The Opera House, Ankh-Morpork: a huge rambling building, where innocent young sopranos are lured to their destiny by a strangely familiar evil mast...
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Jan 02, 2008
Zigforas
rated it: 
There's a ghost in the Ankh-Morpork opera house. Murder mystery/opera/cook-book...Nanny and Granny Weatherwax save the day again. I finished up this book with a real affection for Granny Weatherwax. I liked her before, but I appreciated her after. Same goes for the witches as characters; I'll take Granny Weatherwax over the wizard Ridcully any day of the week. And I think that the unexpectedly real dilemma over Right and Wrong her character experienced through the story (how is Granny Weatherwax
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Feb 19, 2011
Catriona
rated it: 
You may or may not have noticed that for a long time I was reading ”far from the madding crowd” by Thomas Hardy. But due to the fact that it was SO BORING, I’ve had to post pone that book till a much much later date.
Anyway, so heres my second book review. I’m not feeling very creative tonight, so apologies for the poor writing. Enjoy, comment, whatever you feel like doing.
Title: Masquerade
Author: Terry Pratchett
Young, and rather wide, Agnes Nitt leaves her home in Lancre More...
Anyway, so heres my second book review. I’m not feeling very creative tonight, so apologies for the poor writing. Enjoy, comment, whatever you feel like doing.
Title: Masquerade
Author: Terry Pratchett
Young, and rather wide, Agnes Nitt leaves her home in Lancre More...
Jan 20, 2011
Anthony
rated it: 
So, my revisiting-Terry-Pratchett's-back-catalogue continues....
I'd forgotten about this one, until I found it buried at the back of my shelves. Unlike a few of Pratchett's discworld books, like 'Mort' and 'Going Postal', this one had somehow failed to register in my memory the first time I read it.
Which is a pity, because it's a fantastic book, and I wish I'd re-read it earlier.
Before I go any further, though, I probably need to offer a small confession, of sorts. More...
I'd forgotten about this one, until I found it buried at the back of my shelves. Unlike a few of Pratchett's discworld books, like 'Mort' and 'Going Postal', this one had somehow failed to register in my memory the first time I read it.
Which is a pity, because it's a fantastic book, and I wish I'd re-read it earlier.
Before I go any further, though, I probably need to offer a small confession, of sorts. More...
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Dec 03, 2010
MisterFweem
rated it:
The musical "Phantom of the Opera" used to drive me crazy. All that foppish flopping around with Christine being the sad weepy and yet easily manipulated girl who would run off and do whatever the creep with the dinnerware stuck to his face told him. I always figured if I were in the opera house and saw what was going on, I'd try to make Christine see the light.
Now, thanks to Agnes Nitt, I know that wouldn't have worked. But thank heaven for Terry Pratchett and Agness Nitt fo More...
Now, thanks to Agnes Nitt, I know that wouldn't have worked. But thank heaven for Terry Pratchett and Agness Nitt fo More...
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May 27, 2010
Genie
rated it:
There is no doubt that the Opera House of Ankh-Morpork is known for its off-beat musicals. An added attraction to these outrageous productions is the resident ghost. Ghostly activity seems go into overtime when the famous Enrico Basilica arrives on the scene. The ghost has the entire opera company terrorized. The only hope of getting things in order is to rid the theater of this pesky ghost. What better cover could witches Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg hope for while they work to convince
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Oct 30, 2009
Rebekah
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 19, 2009
Mel
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Maskerade opens with Agnes Nitt, a.k.a., Perdita X, auditioning at the Opera House. Blessed with a singularly magnificent voice, Agnes is unfortunately not blessed with an extraordinary body. Or rather, her body is extraordinary―extraordinarily large, that is. Still, there's no denying her talent and she's hired as a member of the opera company. Meanwhile, Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax, two-thirds of a witches coven, are looking for a replacement for Magrat, who had the nerve to go off and
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Dec 23, 2009
S K
rated it:
I love Terry Pratchett.
A few years ago I refused to read any of his books. Kids stuff, I thought, ugly covers (yes, I DO judge books by their covers. There should be a club for that) and too short for a decent story. Then one night I was stuck at a pub while my ex boyfriend was working and one of the other guards let me sit in his car, drink his guarana + caffeine drinks and fossick through all the crap on the floor. And I found Men at Arms. And because I was bored I read it. then I More...
