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Discworld #9
Éric: Les Mages du Disque-monde, T4
Faust, vous connaissez ?... Mais voici Éric, quatorze ans, le plus jeune démonologue du Disque-monde. Hélas, aucun démon – ni succube, hum... – ne répond à son invocation. Dans le cercle magique apparaisse Rincevent et le Bagage – respectivement le mage le plus incompétent et l’accessoire de voyage le plus redoutable de l’univers. Et que veut Éric ? Oh, rien de bien original : l’immortalité, la domination du monde et la plus belle femme de tous les temps. Ce qui entraîne la fine équipe dans un périple étourdissant, de l’empire tézuma des adorateurs de Quetzduffelcoatl, le boa de plumes, aux rivages de Tsort où les Éphébiens guerroient pour sauver la belle Éléonor... Jusqu’à l’aube des temps et la création du monde... Et jusqu’aux enfers, où règne Astfgl, le roi-pédégé de tous les diables. Y a-t-il d’autres romans pour vous en offrir tant ?
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
1807 people are currently reading
21997 people want to read
About the author
Terry Pratchett
685 books46.3k followersSir Terence David John Pratchett was an English author, humorist, and satirist, best known for the Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels published between 1983–2015, and for the apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens (1990), which he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,242 reviews
July 5, 2020
Don´t play with dark magic, it could be that Rincewind and the notorious pearwood chest return from other dimensions instead of the wished Jinn, fairy, or, in this case, demon or, why not, the dark lord himself.
Pratchett´s second novel with classic novels as inspirations, it´s more dynamic and quicker plotted than Wyrd Sisters, integrating as many innuendos as possible and mixing in historical and mythical elements.
It shows how much potential there is to reinterpret, adapt, satirize, and rewrite the classics or, as there are meanwhile so many new adaptions on the market, modify the modifications. Where will this end? The famous works are just a tiny grain of creativity in the sea of unknown already written and still to write works, especially humor, fantasy, and sci-fi are fertile ground for unique and new ideas. It are the genres in which I´ve read most completely new, groundbreaking ideas, while average literature without fantastic elements or the horror and thriller genre are rotating around the similar few plots and tropes possible in these settings. On the other hand, all of these plots can easily be implemented in the much more manifold fantasy settings.
Prepare for a short trip to hell where good oldfashioned torturing has been replaced by some kind of psychological horror white torture that is even more sinister than the parody of Dante´s inferno surrounding it. I am not sure if the real hell or this ironic version of it might be worse, the best thing might be to combine both to not just crush the body or the mind, but both permanent and efficient.
The real, whatever and wherever it was, Troyan war wasn´t fun, but this time it gets hilarious and wait until you see the most beautiful woman
Some points:
Puberty with its stereotypical problems is satirized, reappearing in the Tiffany Aching novels, this time with a bit more spoiled teenage dirtbag.
The Azteks are still empiring and have special treatments for their gods.
Both, Goethe, sigh, and Dante maybe, I haven´t read it, but I´ll just say the same about it because I am an irresponsible wastrel, are certainly no entertaining fun reads for most people, but their potential for inspiring new ideas is something that should never be underestimated. In this way, they get a second meaning in their literary lives next to torturing helpless school kids forced to read the, ahem, classics.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheibe...
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
Pratchett´s second novel with classic novels as inspirations, it´s more dynamic and quicker plotted than Wyrd Sisters, integrating as many innuendos as possible and mixing in historical and mythical elements.
It shows how much potential there is to reinterpret, adapt, satirize, and rewrite the classics or, as there are meanwhile so many new adaptions on the market, modify the modifications. Where will this end? The famous works are just a tiny grain of creativity in the sea of unknown already written and still to write works, especially humor, fantasy, and sci-fi are fertile ground for unique and new ideas. It are the genres in which I´ve read most completely new, groundbreaking ideas, while average literature without fantastic elements or the horror and thriller genre are rotating around the similar few plots and tropes possible in these settings. On the other hand, all of these plots can easily be implemented in the much more manifold fantasy settings.
Prepare for a short trip to hell where good oldfashioned torturing has been replaced by some kind of psychological horror white torture that is even more sinister than the parody of Dante´s inferno surrounding it. I am not sure if the real hell or this ironic version of it might be worse, the best thing might be to combine both to not just crush the body or the mind, but both permanent and efficient.
The real, whatever and wherever it was, Troyan war wasn´t fun, but this time it gets hilarious and wait until you see the most beautiful woman
Some points:
Puberty with its stereotypical problems is satirized, reappearing in the Tiffany Aching novels, this time with a bit more spoiled teenage dirtbag.
The Azteks are still empiring and have special treatments for their gods.
Both, Goethe, sigh, and Dante maybe, I haven´t read it, but I´ll just say the same about it because I am an irresponsible wastrel, are certainly no entertaining fun reads for most people, but their potential for inspiring new ideas is something that should never be underestimated. In this way, they get a second meaning in their literary lives next to torturing helpless school kids forced to read the, ahem, classics.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheibe...
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
November 22, 2014
I felt surprisingly lukewarm about this book, given that it's written by one of my favorite authors of all time.
Part of this was the fact that it's some of his earlier work. (It's odd to think of an author's 9th book in a series as "early" work) In my opinion his later stuff was much, much stronger.
Also, I feel I should mention here that this isn't my first time reading Eric. Not my second time, either. It was, however, my first time reading this particular version, the illustrated version.
And honestly, I think that's the large part of my lukewarm reaction. Not only is this book much shorter than usual, because it's illustrated. But it's illustrated by Josh Kirby, Pratchett's first illustrator.
While Kirby's illustrations were on the cover of the first Pratchett book I ever picked up (Sourcerey, back around 1990) I don't feel much nostalgia for them. Instead, I've grown amazingly attached to Paul Kidby, the illustrator who worked with him on The Last Hero, and countless other projects.
Is this book worth your time? Yeah. But honestly, I wouldn't go out of your way to find the illustrated version. The simple text version is just as good, if not even better, as there's nothing to distract from the story. And I did find Kirby's illustrations (again, not to be confused with *Kidby's*) to be distracting.
That's just my opinion though. I don't claim to be unbiased.
Part of this was the fact that it's some of his earlier work. (It's odd to think of an author's 9th book in a series as "early" work) In my opinion his later stuff was much, much stronger.
Also, I feel I should mention here that this isn't my first time reading Eric. Not my second time, either. It was, however, my first time reading this particular version, the illustrated version.
And honestly, I think that's the large part of my lukewarm reaction. Not only is this book much shorter than usual, because it's illustrated. But it's illustrated by Josh Kirby, Pratchett's first illustrator.
While Kirby's illustrations were on the cover of the first Pratchett book I ever picked up (Sourcerey, back around 1990) I don't feel much nostalgia for them. Instead, I've grown amazingly attached to Paul Kidby, the illustrator who worked with him on The Last Hero, and countless other projects.
Is this book worth your time? Yeah. But honestly, I wouldn't go out of your way to find the illustrated version. The simple text version is just as good, if not even better, as there's nothing to distract from the story. And I did find Kirby's illustrations (again, not to be confused with *Kidby's*) to be distracting.
That's just my opinion though. I don't claim to be unbiased.
July 25, 2024
2024 onwards Buddy read with Trish
And here i am almost 5 years later agreeing with my earlier self. It does feel too short, reading on kindle i was shocked when i suddenly discovered that was it. And it isn’t as funny as other Rincewind, Luggage or Death novels.
Sorry, but that is just my opinion 😬
2019 Series read , that I never quite finished
I will write more tomorrow, but I just want to apologise to die hard Sir Terry fans for my rating. I just thought it was weak and whilst amusing in parts even Rincewind and the Luggage didn’t make me laugh out loud.
It was Pratchett- lite !
