Unseen Academicals
Bestselling author Terry Pratchett returns to the playing field with the 37th novel in his wildly popular Discworld series. In Unseen Academicals, he gives the term “fantasy league” an all-new meaning, as the wizards of Unseen University and favorite characters like Rincewind, Sam Vimes and Ponder Stibbons take to the astroturf for a bracing, manly game of “foot-the-ball.” Due to a rider in an endowment to the University, this ungentlemanly sport, long unplayed on campus, must be reinstated, or the faculty will have to settle for a paltry three meals a day instead of the customary nine. Once the uproar dies, the wizards set out to form a team and schedule a game—not the rough and tumble sport of bullies, but a fast new football with rules—absolutely no magic!—uniforms, goalposts and a ball that goes gloing when you drop it. The prospect of a Big Match draws together a street urchin with a talent for kicking cans; a maker of jolly good pies; a dim but beautiful young woman; and a self-effacing goblin who just wants to make his mark in the world—four lives that are entangled and changed forever. Though magic may be banned from the game, there’s still something magical in the air.…
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins ( October 06, 2009 )
Item #: 17-3209
ISBN: 9780061161074
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.0 inches
Product Weight: 15.0 ounces
HAVE READ BETTER
November 12, 2009
NOT AS ENJOYABLE AS HIS OTHER WORKS. USUALLY I READ AT NIGHT AND HAVE TROUBLE PUTTING THE BOOK DOWN. THIS BOOK I HAVE TROUBLE STAYING AWAKE
Reviewer: Merrick H
He's still got it
November 05, 2009
Pratchett is still Pratchett, whatever problems he's facing. I wouldn't call this my favorite, but it's still good. Familiar characters, new characters, something from everyday life (in this case, football/soccer), which Pterry ptwists in his own unique way. Also, you can't argue with good pie. Mmmm ... piiiiiieee ...
Reviewer: Edward G
This is another great one
November 04, 2009
Terry has another hit with this one. He keeps the Disc World saga and the wonderful tales going. Just remember the football they play does not resemble American football in the least. But then, what does in Disc World????
Reviewer: Dan H
Nutt-Ball at it's Best
October 30, 2009
I like the new characters around which this book focused and the game of football (soccer) has been turned on it's head by wizards and politics. A fun read but not his best.
I continually look forward to diving headfirst into a Terry Pratchett book and this one, while not on my favorites list, is no exception. It has been a while since we have spent a lot of time actually at Unseen University and this visit with the rotund wizardly staff was a delight..., however, the depth of most of Terry Pratchett's books was a little shallower here. If I had never before read a Pratchett book I must say that this would lead me to pick up another but,while quite good, it still doesn't quite match to his normal level of hilarious satire. Still enjoyable though.
Reviewer: Andrew M
Disappointing
October 26, 2009
Unlike every other Terry Pratchett books, this one did not grab me by the ears and ride me around the room until I was finished with it. I wondered about it so I looked further. This book was co-authored by Terry and his wife. it was "typed" by a friend.
Sadly, Terry has early onset Alzheimer's and must be losing a lot of his faculties. His wife and friend may well have helped him write this, then again, they may have cranked it out on their own. Medical care in UK costs a lot if you do not want to die in a hallway awaiting someone to notice. (Yay, socialized medicine!)
What ever the case may be, this was a disappointing read. It is unlike any other Pratchett book I have ever read.
That said, I am glad I bought it as I own almost everything else he has written (or not, in this case).
BTW, what is up with the formatting on this site? Paragraph breaks, parenthesis and quotes do not work right.
Reviewer: Glenn
Copyright © 2009 Bookspan. Science Fiction Book Club® is a registered trademark used under license. Unauthorized use prohibited. All rights reserved.
51007200910ADFL