Who Would Like This Book:
If witty wordplay, clever satire, and a dash of absurdity sound up your alley, Mort is a fantastic entry to Terry Pratchett's Discworld. The book introduces readers to Death - yes, the Grim Reaper himself - but in a surprisingly sympathetic (and hilarious) light, as he takes on a hapless teen, Mort, as his apprentice. This novel marks the point where the Discworld series truly hits its stride, blending laugh-out-loud moments with deeper musings on fate, destiny, and humanity. Fantasy fans, Pratchett newcomers, and anyone who loves dry humor or coming-of-age tales will find something to adore here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the early Discworld books, including Mort, a bit less polished than Pratchett's later work, and there’s a lot of silly, whimsical humor that may not click with everyone (especially if you prefer your fantasy worlds strictly serious). If you're not a fan of puns, footnotes, or quirky asides - or get frustrated with stories heavy on gags or light philosophical meandering - this book might not sweep you off your feet. Characters can seem more like sketches in this one compared to later, more fleshed-out entries.
About:
Mort by Terry Pratchett follows the story of Mort, an unsuccessful farmer who is chosen as an apprentice to Death. As Mort navigates his new role, he impulsively saves a doomed princess, challenging fate and love. The book explores themes of life and death, duty, and the consequences of meddling with the natural order. Pratchett's writing style is humorous, witty, and inventive, with memorable characters like Death and Mort bringing depth and humor to the narrative.
In Mort, Pratchett weaves a tale of unlikely friendships, self-discovery, and the complexities of the afterlife. Through Mort's journey as Death's apprentice, readers are treated to a blend of satire, clever wordplay, and poignant moments that explore the human experience in a fantastical setting. The book's plot is engaging, with a mix of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt moments that keep readers entertained and invested in the whimsical world of Discworld.
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Notes:
Has Romance?
There is a romantic subplot involving Mort and Princess Keli, which is significant but not the main focus.
From The Publisher:
New York Times bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett makes Death a central character in Mort, his fourth sojourn to Discworld, the fantasy cosmos where even the angel of darkness needs some assistance.
When inept, but well-intentioned Mort gets only one offer for an apprenticeship-with Death-he can't exactly turn it down. But Mort finds that being Death's right-hand man isn't as bad as it seems-until he falls back to his old, bumbling ways.
With more than 80 million books sold worldwide, Pratchett has solidified his place next to Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, and Douglas Adams as one of the top satirists of all time. Mort offers readers an unlikely set of heroes and a comical, yet poignant look at life through the lens of its antithesis.
Ratings (184)
Incredible (35) | |
Loved It (90) | |
Liked It (41) | |
It Was OK (16) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (264):
Read It (195) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (51) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (15) |
What can you read after
Mort?
About the Author:
Terry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal, as well as being awarded a knighthood for services to literature. He died in March 2015. terrypratchettbooks.com
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