And for once it is tomorrow that I write this review, mainly because I felt Sir Terry deserved to know why I had only given this 3 stars. On reflection I think this 3.5 ⭐️ as there are some funny bits and it does have Rincewind , the Luggage (who I just adore) and briefly DEATH ( who I also adore, is that weird ? ), but .... And there is a but. It was a) too short b) not finished and c) it was all too easy. Rincewind struggles normally, this time it was all too easy. Yes there were some funny bits with
So I am sticking with my 3 stars as it is the "not-good-est" ( I refuse to say worst) Discworld I have read so far.
Sorry (the late) Sir Terry.
And here i am almost 5 years later agreeing with my earlier self. It does feel too short, reading on kindle i was shocked when i suddenly discovered that was it. And it isn’t as funny as other Rincewind, Luggage or Death novels.
Sorry, but that is just my opinion 😬
2019 Series read , that I never quite finished
I will write more tomorrow, but I just want to apologise to die hard Sir Terry fans for my rating. I just thought it was weak and whilst amusing in parts even Rincewind and the Luggage didn’t make me laugh out loud.
It was Pratchett- lite !
And for once it is tomorrow that I write this review, mainly because I felt Sir Terry deserved to know why I had only given this 3 stars. On reflection I think this 3.5 ⭐️ as there are some funny bits and it does have Rincewind , the Luggage (who I just adore) and briefly DEATH ( who I also adore, is that weird ? ), but .... And there is a but. It was a) too short b) not finished and c) it was all too easy. Rincewind struggles normally, this time it was all too easy. Yes there were some funny bits with
So I am sticking with my 3 stars as it is the "not-good-est" ( I refuse to say worst) Discworld I have read so far.
Sorry (the late) Sir Terry.
April 18, 2021
Rincewind vs the king of hell obsessed with bureucracy. Surprisingly hilarious parody on various cliches, ancient myth and civilization.
September 1, 2024
Sir Terry Pratchett’s 1990 Discworld offering (and 9th in the series) sees a return of Rincewind in this most Douglas Adamsesque of his books.
A subtle parody of Goethe’s Faust, we find a young Ankh-Morpork demonologist, Eric, who has drawn a magic circle to summon a demon and instead brings Rincewind to his home. Discworld fans and readers may recall that Pratchett left Rincewind in the dungeon dimensions at the end of his 1988 novel Sourcery.
This may be my favorite Rincewind novel. We also get to see Death and the Luggage again and that is a always a bonus.
All of Pratchett’s signature prosaic dry wit and wordplay is here as well as his gift for satire and playful social, political and economic commentary.
*** 2024 reread -
Great book, full of all kinds of classic, biblical and mythological references.
I don’t think I paid as much attention last time to the section’s parodying Dante’s Inferno but that was excellent.
Pratchett ties it all together better than Jeff Lebowski’s rug.
A subtle parody of Goethe’s Faust, we find a young Ankh-Morpork demonologist, Eric, who has drawn a magic circle to summon a demon and instead brings Rincewind to his home. Discworld fans and readers may recall that Pratchett left Rincewind in the dungeon dimensions at the end of his 1988 novel Sourcery.
This may be my favorite Rincewind novel. We also get to see Death and the Luggage again and that is a always a bonus.
All of Pratchett’s signature prosaic dry wit and wordplay is here as well as his gift for satire and playful social, political and economic commentary.
*** 2024 reread -
Great book, full of all kinds of classic, biblical and mythological references.
I don’t think I paid as much attention last time to the section’s parodying Dante’s Inferno but that was excellent.
Pratchett ties it all together better than Jeff Lebowski’s rug.
May 4, 2025
Rincewind is stuck in the Dungeon Dimension in the aftermath of the events from Sourcery, yet for some reason his screams of terror are still heard and felt on the Discworld. According to Death there's only a 1 in a million chance that he could escape, so all in all the wizards of Unseen University are not unduly worried. Until of course 14-year-old Eric tries his hand at demonology...
This has been yet another fun romp through the Discworld, through both space and time. A series of more or less bizarre coincidences lead the protagonists (and the reader) to explore Hell's purpose; namely to "give you precisely what you asked for, and exactly what you didn't want to".
Score: 3.8/5 stars
I would've probably given the book 5 stars, had the journey through Hell not taken such a turn for the convoluted. Too many details and lengthy footnotes made for a rather dull experience. And I say that, even though I loved that the road to Hell was quite literally paved with good intentions.
===================
Other stories featuring Rincewind the Wizard:
book 1: The Colour of Magic
book 2: The Light Fantastic
book 3: Sourcery
book 5: Interesting Times
book 6: The Last Continent
book 7: The Last Hero
This has been yet another fun romp through the Discworld, through both space and time. A series of more or less bizarre coincidences lead the protagonists (and the reader) to explore Hell's purpose; namely to "give you precisely what you asked for, and exactly what you didn't want to".
"You wanted to live forever."
"I didn't say anything about travelling in time," said Eric. "I was very clear about it so there'd be no tricks."
"There isn't a trick. The wish is trying to be helpful. I mean, it's pretty obvious when you think about it. 'Forever' means the entire span of space and time. Forever. For Ever. See?"
"You mean you have to sort of start at Square One?"
"Precisely."
"But that's no good! It's going to be years before there's anyone else around!"
"Centuries," corrected Rincewind gloomily. "Millennia. Iains. And then there's going to be all kinds of wars and monsters and stuff. Most of history is pretty appalling, when you look hard at it. Or even not very hard."
Score: 3.8/5 stars
I would've probably given the book 5 stars, had the journey through Hell not taken such a turn for the convoluted. Too many details and lengthy footnotes made for a rather dull experience. And I say that, even though I loved that the road to Hell was quite literally paved with good intentions.
===================
Other stories featuring Rincewind the Wizard:
book 1: The Colour of Magic
book 2: The Light Fantastic
book 3: Sourcery
book 5: Interesting Times
book 6: The Last Continent
book 7: The Last Hero
May 21, 2024
Re-Read 5/21/24:
Oh, those demon-summoners. They've got nothing on the bad luck of a single wizard. Sorry... Wizzard.
Original Review:
This is my second read and my reaction is pretty much the same as the first time.
Rincewind is funny.
Or rather, the situations he always gets into showcases the Discworld in awesomely epic ways and we always get vast adventures. Usually with some kind of weird sidekick and a healthy dose of Death.
All true, sure, but what if Rincewind was mistaken for a demon, summoned by a nerdy kid who insists that he is, because, after all, Rincewind came at his demon summoning. :)
Or how about Discworld's version of Troy? Meeting the Creator? Seeing the bureaucratic hell that is... um... hell? :)
It's a tongue-in-cheek romp and while it's quite hilarious and imaginative as hell, I'm caught in that unenviable place of having to judge it among all of Pratchett's other works rather than against the backdrop of all humor or fantasy books.
It's not my favorite Discworld novel. Not by a long shot. BUT it is a lot higher than some, and not even close to many of the later novels. Even so, I loved having Rincewind back again. :)
Oh, those demon-summoners. They've got nothing on the bad luck of a single wizard. Sorry... Wizzard.
Original Review:
This is my second read and my reaction is pretty much the same as the first time.
Rincewind is funny.
Or rather, the situations he always gets into showcases the Discworld in awesomely epic ways and we always get vast adventures. Usually with some kind of weird sidekick and a healthy dose of Death.
All true, sure, but what if Rincewind was mistaken for a demon, summoned by a nerdy kid who insists that he is, because, after all, Rincewind came at his demon summoning. :)
Or how about Discworld's version of Troy? Meeting the Creator? Seeing the bureaucratic hell that is... um... hell? :)
It's a tongue-in-cheek romp and while it's quite hilarious and imaginative as hell, I'm caught in that unenviable place of having to judge it among all of Pratchett's other works rather than against the backdrop of all humor or fantasy books.
