Clive Stephens (Author of Gambit)

Clive Stephens rated a book liked it The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1) by Terry Pratchett	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit ...more
Feb 22, 2026 09:17AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Clive Stephens rated a book really liked it The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2) by Terry Pratchett	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit ...more
Feb 22, 2026 09:17AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Clive Stephens rated a book really liked it The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2) by Terry Pratchett	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit ...more
Feb 22, 2026 02:19AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Clive Stephens rated a book liked it The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1) by Terry Pratchett	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit ...more
Feb 22, 2026 02:18AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Clive Stephens and 3 other people liked Chiara Cooper's review of Variant (The Restoration Project, #2): "4.5 ⭐rounded to 4. This series is getting more interesting with each book! Book 2 is a whirlwind of events and revelations, although I still don’t have the whole truth and I’m ok with that, as what unfolded in this book was so good! My love for Sally " Read more of this review »
Jan 12, 2026 11:09AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Variant by Clive Stephens. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Variant by Clive Stephens <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Clive Stephens liked Michael Romano's review of Gambit (The Restoration Project, #1): "⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gambit was a gripping and well-written read. Clive Stephens kept me hooked from start to finish—highly recommend!"
Jan 12, 2026 11:08AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Gambit by Clive Stephens. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Gambit by Clive Stephens <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Clive Stephens liked Bill Randall's review of Gambit (The Restoration Project, #1): "This author has a wonderful writing style, with beautiful descriptive passages and well chosen metaphors. The story follows Jason and Sally, as they investigate the mystery of what happened to their friend, after he entered a mysterious building and " Read more of this review »
Jan 12, 2026 11:08AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Gambit by Clive Stephens. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Gambit by Clive Stephens <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Clive Stephens is accepting questions on their profile page.
Oct 31, 2025 01:39AM · Be the first to ask Clive Stephens a question
Clive Stephens is now following Bill Randall Author of Protection Song
Oct 31, 2025 01:37AM · like
Clive Stephens rated a book it was amazing Protection Song by Bill Randall (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Once I started The Protection Song, I consumed it within three days. I was gripped, enthused and, so involved with the well-created characters, I was on the edge hoping they’d make it through one more scene. The book holds its cards close and gives u ...more
Oct 30, 2025 11:48AM · like · see review

Clive Stephens rated a book liked it

The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1)
by Terry Pratchett

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1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side with familiar animals, less familiar and inconvenient monsters and, also, magic. The world on which all this sits is unusual.

The introduction covers two books in broadly two styles. To keep up this pairing, COM has two ends. The story in COM is heavy to start. Explaining the world-building or difference between the world we know and this literary one, I felt, made it a harder read. The way the story was written in the latter part of COM and through TLF was more enjoyable. The descriptions lost weight, gained levity, which benefitted the pace. Both books are about the same length and I read TLF a couple of days quicker than COM.

To help us understand this new world, a fresh set of eyes is needed. This is facilitated by the arrival of this world’s first tourist, Twoflower. He meets up with a failed wizard, Rincewind, a character somewhat weighed down by his past. The tourist employs the wizard as a guide. The immediate environment is an unhealthy one for even skilled local operators. It provides sufficient challenge for the guide to keep him and his employer in one piece. Beyond a good grip of languages, the wizard isn’t as knowledgeable as he could be but they find their way.

The delight and enthusiasm of the tourist is the chalk to the cheese of the cynicism and fear oozing from his guide. The guide’s panic is never far away. He is all too aware of the surroundings, which drives him to survive at all costs. Meanwhile, the tourist doesn’t have this knowledge and drags the wizard into situations he’d rather not experience. All the while, the tourist seeks proof of his adventures via his picture box for a selection of memories to take home. The contrast works well as mechanism to explore this world.

Fighters wield swords, bows and crossbows but not guns. In the starting city, crime isn’t so much organised as legalised; there are guilds for different crafts including thieves and assassins. There doesn’t appear to be much space for democracy on this world.

The author explained a couple of points direct to the reader* in both books to ensure all are on the same page.

Once COM moves out from the first part, the pace picks up and becomes a more enjoyable read. There are a few repeating points that interrupt the flow but the story is not overly impacted. COM has six parts and neither book has chapters in the conventional sense. Separations between sections are notable through extra line breaks or a trio of asterisks.

TLF is the second book in the Discworld series and sequel to the first. It takes up the style of the latter half of COM. You could, if so inclined, read TLF without having first seen COM. The two main characters remain in play but the others, with whom they interact, are new. Apart from Death who is always around. In TLF, three pages cover the key points of the world-building and final disposition of the two main characters in COM.

