E21 - The Last Continent

Discworld fan and budding author PD Doling joins Mark to discuss the 22nd Discworld novel, The Last Continent.The discussion delves into the evolution and limitations of Rincewind novels, the joys of the Faculty, the lack of an antagonist, Pratchett's evolution as an author, Australia references & Damien Hirst. PD Doling:pddoling.com Closure May Never Come (Amazon.co.uk) - https://bit.ly/4aHVwJ3 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pd.in.lspace?igsh=NGtucnp2bWkyZGR6Discworld Order: twitter.com/discworldorder @discworldorder.bsky.social

Cam Pollard returns, joining Mark to discuss the 21st Discworld novel, Jingo.They discuss historical references, the underuse of Sybil Vimes, Vetinari's most hands on role, Pratchett's greatest idiot, balancing the cast of the Watch novels, differing levels of reading comprehension and Pratchett taking aim at the nobility. Please note that there is some fairly spoiler free discussion of future Watch novels.For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Dr Jane Carroll, the Ussher Associate Professor in Children's Literature at Trinity College Dublin, joins Mark to discuss the20th Discworld novel, Hogfather.They discuss covering favourite books in your professional career, children's literature, Dickens, Pratchett making latin jokes, Pratchett referencing other author's making latin jokes, creating memorable characters, "everyone knows Charlie", and the even Star Trek Movie theory.

Multi award winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky (Children of Time, Dogs of War, The Tyrant Philosophers Series) joins Mark to discuss the 19th Discworld novel, Feet of Clay.They discuss Golems, influences, world building, why Pratchett's visual tricks are harder than you think, class, the Vetinari-Vimes dynamic, Pratchett puppeteering the reader, and Robocop references.For more about Adrian Tchaikovsky: - adriantchaikovsky.com- aptshadow.bsky.social (Bluesky)

Jen Sugden, co-writer of the podcast Victoriocity and Wodehouse award nominated novel High Vaultage, joins us to discuss the 18th Discworld novel, Maskerade.We talk about adapting from scripted comedy to novels, crafting jokes, Cultural Osmosis, exclamation marks, bathos, Pratchett's publishing potshots, the challenges of fan favourites, funny villains and the complicated depiction of Agnes Nitt.Jen's work:Victoriocity (Spotify): https://bit.ly/3Lge2xQVictoriocity (Amazon): https://bit.ly/3LByFEGHigh Vaultage (Amazon.co.uk): https://bit.ly/4oM3t44Social media links: Jen - @JenSugden (Twitter), @jensugden.bsky.social (Bluesky)Victoriocity - @victoriocity (Twitter)DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Stuart Iversen returns as we discuss the 17th Discworld novel, Interesting Times.We talk about updating the Rincewind formula, the flexability of Mustrum Ridcully, Terry Pratchett's middle class revolutionaries, comparing Interesting Times to One Piece, comparing Cohen the Barbarian to a Scottish footballer, how humour ages and the elephant in the room.Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for The Last Continent . For social media, you can find us at: Stuart - @Iversen83 (Twitter), Ramblingsaboutwrestling.comDWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

The bluegrass playing, guitar making, amateur cello repairman Dermot Byrne returns to discuss the 16th Discworld novel, Soul Music. We attempt to take Pratchett's vision apart with inexpert tools, discussing Pratchett's views on education, the music industry, groanworthy puns, dated references and Mustrum Ridcully's caring side.Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for future Death books and Feet of Clay. For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Luke Jansen returns to join Mark in order to discuss the 15th Discworld novel, Men at Arms; a book that's not afraid to themes like prejudice, the corruptive influence of power, and retrophrenology.We also discuss the largest cast for a Discworld novel to date, the depths and contrasts of Corporal Carrot, innumerate polymaths, the power of jollying people along and vicious little poodles.Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for future Discworld city watch novels For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Dermot Byrne joins Mark to discuss the 14th Discworld novel, Lords and Ladies.We talk about Granny Weatherwax's trust, Magrat's story arc, Nanny Ogg maximising her minutes, parallels (lots and lots of parallels), Pratchetts love of blacksmiths, the ridiculously deep supporting cast, deep call backs, Pratchetts take on elves and which character gets Pratchett's best fight scenes so far.Please note that there may be some spoilers for future Discworld novels (mostly Maskerade & Carpe Jugulum) AND Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time.For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Cam Pollard joins Mark to discuss the 13th Discworld novel, Small Gods. We discuss Pratchett's stylistic choices, his bravery, the multitude of historical references, God vs religion, open mindedness vs closed mindedness, Small Gods as a lesson about the dangers of echo chambers, and Emperor Hadrian's boyfriend.Please note that there may be some spoilers for future Discworld novels (mostly the Thief of Time). DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)