It's not my favorite Discworld novel. Not by a long shot. BUT it is a lot higher than some, and not even close to many of the later novels. Even so, I loved having Rincewind back again. :)
February 28, 2018
What a romp! And I mean that in the best possible way! The last book featuring Rincewind wasn't too much to my liking but this much shorter novel was perfect from start to finish.
It's about the titular Eric, who is a teenager who dabbles in the art of summoning demons like his grandfather. For some reason unknown at the beginning, the "demon" he summons is the wizard Rincewind, who was left in the Dungeon Dimensions in the 5th Discworld novel. However, the 13-year-old isn't ... well ... isn't the brightest candle in the chandelier so he doesn't believe Rincewind that he isn't a demon. The fact that Rincewind snapping his fingers is actually (sort of) making Eric's wishes come true, isn't helping.
Thus, the two go on a journey from murdering civilisations in jungles to wars of times long past and even to Hell.
We meet DEATH and his bees (yes, he's a beekeeper), a truly badly behaving parrot, Rincewind's ancestor, ancient armies, wooden horses, a host of demons who just want the hell that is bureaucracy to end, and Luggage is of course not far behind its master and everyone equally (I like its bloodthirstiness).
The readers get treated to some great insights and social comments along the way, not to mention all the fantastically comical situations when Rincewind just tries to stay alive long enough to, well, survive. It is his specialty after all.
I particularly liked the journey through a much transformed Hell and how the various demons complained and were basically more tortured than the "damned souls" down there thanks to all the new workplace rules handed out by the King of Hades (the Devil). *lol* We all just want to find happiness after all so as Pratchett said: while they might be evil, they are never bad.
This is a much shorter book than the other volumes but it is packed with references and laugh-out-loud scenes and I enjoyed myself immensely. So much so that on top of the audio version I was listening to, I have now also bought the illustrated paperback.
It's about the titular Eric, who is a teenager who dabbles in the art of summoning demons like his grandfather. For some reason unknown at the beginning, the "demon" he summons is the wizard Rincewind, who was left in the Dungeon Dimensions in the 5th Discworld novel. However, the 13-year-old isn't ... well ... isn't the brightest candle in the chandelier so he doesn't believe Rincewind that he isn't a demon. The fact that Rincewind snapping his fingers is actually (sort of) making Eric's wishes come true, isn't helping.
Thus, the two go on a journey from murdering civilisations in jungles to wars of times long past and even to Hell.
We meet DEATH and his bees (yes, he's a beekeeper), a truly badly behaving parrot, Rincewind's ancestor, ancient armies, wooden horses, a host of demons who just want the hell that is bureaucracy to end, and Luggage is of course not far behind its master and everyone equally (I like its bloodthirstiness).
The readers get treated to some great insights and social comments along the way, not to mention all the fantastically comical situations when Rincewind just tries to stay alive long enough to, well, survive. It is his specialty after all.
I particularly liked the journey through a much transformed Hell and how the various demons complained and were basically more tortured than the "damned souls" down there thanks to all the new workplace rules handed out by the King of Hades (the Devil). *lol* We all just want to find happiness after all so as Pratchett said: while they might be evil, they are never bad.
This is a much shorter book than the other volumes but it is packed with references and laugh-out-loud scenes and I enjoyed myself immensely. So much so that on top of the audio version I was listening to, I have now also bought the illustrated paperback.
May 21, 2024
The ninth in my re-read of the entire Discworld series and in which we follow Rincewind - again! (I can't believe I'm already on the 9th book!)
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this ninth book (in chronological order) are:
Eric is a ... well, he WANTS to be a demon-summoner or demonology hacker or what have you. What he IS is a kinda hapless chap with not all too much good luck. So when he tries to summon a demon to become immortal and the world's ruler with the most beautiful woman by his side ... he accidentally summons Rincewind. Which means an incompetent wannabe demond-wrangler and the most incompetent and perpetually running-away wiz(z)ard are going on a sort of roadtrip through space, time, and a few realms that will never be the same again.
While I did enjoy the plight of real demons at the hand of bureaucracy and seeing Luggage again, this was - as during my previous read - not my favorite. Not by a long shot. I mean, it's always nice returning to the Disc and the new audio recording is absolutely fantastic. However, the story is arguably the weakest in the entire series. Sorry. Not bad, but we're used to so much more from Pratchett. Hence why my rating stays the same.
Still, the book did make me smile and chuckle and overall entertained.
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this ninth book (in chronological order) are:
Eric is a ... well, he WANTS to be a demon-summoner or demonology hacker or what have you. What he IS is a kinda hapless chap with not all too much good luck. So when he tries to summon a demon to become immortal and the world's ruler with the most beautiful woman by his side ... he accidentally summons Rincewind. Which means an incompetent wannabe demond-wrangler and the most incompetent and perpetually running-away wiz(z)ard are going on a sort of roadtrip through space, time, and a few realms that will never be the same again.
While I did enjoy the plight of real demons at the hand of bureaucracy and seeing Luggage again, this was - as during my previous read - not my favorite. Not by a long shot. I mean, it's always nice returning to the Disc and the new audio recording is absolutely fantastic. However, the story is arguably the weakest in the entire series. Sorry. Not bad, but we're used to so much more from Pratchett. Hence why my rating stays the same.
Still, the book did make me smile and chuckle and overall entertained.
June 17, 2018
“It’s Death, Archchancellor,” said the Bursar patiently.
“Eh?”
“It’s Death, sir. You know.”
“Tell him we don’t want any,” said the old wizard, waving his stick.
And that’s the reason you should read Pratchett.....
“Eh?”
“It’s Death, sir. You know.”
“Tell him we don’t want any,” said the old wizard, waving his stick.
And that’s the reason you should read Pratchett.....
May 12, 2014
Technically I've read Eric out of sequence, but as anyone who has been following my reread of the greatest sequence of fantasy novels ever written will know, I've been "reading" the audiobooks whilst "running" around in circles and at 126 pages Eric is certainly not suited to such a thing. Especially when I am lucky enough to have a first edition paperback complete with beautiful Josh Kirby full colour illustrations. My rating will certainly reflect an extra star for being able to enjoy such loveliness.
Eric is a tiny little book, a fun idea from a writer who was clearly having a great time with the success his little fantasy series was experiencing. It's a parody of Faust and readily admits as much on its cover but really it seems to an excuse to have that old favourite, Rincewind, run through the wringer once more whilst highlighting his less whiny characteristics in three funny short scenes.
The Rincewind humour certainly works better in this outing than in Sourcery, which is great considering that Pratchett clearly set out to tell some jokes, make funny observations and more of those wonderful awful puns.There's obviously no desire to develop any new characters or history of the Disc and as a result titular demonologist Eric is just a cutout intended to move the jokes forward, not really a problem in the context of this one piece of standalone but if comparing to the more outstanding moments in the series that surround it you might be disappointed.
Eric is a tiny little book, a fun idea from a writer who was clearly having a great time with the success his little fantasy series was experiencing. It's a parody of Faust and readily admits as much on its cover but really it seems to an excuse to have that old favourite, Rincewind, run through the wringer once more whilst highlighting his less whiny characteristics in three funny short scenes.
The Rincewind humour certainly works better in this outing than in Sourcery, which is great considering that Pratchett clearly set out to tell some jokes, make funny observations and more of those wonderful awful puns.There's obviously no desire to develop any new characters or history of the Disc and as a result titular demonologist Eric is just a cutout intended to move the jokes forward, not really a problem in the context of this one piece of standalone but if comparing to the more outstanding moments in the series that surround it you might be disappointed.
November 21, 2021
With the previous Discworld book I managed to read it slowly - - this one I read in one go. Both approaches stemmed from the same thing: pure enjoyment of the book I was reading. I am upping my Terry Pratchett reading pace a bit though with the vague goal of wanting to be able to read "Hogfather" at Christmas time - - though I won't stress about it if I miss that deadline.
"Eric" was excellent. I loved how much was packed into a fairly brief book. I'm already reading the next, "Moving Pictures", which is brilliant so far.
