The first of the Discworld novels featuring Rincewind that I read from front to back. Previously I had met Rincewind in The Colour of Magic, but he didn't capture my interest until I found him inept as ever in Interesting Times. I enjoyed this novel so much that immediately after finishing it, I wishlisted The Last Continent because it picks up where this novel leaves off. Highly recommended by a newly Pratchett convert. ( )

The oldest, inscrutable Discworld Empire is in turmoil, due to the revolutionary treatise What I Did On My Holidays. War is spreading through the ancient cities and then salvation arrives in the form of Rincewind the "Wizzard" and Cohen the barbarian, along with his troop of aging barbarians complete with scholar. ( )

While I'm not a big fan of Rincewind, this book is noteworthy for introducing The Silver Horde. A band of geriatric heroes who have a lifetime experience in not dying. ( )

Rincewind turns up again in Ankh Morpork, but only for the briefest of times before he is sent as an envoy to the far side of the world in a land very closely ressembling China (but with somewhat weird Japanese additions too). There is an oppressive regime, with an emperor, various members of the aristocracy vying for his position, and a peasant population treated like slaves by the Lords and soldiers. Rincewind comes in to the fray, and is quickly perceived to be the revolutionary saviour of the masses. Cohen the barbarian and his horde make a prominent appearance too, with their super-confident plans to replace the ailing, evil emperor by themselves. Although I've found other derivative ideas from Pratchett sometimes to miss the mark, this one really worked brilliantly. Everything to do with Cohen and his gang was very funny and sometimes very cool. And the plot this time lacked too many dead spots, and the ending wasn't really drawn out, unlike some other Discworld novels. A thoroughly enjoyable and at times exciting read. ( )

why haven't I read any terry pratchett until now? He's great! ( )