Flipping Through Pages #19 - Sourcery (A Book Review)

“Well, someone’s got to do it. The way I see it, why me?”

A return for Rincewind but sadly this is Pratchett's first downfall in the series as his attempt to expand wizardry's mythos ends up with an underwhelming cast and a by the numbers plot that falls flat whenever it tries to introduce something new.

The premise is wonderful as we find a new sourcerer being born. What follows is a brilliant conversation with Death (by the way, a hint. Don't speak ill of cats in front of Him) and a destiny being crafted for the eighth son of an eighth son of an eight son.

Yes. Family planning is a head scratcher on the Disc.

But what follows is a big misstep from the normally reliable Terry.

First off, the good things. I loved how Pratchett is able to build the antagonistic entry into the carefully structured status quo of Discworld and it's a shame beyond some spectacular feats, we are robbed of a truly frightening nightmare worthy of the 'Apocralypse'.

For it is spectacular. The introduction of Sourcery, which is pure unrestricted magic, into a world of careful measurements (this is a brilliant follow up to Equal Rites, or maybe it's a predecessor...that seems more likely) among the halls of the Unseen University is chaotic. Instead of a legacy coronation, it's deadly wonderment that greets the residents.

One in the newly introduced cast is actually intriguing - Spelter the bursar, as his support and opposition of the new order proves rich in material and alas, is cut short too fast. But how the wizards overall move up the power chain shows what can happen if the University was less academicians and more power hungry madmen.

The Sourceror in question is actually a eight year old kid named Coin, who carries a mysterious staff - and quickly takes over the University, murders the Archchancellor to be, and slowly but surely, the World.

And then, there's Rincewind. He proves to be the heart of this book, weak as it is - but still ever present and reluctant to involve himself in matters that may result in death. Yet despite all that, the Librarian's assistant is caught up in all of this as he chases the sentient hat of the Archchancellor into the almost literal arms (and swords) of new residents of this world.

Sadly, the less said about them the better. Two new Barbarian heroes are introduced of opposite genders  and yes, they fall in love. Also Rincewind has a weird one sided love B-plot here alongwith the Luggage when it comes to the female one among the duo, named Conina who is obviously the daughter of a barbarian hero we have heard of before. Sadly, though it seems almost half of the main cast want Conina, I hope this is the last time I hear of them. If what Coin did helps in that, then thanks Coin - for I hope you come back in a better manner.

She comes across as almost forcibly trying to play against stereotype, but that ends up shifting the entire thing in an opposite ended problem. Nijel the Destroyer, barbarian in training and apparently Conina's soulmate - comes off even worse as if a parody of a useless barbarian. I couldn't wait till things went back to Coin and his magic conquests.

It's an interesting commentary on the need for hierarchy and forceful destiny (there are elements of parental abuse hinted at) - but it's all drowned the moment the city of Al Khali is arrived at. The occupants prove stereotypical and beyond a few intriguing moments, seem like they are present just to occupy time before our team faces off against Coin.

Pratchett is still good in certain areas, especially when wit is concerned and Rincewind never more heroic than when he battles the most powerful being on the planet with a sock in hand.

I was broken by the ending, but in hope that of all the characters I have fallen in actual love with - Rincewind the Sock Warrior will return.

The others? Meh.

So, I give it 4 out of 10.

+Wonderful premise adding to the disc mythos

+That beautiful wit of Pratchett is on display
+Rincewind is a delight as usual

-Weak cast ruins the core conflict

-Plot starts to meander in the middle

-The premise is destroyed with a very one-dimensional threat