"Eric" was excellent. I loved how much was packed into a fairly brief book. I'm already reading the next, "Moving Pictures", which is brilliant so far.
January 22, 2020
Terry Pratchett takes on the Faust legend in this ninth book in the Discworld series. Short but hilarious.
January 3, 2019
Jamás pensé que diría esto, pero qué placer reencontrarme con Rincewind. Su subsaga, y por ende la de los magos, siempre ha sido mi menos favorita de Mundodisco, pero este libro ha sido toda una delicia, lleno de aventuras sin parar. Hacía tiempo que no tenía que parar la lectura de un libro de Mundodisco para reírme, y este lo ha conseguido. Parodia, por ejemplo, el Fausto de Goethe, o La Odisea, a la par que enseña cómo gestionar el Infierno para que sea productivo. ¡Engancha mucho! Ha sido una buena forma de empezar mi año lector, la confirmación de lo que ya sé desde hace tiempo: Mundodisco es uno de mis hogares literarios, uno de esos sitios a los que volver una y otra vez.
August 4, 2020
This book has a poor reputation among Discworld books, undeservedly so based on my recent re-read. I believed the anti-hype until now. Why is it maligned? Is it simply because it is shorter and more straightforward then other Discworld books? I was surprised to learn recently that it was initially an illustrated book, but I don't think it was ever released as such outside of the U.K. The text-only version works perfectly well on its own, but because of its brevity I think it upsets a lot of first-time readers' expectations. As a young lad I was less acquainted with the classics of literature which are parodied in this book, which also accounts for my lack of prior connection with this book.
I really liked it! It's a terrific Rincewind story. His adventures typically span the Disc, visiting remote and exotic locations, followed everywhere by the loyal and terrifying Luggage. We see more of the same here, with the addition of travel across the span of time. We we last saw Rincewind he was trapped in the Dungeon Dimensions through an ultra-rare act of heroism on his part (this took place in Sourcery). InFaust Eric, he is mistaken for a denizen of the pits in an act of summoning by the titular budding demonologist, who merely wants three wishes granted: to rule the world, meet the most beautiful woman, and live forever. As they say, be careful what you wish for...
There's a great plotline involving hell as a bureaucracy; it's a moderately common gag, but hilarious when done well, which is the case here. My favorite take on this concept, though, remains Satan Loves You by Grady Hendrix, which I shamelessly plug.
I am now compelled to acquire a copy of the original illustrated version. Josh Kirby's cover illustrations are, to me and many others, the definitive Discworld art, although I don't visualize the characters like that when I read. I have a dreamy feeling at the prospect of enjoying a whole book illustrated by him, and the story's set pieces lend themselves very well to his art in my imagination.
I really liked it! It's a terrific Rincewind story. His adventures typically span the Disc, visiting remote and exotic locations, followed everywhere by the loyal and terrifying Luggage. We see more of the same here, with the addition of travel across the span of time. We we last saw Rincewind he was trapped in the Dungeon Dimensions through an ultra-rare act of heroism on his part (this took place in Sourcery). In
There's a great plotline involving hell as a bureaucracy; it's a moderately common gag, but hilarious when done well, which is the case here. My favorite take on this concept, though, remains Satan Loves You by Grady Hendrix, which I shamelessly plug.
I am now compelled to acquire a copy of the original illustrated version. Josh Kirby's cover illustrations are, to me and many others, the definitive Discworld art, although I don't visualize the characters like that when I read. I have a dreamy feeling at the prospect of enjoying a whole book illustrated by him, and the story's set pieces lend themselves very well to his art in my imagination.
July 6, 2020
I love all of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, this one included even though it is quite short and at times reads a little like a YA book. Rincewind and The Luggage are two of my favourite characters and Death makes an appearance too! He is just brilliant, one of Pratchett's many masterpieces of imagination. The book is laugh aloud funny as all his books are. I really enjoyed this little reread and intend to keep dipping into his collection whenever I need a smile.
6/7/20 And now I have read it three times. I am picking books at random from my Pratchett shelves because reading them always makes me happy. The Luggage is beyond brilliant in this one - pretty sure it disposed of whole legions of fighters and I love how it trundles in at the last minute to save Rincewind's life. Still five easy stars for me:)
6/7/20 And now I have read it three times. I am picking books at random from my Pratchett shelves because reading them always makes me happy. The Luggage is beyond brilliant in this one - pretty sure it disposed of whole legions of fighters and I love how it trundles in at the last minute to save Rincewind's life. Still five easy stars for me:)
October 29, 2024
Rincewind the wizard is back on form, in an episodic set of adventures where he’s largely in charge of running away, while actually being manipulated by forces greater than himself. This time, he has escaped the Dungeon Dimensions (where he was last seen at the end of Sourcery, but that doesn’t matter) and appears to have been summoned by a teenage demonologist, who insists on holding Rincewind to a promise of 3 wishes. Misadventures through time, space, and hell itself, ensue.
Terry Pratchett’s unmistakeable style shines through with perfectly judged little moments of sarcasm and pithy observations. The style is very similar to the first two books of the series: The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic. The story is populated with well observed caricatures, and Death makes a few pleasing appearances. This is a very comfortable read; a palate-cleanser between more challenging books. Other than “be careful what you wish for”, there is little deeper meaning here, but you know what you’re letting yourself in for, and it’s a fun, light read.
Terry Pratchett’s unmistakeable style shines through with perfectly judged little moments of sarcasm and pithy observations. The style is very similar to the first two books of the series: The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic. The story is populated with well observed caricatures, and Death makes a few pleasing appearances. This is a very comfortable read; a palate-cleanser between more challenging books. Other than “be careful what you wish for”, there is little deeper meaning here, but you know what you’re letting yourself in for, and it’s a fun, light read.
September 21, 2025
Cytat na dzisiaj:
"Wśród talentów Rincewinda najbardziej znanym była jego umiejętność ucieczki, którą przez lata doprowadził do poziomu czystej nauki. Nieważne, przed czym czy dokąd się ucieka, dopóki się ucieka. Jedynie ucieczka ma znaczenie. Uciekam, więc jestem. A raczej: uciekam, wiec przy odrobinie szczęścia nadal będę."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDyH7...
"Wśród talentów Rincewinda najbardziej znanym była jego umiejętność ucieczki, którą przez lata doprowadził do poziomu czystej nauki. Nieważne, przed czym czy dokąd się ucieka, dopóki się ucieka. Jedynie ucieczka ma znaczenie. Uciekam, więc jestem. A raczej: uciekam, wiec przy odrobinie szczęścia nadal będę."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDyH7...
September 18, 2022
English version below
************
In diesem kurzen Scheibenwelt-Roman treffen wir auf einen stark hormongesteuerten Teenager, der sich als Dämonologe versucht.Wie bei Terry Pratchett nicht anders zu erwarten, geht dabei einiges schief.
Neben Rincewind und Truhe begegnen uns hier TOD, die Zauberer der Unsichtbaren Universität sowie allerlei Höllengezücht.
Die Rincewind-Bücher gehören nicht zu meinen liebsten Scheibenwelt-Romanen, aber für 4 Sterne reicht es allemal.
------------------
In this short Discworld novel, we meet a hormonal disturbed teenager who tries his hand at being a demonologist. As you'd expect from Terry Pratchett, things go wrong along the way.
In addition to Rincewind and Chest, we encounter DEATH, the magicians of the Unseen University and all sorts of hell spawn.
The Rincewind books are not among my favorite Discworld novels, but it's definitely enough for 4 stars.
************
In diesem kurzen Scheibenwelt-Roman treffen wir auf einen stark hormongesteuerten Teenager, der sich als Dämonologe versucht.Wie bei Terry Pratchett nicht anders zu erwarten, geht dabei einiges schief.
Neben Rincewind und Truhe begegnen uns hier TOD, die Zauberer der Unsichtbaren Universität sowie allerlei Höllengezücht.
