Title: Sourcery
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld, #5
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Previously:
Sourcery returns us to Rincewind, which really isn't a bad thing. The book is funny, gathering a few out-loud chuckles here and there. This one also had more of a plot than the previous Rincewind novels, which is definitely a plus in my book. However, it still didn't quite stand out or on its own. It was an enjoyable read for sure-I liked it-but it didn't feel phenomenal.
The plot starts off with the birth of a seventh son of a seventh son of a seventh son. Everyone knows that the seventh son of a seventh son is a wizard, but what most don't know (due to the celibacy of wizards) is that his seventh son is a sourceror. Able to harness the very source of magic, a sourceror is much more powerful than a wizard.
Most of the book follows Rincewind trying to keep the Archchancellor's hat safe as various hijinks befall him and his companions.
I was hoping for something different knowing Rincewind was going back to the Unseen Unversity, but I don't know exactly what. There are a few good nuggets in here, but all in all, I'd say I like it, but I still haven't exactly discovered what it is that makes folks like Pratchett so much.
As an avid Pratchett fan, I'd definitely say that you're still in the weaker portion of the Discworld lineup, before Pratchett really had a handle on what he was doing with the universe. You still haven't been introduced to any of the ongoing plotlines other than Rincewind's. The good news is that your next one is the first proper Witches book, followed by Guards! Guards! which is the first proper Vimes/Watch book. The trope subversion and social commentary really only start hitting their stride with Small Gods, though.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say, it's a marathon.... and this is the reason why it's so difficult to get others into Discworld; 40 books with a weak start in publication order is a daunting proposition.
I've got Guards! Guards! on hold, and looking greatly forward to it.
Delete