Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld by Terry Pratchett

Color of Magic is a fantasy fiction story set in Discworld that sits on the back of a giant turtle named the Great A'Tuin. The story is set in the city of Ank-Morpork and follows a wizard named Rincewind. Rincewind's job is to serve as a guide and protector of Twoflower, an insurance clerk from the Agatean Empire. Eventually, Twoflower is kidnapped but escapes in a mess that causes Ank-Morkpok to be consumed in fire. Rincewind and Twoflower escape and go on adventures where they face many adversaries and obstacles. It is a story mixed with all sorts of unusual adventures that twist and turn into a story that "is frothy, inventive, and fun." (“Pratchett borrows from,” 2012)

Critical Analysis

The story is told in the third person, with a plot that can be challenging to follow. Rincewind is a polite and cynical wizard, and Twoflower is naïve but good-hearted. The book's themes cover social issues like class, wealth, status, and exploration. Readers of this type of fantasy may enjoy The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, with a similar exploration theme. The strength of this book is that its absurdity is what makes it a fun read. In contrast, the story's weakness, for some readers, may be its random ridiculousness.

References

“Pratchett borrows from.” (2012, May 7). The Colour of Magic. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved April 9, 2022, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/terry-pratchett/the-colour-of-magic/

Pratchett, T. (2005). The Color of Magic. Harper.