Die Rincewind-Bücher gehören nicht zu meinen liebsten Scheibenwelt-Romanen, aber für 4 Sterne reicht es allemal.
------------------
In this short Discworld novel, we meet a hormonal disturbed teenager who tries his hand at being a demonologist. As you'd expect from Terry Pratchett, things go wrong along the way.
In addition to Rincewind and Chest, we encounter DEATH, the magicians of the Unseen University and all sorts of hell spawn.
The Rincewind books are not among my favorite Discworld novels, but it's definitely enough for 4 stars.
August 24, 2024
You can’t go wrong with a Rincewind storyline. It’s another hilarious nonstop adventure featuring our hero and the luggage. I think this book line is one of my favourites as the characters are so well written, funny and charming.
The book is quite a short one but it didn’t feel rushed or like everything was squeezed in to compensate. An entertaining, fun and classically sarcastic Pratchett book which will have you in stitches..
The book is quite a short one but it didn’t feel rushed or like everything was squeezed in to compensate. An entertaining, fun and classically sarcastic Pratchett book which will have you in stitches..
October 4, 2022
Eric occupies a kind of unhappy position in the Discworld canon. It has the misfortune of coming in right after the phenomenal Guards! Guards! and, clocking in at less than 200 pages, it doesn't really have enough substance to even have a chance at being counted among the heavy hitters of the series. Overall, this book gives off the impression of something that Sir Terry dashed off while he was waiting for the bus.
The biggest selling point to Eric is that, as Discworld novels go, this is one of the easiest to summarize - it's a pretty straightforward Faust parody, when a teenage magician summons a demon that will make all his wishes come true. Unfortunately for him, the perpetually unlucky wizard Rincewind got zapped to a prison dimension at the end of his last book, and the timing works out just right so that instead of a demon, Eric summons Rincewind. Shenanigans ensue.
Like I said, it's short, and there's not much there. But what is there remains a lot of fun, because even when he seems to be kind of phoning it in, Pratchett is still Pratchett.
"...demons belong to the same space-time wossname, more or less, as humans, and have a deep and abiding interest in humanity's day-to-day affairs. Interestingly enough, the gods of the Disc have never bothered much about judging the souls of the dead, and so people only go to hell if that's where they believe, in their deepest heart, that they deserve to go. Which they won't do if they don't know about it. This explains why it's important to shoot missionaries on sight."
The biggest selling point to Eric is that, as Discworld novels go, this is one of the easiest to summarize - it's a pretty straightforward Faust parody, when a teenage magician summons a demon that will make all his wishes come true. Unfortunately for him, the perpetually unlucky wizard Rincewind got zapped to a prison dimension at the end of his last book, and the timing works out just right so that instead of a demon, Eric summons Rincewind. Shenanigans ensue.
Like I said, it's short, and there's not much there. But what is there remains a lot of fun, because even when he seems to be kind of phoning it in, Pratchett is still Pratchett.
"...demons belong to the same space-time wossname, more or less, as humans, and have a deep and abiding interest in humanity's day-to-day affairs. Interestingly enough, the gods of the Disc have never bothered much about judging the souls of the dead, and so people only go to hell if that's where they believe, in their deepest heart, that they deserve to go. Which they won't do if they don't know about it. This explains why it's important to shoot missionaries on sight."
January 23, 2019
There are really only two things I can say about this novel, both of which count in its favour:
1. It's conveniently short and a quick read
2. It's very, very funny.
1. It's conveniently short and a quick read
2. It's very, very funny.
February 12, 2024
The English version can be found below.
-----------
German Version:
Inhalt: Der Dämonologe Eric beschwört einen Dämonen, um drei Wünsche zu erhalten, erhält dafür allerdings Rincewind und die Truhe. So beginnt ein spektakuläres Abenteuer.
Zentral in diesen eher knappen Scheibenweltroman ist die Erzählung von Eric alias Faust. Es handelt sich hierbei um eine Faust-Bearbeitung bzw. eher Satire. Alle Figuren und Sachverhalte sind typisch für eine Pratchett-Bearbeitung komplett verdreht gestaltet, was wirklich ein großer Spaß beim Lesen ist, besonders wenn man die Originale (d.h. Faust 1 und 2) kennt😊
Ich weiß auch nicht, was es mit den Scheibenwelt-Romanen auf sich hat, denn irgendwie ist immer eine schwächere Hälfte oder größerer Teil dabei, der weniger unterhaltsam zu lesen ist und irgendwie verhindert, dass man einem Roman tatsächlich 5 Sterne geben könnte. Hier war es wieder die erste Hälfte, die bis auf die Eingangsszene nicht so prickelnd war. Erst ab der Ankunft in Tsort wird es richtig gut und hat 5-Sterne-Potential! Tsort ist die schreibenweltische verdrehte Version von Troja.
In Bezug auf die Faust-Satire finde ich besonders den Helena-Teil gelungen und die urkomische Darstellung ihrer Entführung (längere Belagerungen einer hübsche Jungfrau wegen sollte man eventuell eher kritisch gegenüberstehen😂). Die typischen Figuren der griechischen Antike wie Odysseus treten hierbei auf, allerdings unter anderem Namen und etwas anderen Umständen. Dies Helena-Thematik (bzw. allgemein die griechische antike Welt) nimmt auch in Faust 1 und 2 eine zentrale Rolle ein und ist daher von der Gewichtung in einer Satire zu den Faust-Teil gelungen gewählt.
Neben Faust 1und 2 Satire gibt es weitere amüsante Anspielungen, wie das Azteken-Reich oder die Erschaffung der Welt. Sonders unterhaltsam fand ich in diesem Kontext die ‚neue‘ Hölle. Unter dem Aspekt der neuen Philosophie der Hölle, nämlich der folternden Langweile, werden Stephen King-Werke im allgemeinen, ‚Der Mythos des Sisyphos‘ und ‚Der gefesselte Prometheus‘ satirisch behandelt.
Genial waren natürlich wieder die Auftritte der teuflischen Truhe auf Beinen, welche eine wirklich einmalige Persönlichkeit aufweist und sowohl den trojanischen Krieg als auch die Hölle aufmischt, was zu wirklich witzigen Szenen führt.
„Der Hauptmann spähte vorsichtig über die Barrikade und knurrte. »Es ist nur eine kleine Kiste, Feldwebel«, sagte er scharf. »Sie könnte nicht einmal ein oder zwei Männer aufnehmen. « »Bitte um Verzeihung, Sir“, erwiderte der Feldwebel mit einem Gesicht eines Mannes, dessen Welt sich in den vergangenen Minuten erheblich verändert hatte. »Sie enthält mindestens vier, Sir. (...)«“ (S. 76)
Gesamt: 3,9🌟
----------
English version:
Content: Demonologist Eric summons a demon to receive three wishes, but in return he gets Rincewind and the luggage. Thus begins a spectacular adventure.
Central to this rather short Discworld novel is the story of Eric, alias Faust. This is an adaptation of Faust, or rather a satire. All the characters and facts are completely twisted, typical of a Pratchett adaptation, which is really great fun to read, especially if you know the originals (i.e. Faust 1 and 2)😊
I also don't know what it is about the Discworld novels, because somehow there is always a weaker half or larger part that is less un-entertaining to read and somehow prevents you from actually giving a novel 5 stars. In this case, it was the first half again, which wasn't that exciting apart from the opening scene. It's only from the arrival in Tsort that it gets really good and has 5-star potential! Tsort is the writing world's twisted version of Troy.
In terms of the Faust satire, I find the Helena part particularly successful and the hilarious portrayal of her abduction (prolonged sieges to get a pretty virgin should perhaps be viewed rather critically😂). The typical figures of Greek antiquity such as Odysseus appear here, albeit under a different name and slightly different circumstances. 😂 This theme of Helen (or the ancient Greek world in general) also plays a central role in Faust 1 and 2 and is therefore successfully chosen for its weighting in a satire on the Faust parts.
