it, Nigel Planer bought the character's to light and Terry Prachett's subtle humour made me laugh out loud, which very rarely happens when I read a book. I've now read book 2 and have just downloaded book 3....hooked!!

Don't read or listen to this on the train as I did, as people will think you are mad. I could not stop laughing all the way through the book. The foot notes throughout this book are hilarious and if you are trying Terry Pratchett for the first time this is definitely the book for you, young or old alike. First in the Discworld series once you have read this you will want the entire collection.