Interesting Times (Discworld)

This book is the continuation of the two original Discworld novels, the ones which started it all - "Colour of Magic" and "Light fantastic". It is strongly recommended to read both of them first in order to fully appreciate this great and incredibly funny book. As we all remember, at the end of "Light Fantastic", Twoflowers, the first tourist in the history of the Discworld returned home, to his extremely rich and advanced homeland. And now it seems his return from holidays started a major crisis in his country...
There will be no much details provided to avoid spoilers. Let's just say, that this book sees Rincewind, the most inept wizard in the world, reunited with Twoflowers for more adventures. Another beloved character, Cohen the Barbarian, barbarian hero, returns as well, and this time he is not alone.... This is a story about a revolution, a Red Army, a holy book (the most unholy of the holy books), ninjas, sumo, warring kingdoms, complicated bureaucracy, pictograms, an estranged primary school teacher and some Valkyries.... All of which gives a perfect mix - one of the funniest and smartest books I ever read. It is irresistible. One of Terry Pratchett's best.

Interesting times review. (0/1 people found this helpful)

Interesting Times is another riveting read by Terry Prattchett.In Interesting Times Rincewind,a failed wizard who can't even spell wizard,his best friend Twoflower and the ninety-five year old Cohen the barbarian and his aged silver horde have three days to defeat the seven hundred thousand strong army of the evil Lord Hong and free the people of the Agatean empire.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or books on the history of China then read Intresting Times.If you enjoy this book then read books 1,2,5,9 and 22.

Cohen's cohort (3/3 people found this helpful)

With some minor magic, seasoned with a touch of quantum physics and a liberal dose of archeaology, Pratchett sends Rincewind the Wizzard across the Discworld. From Ankh Morpork, he arrives at the Agatean Empire on the Counterweight Continent, cushioned by a snowbank. Those studying Auriental history [knowing where the gold is] will recognize the failed wizzard is entering an alien environment. Luckily, familiar faces emerge. The first is the Discworld's most revered barbarian hero, Ghengiz Cohen - who is accompanied by some geriatric colleagues, the Silver Horde.

Rincewind isn't a tourist in the Agatean Empire, as Twoflower was in Ankh Morpork. He's been sent for in the midst of a political crisis. A dying emperor, five families contending for power, a revolutionary cadre and a mythical army must all be brought together to make this story work. Oh, yes, plus the Horde and Rincewind. Who else but Pratchett could seamlessly weave all these elements together? And keep you smiling with the turning of every page?

Yet, as usual, Pratchett does even more. He can maintain a balance between a reflection of ancient and modern China [sorry, Agatean Empire], bring forth a string of fascinating personalities and turn an impossible situation into reality without missing a beat. At the same time we are given a dose of chaos theory, familiar images of today's world politics and some philosophical images of the universality of human nature. For an added touch, something you won't see in any other "fantasy" novel, Pratchett's astute perception allows him to resurrect the 6 000 terra cotta warriors found in a tomb in China and have them march again.

The combination of Pratchett's wide-ranging knowledge, his ability to depict personalities - even though we'd prefer not to know a few of them - and the keen wit that keeps you delighted as you read is nearly overwhelming. He makes the writing look so easy as he leads you along the convoluted logic of Agatean politics, the irreverence and dedication of the Horde - who manage to ignore calendars, logic and the ongoing desperation of Rincewind's life. Pratchett is a practiced craftsman. Whatever your politics, whatever your philosophy, Pratchett is certain to offer new challenges and fresh ideas. Read, delight, and read again. He is always rewarding. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Cohen's cohort (6/6 people found this helpful)

Adventures in the Aurient (1/2 people found this helpful)

This 17th Discworld novel is a rather nostalgic addition to the range that will perhaps best be enjoyed by fans of the earliest two novels, as not only does Interesting Times feature the return of Rincewind but also Twoflower and Cohen the Barbarian. The novel is most obviously a reversal of initial Discworld book The Colour Of Magic, as where once Rincewind guided tourist Twoflower into various misadventures in his homeland, now Rincewind finds himself in Twoflowers realm of the Counterweight Continent, caught up in a civil war instigated by Twoflowers accounts of their adventures together. As is typical of the later novels in the series, the Discworld is used more to satirize the real world than the fantasy genre itself, so the Counterweight Continent becomes a rather blantant oriental pastiche. Filled with good jokes, strong characters, and plenty of great action set-pieces, (and it's nice to see the Luggage get a little 'action' of a different kind!) the only slight downside to the novel is that the midsection becomes rather over-reliant on endless capture-escape-capture-escape routines, though having said that Rincewind's defining characteristic is his readiness to run away from anything at the drop of a hat, so fair enough.

Interesting Times (Discworld)

Terry Pratchett

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A hilarious and intelligent story about a revolution... and its holy book! (0/0 people found this helpful)

Interesting times review. (0/1 people found this helpful)

Cohen's cohort (3/3 people found this helpful)

Cohen's cohort (6/6 people found this helpful)

Adventures in the Aurient (1/2 people found this helpful)

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