In addition to Faust 1 and 2 satire, there are other amusing allusions, such as the Aztec empire or the creation of the world. I found the 'new' hell particularly entertaining in this context. Under the aspect of the new philosophy of hell, namely torturous boredom, Stephen King works in general, 'The Myth of Sisyphus' and 'The Bound Prometheus' are treated satirically.
Of course, the appearances of the devilish luggage on legs, which has a truly unique personality and stirs up both the Trojan War and Hell, were once again brilliant, leading to some really funny scenes.
"The captain peered cautiously over the barricade and growled. »It's only a small box, Sergeant, « he said sharply. »It couldn't even hold a man or two. « »I beg your pardon, sir, « the sergeant replied with a face of a man whose world had changed considerably in the past few minutes. »It contains at least four, sir (...)«" (p. 76; translated by myself)
Total: 3.9🌟
-----------
German Version:
Inhalt: Der Dämonologe Eric beschwört einen Dämonen, um drei Wünsche zu erhalten, erhält dafür allerdings Rincewind und die Truhe. So beginnt ein spektakuläres Abenteuer.
Zentral in diesen eher knappen Scheibenweltroman ist die Erzählung von Eric alias Faust. Es handelt sich hierbei um eine Faust-Bearbeitung bzw. eher Satire. Alle Figuren und Sachverhalte sind typisch für eine Pratchett-Bearbeitung komplett verdreht gestaltet, was wirklich ein großer Spaß beim Lesen ist, besonders wenn man die Originale (d.h. Faust 1 und 2) kennt😊
Ich weiß auch nicht, was es mit den Scheibenwelt-Romanen auf sich hat, denn irgendwie ist immer eine schwächere Hälfte oder größerer Teil dabei, der weniger unterhaltsam zu lesen ist und irgendwie verhindert, dass man einem Roman tatsächlich 5 Sterne geben könnte. Hier war es wieder die erste Hälfte, die bis auf die Eingangsszene nicht so prickelnd war. Erst ab der Ankunft in Tsort wird es richtig gut und hat 5-Sterne-Potential! Tsort ist die schreibenweltische verdrehte Version von Troja.
In Bezug auf die Faust-Satire finde ich besonders den Helena-Teil gelungen und die urkomische Darstellung ihrer Entführung (längere Belagerungen einer hübsche Jungfrau wegen sollte man eventuell eher kritisch gegenüberstehen😂). Die typischen Figuren der griechischen Antike wie Odysseus treten hierbei auf, allerdings unter anderem Namen und etwas anderen Umständen. Dies Helena-Thematik (bzw. allgemein die griechische antike Welt) nimmt auch in Faust 1 und 2 eine zentrale Rolle ein und ist daher von der Gewichtung in einer Satire zu den Faust-Teil gelungen gewählt.
Neben Faust 1und 2 Satire gibt es weitere amüsante Anspielungen, wie das Azteken-Reich oder die Erschaffung der Welt. Sonders unterhaltsam fand ich in diesem Kontext die ‚neue‘ Hölle. Unter dem Aspekt der neuen Philosophie der Hölle, nämlich der folternden Langweile, werden Stephen King-Werke im allgemeinen, ‚Der Mythos des Sisyphos‘ und ‚Der gefesselte Prometheus‘ satirisch behandelt.
Genial waren natürlich wieder die Auftritte der teuflischen Truhe auf Beinen, welche eine wirklich einmalige Persönlichkeit aufweist und sowohl den trojanischen Krieg als auch die Hölle aufmischt, was zu wirklich witzigen Szenen führt.
„Der Hauptmann spähte vorsichtig über die Barrikade und knurrte. »Es ist nur eine kleine Kiste, Feldwebel«, sagte er scharf. »Sie könnte nicht einmal ein oder zwei Männer aufnehmen. « »Bitte um Verzeihung, Sir“, erwiderte der Feldwebel mit einem Gesicht eines Mannes, dessen Welt sich in den vergangenen Minuten erheblich verändert hatte. »Sie enthält mindestens vier, Sir. (...)«“ (S. 76)
Gesamt: 3,9🌟
----------
English version:
Content: Demonologist Eric summons a demon to receive three wishes, but in return he gets Rincewind and the luggage. Thus begins a spectacular adventure.
Central to this rather short Discworld novel is the story of Eric, alias Faust. This is an adaptation of Faust, or rather a satire. All the characters and facts are completely twisted, typical of a Pratchett adaptation, which is really great fun to read, especially if you know the originals (i.e. Faust 1 and 2)😊
I also don't know what it is about the Discworld novels, because somehow there is always a weaker half or larger part that is less un-entertaining to read and somehow prevents you from actually giving a novel 5 stars. In this case, it was the first half again, which wasn't that exciting apart from the opening scene. It's only from the arrival in Tsort that it gets really good and has 5-star potential! Tsort is the writing world's twisted version of Troy.
In terms of the Faust satire, I find the Helena part particularly successful and the hilarious portrayal of her abduction (prolonged sieges to get a pretty virgin should perhaps be viewed rather critically😂). The typical figures of Greek antiquity such as Odysseus appear here, albeit under a different name and slightly different circumstances. 😂 This theme of Helen (or the ancient Greek world in general) also plays a central role in Faust 1 and 2 and is therefore successfully chosen for its weighting in a satire on the Faust parts.
In addition to Faust 1 and 2 satire, there are other amusing allusions, such as the Aztec empire or the creation of the world. I found the 'new' hell particularly entertaining in this context. Under the aspect of the new philosophy of hell, namely torturous boredom, Stephen King works in general, 'The Myth of Sisyphus' and 'The Bound Prometheus' are treated satirically.
Of course, the appearances of the devilish luggage on legs, which has a truly unique personality and stirs up both the Trojan War and Hell, were once again brilliant, leading to some really funny scenes.
"The captain peered cautiously over the barricade and growled. »It's only a small box, Sergeant, « he said sharply. »It couldn't even hold a man or two. « »I beg your pardon, sir, « the sergeant replied with a face of a man whose world had changed considerably in the past few minutes. »It contains at least four, sir (...)«" (p. 76; translated by myself)
Total: 3.9🌟
April 8, 2021
Que gustazo tener al Mundodisco para visitarlo cada trimestre y darte un chute de optimismo y alegría. En esta ocasión la historia es una autentica locura y es que un muchacho decide invocar al diablo para que le conceda tres deseos pero claro no todo puede ser tan sencillo y a quién va a aparecer en su habitación es el insigne Rincewind. En sus pocas páginas vamos a ver como Prachett se inspira en distintas obras literarias y épocas recorriendo las versiones Mundodisco del imperio Azteca, la guerra de Troya, la creación del mundo y incluso tenemos tiempo para hacer un viaje al infierno cual Dante de la vida. Una genialidad.
February 5, 2018
Part of the Pratchett reread with the SpecFic Buddy Reads group. For me this is the second time I've read this, and the first time as a purely text book. Back in the day I had a copy of this edition: Eric with the Josh Kirby illustrations.
Rincewind, last seen in dire peril (as always) in Sourcery, is summoned from Hell by a teenage demonologist. What follows is a typical Rincewind travelogue from ridiculous situation to ridiculous situation all with deeply witty and sarcastic commentary, both around what Rincewind and Eric are doing and the situation in Hell.
The Rincewind books are possibly my least favorite books of the greater series.However, I think this is one of the stronger books for him largely because the formula kind of works better at the shorter format where the skit-comedy style scenarios can play out before they become repetitive and obnoxious.
I do have to comment that between Rincewind's long-established attitude towards women and the other main character being an over-indulged teenage boy, this book represents a nadir in terms of chauvinist jokes.