*The literary equivalent of the cinematic fourth wall, where the characters speak directly to viewer is called Authorial Intrusion. ...more

Clive Stephens rated a book really liked it

The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2)
by Terry Pratchett

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1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side with familiar animals, less familiar and inconvenient monsters and, also, magic. The world on which all this sits is unusual.

The introduction covers two books in broadly two styles. To keep up this pairing, COM has two ends. The story in COM is heavy to start. Explaining the world-building or difference between the world we know and this literary one, I felt, made it a harder read. The way the story was written in the latter part of COM and through TLF was more enjoyable. The descriptions lost weight, gained levity, which benefitted the pace. Both books are about the same length and I read TLF a couple of days quicker than COM.

To help us understand this new world, a fresh set of eyes is needed. This is facilitated by the arrival of this world’s first tourist, Twoflower. He meets up with a failed wizard, Rincewind, a character somewhat weighed down by his past. The tourist employs the wizard as a guide. The immediate environment is an unhealthy one for even skilled local operators. It provides sufficient challenge for the guide to keep him and his employer in one piece. Beyond a good grip of languages, the wizard isn’t as knowledgeable as he could be but they find their way.

The delight and enthusiasm of the tourist is the chalk to the cheese of the cynicism and fear oozing from his guide. The guide’s panic is never far away. He is all too aware of the surroundings, which drives him to survive at all costs. Meanwhile, the tourist doesn’t have this knowledge and drags the wizard into situations he’d rather not experience. All the while, the tourist seeks proof of his adventures via his picture box for a selection of memories to take home. The contrast works well as mechanism to explore this world.

Fighters wield swords, bows and crossbows but not guns. In the starting city, crime isn’t so much organised as legalised; there are guilds for different crafts including thieves and assassins. There doesn’t appear to be much space for democracy on this world.

The author explained a couple of points direct to the reader* in both books to ensure all are on the same page.

Once COM moves out from the first part, the pace picks up and becomes a more enjoyable read. There are a few repeating points that interrupt the flow but the story is not overly impacted. COM has six parts and neither book has chapters in the conventional sense. Separations between sections are notable through extra line breaks or a trio of asterisks.

TLF is the second book in the Discworld series and sequel to the first. It takes up the style of the latter half of COM. You could, if so inclined, read TLF without having first seen COM. The two main characters remain in play but the others, with whom they interact, are new. Apart from Death who is always around. In TLF, three pages cover the key points of the world-building and final disposition of the two main characters in COM.

*The literary equivalent of the cinematic fourth wall, where the characters speak directly to viewer is called Authorial Intrusion. ...more

Clive Stephens rated a book really liked it

The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2)
by Terry Pratchett

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side with familiar animals, less familiar and inconvenient monsters and, also, magic. The world on which all this sits is unusual.

The introduction covers two books in broadly two styles. To keep up this pairing, COM has two ends. The story in COM is heavy to start. Explaining the world-building or difference between the world we know and this literary one, I felt, made it a harder read. The way the story was written in the latter part of COM and through TLF was more enjoyable. The descriptions lost weight, gained levity, which benefitted the pace. Both books are about the same length and I read TLF a couple of days quicker than COM.

To help us understand this new world, a fresh set of eyes is needed. This is facilitated by the arrival of this world’s first tourist, Twoflower. He meets up with a failed wizard, Rincewind, a character somewhat weighed down by his past. The tourist employs the wizard as a guide. The immediate environment is an unhealthy one for even skilled local operators. It provides sufficient challenge for the guide to keep him and his employer in one piece. Beyond a good grip of languages, the wizard isn’t as knowledgeable as he could be but they find their way.

The delight and enthusiasm of the tourist is the chalk to the cheese of the cynicism and fear oozing from his guide. The guide’s panic is never far away. He is all too aware of the surroundings, which drives him to survive at all costs. Meanwhile, the tourist doesn’t have this knowledge and drags the wizard into situations he’d rather not experience. All the while, the tourist seeks proof of his adventures via his picture box for a selection of memories to take home. The contrast works well as mechanism to explore this world.

Fighters wield swords, bows and crossbows but not guns. In the starting city, crime isn’t so much organised as legalised; there are guilds for different crafts including thieves and assassins. There doesn’t appear to be much space for democracy on this world.

The author explained a couple of points direct to the reader* in both books to ensure all are on the same page.

Once COM moves out from the first part, the pace picks up and becomes a more enjoyable read. There are a few repeating points that interrupt the flow but the story is not overly impacted. COM has six parts and neither book has chapters in the conventional sense. Separations between sections are notable through extra line breaks or a trio of asterisks.

