Cohen the Barbarian. He's been a legend in his own lifetime.
He can remember the good old days of high adventure, when being a Hero meant one didn...
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Jun 28, 2008
Jennifer
rated it: 
I'd held off reading The Last Hero, thinking it would be a disappointing spinoff designed mostly for die-hard Discworld fans. As it turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong! In The Last Hero, Mr. Pratchett has given us a beautiful, funny, eloquent story about the true nature of bravery and the cruelty of growing old. Readers familiar with the other Discworld novels will be pleased to see that characters from several different storylines have come together in this book; in addition to charac
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Dec 17, 2009
Dwipa
rated it: 
He's been a legend in his own lifetime.
He can remember when a hero didn't have to worry about fences and lawyers and civilisation, and when people didn't tell you off for killing dragons.
But he can't always remember, these days, where he put his teeth . . .
So now, with his ancient sword and his new walking stick and his old friends -- and they're very old friends -- Cohen the Barbarian is going on one final quest. He's going to climb the highest mountain in the Discworld and me More...
He can remember when a hero didn't have to worry about fences and lawyers and civilisation, and when people didn't tell you off for killing dragons.
But he can't always remember, these days, where he put his teeth . . .
So now, with his ancient sword and his new walking stick and his old friends -- and they're very old friends -- Cohen the Barbarian is going on one final quest. He's going to climb the highest mountain in the Discworld and me More...
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Mar 03, 2009
Elise
rated it: 
I didn't really like my first couple of experiences with Terry Pratchett. The first book I tried from Discworld was "The Color of Magic." I figured I start with it because it was the first book, but I was really disappointed with it and found it unfunny. I still wanted to give Discworld another chance though because I really wanted to like Terry Pratchett. So, I read around and found out that most people found his funniest book was "Guards! Guards!" So, I decided to buy it. I
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Feb 22, 2009
Kristen
rated it:
The final Rincewind book, and a fitting but bittersweet end to the Silver Hoard. This huge coffee table sized book is filled with touching and genius artwork that will make any Discworld denzian wish that posters or t-shirts could be made from the pictures.
The story is short, and sweet. Cohen and the Silver hoard have decided to go out with a bang. There is nothing else to conquer and everything has gotten so complicated... there aren't even any good Dark Lords anymore. Sure ther More...
The story is short, and sweet. Cohen and the Silver hoard have decided to go out with a bang. There is nothing else to conquer and everything has gotten so complicated... there aren't even any good Dark Lords anymore. Sure ther More...
Feb 12, 2011
Aoife
rated it:
It is impossible to rate just the story, because of the really really beautiful Kidby-pictures on almost every page (well, every page, the few pages without colour-pictures have nice background-images). I mean there are swamp-dragons, moon-dragons, kitties (actually: Dead with a kitty, and a kitty playing with the Tail of the Death of Rats), the wizzards, and of course the heroes, the 'silver horde'. They are all awesome, and incredibly detailed, I want all of them as poster for my room XD.
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Dec 25, 2009
Robert
rated it:
Okay, so there are some things that we all know.
For example, we all know that the world is flat. And round, like a disc. And that it's supported on the backs of four elephants.
And, yes, yes, we all know that those four elephants are standing on the back of a giant turtle swimming through space. I realize I'm just stating the obvious.
But have you ever wondered what the elephants and turtle really look like?
Well, thankfully there was an expedition More...
For example, we all know that the world is flat. And round, like a disc. And that it's supported on the backs of four elephants.
And, yes, yes, we all know that those four elephants are standing on the back of a giant turtle swimming through space. I realize I'm just stating the obvious.
But have you ever wondered what the elephants and turtle really look like?
Well, thankfully there was an expedition More...
Aug 11, 2010
Myles
rated it:
Due to the large format of this book - which after reading I would never dream of having scaled down - it is not carried in many places; As I was too impatient to wait for it to come in on order, I instead had read it at the local library.
The Last Hero is a great story, when long-standing characters are illustrated it often comes out wrong, but Kirby nailed it, especially with Rincewind and the Gods.