Rincewind, last seen in dire peril (as always) in Sourcery, is summoned from Hell by a teenage demonologist. What follows is a typical Rincewind travelogue from ridiculous situation to ridiculous situation all with deeply witty and sarcastic commentary, both around what Rincewind and Eric are doing and the situation in Hell.
The Rincewind books are possibly my least favorite books of the greater series.However, I think this is one of the stronger books for him largely because the formula kind of works better at the shorter format where the skit-comedy style scenarios can play out before they become repetitive and obnoxious.
I do have to comment that between Rincewind's long-established attitude towards women and the other main character being an over-indulged teenage boy, this book represents a nadir in terms of chauvinist jokes.
March 23, 2013
“‘Multiple exclamation marks,’ he went on, shaking his head ‘are a sure sign of a diseased mind.’”
I LOVE TERRY PRATCHETT/DISCWORLD/RINCEWIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. I aten’t crazy.
Like a lot of people I first read Pratchett when I was a teenager and have stuck with him well into adulthood. So, going through a dry spell in reading where everything I picked up seemed to, well, suck, I was immediately drawn to a small paperback that’d fallen off my shelf - “Eric”, a book I haven’t read since I was 12 (I’m now 28). Coming to a beloved book after 16 years is great as you know you’ll like it and you’ve all but forgotten everything in the story.
Eric is the Disc’s first demonologist hacker who summons a demon to grant him three wishes. Except the “demon” is Rincewind, the Disc’s most inept wizzard (the second z is intentional as Rincewind can’t spell), who happens to have gotten stuck in the Dungeon Dimensions and, by chance, wound up in a teenage boy’s bedroom. The three wishes Eric asks for - To be Ruler of the World; To Meet the Most Beautiful Woman in All History; and To Live Forever, should be easy to arrange. I mean, when have wishes ever gone wrong for anybody in a story, especially one with “Faust” crossed out on the cover?
I’m delighted to say that my impressions of the novel haven’t changed in 16 years and that I still loved reading this. It’s still fresh and funny and fast paced and so damn entertaining. It reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Pratchett’s Discworld in the first place and what propelled me through all of his books so quickly.
Here are some quotes from the novel that I adored:
“The gods of the Disc have never bothered much about judging the souls of the dead, and so people only go to hell if that’s where they believe, in their deepest heart, that they deserve to go. Which they won’t do if they don’t know about it. This explains why it is so important to shoot missionaries on sight.”
“Rincewind had been told that death was just like going into another room. The difference is, when you shout ‘Where’s my clean socks?’, no-one answers.”
“No enemies had ever taken Ankh-Morpork. Well technically they had, quite often; they city welcomed free-spending barbarian invaders, but somehow the puzzled raiders found, after a few days, that they didn’t own their horses any more, and within a couple of months they were just another minority group with its own graffiti and food shops.”
Great, right?
It also makes me sad to see the decline in his writing recently. I got through a third of “Snuff” in about a month and gave up thereafter. I haven’t returned to it in nearly a year. Also, those Tiffany Aching books are pretty diabolical - I know they’re aimed at “Young Adults” but really, kids can read the “adult” Discworld books. I did, and I turned out fine. Plus the adult humour is really subtle and will go over a kid’s head. I didn’t pick up on it when I was 12 but at 28? Yeah I noticed it. Pratchett’s really clever like that and his books can be read for all ages. Those Aching books are just pandering and condescending. Kids, teenagers, are smarter than that and should just read the regular Discworld stuff rather than go for Discworld Lite. And yes, I realise the decline in writing is linked to his Alzheimer’s which I couldn’t be more saddened by, but still. Reading this early Discworld book and comparing it to his most recent one is really eye-opening. There aren’t any quotes from “Snuff” that I’d type out to read to myself over and over, unlike “Eric”.
“Eric” is set after the events of “Sourcery” but before “Interesting Times” - both books I encourage you to seek out if you enjoyed this - but it can be read as standalone book too. It might even be the best introduction to the new reader of Pratchett. Rincewind and the amazing Luggage (a steamer trunk with dozens of tiny legs that’s sentient but silent) are the main characters, there are appearances from Death and the Librarian, and you get a tour of the Disc courtesy of the three wishes that takes Rincewind and Eric across time and space. The story is straightforward and you don’t need to have read the half dozen or so titles that preceded it - it’s a satire on the legendary Faust story. Seriously, you can just jump on board with this book and, if you like Pratchett’s style, continue on your way. And due to it’s shortness, It’s the perfect sampler.
I have to mention the Luggage - I’d forgotten why I was so enchanted with the Rincewind stories and it’s partly RIncewind for his cowardly wit, but it’s also for the Luggage. They’ve got this great chemistry like a buddy cop story where one of the cops doesn’t speak and might be homicidal. Luggage has some amazing scenes in this as well, particularly his introduction which is so fantastic and funny so I won’t spoil it here. And Pratchett’s humour has never been more prevalent than in this story. Here are some more quotes I loved:
“There’s a door”
“Where does it go?”
“It stays where it is, I think”
“What’re quantum mechanics?”
“I don’t know. People who repair quantums, I suppose”
And these two gems about war:
“The consensus seemed to be that if really large numbers of men were sent to storm the mountain, then enough might survive the rocks to take the citadel. This is essentially the basis of all military thinking.”
“The sergeant put on the poker face which has been handed down from NCO to NCO ever since one protoamphibian told another, lower ranking protoamphibian to muster a squad of newts and Take That Beach.”
“Eric” is just a really, really fun read. I loved it, it was just what I needed to remind me why I love reading and that a truly good book trumps nearly everything else in the world.
Never read Pratchett? Check out “Eric”. Been a while since you read early Pratchett? Check out “Eric”.
I LOVE TERRY PRATCHETT/DISCWORLD/RINCEWIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. I aten’t crazy.
Like a lot of people I first read Pratchett when I was a teenager and have stuck with him well into adulthood. So, going through a dry spell in reading where everything I picked up seemed to, well, suck, I was immediately drawn to a small paperback that’d fallen off my shelf - “Eric”, a book I haven’t read since I was 12 (I’m now 28). Coming to a beloved book after 16 years is great as you know you’ll like it and you’ve all but forgotten everything in the story.
Eric is the Disc’s first demonologist hacker who summons a demon to grant him three wishes. Except the “demon” is Rincewind, the Disc’s most inept wizzard (the second z is intentional as Rincewind can’t spell), who happens to have gotten stuck in the Dungeon Dimensions and, by chance, wound up in a teenage boy’s bedroom. The three wishes Eric asks for - To be Ruler of the World; To Meet the Most Beautiful Woman in All History; and To Live Forever, should be easy to arrange. I mean, when have wishes ever gone wrong for anybody in a story, especially one with “Faust” crossed out on the cover?
I’m delighted to say that my impressions of the novel haven’t changed in 16 years and that I still loved reading this. It’s still fresh and funny and fast paced and so damn entertaining. It reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Pratchett’s Discworld in the first place and what propelled me through all of his books so quickly.
Here are some quotes from the novel that I adored:
“The gods of the Disc have never bothered much about judging the souls of the dead, and so people only go to hell if that’s where they believe, in their deepest heart, that they deserve to go. Which they won’t do if they don’t know about it. This explains why it is so important to shoot missionaries on sight.”
“Rincewind had been told that death was just like going into another room. The difference is, when you shout ‘Where’s my clean socks?’, no-one answers.”
“No enemies had ever taken Ankh-Morpork. Well technically they had, quite often; they city welcomed free-spending barbarian invaders, but somehow the puzzled raiders found, after a few days, that they didn’t own their horses any more, and within a couple of months they were just another minority group with its own graffiti and food shops.”
Great, right?
