Velhous verissä (1988)

The bravest heroes are the ones scared out of their boots. An interesting fable untamed sourcery on the Disc. ( )

Bit of escapism to take my mind off the scary real world. First time round would have got another half star as it was fresh and a bit edgy but familiarity makes it a comfortable read now. ( )

Another story with Rincewind and the Luggage. Yay! Only... it takes a little while before the magic kicks in here.

The wizards of Unseen University are threatened by a sourcerer, who seeks to destroy wizardry as it is known and install something totally new, more powerful, in order to make the wizards (and himself, of course) the most powerful beings in Discworld, more powerful than the gods even.

This sourcerer is a kid (Coin), who's guided / ruled by his father, Ipslore the red, who, when his time had come, refused to go with Death to the other side. And so begins a crazy and thrilling adventure, that can have a major impact on the future of life and trade on the disc.

Rincewind, whose hat says he's a wizzard, but whose skills are lacking, plays a deciding role in the outcome of the changeover enforced by Coin, the eighth son of Ipslore, who is the eight son of an eight son. For wizards, there are eight levels, the eighth one being the highest.

The Luggage also has its role to play, albeit not as big as in previous novels. However, at some point it gets separated from it's owner and thus its main concern is to be reunited with Rincewind again. But at what cost?

'Sourcery' is not Pratchett's best Discworld novel. As I said earlier, it takes a while to appreciate the story-telling, the humour, ... The first half especially seems on several occasions forced, a little weak. The second half, however, where the action really is unfolding, proves a better part. It's easier, in my opinion, to appreciate the humour, the cast, the events and thus read on until the end.

The novels is an easy read, all in all, and it's hard to put the book down (certainly after the first half).

As usual, Pratchett threw in some philosophical elements, some food for thought about society, even if the entertainment value of the story is much bigger.

Despite a few problems, this is another recommended Discworld novel. Not the best, but worth reading nevertheless. ( )

I liked this story but it was Rincewind, The Luggage, Death, War, Pestilence & Famine that made this story for me.

I did enjoy the humour, sarcasm and satire throughout this fantastical epic tale and will definitely read more Discworld novels.

Which one is your favourite? I'm happy to receive recommendations ;-) ( )

Haven't met a Pratchett book I didn't like, yet.

The magical apocalypse is coming. The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse are coming. Well, they've stopped for a drink, or two... or all. And they've lost their horses. And Death just went on, ahead, anyway. So it's the 1 Horseman and the 3 Pedestrians of the Apocalypse. A snot-nosed kid who is the source of magic is going to eliminate the gods, take over the entire Discworld, and... and... something.

Rincewind, the erstwhile hero, does his usual best to run from, avoid, and curry favour from the various dangers along the way, never quite succeeding. With him is Conina, daughter of the Disc's greatest barbarian (although she just wants to be a hairdresser), and Nijel Harebut, who is your average, skinny, nothing who read a book on being a barbarian (written by Conina's father) and decided he'd have a go at that. No, it's not a cohort to inspire confidence or fear.

Great Sourcerer (not a typo) battles, physics-defying journeys, a time-share genie who is just TOO overworked, and the usual spread of madness, mayhem, and magic.

And the character of DEATH, being his usual, literal self.

Lots of fun.

( )