logo

61 pages 2 hours read

The Color of Magic

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1983

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Terry Pratchett

The Color of Magic

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1983
Book Details
Pages

228

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Discworld • Fantasy World

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Terry Pratchett's The Color of Magic, the inept wizard Rincewind is tasked with guiding Twoflower, a naive tourist, through the dangerous city of Ankh-Morpork. After various escapades involving thieves, gods, and magical creatures, they venture across the Discworld, facing perilous situations, including encounters with Bel-Shamharoth and dragonriders. The story climaxes with Rincewind and Twoflower unintentionally becoming involved in a space mission to determine the sex of the Great A'Tuin, the giant turtle carrying the world on its back.

Humorous

Adventurous

Fantastical

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

422,046 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Terry Pratchett’s The Color of Magic has received acclaim for its inventive humor, clever satire, and vibrant world-building. Fans appreciate its wit and originality, though some criticize the lack of a cohesive plot. Overall, it stands out as an engaging start to the Discworld series, despite occasional pacing issues and narrative fragmentation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Color of Magic?

Fans of satirical, fantasy adventures will relish Terry Pratchett's The Color of Magic. Readers who enjoyed the witty, imaginative landscapes of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or the quirky characters in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series will find themselves at home in Pratchett's Discworld.

4.2

422,046 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Rincewind

An inept wizard whose cowardice and pragmatism constantly land him in dangerous situations. Though lacking traditional hero attributes, he is an endearing guide through his misadventures.

A tourist from the Agatean Empire whose naivety and optimism often lead to chaos. His curiosity and adventurous spirit set the story into motion.

Two rogues who provide an introduction to Ankh-Morpork and its chaos. They serve as a contrast to typical heroes, facilitating Rincewind's first meeting with Twoflower.

A fierce competitor for leadership of the dragonriders who seeks a hero to fight on her behalf. Her character highlights the limitations often placed on women in fantasy narratives.

A musclebound sword and sorcery hero parody known for his strength. His adventures highlight the conventions of his genre, often showcasing satire.

Book Details
Pages

228

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Discworld • Fantasy World

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.