Terry Pratchett's Discworld series opens with The Color of Magic, and the 1983 book starts out more baffling than anything I've read — but it quickly proves itself worthwhile. The beginning of the novel describes Terry Pratchett's fantasy world, and its setting is one of the most unique ones readers will experience. Of course, reading about a world that sits atop four elephants balanced on a turtle is perplexing, and I'm no stranger to the fantasy genre. Even beyond A Color of Magic's prologue, it takes a while to fully immerse oneself in Pratchett's story.
There are numerous characters to in The Color of Magic, though the central narrative comes to center just two of them. The way the world and magic system work is also somewhat baffling, and Pratchett lets readers piece it together as they go. This, combined with the author's comedic writing style, the whole experience of beginning Discworld is bewildering. It's certainly worth pushing through, though, as The Color of Magic is an entertaining and thoughtful ride. It's also the beginning of a great and ambitious fantasy series overall.
The Opening Of Discworld Left Me Scratching My Head
The Color Of Magic Is Entertaining & Observant Even When It Doesn't Make Sense
The Color of Magic is broken up into four different parts, and each of them sees the book's two central characters — the disgraced wizard Rincewind and tourist Twoflower — embarking on a new portion of their adventure together. The two find themselves in some hilariously tough spots throughout the first Discworld book, and it often feels as though their meandering story has no point. This is likely intentional, as Discworld is meant to parody typical fantasy tropes and narratives. However, I found their whole journey perplexing while I was reading it.
You get used to Pratchett's world as the book continues, but The Color of Magic makes a difficult entry-point into the author's beloved fantasy series.
You get used to Pratchett's world as the book continues, but The Color of Magic makes a difficult entry-point into the author's lengthy fantasy series. There isn't much explanation when it comes to Pratchett's world-building, and I often found myself re-reading ages to see if I'd missed something. As it turns out, Rincewind and Twoflower's adventure really is as ridiculous as it's described. This might turn newcomers off of Pratchett's Discworld series, but it's worth powering through the opening.
It's Worth Pushing Through The First Discworld Book
Terry Pratchett's Series Improves As It Goes
Although The Color of Magic is a baffling opening for Discworld, it's well worth pushing through the fantasy novel. For one, there are some acute revelations within its pages, both referring to the fantasy genre and the real world. I often found myself highlighting ages and chuckling at Pratchett's observations. The author's cynical notes about people — whether he's referring to tourists or heroes — are comical. And Pratchett works a few nuggets of wisdom into his work, especially during his conversations about Death and Fate.
Pratchett's Discworld series also improves significantly as time goes on, as the author eventually balances the satirical elements of his books with true fantasy storytelling. He also finds his footing when it comes to world-building and writing, making later Discworld books far easier to follow. The Color of Magic isn't the best example of why people love Pratchett's fantasy series, which is considered a classic within the genre. Perhaps this is why readers don't recommend starting with it.
I Finally Understand Why People Recommend Starting With Other Discworld Books
Terry Pratchett's Books Can Be Read As Standalones
There's a lot of debate regarding the best reading order for Discworld, but many fans of the series agree that The Color of Magic isn't the best starting point. I still believe it's worth pushing through, as it really is a fun ride. Unfortunately, it's not the sort of gripping narrative most fantasy readers are accustomed to. And some might fare better skipping it, which is doable, since all the Discworld books can technically be read as standalones. Pratchett's later installments don't require knowledge of The Color of Magic, even if they feature recurring characters or locations.
The fourth Discworld book, Mort, is often recommended as a good entry-point, since it's where Pratchett's writing style and storytelling really pick up.
The fourth Discworld book, Mort, is often recommended as a good entry-point, since it's where Pratchett's writing style and storytelling really pick up. Guards! Guards! and Small Gods are also great places to dive in, though advice differs from reader to reader. Those who don't enjoy The Color of Magic should probably skip The Light Fantastic, however. The second installment continues the Rincewind and Twoflower's journey from the first book. And given how much the two books have in common narratively, I understand why some prefer to start Discworld elsewhere.
