Mort

by Terry Pratchett
Mort cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99 Hardback • £14.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4150
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780552152617
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

In Terry Pratchett's Mort, the story follows Mort, a young man who finds himself apprenticed to Death himself. The job comes with some unusual perks, including bed and board and the free use of the company horse. This quirky and imaginative tale is set in the Discworld, a realm filled with magic, humor, and eccentric characters. /n/n Mort's journey as Death's apprentice is not only about learning the ropes of his new job but also about understanding the true meaning of life and death. With Pratchett's signature wit and creativity, Mort explores themes of mortality, responsibility, and the absurdities of existence in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Reviews
Blue Jacket Student News · 2023-05-30
hilarious 4.50

The book is praised for its detailed world-building, humor, and great pacing. It's a short book that remains engaging and hilarious even on rereads.

This reviewer highlights the detailed world-building in Mort, which is seamlessly integrated into the story without feeling out of place. The humor is a standout feature, making the book enjoyable and hilarious even on subsequent reads. The pacing is also commended, as the short book manages to keep the reader engaged throughout. The reviewer appreciates the balance of humor and substance, making it a great read for both new and returning fans of Terry Pratchett's work.

Quick quotes

    The world is explained in detail without feeling out of place or too much.

    It's hilarious, even on rereads.

    It's a short book with great pacing.

Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2021-01-01
thoughtful 4.00

The book explores themes of death and life with a gentle, melancholic, and intelligent tone. It's a thoughtful and engaging read that balances humor and profundity.

This review highlights how Mort delves into the nature of life and death, using a blend of humor and melancholy. The reviewer appreciates the book's intelligent and gentle approach to these heavy themes, making it a standout read. They also note that the book's exploration of these topics is both thoughtful and engaging, offering a unique perspective on the transient nature of existence. The balance between humor and profundity is particularly praised, making the book a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    It's a book that's about, well, death, which means it's also about life and the transitory nature of it.

    Pratchett does gentle, melancholic and intelligent ...

    It's a book that makes you think and laugh at the same time.

Patrick Treardon · Patrick Treardon · 2018-02-05
entertaining 3.75

The book is entertaining and fun, but there is an awkward disconnect toward the end. It's a great introduction to the Discworld series.

Patrick Treardon finds Mort to be a very entertaining and fun read, making it a great starting point for those looking to get into the Discworld series. However, he notes an awkward disconnect toward the end of the book, which slightly detracts from the overall experience. Despite this, the book's humor and engaging characters make it a worthwhile read. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance humor and adventure, making it a memorable addition to the series.

Quick quotes

    There is an awkward disconnect toward the end of Mort, Terry Pratchett's 1987 Discworld novel, the fourth of 41 in the series.

    Mort is a great book. Very entertaining and fun.

    I'd recommend it and it'd be a great place to start if you're looking to get into the Discworld Death books.

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