The basic story is in two arcs, focusing on the aging Silver Hoard (last see More...
The Last Hero is a great story, when long-standing characters are illustrated it often comes out wrong, but Kirby nailed it, especially with Rincewind and the Gods.
The basic story is in two arcs, focusing on the aging Silver Hoard (last see More...
Oct 20, 2011
David
rated it:
Fable (noun): a story about supernatural or extraordinary persons or incidents; legend: the fables of gods and heroes.
[from http://dictionary.reference.com]
This short story by Terry Pratchett ticks all those boxes with the blurb on my edition reading:
"He's been a legend in his own lifetime.
He can remember the great days of high adventure.
He can remember when a hero didn't have to worry about fences and lawyers and civilisation.
More...
[from http://dictionary.reference.com]
This short story by Terry Pratchett ticks all those boxes with the blurb on my edition reading:
"He's been a legend in his own lifetime.
He can remember the great days of high adventure.
He can remember when a hero didn't have to worry about fences and lawyers and civilisation.
More...
Jun 09, 2011
Wade
rated it:
This was a somewhat unusual direction for Terry Pratchett. Unlike his other works, the copious art, courtesy of Paul Kidby, is a rather central piece of this production. Without it, the book would be quite a lot smaller.
It is, in fact, really only a novella. The actual story is pure Pratchett, of course, but he's shoe-horned most of the Discworld's recurring characters. Rincewind, the wizards, the Patrician, Carrot, Cohen and the Silver Horde can all lay claim to being main character More...
It is, in fact, really only a novella. The actual story is pure Pratchett, of course, but he's shoe-horned most of the Discworld's recurring characters. Rincewind, the wizards, the Patrician, Carrot, Cohen and the Silver Horde can all lay claim to being main character More...
Jan 30, 2012
Chandra
rated it:
A very good Discworld story, only this one also has lots of pretty pictures! Honestly, it's probably the pictures that rocketed my star rating up to a whole 5/5 stars, because, seriously, I was geeking out over the awesomeness of some of these pictures. The idea of a bunch of heroes becoming old and deciding to go on one last quest is pretty great in itself, but when you get to actually see illustrations a bunch of crazy old dudes wielding swords and fighting monsters, life does not get much bet
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Oct 08, 2011
Witchy
rated it:
My only complaint is that it felt just a bit rushed. But then again, you could also think of it like this: the book isn't meant to be a complete story, but rather the end of a legend. There were bits that made me cry, and others that made me laugh.
I've always loved the Silver Horde. I love how they defy my expectations of what heroes ought to be, yet surpass them at the same time. When al other heroes have given up, they keep fighting 'cause it's all they've ever done.
I w More...
I've always loved the Silver Horde. I love how they defy my expectations of what heroes ought to be, yet surpass them at the same time. When al other heroes have given up, they keep fighting 'cause it's all they've ever done.
I w More...
Dec 31, 2009
Kathleen
rated it:
It was my suggestion that we read something sci-fi / fantasy. At least half of Reading Seals never read anything in that line, so it was going to be a real step-outside-the-comfort-zone. However, they were willing. Two of us fans then said Terry Pratchett, because he has the humour as well, and then I said we could each choose one title, any title, by him.
I do enjoy Pratchett. In this book, they're really old heroes and they're sick of having nothing to do so they decide to give More...
I do enjoy Pratchett. In this book, they're really old heroes and they're sick of having nothing to do so they decide to give More...
May 14, 2011
Michael
rated it:
I liked this addition to the Discworld mythos mostly because it saw a blending of some of my favorite characters - including Cohen the Barbarian, Rincewind, and Captain Carrot - into a single story, rather than starring in their own tales. It was a kind of crossing of worlds that normally don't get to interact. And it was a fun adventure as well!
Feeling his age, Cohen the Barbarian seeks to return fire to the Gods - preferably by the most violent way possible. His plan could undo the e More...
Feeling his age, Cohen the Barbarian seeks to return fire to the Gods - preferably by the most violent way possible. His plan could undo the e More...
