THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

- Terry Pratchett -

The Light Fantastic is the second side-splitting book in the Discworld Series. Now, you may all know that the old proverb, 'sequels suck'...I believe it's Latin. Personally, I've run across a few sequels that have indeed 'sucked'. But, mirroring the many ideas and themes in these Discworld (where a theory, in this case sequels suck, is turn on its ear), The Light Fantastic was, well, for lack of a more descriptive and imaginative word - Fantastic! It made you think, then laugh, then try and look at someone's right ear*...not in an insane way either.
*inside joke if you haven't read the book and think this phrase is right out of left field.

If you think back to the first book in this Discworld series, The Colour of Magic. You will recall that it ended with Rincewind falling off the flat edge of the world. Well, I'll let you know it all worked itself out. Rincewind is fine, escapes Death for the umpteenth time, as per usual. The story in this book continues on as they travel around the Disc discovering more strange places, strange people, or murderous mobs (which Pratchett, of course, makes hilarious). Again, almost every single sentence in this book is an unwasted chance for a joke. And, the variety of humour keeps the writing fresh and lively (like a rocket leaf salad with toasted pine nuts - or something similar? Ok, I plagiarized this from a Jaimie Oliver book) with intellectual science based humour to dumbed down pie in the face (or baseball in the groin) slapstick.
Damn, I just tried to outdo Pratchett with an extremely long sentence and made it nowhere near his record. I noticed a very long sentence in this book that was six lines long. What's more, it sounded grammatically sound (for lack of a better adjective). Literary Wizard, Master, Aes Sedai is all I have to say.

All I have to say on that one random point. Back to the novel. I found this book more enjoyable than the first book and I'm not sure exactly why. Perhaps I liked the new characters; Cohen the Barbarian, the Trolls, Herrena (the would be secretary turned swordswoman). Or, perhaps I've grown fond of Rincewind, Twoflowers, and that beloved Luggage. I do know if felt like there was more of a point to the story - with the death star coming and Rincewind's destiny/fate coming to light. Now, if he had only found his father...it was almost Star Wars in structure (take that however you want to).
I have to point out one specific character, Trymon. He really hit a nerve with me. He is the embodiment of all things I despise in the corporate world. After the first few encounters with his character, I laughed, then though...really nasty thoughts, like I want to pummel this guy, throw him down the stairs, and possible watch him explode. *spoiler alert* My dreams come true.

Rating: READ