Lately, the Terry Pratchett books I've read have either been from his middle period, when he was acknowledged as a master of Important Satire; or from his later life, when the decline caused by his "embuggerance" was becoming more and more evident. So reading this turned into a delightful trip back to the times when Pratchett was a purveyor of comedy first and foremost. In this, he was helped by Paul Kidby's illustrations - more precise and all-encompassing than the late Josh Kirby's work for the earlier illustrated Discworld title, Eric, and a true enhancement to this story.

The story? Oh, if you insist: Cohen the Barbarian, feeling his age, brings together his Silver Horde to help wreak revenge on the Gods of the Discworld for old age, by returning fire to them - in the military sense, it seems - and going out in a blaze of glory. To prevent this, and the destruction of the Disc that would follow the concomitant disruption of its thaumaturgical field, the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork enlists the aid of his captive mechanical and artistic genius, Leonard of Quirm, plus the wizards of the Unseen University. To reach Cori Celesti, the mountain at the Hub of the Disc and abode of the Gods, in time to thwart Cohen, Leonard designs a wooden spaceship, powered by captive dragons, and crewed by himself, Captain Carrot of the City Watch, and Rincewind. The rest may not be history, but it does threaten to become Legend.

Perhaps one of the greatest delights of this book is the number of Easter Eggs concealed within its pages. Kidby's illustrations of Leonard's spaceship and its crew are directly out of "Ye Right Stuffe", and Rincewind makes a passing reference to being a wizard who advocates running very fast in a straight line, which will make those of a certain age think about a classic short indie fantasy film (everyone else go and look up Mike Jittlov). And Mad Hamish of the Silver Horde appears to be channelling Father Jack Hackett from Father Ted...

This is well worth seeking out in its glorious large-format original. Avoid all other format reductions. ( )

We all think we're Leonard of Quirm, but it's far more likely we're at best Ponder Stibbons. ( )

The artwork on this is really amazing even if it's not his strongest tale ( )

I don't think it's possible to not enjoy a Discworld novel, but in the grand scheme of things, so far, this may be my least favourite outing.

I mean, 27 books into a 41-book series, one of the stories has to be a least-favourite, doesn't it? That does not, however, mean I didn't enjoy it. I absolutely did. But Cohen the Barbarian is one of my favourites and—I can't put my finger on exactly why—this one didn't quite present him the way I expected.

Likely more a failing on my part than Pratchett's, to be honest. ( )

The Last Hero is a quick read, much shorter than some of the other Discworld books. It does manage to say relatively self contained though, which is nice.

Basically Cohen the Barbarian and his Silver Horde have conquered the world. Next up? The gods. Unfortunately that will apparently have negative consequences, so Rincewind and friends have to stop them. Once again Rincewind goes over the edge, this time in a rocket DRAGON powered spaceship. That's certainly a thing.

It's funny. I like seeing Cohen back.

There's just not much to it.

One downside of listening to this one in audiobook is apparently missing out on some pretty crazy illustrations.



So it goes. ( )