Small Gods

By Terry Pratchett,

Book cover of Small Gods

Book description

Fans of Sir Terry Pratchett will love this stunning graphic novel adaptation of his bestselling standalone Discworld novel Small Gods. Beautifully brought to life by illustrator Ray Friesen, it takes a close look at religion's institutions, its people, its practices and its role in politics in Pratchett's unique way...

'An…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

6 authors picked Small Gods as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I laughed out loud and had moments of deep philosophical reflection, normally at the same time, with this book. I loved the clever and deep meanings and parodies of faith and the divine. I think that this book taught me to always take things with a pinch of salt, and I started thinking critically because of it.

I could not stop reading it and devoured the other books in the series and I think this is one of my favourite authors. I am inspired to emulate some aspects of the author’s thinking and this book is why. 

From Andrew's list on spiritual allegory.

I’ve read this book dozens of times. It is completely insanely impossible, yet while I am reading it, it’s as real as the world I live in. It shouldn’t surprise me since it mirrors ours.

Now I understand what cults are all about, where gods come from, how philosophers can be useful, and how weird democracy is.

Most all of Terry Pratchett’s books do an excellent job of turning absurdity into humor while remaining thought provoking, and this one is probably my favorite.

In terms of style and humor, I really found myself thinking of Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams while reading this, which is obviously good company to be in. Essentially, the book deals with the question: “What happens to religion when no one believes in its God?”  

If you love Small Gods...

Ad

Book cover of The Constant Tower

The Constant Tower By Carole McDonnell,

This is a multicultural epic fantasy with a diverse cast of characters. Sickly fifteen-year-old Prince Psal, the son of warrior-king Nahas, should have been named Crown Prince of all Wheel Clan lands. But his clan disdains the disabled.

When the mysterious self-moving towers that keep humans safe from the Creator's…

Do worshipers need their gods? Or is it the other way around?

The mighty god Om finds himself in reduced circumstances due to a lack of true believers, and he latches onto Brutha, one of the few true believers left, as his salvation. 

Terry wrote this book when his skill as a writer of satirical fantasy was finding its groove. His earlier work was entertaining, but here is where he really starts asking important questions, all while telling a cracking good story.

The book explores the nature of faith, compassion, and belief, and gently turns your mind inside out.

From Steven's list on bending your mind.

Terry Pratchett was an author fueled by worldly rage, and he turned that anger into deeply philosophical books cleverly disguised as fantasy satire. I first read Small Gods as a teenager and it forever shaped my view of narrative and belief. This theme creeps up repeatedly in my writing and it unashamedly started here.

Small Gods illustrates the power of myth over culture and religion, and what happens when myth stagnates. It has been written down and crystalized. Traditions and laws form around it. The myth can therefore no longer evolve with the culture it shaped. As with anything that…

From Ashland's list on capturing the power of myth.

This is a book that I can reread again and again. It’s easy to read but it explores a deep topic in a fun, satirical way with diverse characters who keep a reader engaged. It definitely doesn’t have the typical fantasy hero protagonist, which makes for new ways of approaching problems. The characters clash with each other and grow in an unexpected but hilarious ways.

From D.'s list on new fantasy worlds.

If you love Small Gods...

Ad

Book cover of The Constant Tower

The Constant Tower By Carole McDonnell,

This is a multicultural epic fantasy with a diverse cast of characters. Sickly fifteen-year-old Prince Psal, the son of warrior-king Nahas, should have been named Crown Prince of all Wheel Clan lands. But his clan disdains the disabled.

When the mysterious self-moving towers that keep humans safe from the Creator's…

Want books like Small Gods?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Small Gods.

Browse books like Small Gods

Book cover of Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Book cover of The Alchemist
Book cover of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,593

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Small Gods, you might also like...

Book cover of Vivian Amberville - The Weaver of Odds

Vivian Amberville - The Weaver of Odds By Louise Blackwick,

Vivian Amberville® is a popular dark fantasy book series about a girl whose thoughts can reshape reality.

First in the series, The Weaver of Odds introduces 13-year-old Vivian to her power to alter luck, odds, and circumstances. She is a traveler between realities, whose imagination can twist reality into impossible…

Book cover of The Flight to Brassbright

The Flight to Brassbright By Lori Alden Holuta,

Constance is a wild, stubborn young girl growing up poor in a small industrial town in the late 1800's. Beneath her thread-worn exterior beats the heart of a dreamer and a wordsmith. But at age twelve, she’s orphaned. Running away to join the circus—like kids do in adventure books—seems like…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Discworld, satire, and allegory?

Discworld 14 books
Satire 169 books
Allegory 41 books