Mar 30, 2011
Rob
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 08, 2010
Hester
rated it:
So what do you do if you have outlived your glory, but are as good as ever? If most of your friends have died, or gotten dementia? If you are still the world's greatest barbarian, even if you have to wear wool long underwear underneath your funny leather clothes? When you have proved yourself against the world, and only the gods are left?
A great story, fantastically enhanced by the illustrations, which are half the fun. After all, when it comes to elderly barbarians in long johns More...
A great story, fantastically enhanced by the illustrations, which are half the fun. After all, when it comes to elderly barbarians in long johns More...
Jan 24, 2012
Andrew
rated it:
This book is one of the two large format books from the Discworld - (the other being Eric), however it is far more lavishly illustrated - this time by Paul KIdby - as this was published at the time of John Kirbys death. The illustrations are of a totally different style and although Kirby's style will be forever connected to the early Pratchett works I think these are just as good and compliment the story perfectly.
As for the story its quiet short considering the number of illustrations th More...
As for the story its quiet short considering the number of illustrations th More...
May 31, 2010
Cynthia
rated it:
This is a fun "fable" indeed. My kids love this one for the amazing illustrations. Not all of which I appreciate as much as they do. But the story is still a delight. I think it to be a perfect ending to Cohen the Barbarian. Pure Pratchett. Some favorite quotes:
"The messages were in code, of course. If you have news about the end of the world, you don't want EVERYONE to know."
"No, not craftsmen, my lord," he said. "I have no use for More...
"The messages were in code, of course. If you have news about the end of the world, you don't want EVERYONE to know."
"No, not craftsmen, my lord," he said. "I have no use for More...
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Feb 26, 2011
Sarra
rated it:
3-4 stars for the story, 5 stars for the art. Beautiful. And, for a Rincewind book, blessedly low on Rincewind. He does get tiresome, but not in this book, thankfully.
I really love it when disparate Discworld denizens come together, and this one has the wizards, Rincewind (sigh), Captain Carrot, Vetinari, da Quirm, the Silver Horde, the gods, swamp dragons, elephants, and Death. Excellent.
Did I mention the art is beautiful? Absolutely beautiful.
P.S. I adore Po
I really love it when disparate Discworld denizens come together, and this one has the wizards, Rincewind (sigh), Captain Carrot, Vetinari, da Quirm, the Silver Horde, the gods, swamp dragons, elephants, and Death. Excellent.
Did I mention the art is beautiful? Absolutely beautiful.
P.S. I adore Po
Jan 31, 2011
Erastes
rated it:
I only read this in the graphic novel version before, so it was a surprise to find an illustrated prose version that I didn't know about. It was good--not great, I think he has peaked with Night Watch and Thud, but it was very enjoyable and the Silver horde is always good value. I think it's because I don't like rincewind much that i didn't really enjoy it. Good idea though, and a nice piss take of all of those Harryhausen movies like Clash of the titans etc.
Nov 10, 2009
Jc
rated it:
This has some GREAT bits, and wonderful illustrations. So, why only 3? Well, TP has done better with other books. Though there are some wonderful aspects to the story, and Leonard of Quirm has his best moments in this book, the whole thing just feels like an excuse for the illustrations. Still, I do recommend reading it if you like D'World in general -- I just think Pratchett could have done better. This is the 27th D'World book, and the 27th for me as well.
Jan 20, 2011
Miguel Ángel
rated it:
Veeeeery funny, I read Going Postal just before this one and still found this one killing me -- I was laughing so hard it hurt!
Spoiler Warning: don't thumb the book or look at any illustration before getting to it by reading all the way through the novel, many illustrations are spoilers of their page!
Also, there's an audiobook that has great voices in it, highly recommendable, although I'd recommend reading the book first and enjoying the audio later.
Spoiler Warning: don't thumb the book or look at any illustration before getting to it by reading all the way through the novel, many illustrations are spoilers of their page!
Also, there's an audiobook that has great voices in it, highly recommendable, although I'd recommend reading the book first and enjoying the audio later.