A few years ago I refused to read any of his books. Kids stuff, I thought, ugly covers (yes, I DO judge books by their covers. There should be a club for that) and too short for a decent story. Then one night I was stuck at a pub while my ex boyfriend was working and one of the other guards let me sit in his car, drink his guarana + caffeine drinks and fossick through all the crap on the floor. And I found Men at Arms. And because I was bored I read it. then I More...
Jun 27, 2007
Robb
rated it:
I try not to read on the subway, because people stare at me when I start laughing out loud. Of all of the Discworld novels, those which center upon the witches tend to be my favorites. This one certainly holds up for it's 3rd or 4th read. I highly recommend it, and the rest of the series, to anyone who likes fantasy, satire, or just laughing out loud in front of total strangers.
Feb 02, 2009
Jc
rated it:
This was not one of the Pratchett Discworld books that was recommended to me by the two friends who were listing their favorites. I think I know why -- all the inside jokes are about the world of opera, not the favorite haunt of many people these days. However, being a fan of opera, I did really enjoy this D'World episode. And I don't think it is just for opera fans -- it also has the Witches, the favorite characters of one of my friends. The Witches are always fun to follow, and they are ver
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Feb 07, 2012
Jen
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What a brilliant and loving send-up of opera and Andrew Lloyd Webber. I do love the witches part of Discworld, and this is the book in which we are introduced to Agnes (Perdita X. Dream) Nitt, for whom I have a great deal of affinity in being a person of a lovely personality. I don't have the hair, though. Must work on that.
Pratchett never ceases to amaze me in terms of how many things he can comment on without really seeming to comment on any of them; here he tackles the idiocy of a vis More...
Pratchett never ceases to amaze me in terms of how many things he can comment on without really seeming to comment on any of them; here he tackles the idiocy of a vis More...
Oct 31, 2009
Kurtbg
rated it:
A witches coven needs three... the maiden, the matron and the crone.
The position of maiden is in need of filling. The matron fears without the third the crone will slide off into witch dementia (build a gingerbread house, lure children into ovens or perhaps fly off with geese).
However, the only candidate has gone off to the big city to be an opera star, and wants nothing to do with being a witch. The matron uses the ruse of due cookbook royalties to lure the crone to the city. More...
The position of maiden is in need of filling. The matron fears without the third the crone will slide off into witch dementia (build a gingerbread house, lure children into ovens or perhaps fly off with geese).
However, the only candidate has gone off to the big city to be an opera star, and wants nothing to do with being a witch. The matron uses the ruse of due cookbook royalties to lure the crone to the city. More...
Aug 11, 2011
Helen
rated it:
Terry Pratchett takes on the opera.
They are missing a witch in Lancre, now Magrat is queen, she's not witching any more, leaving Granny and Nanny in a coven of two - and it just doesn't work. So Nanny decides to recruit a new witch in the shape of Agnes Nitt. Only Agnes (who decides that Perdita is far more interesting name and has a far more interesting life) has decided to try her hand at something else and has left Lancre to seek her future in the Opera in Ankh Morpork.
At the same time some More...
They are missing a witch in Lancre, now Magrat is queen, she's not witching any more, leaving Granny and Nanny in a coven of two - and it just doesn't work. So Nanny decides to recruit a new witch in the shape of Agnes Nitt. Only Agnes (who decides that Perdita is far more interesting name and has a far more interesting life) has decided to try her hand at something else and has left Lancre to seek her future in the Opera in Ankh Morpork.
At the same time some More...
Oct 25, 2010
Alins
rated it:
Nowadays I don't get all that many opportunities to open a new Terry Pratchett book. Countless years of reading him has left me patiently waiting for his next effort. So the discovery of one that I've missed is a moment to be treasured. So now, ten years after I should have read it, I've had the delight of reading Maskerade for the first time. Even better, it's a Lancre witches tale, starring the indomitable Granny Weatherwax, and Nanny Ogg, the original Benny Hill.
"Wait," More...
Dec 01, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
I only started reading Terry Pratchett books fairly recently, but I am liking them a lot. This one is reminiscent of the Phantom of the Opera (which is another story that I like). When I read the back cover of Terry Pratchett books, I am never really all that interested in them. However, when I do convince myself to pick one up and start reading anyway, I am always happy that I did choose to read it. His style of writing is fantastic and always causes a few chuckles to escape while reading.
