The Last Hero: A Discworld Fable
Review
The Last Hero: A Discworld Fable
Cohen the Barbarian and his rabble hoard of ancient invaders
are on their last quest. Rather than face old age, toothlessness,
rickety joints, and other indelicacies of encroaching years,
they've decided to go out with a bang --- and take Disc World with
them.
The only people who stand in their way are Lord Vetinari and the
Unseen University school of Magic; Rincewind, the improbable
Wizzard; Captain Carrot of the Watch; and Leonardo of Quirm and his
latest invention, a flying machine fired by swamp dragons.
This madcap tale of two great forces racing to save the world from
Armageddon is this time fully and gloriously illustrated by Paul
Kidby in an oversized volume worthy of any eclectic coffee table
setting. The book is worth the price alone for the full-color,
glossy renderings of Ankh Morpork, each and every one of the
Barbarians, The Librarian, Rincewind, Lord Vetinari, and of course
DEATH in a touching portrait with his kitten. And a bonus --- DEATH
astride the stalwart Binky, the legendary turtle with four
elephants perched on its back, who draws Disc World inexorably
through space across double page layouts. They are threatened with
instant conflagration, as long as Cohen and his toothless friends
continue their journey to return fire to the gods (also gloriously
illustrated playing chess with what passes for humankind in
Pratchett's fanciful world). And then --- kablooie!
A must for each and every Pratchett fan on your Christmas list ---
or for yourself if you stand alone in your circle of unenlightened
friends. Collectors of one of our times' wittiest and perhaps
oddest authors will cherish this volume for years to come.
Reviewed by Roz Shea on January 22, 2011