Author:Terry Pratchett
This is the first book in the Johnny Maxwell trilogy.
Johnny Maxwell is just an ordinary boy – not smart, popular or rich.
But he does love video games.
And as his parents argue themselves out of a marriage, Johnny plays at becoming humanity’s last hope, shooting invading aliens out of a pixelated sky.
Then comes a message from the last remaining alien spaceship: We Wish to Talk.
And suddenly Johnny is thrust into the very real world of the video game, and comes face to face with an alien race that needs his help.
Only Johnny can save them. And this isn't a game anymore . . .
An impressively original book with its thrills and spills, its inventiveness, its wit and continuous readability
—— Daily TelegraphA wonderful new Pratchett-style fantasy: funny and thrilling enough for anyone who can read fluently
—— Daily MailFunny and exciting
—— SpectatorTerry Pratchett's funny, fast-moving story makes provocative reading for all computer game players . . . Makes a serious point out of a ridiculously comic example
—— Children's Books of the YearEveryone should read Terry Pratchett. Maybe it should be part of the National Curriculum?
—— FamiliesLively wit, sly wisdom and compelling narratives
—— Leicester MercuryPratchett's usual mix of uproarious comedy and deceptively serious thought
—— Southern Daily EchoHe's probably the funniest writer in English today . . . great themes with huge doses of comedy
—— South Wales Evening PostFunny and winning as ever
—— Nottingham Evening PostCrackles with energy and humour
—— Leicester MercuryFrom the shadow of dementia, a brilliant novel shines: Terry Pratchett's last book is a funny, fearless farewell . . . This is a book worth reading twice in quick succession.
—— Christopher Stevens , Daily MailA joyful sign-off from a master of fantasy fiction . . . High-octane literary enjoyment.
—— Nicholas Tucker , IndependentTerry Pratchett was never so witty, direct and generous as in this, his final Discworld novel.
—— Amanda Craig , GuardianThe Shepherd’s Crown is a sometimes sad, often funny and eminently suitable testament to the life and career of Terry Pratchett.
—— David Barnett , IndependentA crowning achievement for Terry Pratchett and his Discworld . . . This is a book for all ages, the tour de force of one of the English language’s greatest authors, who, in the midst of encroaching darkness and facing so many terrors of his own, has contrived to astound us one last time with his craft.
—— The ConversationPratchett's final work is a tour de force of compassion, great wit, and gleeful storytelling.
—— Publishers Weekly (starred review)A worthy crown to Terry Pratchett’s phenomenal artistic achievement.
—— Michael Dirda , Washington PostThe last Discworld offering is a poignant farewell, both to Pratchett's readership and to his extraordinary world.
—— Imogen Russell Williams , MetroAs ever in Pratchett's work, empathy and compassion are foregrounded. With its humour and humaneness, it reminds us, too, that its author, as Tiffany says of her deceased friend, 'is . . . was . . . unfollowable.'
—— James Lovegrove , Financial TimesSomething to treasure
—— Kirkus ReviewsFunny, sad and extremely moving . . . most will likely consider it one of the strongest, and certainly one of the most – possibly the most – moving [of the Discworld novels].
—— Juliette Harrisson , Den of Geek