TLF is the second book in the Discworld series and sequel to the first. It takes up the style of the latter half of COM. You could, if so inclined, read TLF without having first seen COM. The two main characters remain in play but the others, with whom they interact, are new. Apart from Death who is always around. In TLF, three pages cover the key points of the world-building and final disposition of the two main characters in COM.

*The literary equivalent of the cinematic fourth wall, where the characters speak directly to viewer is called Authorial Intrusion. ...more

Clive Stephens rated a book liked it

The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1)
by Terry Pratchett

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side wit The books of The Colour of Magic (COM) and The Light Fantastic (TLF), taken together or individually, perform the same function: to introduce us to the Discworld. This is a fantasy novel set in a different dimension where people live side by side with familiar animals, less familiar and inconvenient monsters and, also, magic. The world on which all this sits is unusual.

The introduction covers two books in broadly two styles. To keep up this pairing, COM has two ends. The story in COM is heavy to start. Explaining the world-building or difference between the world we know and this literary one, I felt, made it a harder read. The way the story was written in the latter part of COM and through TLF was more enjoyable. The descriptions lost weight, gained levity, which benefitted the pace. Both books are about the same length and I read TLF a couple of days quicker than COM.

To help us understand this new world, a fresh set of eyes is needed. This is facilitated by the arrival of this world’s first tourist, Twoflower. He meets up with a failed wizard, Rincewind, a character somewhat weighed down by his past. The tourist employs the wizard as a guide. The immediate environment is an unhealthy one for even skilled local operators. It provides sufficient challenge for the guide to keep him and his employer in one piece. Beyond a good grip of languages, the wizard isn’t as knowledgeable as he could be but they find their way.

The delight and enthusiasm of the tourist is the chalk to the cheese of the cynicism and fear oozing from his guide. The guide’s panic is never far away. He is all too aware of the surroundings, which drives him to survive at all costs. Meanwhile, the tourist doesn’t have this knowledge and drags the wizard into situations he’d rather not experience. All the while, the tourist seeks proof of his adventures via his picture box for a selection of memories to take home. The contrast works well as mechanism to explore this world.

Fighters wield swords, bows and crossbows but not guns. In the starting city, crime isn’t so much organised as legalised; there are guilds for different crafts including thieves and assassins. There doesn’t appear to be much space for democracy on this world.

The author explained a couple of points direct to the reader* in both books to ensure all are on the same page.

Once COM moves out from the first part, the pace picks up and becomes a more enjoyable read. There are a few repeating points that interrupt the flow but the story is not overly impacted. COM has six parts and neither book has chapters in the conventional sense. Separations between sections are notable through extra line breaks or a trio of asterisks.

TLF is the second book in the Discworld series and sequel to the first. It takes up the style of the latter half of COM. You could, if so inclined, read TLF without having first seen COM. The two main characters remain in play but the others, with whom they interact, are new. Apart from Death who is always around. In TLF, three pages cover the key points of the world-building and final disposition of the two main characters in COM.

*The literary equivalent of the cinematic fourth wall, where the characters speak directly to viewer is called Authorial Intrusion. ...more

Clive Stephens and 3 other people liked Chiara Cooper's review of Variant (The Restoration Project, #2):

"4.5 ⭐rounded to 4.

This series is getting more interesting with each book! Book 2 is a whirlwind of events and revelations, although I still don’t have the whole truth and I’m ok with that, as what unfolded in this book was so good!

My love for Sally " Read more of this review »

Clive Stephens liked Michael Romano's review of Gambit (The Restoration Project, #1):

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gambit was a gripping and well-written read. Clive Stephens kept me hooked from start to finish—highly recommend!"

Clive Stephens liked Bill Randall's review of Gambit (The Restoration Project, #1):

"This author has a wonderful writing style, with beautiful descriptive passages and well chosen metaphors. The story follows Jason and Sally, as they investigate the mystery of what happened to their friend, after he entered a mysterious building and " Read more of this review »

Clive Stephens is accepting questions on their profile page.

Clive Stephens is now following

Bill Randall

Author of Protection Song

Clive Stephens rated a book it was amazing

Protection Song
by Bill Randall (Goodreads Author)

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1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Once I started The Protection Song, I consumed it within three days. I was gripped, enthused and, so involved with the well-created characters, I was on the edge hoping they’d make it through one more scene.

The book holds its cards close and gives u ...more

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	Gambit (The Restoration Project, #1) 3.89 avg rating — 28 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Variant (The Restoration Project, #2) 3.57 avg rating — 7 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Forfeit (The Restoration Project Book 3) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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