It also makes me sad to see the decline in his writing recently. I got through a third of “Snuff” in about a month and gave up thereafter. I haven’t returned to it in nearly a year. Also, those Tiffany Aching books are pretty diabolical - I know they’re aimed at “Young Adults” but really, kids can read the “adult” Discworld books. I did, and I turned out fine. Plus the adult humour is really subtle and will go over a kid’s head. I didn’t pick up on it when I was 12 but at 28? Yeah I noticed it. Pratchett’s really clever like that and his books can be read for all ages. Those Aching books are just pandering and condescending. Kids, teenagers, are smarter than that and should just read the regular Discworld stuff rather than go for Discworld Lite. And yes, I realise the decline in writing is linked to his Alzheimer’s which I couldn’t be more saddened by, but still. Reading this early Discworld book and comparing it to his most recent one is really eye-opening. There aren’t any quotes from “Snuff” that I’d type out to read to myself over and over, unlike “Eric”.
“Eric” is set after the events of “Sourcery” but before “Interesting Times” - both books I encourage you to seek out if you enjoyed this - but it can be read as standalone book too. It might even be the best introduction to the new reader of Pratchett. Rincewind and the amazing Luggage (a steamer trunk with dozens of tiny legs that’s sentient but silent) are the main characters, there are appearances from Death and the Librarian, and you get a tour of the Disc courtesy of the three wishes that takes Rincewind and Eric across time and space. The story is straightforward and you don’t need to have read the half dozen or so titles that preceded it - it’s a satire on the legendary Faust story. Seriously, you can just jump on board with this book and, if you like Pratchett’s style, continue on your way. And due to it’s shortness, It’s the perfect sampler.
I have to mention the Luggage - I’d forgotten why I was so enchanted with the Rincewind stories and it’s partly RIncewind for his cowardly wit, but it’s also for the Luggage. They’ve got this great chemistry like a buddy cop story where one of the cops doesn’t speak and might be homicidal. Luggage has some amazing scenes in this as well, particularly his introduction which is so fantastic and funny so I won’t spoil it here. And Pratchett’s humour has never been more prevalent than in this story. Here are some more quotes I loved:
“There’s a door”
“Where does it go?”
“It stays where it is, I think”
“What’re quantum mechanics?”
“I don’t know. People who repair quantums, I suppose”
And these two gems about war:
“The consensus seemed to be that if really large numbers of men were sent to storm the mountain, then enough might survive the rocks to take the citadel. This is essentially the basis of all military thinking.”
“The sergeant put on the poker face which has been handed down from NCO to NCO ever since one protoamphibian told another, lower ranking protoamphibian to muster a squad of newts and Take That Beach.”
“Eric” is just a really, really fun read. I loved it, it was just what I needed to remind me why I love reading and that a truly good book trumps nearly everything else in the world.
Never read Pratchett? Check out “Eric”. Been a while since you read early Pratchett? Check out “Eric”.
January 9, 2021
Vaya, no me esperaba darle sólo 3,5 estrellas a este libro cuando lo comencé.
Noveno libro por orden de escritura sobre Mundodisco y cuarto sobre la saga de los magos. Conviene tener fresco en la memoria el libro Rechicero, para saber porqué comienza como comienza el libro.
¿Es entretenido? Sí, a ratos. Sé que si hubiese sido más largo y hubiese seguido con el mismo tono, al final hubiese dejado de leerlo o le hubiese dado peor nota, pero creo que sólo por lo mal acostumbrado que me tenía hasta ahora. Ha sido el libro con el que "menos bien" me lo he pasado.
Por supuesto que pueden encontrarse grandes símiles como sólo Terry Prattchet podía escribir, grandes referencias a las civilizaciones precolombinas, a la guerra de Troya... todo ello basado en la trama de Fausto de Goethe. Algunas frases son memorables y te sacan una sonrisa de inmediato. Pero aún así creo que le falta algo. Los saltos que suceden a lo largo del libro (no especifico para no hacer spoilers) creo que hacen desconectar un poco. No sé, ha sido una experiencia rara.
Ha habido sólo un punto en el que ha conseguido arrancarme una carcajada y darme ciertas esperanzas. La verdad es que el Equipaje es un personaje redondo, el mejor sin duda del libro. Una pena que, en conjunto, no me haya enganchado tanto como los anteriores.
Noveno libro por orden de escritura sobre Mundodisco y cuarto sobre la saga de los magos. Conviene tener fresco en la memoria el libro Rechicero, para saber porqué comienza como comienza el libro.
¿Es entretenido? Sí, a ratos. Sé que si hubiese sido más largo y hubiese seguido con el mismo tono, al final hubiese dejado de leerlo o le hubiese dado peor nota, pero creo que sólo por lo mal acostumbrado que me tenía hasta ahora. Ha sido el libro con el que "menos bien" me lo he pasado.
Por supuesto que pueden encontrarse grandes símiles como sólo Terry Prattchet podía escribir, grandes referencias a las civilizaciones precolombinas, a la guerra de Troya... todo ello basado en la trama de Fausto de Goethe. Algunas frases son memorables y te sacan una sonrisa de inmediato. Pero aún así creo que le falta algo. Los saltos que suceden a lo largo del libro (no especifico para no hacer spoilers) creo que hacen desconectar un poco. No sé, ha sido una experiencia rara.
Ha habido sólo un punto en el que ha conseguido arrancarme una carcajada y darme ciertas esperanzas. La verdad es que el Equipaje es un personaje redondo, el mejor sin duda del libro. Una pena que, en conjunto, no me haya enganchado tanto como los anteriores.
January 17, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a very short book, or at least it felt short. Eric, a pimply youth, summons a demon and demands three wishes. But instead of a demon, he gets Rincewind. The book follows Eric trying to get his three wishes out of Rincewind, and it’s pretty funny.
There’s satire of the Trojan War, ancient Mayans, and several concepts of hell. None of it’s mean-spirited or offensive.
“There’s a door.”
“Where does it go?”
“It stays where it is, I think.”
Pre-eminent amongst Rincewind’s talents was his skill in running away, which over the years he had elevated to the status of a genuinely pure science; it didn’t matter if you were fleeing from or to, so long as you were fleeing. It was flight alone that counted. I run, therefore I am; more correctly, I run, therefore with any luck I’ll still be.
Book Blog
This was a very short book, or at least it felt short. Eric, a pimply youth, summons a demon and demands three wishes. But instead of a demon, he gets Rincewind. The book follows Eric trying to get his three wishes out of Rincewind, and it’s pretty funny.
There’s satire of the Trojan War, ancient Mayans, and several concepts of hell. None of it’s mean-spirited or offensive.
“There’s a door.”
“Where does it go?”
“It stays where it is, I think.”
Pre-eminent amongst Rincewind’s talents was his skill in running away, which over the years he had elevated to the status of a genuinely pure science; it didn’t matter if you were fleeing from or to, so long as you were fleeing. It was flight alone that counted. I run, therefore I am; more correctly, I run, therefore with any luck I’ll still be.
Book Blog
August 22, 2021
Konštatujem, že za tri roky od posledného čítania som sa stala hrdou majiteľkou troch nikam nepasujúcich násadiek od tyčového mixéra a otázka absencie majonézy pri vzniku sveta je pre mňa stále rovnako pálčivá.
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Kniha, ktorá hľadá odpovede na zásadné otázky ľudstva ako:
Čo bolo na počiatku? A prečo tam nebola majonéza? Kto sme? Kam smerujeme? A predovšetkým, odkiaľ sa sakra vzala tá nikam nepasujúca násadka od tyčového mixéra?
Z Mrakoplašovských príbehov je tento u mňa najlepší, najinakší a najkratší.
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Kniha, ktorá hľadá odpovede na zásadné otázky ľudstva ako:
Čo bolo na počiatku? A prečo tam nebola majonéza? Kto sme? Kam smerujeme? A predovšetkým, odkiaľ sa sakra vzala tá nikam nepasujúca násadka od tyčového mixéra?
Z Mrakoplašovských príbehov je tento u mňa najlepší, najinakší a najkratší.
October 24, 2022
A short parody of Faust featuring Rincewind. Honestly, a bit too short. Though this does have some cool moments.
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