9 best books by Terry Pratchett
Terence John Pratchett familiar to readers around the world under the name of Terry Pratchett. This is a famous Englishman, who gained fame thanks to his books, which do not lose popularity to this day. The works of the author are distinguished by a satirical style, which is the highlight of his work. Initially, Terry wanted to write novels like fantasy parodies, but over time it became a separate literary genre.
Our experts have selected the most popular works, presenting them in a ranking that includes 9 best books by Terry Pratchett.
Top Books by Terry Pratchett
| Nomination | a place | composition | rating |
| Top Books by Terry Pratchett | 1 | “To arms! To arms! " | 4.9 |
| 2 | "Witches abroad" | 4.8 | |
| 3 | “Guardian! Guardian! " | 4.8 | |
| 4 | "Grim Reaper" | 4.7 | |
| 5 | "Legs from clay" | 4.7 | |
| 6 | "Night Guard" | 4.7 | |
| 7 | "Good Signs" | 4.6 | |
| 8 | "Ladies and Gentlemen" | 4.5 | |
| 9 | "Hold the mark!" | 4.5 |
“To arms! To arms! "
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.9
The second book is from the “Guardian” sub-cycle, the cycle “Flat World”. Heroes living in difficult times are forced to turn for help to such unreliable ethnic minority groups like trolls, gnomes and women. But what to do when you need to protect the Ankh-Morpork?
At the beginning of the plot, patrician Vitinari literally imposes recruits to Commander Vimes preparing for the wedding with Sibylla. The last days of the service are hectic - in Ankh-Morpork murder under mysterious circumstances. This is aggravated by the fact that they dealt with the victims with the first firearms in the Flat World.
The work tells about love, friendship, work. The author with humor raises important topics, for example, about the power of weapons, which turns a person into a slave, mastering his thoughts. Characters characters worked brilliantly, they do not have farce and falsehood. This applies not only to those already familiar to Vitinari, Vimes, Morkow, but also to the new ones - Angwa, Dubbins, Detritus. Adult topics such as violence and sex are very well interwoven into the “childishness” of the narrative, and ideas that confuse the plot are original.
“To arms! To arms! ”Will appeal to a wide readership. Even to those who do not consider themselves to be fans of fantasy and polufantzi.
"Witches abroad"
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.8
The next place in the ranking goes to the third book of the “Witches” sub-cycle, the cycle “Flat World”. The reader is waiting for the next meeting with the already beloved characters: godfather Magrath Chesnogh, nanny Yagg, Mother Windwax. This trio together with the cat Gribo is preparing to visit Orla, where the main plot is twisted. There lives the goddaughter Magrath, Cinderella, whom the prince called to marry.
The flat world has its fairy kingdom. Anyone who falls into it will become the hero of one, or maybe several, scenes of famous fairy tales. Kingdom police carefully ensure that the prepared role was played accurately. From the pages of the book, Pratchett says that fairy tales have been living here from ancient times, repeating from time to time. And those become stronger, more than others are gaining repetitions. The main characters waiting for a tough clash with invincible evil magic. Will they cope?
The reader has to find out if someone helps fairy tales come true. In the novel are intertwined legends of different nations, voodoo rituals, fairy tales of works by Pierrot. All this captivates, mentally transferring into fantastic worlds. Here there is both humor and philosophy with reasoning on important topics. The book is easy to read, so not only adults, but also teenagers will like it.
“Guardian! Guardian! "
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.8
The third position is occupied by the first book of the “City of the Guard” sub-cycle of the “Flat World” cycle. Its continuation is the leading “To arms! To arms! The narration of the novel "The Guardian! Guardian! ”Is similar to the works of“ Harry Potter ”and“ The Hobbit ”, but the distinction is the same original humor and subtle satire Pratchett. He masterfully describes people, gnomes, dragons and other fantastic creatures, ridiculing the weaknesses of society.
Events unfold in Ankh-Morporka, where a plot against the ruler is about to take place. Stop the villains taken Nightguards. In their hands, the restoration of urban order, the return of calm and peace to the locals. I would like to say: “Ah! Valorous guard! ”, But for now this is just a group of incapable losers. Seeing crimes, they prefer to turn away, pretending that they have not noticed anything. What will happen next? Do the main characters remain cowards who fear their own shadow?
