Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) is the acclaimed creator of the globally revered Discworld series. In all, he authored more than fifty bestselling books, which have sold more than one hundred million copies worldwide. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. He was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to literature in 2009, although he always wryly maintained that his greatest service to literature was to avoid writing any.
"Delves into weighty issues but keeps its sense of dark humor." -- USA Today"Excruciatingly funny, ferociously intelligent." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred Review)"Pratchett rethinks a classic story and comes up with a winner. A not-to-be-missed delight." -- School Library Journal (starred review)"Manages to be hilarious, moving, scary, impishly vulgar and wickedly wise, sometimes all at once." -- Locus Magazine"Pratchett's absorbing, suspenseful adventure is deepened by a willingness to tackle the questions of existence." -- Horn Book Magazine"Pure, unadulterated fun. The action is fast paced, the dialogue witty, unforgettable." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)"For this outrageously cheeky tale, Pratchett pairs a dynamite plot with memorable characters." -- Publishers Weekly"This is his first Discworld novel aimed specifically at YA readers, and it should win him new fans." -- KLIATT"Pratchett leaves none of his wit behind in this exploration of Discworld for younger readers." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (recommended)"Clearly destined for great things...deeply pleasurable and a wonderful and entertaining read." -- The Bookseller (Great Britain)"An astonishing novel. Were Terry Pratchett not demonstratively a master craftsman already, The Amazing Maurice might be considered his masterpiece." -- Neil Gaiman
For this outrageously cheeky tale, British writer Pratchett pairs a dynamite plot with memorable characters a group of intelligent rats sporting such monikers as Hamnpork, Big Savings and Darktan (they've been foraging in the University of Wizards' garbage dump and come up with "the kind of name you gave yourself if you learned to read before you understood what all the words actually meant"), plus a "stupid-looking kid" with a flute and a criminal kitty mastermind named Maurice. The motley con artists' pied piper scam is highly successful until the rats develop a conscience. Reluctantly, they agree to one final heist, but in the town of Bad Blintz things go horribly, hilariously wrong. First, they're twigged by Malicia Grim (granddaughter and grand-niece of the Sisters Grim), then they encounter a pair of conniving rat-catchers, a real pied piper and an evil something lurking in the town's cellars. They triumph, of course, and there's even a glimmer of redemption for the deliciously self-centered Maurice, who tackles the "Grim Squeaker" and bargains for the life of his rat comrade Dangerous Beans. In the end, while the others settle down, Maurice hits the road and is last seen approaching another "stupid-looking kid" with a money-making proposition. Could this mean more tales to come? Readers will eagerly hope so. Ages 12-up. (Nov.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
"Delves into weighty issues but keeps its sense of dark humor." -- USA Today"Excruciatingly funny, ferociously intelligent." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred Review)"Pratchett rethinks a classic story and comes up with a winner. A not-to-be-missed delight." -- School Library Journal (starred review)"Manages to be hilarious, moving, scary, impishly vulgar and wickedly wise, sometimes all at once." -- Locus Magazine"Pratchett's absorbing, suspenseful adventure is deepened by a willingness to tackle the questions of existence." -- Horn Book Magazine"Pure, unadulterated fun. The action is fast paced, the dialogue witty, unforgettable." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)"For this outrageously cheeky tale, Pratchett pairs a dynamite plot with memorable characters." -- Publishers Weekly"This is his first Discworld novel aimed specifically at YA readers, and it should win him new fans." -- KLIATT"Pratchett leaves none of his wit behind in this exploration of Discworld for younger readers." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (recommended)"Clearly destined for great things...deeply pleasurable and a wonderful and entertaining read." -- The Bookseller (Great Britain)
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