Review: The Last Hero (Terry Pratchett, expect Bias)
It’s my firm belief that everyone should read at least one Pratchett book. Before I launch into this review in earnest, I think it’s only fair to warn you; I’m a huge fan of his books and will probably spend hours convincing you why you need to read [insert Pratchett book here] if given the opportunity. You have been warned, let’s proceed.
Description
The Last Hero is the first of his illustrated books that I bought, and to be honest I wasn’t sure that I’d like it much. Illustrated vs Non-Illustrated I mean; it was a given that I’d enjoy the story. I’m glad I bought it, Paul Kidby did an amazing job with the visuals and as you read through you’ll find yourself looking at the pictures themselves as much as the story they’re helping to tell.
The story itself is about an old barbarian hero named Cohen who, after defeating any enemy he’s ever come across, has decided that the sedentary life isn’t for him and he’d like one last push at adventure. So he gets together with his old (in both senses of the word) friends and traipses off up the Gods’ mountain to return something that was stolen a long time ago. Fire. In the interests of not ruining the story I’ll leave it there, but expect cataclysmic consequences.
The Good
- World, Nations, and Cultures. Where else can you find a world shaped like a disk, balanced on the back of four elephants (one of whom has to cock a leg to let the sun past), standing on a flying space turtle? Need I say more?
- Complex World Themes Become Simple. Like his other books, The Last Hero takes some really complicated themes (and some simple ones too) that echo real life and turn them into something that’s not only instantly recognizable but simple to understand.
- Playful and Fun Language. Revealing, wry, open, cynical, optimistic, humourous, and at times dry; there’s literally somewhere in each and every book that will get a giggle from just about anyone. A true word-weaver, and worth every second (in my opinion).
The Bad
- Shorter than his other books. It still tells a compelling story, but as a Pratchett fan it was a little shorter than I’m used to. Probably necessary because of the format though, so entirely forgivable.
- Sanity Killer and Eye Opener in Book Form. I challenge you to read it and come out with the same world view you had when you went in. If you like your current, perhaps slightly limiting, set of rules and constraints that you live by don’t read this book. It’ll make your eyes bleed.
The Noteworthy
- Masterful Characters. Some authors, after they’ve written a few books, settle back into a very stereotypical set of characters that they tend to use; whether they realize it or not. Not so here. Even characters that are meant to be relatively similar in his books (particularly this one; looking at the ‘army’ of barbarian heroes here) have their own distinct characters and personalities. It’s a huge part of the charm, and more than anything else it’s what makes the world he’s created seem believable and alive.
- Beautiful Illustration. Not overly realistic, not manga-esque (bonus points in and of itself; I like manga but so many people are trying it just now), not too cartoon-y – just thoroughly enjoyable to look at. The level of detail makes looking back through a pleasure; you’re not likely to see all there is to see in the first pass.
Conclusion
What’s more to say? GO BUY THIS BOOK. *ahem* And I’m not just saying that because the links on this page are affiliate links either. I would love to talk to you about the events of this book, or others he’s written, but I won’t do that until you’ve had the chance to read, absorb, and enjoy it first. Maybe I’m a little obsessed with Pratchett’s stories, and maybe this isn’t as ‘objective’ as my usual reviews, but here’s something to ask yourself:
What could you possibly lose by adding more humour to your life?
Hope I haven’t alienated too many of you with this extremely biased and passionate review; drop me a comment below and let me know what you think. See you on Sunday where I’ll be introducing another, more mysterious, character in my webcomic.
The3dStudio.com
I thought I was having a disconnect because this book didn’t match what I think of with Pratchett. More like Lord of the Rings which I can’t handle. I will give it a look.
.-= Ralph´s last blog ..Do you want to be remarkable? =-.
Looking at it again I can see why… he’s quite hard to review really
Let me know what you think of it if/when you read it!
I love to read but those close to me lately wouldn’t know it. I haven’t picked up a book much lately. Most of my reads are all Bio’s, mostly fiction stuff. One fun series that comes to mind that I read several years ago was the by Jean Auel Clan of the Cave Bear. I so enjoyed it.
.-= Lees Shizzle´s last blog ..Richard Pryor Your Stir Crazy Blog… =-.
I’ve heard of those actually, never had the pleasure though… I’ll have to check them out.
What could you possibly lose by adding more humour to your life?
——- NOTHING…… there is always room for humour, and it is also good to read things outside your “usual” circle.
Thanks for the recommendation.
.-= Mick Morris´s last blog ..What are you going to focus on TODAY ? =-.
Thanks for that Mick
I think it’s important to always search for the fun and the different; perspective for one thing, and for another it’s more enjoyable than reading/doing the same sort of thing all the time.
Hope you enjoy reading it!