The book combines heroism, battles, human weaknesses and the fight against them. The author causes the reader to smile, laugh, then tears and experiences. He deftly makes fun of the cliché, exposing the realities of the modern world. Still, this novel, like a fairy tale, has a happy ending. It is recommended not only for adults, but also for children. Young readers will especially like detailed descriptions of dragons. Such thoughtful and charming beasts, as in "The Guard! Guardian! ”, You will not find anywhere else.
"Grim Reaper"
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.7
The fourth line is received by the second book of the subcycle “Death”, the cycle “Flat World”. What will the world be like if Death dies? Yes, yes, as if tautological it sounded. Imagine: here he is, the person whose hour has passed is lying to himself, but the Reaper is not here and there. So what should a soul do when it leaves the body? Of course, return to the deceased. Mess, you say? Still would!
The collector of souls, he is Death, suddenly loses confidence. More powerful forces cast doubt on his impartiality and ability to do the job as needed. Death is deprived of eternity, giving it its own time of existence. Ankh-Morpork plunges into the pool where Death faces a choice: to accept or fight injustice. First of all, she decides to go to the world of people, to spend the allotted time. But what will he do and what will it lead to? Werewolves, mediums, fighters for slaying, vampires, wizards, priests and many others are involved in the events. All of them are trying to understand what is happening.
Pratchett, as always, adheres to his author’s style, telling the story with sparking humor, which is sometimes funny to tears, and philosophizing. The book is about life with its all-encompassing and unbridled power. The work makes you think about the value of this very life. The ending is both joyful and sad at the same time. After it you remain in a state for a long time, as if it touched the soul of immortality. This novel can be advised to all fans of the “Flat World” and lovers of deep stories written in easy, simple language.
"Legs from clay"
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.7
The fifth place in the ranking is occupied by the third book of the “Guardian” sub-cycle, the cycle “Flat World”. Mythical characters, golems are creatures from inanimate matter. They work endlessly, but never make complaints, as they simply cannot. Only evil deeds allow expressing your emotions. Even people who are speechless can only show their displeasure or joy by their actions.Conduct an investigation, find poisoned and the corpses have already familiar Night Wardens.
The development of the plot begins with the whim of a noble lady who wished to acquire a family coat of arms, the murder of two harmless elderly men and an attempt on an intellectually savvy patrician who calculated the killer and the method of poisoning himself in a couple of moves. True, Vimes did not provide information in order not to discredit such a valuable employee. While the guards are looking for the perpetrators, their lives do not stand still. Corporal Zadranets, a dwarf who has recently joined the ranks, makes a statement that he is in fact IT. This turns everything upside down, because before this time the dwarfs did not put on shoes and dresses, did not put on makeup, did not paint their nails, therefore they were outwardly indistinguishable from men. Schnobs learns that he belongs to a noble family and is the only direct heir after the last king. The detective story spins when strange suicides of clay robots - those golems - begin to occur.
The author, with his usual irony, tells the story, ridiculing people's fear about the power of the machines that once could capture and enslave humanity. He does it very subtly, giving the reader the opportunity to come to the right conclusions. What are the words of Pratchet that if we are afraid of mechanisms, then we need to start with door handles. We recommend reading to all fans of the sub-cycle and the cycle.
"Night Guard"
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.7
The next in the ranking is the sixth book of the “Guardian” sub-cycle, the cycle “Flat World”. A fantasy novel begins on the day of remembrance for the victims of the Glorious Revolution, which the citizens of Ancho-Morpork celebrate every year, May 25th. Commander Vimes is eager to become a member of the detention of the carter killer, a maniac who has been hunted by police for a long time. It is not by chance that the mystical library of the Unseen University, in which a storm suddenly broke out, which took the sworn enemies back thirty years, becomes a place where the villain should be caught. The heroes will have to survive in the city preparing for the revolution, catch the criminal and try not to disturb the historical course of events with their intervention, and also to figure out how to get back home.
The book differs from the rest of the cycle by the presence of one storyline and one familiar character, but everyone’s loved one, based on numerous reviews and reviews. In the novel there is all the same sarcasm, subtle humor and masterful play on words. But even this does not take away from the thought how “Night Watch” is a stern and adult work. Pratchett mocks here the Great French Revolution, but this is not the main goal. Honor, duty, romance, naivety - this is what is put at the forefront. The reader manages to see the main characters of the sub-cycle quite young, learn about their life, better understand the characters. That is why the book can be safely recommended to fans.
