Reviews

Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

Only show reviews with written explanations

ritabriar's review

adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The characters often repeat the idea that a woman cannot be a wizard, for reasons. Unfortunately for this idea, Esk is definitely a wizard. She has a staff and everything! Various people examine or at least change this idea throughout the book in various ways.

The plot is a basic Hero's Quest, because women can have Hero's Quests, too. There are a few points where the reactions of the characters serve the plot more than the characters, but for the most part people behave plausibly.

The setting is the star of the book, from the tiny isolated town of Bad Ass to the journey to the towns and the final destinations,

the Unseen University and the other place

. It's all varied and detailed enough to allow a clear interpretation. The structure Discworld overall is made clear, first through short exposition for context, then through the characters' interactions with the world.

Content Warnings

lactomar's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I had a false start with other discworld books and for some reason this one really stuck. Just a really fun read, great characters, love the tone but not annoyingly tongue in cheek. I think I get discworld now.

johannabeek's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

jporterfield99's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

_tamara_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

4.25

It's been almost two decades since I last read this, I think it was my
first Pratchett book ever and I don't think I appreciated it as much as I
do now. I'm so glad I did a re-read, and the audio is awesome!

katiescho741's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I've only read this and Guards! Guards! from Discworld and I preferred Guards. This was a fun book, and it gave me many chuckles, but it feels a bit all over the place at times.
That said, I love Pratchett's writing style and the creativity. And I think it's great that you can dip into Discworld at almost any book. I love how he twists the clichés of fantasy writing and creates something unique, but also familiar. For a series that started in the 80s, his writing doesn't date at all, I guess that's the magic of fantasy novels!
I liked Esk and Granny Weatherwax and the groundbreaking ideas about women being wizards. It's about gender expectations, but it was nice that Esk doesn't just show up and dazzle the wizards without any hiccups - she makes plenty of mistakes, so she never comes across as the classic "chosen one" Mary-Sue type who can do no wrong that's popular in a lot of fantasy these days.
I read the audiobook and the reading was excellent. A wonderful, light fantasy novel.