REVIEW: THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

The Light Fantastic

Author: Terry Pratchett

UK Publisher: Corgi

UK Release date: 1986

Genre: Fantasy

Summary (from Goodreads): In The Light Fantastic only one individual can save the world from a disastrous collision. Unfortunately, the hero happens to be the singularly inept wizard Rincewind, who was last seen falling off the edge of the world...

Review: After reality adjusts itself to keep Rincewind and Twoflower on the disc, we continue to watch the mis-adventures of the pair, along with the forever following Luggage. These include travelling with a toothless hero, rescuing a sacrificial maiden and visiting the house of Death himself. All the while, Great A'Tuin [the turtle travelling through space whilst carrying four elephants on its back, who in turn carry the disc] is on a collision course with a mysterious red star.

If you read The Colour of Magic in which you are left with a real cliffhanger at the end, you can't help but want to read The Light Fantastic to find out what happens next. And it doesn't let you down. The story is overflowing with action as well as Pratchett's offbeat sense of humour and wit.

The pace of the book is fast and without chapters to slow you down, you go from adventure to the next in no time at all. Some of these adventures are completely unexpected and very usual; you almost forget the overarching plot line because you can't help but get drawn into each new event. But for any little annoyances, these are outweighed by Pratchett's ability to create such a detailed and convincing world that it sucks you in completely.

I absolutely love the Luggage - it's menacing, mysterious but extremely loyal. It follows Twoflower anywhere and everywhere, protecting him from attackers by eating them, whilst always have a clean pair of socks ready if needed. The interplay between Twoflower and Rincewind is still full of wit, banter, and a certain fondness for each other. The addition of Cohen the Barbarian adds to the story - despite being rather old and toothless, his character adds in a comedic fighting bravado that certainly balances out the fearful Rincewind and the enthusiastic Twoflower.

I would thoroughly recommend that you read The Colour of Magic before reading this one, as there is a lot of vital information and plot to catch on up otherwise. But they are both well worth a read.

Rating: 4