A stroke of the pen by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett is a well-known writer of humorous fantasy tales and his creative genius has launched the Discworld series and fantasy worlds with a humorous tinge. Although Pratchett is well known, this book reveals stories that have been well hidden (under pseudonyms or in places that are seldom re-read) and now they are being re-released to the world in this collection of fun. Some of the stories hint at worlds that are precursors to his later works, but they are independently delightful. With magic and quirky characters in tricky circumstances and multiple stories set in the ‘impossibly weird’ location of Blackbury, these are wonderful examples of the short story genre. 

I can recommend this anthology of fantasy short stories and would not be surprised if it piqued an interest in Pratchett’s other works.  In almost every story there is a smile, chuckle or giggle waiting to escape from the reader. His slightly naughty and eccentric view of humanity and the world will delight young readers aged 15+, but adults would also love this light-hearted reading journey.

Themes: Short stories, Fantasy, Humour.

Carolyn Hull