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Oct 21, 2011
Sirius
rated it:
Nanny Ogg usually went to bed early. After all, she was an old lady. Sometimes she went to bed as early as 6 a.m.
If you wanted a quiet retirement, Mr Bucket, you shouldn't have bought the Opera House. You should have done something peaceful, like alligator dentistry.
'Before you criticize someone, Gytha, walk a mile in their shoes,' said Granny, with a faint smile.
'In those shoes she was wearin', I'd twist my ankle,' said Nanny, gritting her teeth. `I'd need a ladder More...
If you wanted a quiet retirement, Mr Bucket, you shouldn't have bought the Opera House. You should have done something peaceful, like alligator dentistry.
'Before you criticize someone, Gytha, walk a mile in their shoes,' said Granny, with a faint smile.
'In those shoes she was wearin', I'd twist my ankle,' said Nanny, gritting her teeth. `I'd need a ladder More...
Jul 04, 2011
James
rated it:
One of my favourite of the Discworld series; I love following the slightly madcap world of Nanny Ogg and the all knowing Granny Weatherwax as they cause havoc. This works best when they're out of their own environment and causing chaos elsewhere in the Discworld. This is a really clever satire of Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux and of the world of musical theatre in general. It's very well crafted, excellently paced and even though I know the ending and who eventually turns out to be the b
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Mar 13, 2011
what a night at the opera!: This was the first Pratchett book I read, and I was blown away right from the outset. The characters are very well rounded and easy to identify with, meaning you can really get into the book and be interested in what happens to Granny Weatherwax, Gytha Ogg and Perditax. Pratchett has written a very skillful parody of the Phantom of the Opera, and it leaves you giggling the whole way through. The very final scene is both a fitting end and funny with it, something not m
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Aug 29, 2009
Susan
rated it:
It's hard to play favorites with Pratchett, but this is one of my favorite Discworld novels. Nanny Ogg thinks the Lancre witches should have a third witch, but the girl she picks, Agnes Nitt, has gone off to Ankh-Morpork, renamed herself Perdita, and gotten a job in the opera chorus. But strange things are happening, as the ghost of the opera has gone from a gentle encourager of the singers and musicians to a vicious killer. Nanny Ogg also has had a book of recipes and--um--anecdotes publis
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Jul 31, 2011
Granny only gets better with each book! She is a legend and quite well compares to Sam Vimes when it comes to being unbeatable (as Vimes eventually turns out to be) and still so lovable to the reader.
Great, witty entertainment right through to the last page. Nice to read a Wiches story that takes place in Ankh-Morpork and didn't have anything 'supernatural' in it to build the plot on. I'm not familiar with the Phantom of the Opera, might've gotten a few laughs more if I was?
Minus half a star for More...
Great, witty entertainment right through to the last page. Nice to read a Wiches story that takes place in Ankh-Morpork and didn't have anything 'supernatural' in it to build the plot on. I'm not familiar with the Phantom of the Opera, might've gotten a few laughs more if I was?
Minus half a star for More...
Jun 29, 2010
Cindy
rated it:
Themes: music, magic, opera!
Setting: Ankh-Morpork
*Cue the dramatic music*
Lots of singing. Some ballet.
Enter the guy in the mask.
And the witches. That would be Nanny Ogg and Esmerelda Weatherwax.
Yes, just in case you hadn't guessed, this is the inspired twist of Phantom of the Opera, or just about any other opera type thing, and Discworld, courtesy of Terry Pratchett. If you have tried his humor, I don't really have to tell you any More...
Setting: Ankh-Morpork
*Cue the dramatic music*
Lots of singing. Some ballet.
Enter the guy in the mask.
And the witches. That would be Nanny Ogg and Esmerelda Weatherwax.
Yes, just in case you hadn't guessed, this is the inspired twist of Phantom of the Opera, or just about any other opera type thing, and Discworld, courtesy of Terry Pratchett. If you have tried his humor, I don't really have to tell you any More...
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Aug 17, 2009
Martin
rated it: 
I've really been enjoying Discworld, and the witches are a lot of fun when they appear, but this particular book took forever and a day to wrap up. It dragged so badly I nearly couldn't finish the book, and this was after laughing out loud multiple times during the first 2/3rds.
