Author Description
“An astonishing novel. Were Terry Pratchett not demonstratively a master craftsman already, The Amazing Maurice might be considered his masterpiece.” —Neil GaimanThe Amazing Maurice runs the perfect Pied Piper scam. This streetwise alley cat knows the value of cold, hard cash and can talk his way into and out of anything. But when Maurice and his cohorts decide to con the town of Bad Blinitz, it will take more than fast talking to survive the danger that awaits.For this is a town where food is scarce and rats are hated, where cellars are lined with deadly traps, and where a terrifying evil lurks beneath the hunger-stricken streets....Set in bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett's beloved Discworld, this masterfully crafted, gripping read is both compelling and funny. When one of the world's most acclaimed fantasy writers turns a classic fairy tale on its head, no one will ever look at the Pied Piper—or rats—the same way again!This book’s feline hero was first mentioned in the Discworld novel Reaper Man and stars in the movie version of his adventure, The Amazing Maurice, featuring David Tenant, Emma Clarke, Hamish Patel, and Hugh Laurie. Fans of Maurice will relish the adventures of Tiffany Aching, starting with The Wee Free Men and A Hat Full of Sky!Carnegie Medal Winner * ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults * New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age * VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror * Book Sense Pick
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
Maurice, a streetwise alley cat, orchestrates a sophisticated Pied Piper scam that encounters unexpected resistance when his group arrives in the town of Bad Blinitz. Maurice leads a band of sentient, educated rats and a human boy to extract money from unsuspecting townsfolk through staged infestations. However, the group discovers that Bad Blinitz hides a malevolent force beneath its streets, forcing the cat and his cohorts to confront a threat far more dangerous than simple traps. The narrative employs a third-person perspective to explore the intersection of folklore, animal intelligence, and human greed within the Discworld setting.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Satirical subversion of the Pied Piper fairy tale
- Exploration of animal consciousness and sentience
- Integration into the broader Discworld universe
- Focus on themes of deception and morality
- Ensemble cast featuring a cat, rats, and a human boy
- Pacing that balances comedic dialogue with suspenseful sequences
- World-building centered on the mechanics of urban survival
- Meta-fictional commentary on traditional storytelling
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight the clever subversion of classic fairy tale tropes as a hallmark of this work. Discussion often centers on the balance between the humorous, witty dialogue and the darker, more sinister undertones present in the plot. Many fans appreciate the depth of character development given to the rats, which elevates them beyond standard animal archetypes. The narrative is often cited for its ability to maintain a lighthearted tone while addressing complex themes of survival and ethics. Readers consistently note that the book serves as an accessible entry point into the Discworld series while remaining distinct in its focus.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
2001-11-06
Publisher:
Clarion Books
ISBN-10:
0060012331
ISBN-13:
9780060012335
Adventure
Humor
Fantasy
Discworld
Musicians
Humorous stories
Fairy Tale
Cats
Human Relationships
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