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Discworld: Terry Pratchett's Masterpiece of Fantasy and Humor

There are so many amazing stories to enjoy in the world, including fantasy series that truly leave fans wanting more. Some take on classic tropes! And that's true when it comes to the world of Discworld, a truly awesome fantasy series from Terry Pratchett! The story itself is well loved but what makes it even more interesting, is the changes this master of fiction was able to make throughout it's run!

id="why-terry-pratchett-left-satire-behind">Why Terry Pratchett Left Satire Behind:

The first of Terry Pratchett's incredible Discworld novels.

  • The series came out in 1983!
  • There was one major thing that helped create the foundation, an ode to the classic genre, in its humor that so many enjoyed and made a major statement!
  • The Colour of Magic really emphasized the fun side, that even brought to life some big, crazy events that were a big parody!

What changed? Or maybe you might not even know about the big evolution! This fantastic author went to even larger heights after he went on to publish some of his well-loved stories. It turns out that Terry Pratchett made an incredible choice by deciding to stop writing these parodic takes. This happened after the series first took shape.

What changed the whole thing?

Well it seems the transition happened at around the 4th book, Mort, in "Discworld." The movie is one where readers really had to pay attention because this book is also considered the very first chapter in the "Death" subseries.

Also Read: Discworld Books Reading Order Guide: A Beginner's Journey

How Did Discworld Change?

The covers of Equal Rites, The Light Fantastic, and Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett Image

This writer became one of the biggest names in speculative fiction! You might have a favorite novel or even an entire series but it is so fascinating to watch his progression as a writer, because while he had this amazing sense of humor that made him beloved, he decided to try something new!

Fans will remember, that while they started with parody, he continued to deliver an awesome, incredible set of books. For fans that wanted a deeper story in their beloved world, the direction made everything come to life, including this big, fun cast!

  • That also meant he was going for a more mature approach with his new writing!
  • Pratchett became more deliberate!

It appears his approach went even further! Fans found themselves really in a deeper story as a kind of love letter for all those who read Fantasy!

Also Read: Fourth Wing vs. A Language of Dragons: A Dragon-Filled Fantasy Romance Showdown

Children's Fantasy Turned Complex Universe:

The cover of The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett featuring two men and luggage and a blurred background with the sequels Image

There is something so fantastic about reading "Discworld," because so many are hooked on the amazing world it created! There are even so many fun characters. What makes the entire series such a special event is that these books aren't written for a particular audience.

  • "Discworld" started out as something more for kids and young readers who enjoyed this amazing universe with these hilarious storylines. This helped these readers make it through and grow, too!
  • Fans may find the very beginning, hard to dive into the full experience that "Discworld" had to offer. But the reason is pretty clear. There's a world you can truly immerse yourself into. The story becomes a new home. Pratchett decided to add more depth.

What makes it such an amazing series? Well, he got this desire to make it complex, to develop more subseries with some epic tales and unforgettable characters!

Also Read: One main character's death in season five ending is confirmed; is it Butcher?

A New Dimension For Discworld:

Collage of Discworld book covers Image

It’s amazing how "Discworld" just took off!

There are 41 novels in the series. Each book gave audiences a deep and unique look! One of the reasons why "Discworld" is so captivating is it doesn't really matter what you choose! That's one of the main reasons to explore "Discworld" and maybe choose to go backwards.

Fans are going to remember all the fantastic subseries:

  • "The Wizards" is one that many adore and helped launch the series into a super cool new direction, where fantasy got its serious dose of humor!
  • "The Witches," and "The City Watch." all made appearances!
  • "Death," the subseries. gave this complex universe new levels that even made people think a bit more deeply about death!
Also Read: Doctor Who Season 14 Finale: Why David Tennant & Catherine Tate HAVE to Return for "Empire of Death"?

A Balance For All Fantasy Fans

Fans will be able to see that in "Discworld," a blend of a series of tones. Those include satire that so many will always love. It wasn't a story for just one specific reader.

  • You can see what made "Discworld, so remarkable! There was a perfect blend of satire, fun and humor with the power of incredible world-building.

For those who enjoy the darker moments in the genre there's the amazing addition of characters with serious conflicts. "Discworld," truly embraces every part of its story, with these awesome worlds, and these characters that leave a big, long-lasting mark on readers everywhere! That is one reason, Terry Pratchett became the most incredible writer to help shape modern fantasy!

For anyone who loves to read and explore new series. If you haven't gotten a chance, consider picking up these awesome books and adding to your personal reading list.

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