I love Pratchett's humor and will happily start on another Discworld novel soon, but between this and Thief of Time (which I rate much higher than Maskerade) I'm not impressed with his ability to work his way More...
I love Pratchett's humor and will happily start on another Discworld novel soon, but between this and Thief of Time (which I rate much higher than Maskerade) I'm not impressed with his ability to work his way More...
Oct 14, 2009
Bea
rated it:
It's the very first Pratchett's novel which I read and it's especially dear to me. Everything seems to be made for me: it's a parody, and actually very well-thought, the sarcasm and humor in this book is wonderful, The Witches at their best and Pratchetts workshop good as always.
The life at the Opera is ever so lively and all characters which appear in second plan are vivid and interesting. Especially Salzella and his motives are intriguing. The end is rather unexpected and has everything More...
The life at the Opera is ever so lively and all characters which appear in second plan are vivid and interesting. Especially Salzella and his motives are intriguing. The end is rather unexpected and has everything More...
Jan 31, 2012
Suzanne
rated it:
Hehe.
I adore Greebo. He reminds me of several cats we’ve had over the years. Mostly one little ball of fluff affectionately named ‘Slash’. It’s the descriptions of him that I love the most. My favourite one so far: “Greebo could, in fact, commit sexual harassment simply by sitting very quietly in the next room.” Now that is animal magnetism to its fullest!
Of course, with Greebo comes Nanny and with Nanny comes Granny. This time, the pair are for Ankh-Morepork. Where there’s a Phantom – More...
I adore Greebo. He reminds me of several cats we’ve had over the years. Mostly one little ball of fluff affectionately named ‘Slash’. It’s the descriptions of him that I love the most. My favourite one so far: “Greebo could, in fact, commit sexual harassment simply by sitting very quietly in the next room.” Now that is animal magnetism to its fullest!
Of course, with Greebo comes Nanny and with Nanny comes Granny. This time, the pair are for Ankh-Morepork. Where there’s a Phantom – More...
Dec 04, 2011
Zorena
rated it:
Considering this has three of my favourite characters in it I'm surprised that I didn't like it more. I think I found the plot a little too convoluted for a DW novel as well as Granny and Nanny seemed sub par for most of it. I will say that Granny really shone towards the end but I'll leave it at that so as to not give any spoilers.
I think a lot of my problem is I just couldn't bring myself to care about Agnes. I know a lot of Pratchett's characters are parodies but he he gives them More...
I think a lot of my problem is I just couldn't bring myself to care about Agnes. I know a lot of Pratchett's characters are parodies but he he gives them More...
Dec 04, 2011
Melanie
rated it:
Maskerade opens with Agnes Nitt, a.k.a., Perdita X, auditioning at the Opera House. Blessed with a singularly magnificent voice, Agnes is unfortunately not blessed with an extraordinary body. Or rather, her body is extraordinary?extraordinarily large, that is. Still, there's no denying her talent and she's hired as a member of the opera company. Meanwhile, Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax, two-thirds of a witches coven, are looking for a replacement for Magrat, who had the nerve to go off and
More...
Oct 23, 2009
Cynthia
rated it:
I adore Granny Weatherwax so this is a favorite...and of course it helps that it is a take off on Phantom of the Opera! And of course it contains a character that I relate to in Agnes Nitt alias Perdita...I am still working to get my Perdita out! If you love musical theatre, you will really appreciate this Pratchett offering. I also found at least three references to MacBeth which always makes me happy.
Favorite quotes from this book:
"She stopped. At least, most of More...
Favorite quotes from this book:
"She stopped. At least, most of More...
Feb 11, 2010
Valora
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Nov 20, 2009
Cygny
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Apr 20, 2009
Nicolas
rated it:
Masquarade est le je-ne-sais-plus-combien-tième roman du Disque-Monde, et cette fois-ci, Terry Pratchett explore le monde de l’Opera. Et cette exploration, sans atteindre le niveau olympien des Accros du rock n’en reste pas moins jouissive par la facilité avec laquelle, tout en méprisant comme de coutume sa trame narrative(1), il explore les différentes facettes du monde de l’Opera.
Des oeuvres évoquées (j’ai au moins reconnu "Le fantôme de l’Opéra", sans doute une partie du ring More...
Des oeuvres évoquées (j’ai au moins reconnu "Le fantôme de l’Opéra", sans doute une partie du ring More...
