An eighth son of an eighth son of an eighth son is born with world-changing magical power, and only the cowardly wizard Rincewind stands in the way
Too much magic
On the Discworld, the eighth son of a wizard is a wizard, but the eighth son of an eighth son is a sourcerer, a source of magic itself. When young Coin arrives at Unseen University carrying a mysterious staff, the wizards suddenly find themselves powerful beyond their wildest dreams, and the world begins to tear itself apart. The only one who seems to notice is Rincewind, a failed wizard whose main skill is running away, who sets off with the Luggage, a would-be barbarian heroine and a hat to try to set things right.
Who will enjoy it
Readers who enjoyed The Color of Magic and The Light Fantastic, fans of Rincewind and the Luggage, and anyone who likes fast, silly fantasy adventures.
What you will get
A fast, silly early Discworld adventure in which a child sourcerer upends the wizards' world and the cowardly Rincewind sets off to save the day.
Sourcery Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting
Genre
Fantasy · Discworld · Rincewind · Magic run wild
Length
260 pages · ≈ 8 h
More about this book
This is Pratchett having a lot of fun with magic, ambition and the dangers of power. The wizards' sudden transformation from lazy academics into power-hungry tyrants is very funny, and their towering, ridiculous battles satirise what happens when anyone gets more power than they can handle. The pace is brisk, and the comic set pieces, including a flying carpet chase and a city of competing wizards' towers, come thick and fast.
Rincewind remains one of Pratchett's most lovable creations, and his reluctant heroism, along with the Luggage's ferocious loyalty, drives the adventure. Conina, the daughter of Cohen the Barbarian who longs to be a hairdresser, is a delightful comic heroine, and the quest through a desert kingdom has the feel of a classic fantasy romp. The Librarian, the orangutan who guards the university's books, also has a memorable heroic moment that fans of the character will enjoy.
As an early Discworld book, it is more of a string of jokes and set pieces than the later, deeper novels, and the plot can feel rushed. Some readers find Rincewind's books the weakest in the series. For readers who enjoy light, fast-moving comedy and want to follow Rincewind's adventures, it is an entertaining ride. About 260 pages in the HarperTorch paperback.
The Color of Magic
The Light Fantastic
Mort
Wyrd Sisters
Men at Arms
Guards! Guards!
Making Money
Going Postal
Jingo
The Wee Free Men
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
Maskerade