The color of magic: a Discworld novel

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Series
Discworld volume 1
Publisher
Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
Varies, see individual formats and editions
Language
English

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“In the history of comic fantasy, Mr. Pratchett has no equals for invention or for range. . . . Those who don’t [know him] can do no better than to buy installment No. 1, The Color of Magic and read right the way through.”—Wall Street Journal

In this first novel in the internationally bestselling Discworld series from legendary New York Times bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett (and the first in the Wizards collection), the fate of the Discworld depends on the survival of a naïve—and first-ever—sightseer.

A writer of brilliant imagination favorably compared to Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, and Douglas Adams, Sir Terry Pratchett created a complex, satirical universe with its own set of cultures and rules, populated with wizards, witches, academics, fairies, policemen, and other creatures both fantastical and remarkably ordinary (including Death himself). Welcome to the Discworld . . . a parallel time and place that sounds and smells very much like our own, but looks completely different—because it’s a flat world sitting on the backs of four elephants who hurtle through space balanced on a giant turtle.

In this, the maiden voyage through Terry Pratchett’s ingeniously twisted alternate dimension, the well-meaning but spectacularly inept wizard Rincewind encounters something previously unknown in the Discworld: a tourist!

Twoflower has arrived to take in the sights. Unfortunately, he’s cast his lot with a most inappropriate tour guide—a decision that could result in his becoming not only Discworld’s first visitor . . . but quite possibly, its last. And, of course, he’s brought Luggage along, a companion with feet—and a mind—of its own. And teeth. . . .

The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but the other books in the Wizards collection include:

  • The Light Fantastic
  • Sourcery
  • Eric
  • Interesting Times
  • The Last Continent
  • Unseen Academicals

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ISBN
9780061020711
9780063373662
9780061796845
9780060855925

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Those who enjoy Discworld's word-play comedy, humorous social satire, and memorable characters will want to try the Myth Adventures series, which also features mythical, fairy-tale style creatures. -- Katherine Johnson
Each series creates what appears to be an outrageous fantasy world, but it is one which both skewers and comments on our current world in a way that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and a bit frightening. -- Becky Spratford
Readers who particularly enjoy Discworld books that feature the City Watch should try the Thursday Next series. Heroine Thursday works for the Literary Detective unit set in an alternative 1980s England. Both series are filled with wordplay and literary allusions. -- Krista Biggs
Religion, mythology, history and literature meet in science fiction and fantasy worlds ruled by magic. Riverworld is more thought-provoking and reflects on human nature, while the comic Discworld is more satirical. -- Kaitlyn Moore
Both are witty, humorous fantasy fiction series set in offbeat, semi-realistic, and vividly rendered magical worlds. Each employs oddball anthropomorphism, and features large casts of quirky (often recurring) characters whose stories loosely orbit one another from book to book. -- Kim Burton
These witty and fast-paced fantasy series offer a fresh spin on folklore and popular genre tropes through the stories of a queer warlock (Adam Binder) or the inhabitants of a world resting on the back of a spacefaring turtle (Discworld). -- CJ Connor
These satirical science fiction series feature funny antiheroes who go on wacky and offbeat adventures that poke fun at technology, politics, and culture. -- Andrienne Cruz
Those who enjoy word-play comedy, memorable, fairy-tale style creatures, and adventure will want to try both the Discworld and the Xanth series; Xanth's humor appeals more to younger readers, but teens enjoy Discworld, as well. -- Katherine Johnson
These series blend elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology to created detailed, imaginative worlds. Saga of the Well World is more idea-driven, often with a quest structure, and while both are humorous, Discworld is more broadly comic. -- Kaitlyn Moore

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These have the subjects "Humorous fiction," "Fantasy fiction," and "Satire."
NoveList recommends "Chromatacia novels" for fans of "Discworld". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Adam Binder novels" for fans of "Discworld". Check out the first book in the series.
Irreverent and ambitious fantasy series openers abound with puns, wordplay, whimsy, and the absurd, parodying classic works of the genre and the traditional "hero's journey." -- Kaitlin Conner
These have the appeal factors offbeat and wordplay-filled, and they have the subjects "voyages and travels," "dragons," and "adventurers."
These books have the appeal factors offbeat, and they have the theme "slaying the dragon"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "humorous stories"; and the subjects "dragons," "misadventures," and "imaginary places."
While The Color of Magic is a little more off the wall, both these funny British fantasies poke at standard genre tropes, while telling a compelling story of their own. Dark Lord of Derkholm is a teen book. -- Melissa Gray
These books have the genres "adult books for young adults" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "dragons," "wizards," and "magic."
Though these fantasy novels have very different underpinnings -- The Color of Magic is sword and sorcery and The Eyre Affair infused with literature -- both are steeped in the British absurdist tradition, have meticulously built worlds, and are laugh-out-loud funny. -- Melissa Gray
These books have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "fantasy classics"; and the subjects "dragons," "heroes and heroines," and "adventurers."
NoveList recommends "Zoey Ashe novels" for fans of "Discworld". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both Terry Pratchett and Piers Anthony create highly detailed worlds populated by a variety of well-developed characters that keep the pages turning through the use of humor and lots of dialogue. While Anthony's humor focuses on punning and wordplay, Pratchett parodies literature and elements of contemporary society. -- Krista Biggs
Fans of Spider Robinson's ability to infuse humor throughout unusual situations will enjoy Terry Pratchett, who takes on fantasy cliches and parodies them with aplomb. His willingness to play with genre standards will be welcome by Robinson readers. Both authors appeal to teen readers, as well. -- Katherine Johnson
Both Terry Pratchett and Robert Asprin use world-building fantasy/science fiction to comment on the real world in a witty, engaging style. Their novels and series are filled with quirky characters, bazaar settings, and offbeat adventures. Pratchett's writing is more descriptive and character-driven; Asprin's more fast-paced and plot-driven. -- Matthew Ransom
Eoin Colfer and Terry Pratchett both create fast-paced fantasy worlds laced with humor and populated with interesting characters. Colfer's characters tend to be sassy and comedic, while Terry Pratchett's characters provide a more satirical commentary. -- Kathy Stewart
Jack L. Chalker and Terry Pratchett both write fast-paced, imaginative books incorporating fantasy, science fiction, and elements of mythology. Readers who enjoy engaging, plot-driven series set in detailed worlds might enjoy both authors who share a witty tone. Pratchett's books are more comic and fantastic than Chalker's science fiction. -- Kaitlyn Moore
Although slightly more grounded than Terry Pratchett, K.J. Parker, a pseudonym of British author Tom Holt, shares the same penchant for mixing humor and philosophical insights about human existence. Both authors create thought-provoking stories populated by engaging characters, but Parker's work is a bit grittier and the humor more subtle. -- Ashley Lyons
Both authors write witty speculative fiction books that take the usual fantasy tropes into new and thought-provoking directions. Terry Pratchett writes for children and adults; David R. Slayton mainly writes for adults. -- CJ Connor
Although Terry Pratchett writes with a lighter, more humorous than Fritz Leiber, Leiber has his own dry wit, including coining the name of the genre in which they both write, "sword and sorcery." Pratchett also follows Leiber in frequent use of a vast city, Ankh-Morpuk, influenced by Leiber's Lankhmar. -- Michael Shumate
Terry Pratchett and Tom Holt both mix humor, fantasy, and satire. Their stories move quickly with lots of shifting between characters and locations. The novels are full of puns and other wordplay, and use fantastical settings to comment on contemporary society. -- Krista Biggs
These authors' works have the genre "humorous stories"; and the subjects "wizards" and "witches."

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