Apr 24, 2009
Macie
rated it:
For some reason it doesn't feel like Terry Pratchett wrote this book. It seems like someone else wrote a book trying to sound like Pratchett. Some of the dialog seems off and the pace just doesn't feel like any other Pratchett story. It is still very entertaining, and the illustrations are amazing at times. An illustration of Cohen the Barbarian reaching out to the god Blind Io (modeled after Michelangelo's Creation of Adam) is worth the cost of the book.
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Jun 30, 2008
Icats
rated it:
Cohen the Barbarian gathers his "mature" friends to embark on one final quest. They are going to climb the highest mountain of Discworld and return to the gods what the first hero stole. Only problem is that will mean the end of the world. Thus Lord Vetinari of Ankh-Morpork, a band of wizards, a soldier, an inventor/painter and an orangutan librarian must come up with a plan to stop Cohen before it is too late.
There were several LOL’s when I was reading this book, very tong More...
There were several LOL’s when I was reading this book, very tong More...
Feb 08, 2012
Aaron
rated it:
The first time I encountered this book, it was as a big, beautiful, glossy picture book illustrated by Jack Kirby. I flipped through it, marveled at the art, got an impression of the storyline, and then forgot all about it.
It's labeled as "a fable" and is essentially a novella, at 40,000 words. I'd essentially put it down as just a vehicle for publishing Kirby's artwork.
But now that I'm working my way back through the full series in publication order, I decided to g More...
It's labeled as "a fable" and is essentially a novella, at 40,000 words. I'd essentially put it down as just a vehicle for publishing Kirby's artwork.
But now that I'm working my way back through the full series in publication order, I decided to g More...
Aug 19, 2009
Mel
rated it:
Cohen the Barbarian, the last hero of the Disc has decided it is time for him to go and he wants to take the gods with him. With the tattered remnants of the Silver Horde, he's off to Dunmanifestin with a keg of Agatean Thunder Clay. It is expected that this will destroy the world. It's all up to Leonard de Quirm to invent the technology that might just beat Cohen to his goal.
Apr 21, 2009
Deb
rated it: 
2.5 stars. I liked the pictures, they looked like what I imagined. I liked the humor/word play that Pratchett is known for. I didn't like that most of it was told through conversations. It seemed disjointed and took me a long time to get through. Favorite quotes:"So much universe, and so little time." and "I have no use of people who have learned the limits of the possible."
Nov 28, 2011
Sinead
rated it:
I have the large illustrated hardback version of this book, and it's absolutely stunning. A lovely coffee table book that I enjoyed coming back to over the weekend, reading a few pages here and there. Like all of the other Discworld books, this is a funny, charming story with a clever undercurrent you might not pick up on, if you're distracted by all the pretty pictures...
Jul 25, 2011
David
rated it:
This unusual Discworld entry, the 27th, is in the format of a large children's book with gorgeous illustrations by Paul Kidby. It, of course, is not a children's book but is a novella that falls under the Wizards or Rincewind canon and features Cohen the Barbarian and his silver horde. Not among the best entries, but plenty of good material and Kidby's illustrations definitely rock.
Aug 16, 2011
The Bee
rated it:
23/07/11 The pictures are gorgeous and Terry Pratchett's wit and style is unbeatable. It is my "reading in my break at work book" and just lightens my breaks up.
07/08/11 Well I just have to add a quote:
"It killed Old Vincent the Ripper," said Boy Willie. "He choked to death on a concubine"
There was no sound but the hiss of snow in the fire and a number of people thinking fast.
" I think you mean cucumber!" said the bard!"
More...
07/08/11 Well I just have to add a quote:
"It killed Old Vincent the Ripper," said Boy Willie. "He choked to death on a concubine"
There was no sound but the hiss of snow in the fire and a number of people thinking fast.
" I think you mean cucumber!" said the bard!"
More...
Aug 12, 2009
Melanie
rated it:
Cohen the Barbarian, the last hero of the Disc has decided it is time for him to go and he wants to take the gods with him. With the tattered remnants of the Silver Horde, he's off to Dunmanifestin with a keg of Agatean Thunder Clay. It is expected that this will destroy the world. It's all up to Leonard de Quirm to invent the technology that might just beat Cohen to his goal.