"Good Signs"
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.6
The seventh line gets a novel, written in collaboration with the no less famous Neil Gaiman. On the pages of the reader waiting for the final clash of the forces of Good and Evil. The time has come. This is the end. The child of the Prince of Darkness, the Antichrist, is sent to earth. For the sake of the End of the World, angels and demons, such loyal agents, fought and fought for souls. Finally, before them are brilliant prospects: the angels are an eternal paradise with the music of harps, and for demons the eternal throwing of coal to the cauldrons of sinners. And this after driving a dude car with a mobile phone? No, really! Although there is nothing to be done, you will have to accept ... Or is there another way out?
Neither of them wants to refuse the benefits of society. Therefore, Azirafael and Crowley begin to fight for the boy's soul, where none of the forces should be the winner. The task is not easy - to push the Apocalypse. The plot spins from the moment when the nun-nurse, part-time Satanist, puts the wrong Antichrist born into the woman.New characters appear in front of the reader, and unusual events are replaced by one another. And in conclusion, everything converges at one point, where it will be decided whether the End of the World will come.
The religious context, to the surprise, turned out to be the taste of the most inveterate agnostics and atheists. The graceful satire and subtle humor will surely please fans of the creativity of both Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The characters are bright, unrutted, and it is captivating. It is pleasant to realize that the angel is not so pure, and the demon is not the embodiment of concentrated evil. The book is very atmospheric, with many details. Suitable for a wide range of readers.
"Ladies and Gentlemen"
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.5
In the eighth position is the fourth book of the “Witches” sub-cycle, the cycle “Flat World”. The story goes about our contradictory consciousness, which remembers only the good. Well, take the dragons. Big beasts full of dignity and beauty, isn’t it? But what about their voracity, flammability, toothiness? Or, for example, elves, dancing in the light of the moon, such and such playful creatures. Oh yes, they love the games! But unfortunately, it’s always fun, not you.
On the pages of the reader they meet all the same heroines - Magrath, Yagg, Windwax. Now they are waiting for a battle with the elves, who are the very "ladies", "gentlemen" of the title of the work. The author focuses not only on today's events taking place in the life of the characters, he also steps aside, introducing the reader to the nanny's family. You will learn about the eldest son, Jason Yagg, the blacksmith forging, the youngest, Shona Yagg, a part-time security guard, gardener, cleaner, and a handyman. In the main story there are several parallel lines converging to the final, where an incredible fight is shown, the victory in which is unpredictable.
The book should be read by everyone, even those who are far from fantasy and are not a fan of the subcycle. The novel charges with a positive and gives a good mood, and some, even if not serious, forces to reconsider the attitude towards seemingly nice elves.
"Hold the mark!"
Book author: Terence John Pratchett
Rating: 4.5
The first book of the Moitste von Lipwig cycle, the Flat World series, closes the rating. In the novel will go the story of a difficult decision, because in the life of every person once there comes such a moment of choice. The protagonist is a crook, a true expert in the creation of fakes and fakes, a master of the arts, who mislead even connoisseurs. And here he, the pros of his case, must choose: to be hanged or stand at the head of the Ank-Morpork Postal Service? The decision is not easy, but it is done and there is no turning back. Now you have to make sure that the mail was delivered on time and as intended, despite the bad weather, off-road, dogs, competitors, and murder.
The city greets the reader with interesting events. Old friends are here too, even if by the moment. Commander Vimes is still working for the good of the locals. Morkow with a friend scrupulously watching to keep order. And Mokritz, who became the postmaster when he agreed to a deal after stealing money, thinks that a boring and tedious life awaits him. And so it was, if it was not about Ankh-Morpork.
Closed many years ago, the post office accumulated unsent letters inside. There are semaphores, such click-towers, which in the shortest possible time deliver semaphograms to Orlais. With their convenience, they almost ousted traditional mail from the services market. Taking up the case, Mokrits discovers that his recent predecessors died under strange circumstances. A figure of Khvat Gilding, the director of a semaphore company, appears on the horizon as soon as the work of the former fraudster is getting better. But the cunning trickster Mokritsa is not afraid of danger.He continues to continue to revive the work of the post, while simultaneously conducting an investigation into the Hack fraud.
The plot of the book is unpretentious, there is no abundance of unexpected turns, but this product does not repel, but, on the contrary, attracts. Reading the novel, you rest, you get a positive. It will suit everyone to cheer up and relax.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.
