Yes, I finally read the first novel of DiscWorld, after I read the Moist Von Lipwig trilogy. People were right to recommend not to start with this one, since there is barely any Ankh-Morporc in it and the action spreads around the whole Disc all the way to the Rim. This book is not a good introduction to Ankh-Morporc, but it is definitely a good introduction to Rincewind, the coward wizard who only knows one spell and even that one comes out only when he is in the most dire straits.
Twoflower is also one of the best characters ever created, like the typical Japanese tourist, happily taking a snapshot of a volcano erupting, oblivious to the danger, and tipping the locals in the equivalent of annual salary. The Luggage is also an amazing creation, a box with teeth, tongue and many legs, which is virtually indestructible (made of "sapient pearwood" the rarest material on DiscWorld) and fiercely loyal to its owner which it protects with all possible means.
The other characters are also pretty interesting, like Thetis the Sea Troll, made completely of water, or Hrun the Barbarian, which is the funniest version of Conan, that is, until you read about Cohen. The Patrician of Ankh-Morporc is mentioned only in a couple of paragraphs, which is a pity, since I became fond of him in the Moist Von Lipwig trilogy.
Anyway, although I am still peeved by the constant Britishisms and Archaisms that Pratchett employs (why can't he write in plain, simple American language?), I will definitely read the next book in the series, direct sequel to Color of Magic - The Light Fantastic.
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