The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett (2000, Paperback, Reprint)

If you liked the first book in the series, "The Colour of Magic," you'll love this second installment in the Wizard Storyline in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series (see my guide to Terry Pratchett's Discworld for more details about the various storylines).

Rincewind and Two Flower are back, this time enlisting the help of the greatest hero of all time, Cohen the Barbarian (despite his advanced age, bad back, and lack of teeth), to save Discworld from the greatest horror of all - the turtle who carries the world on his shell has decided to head straight for a giant red star, which threatens to incinerate the entire planet.

Rincewind, a wizard armed with a single spell that has managed to chase all other magic out of his head, Two Flower, and the sapient pearwood luggage have to navigate friendly trees, unfriendly trolls, computer-savvy druids, armageddon cultists, and spunky virgins disappointed in being saved from sacrifice, as well as the head of the school of magic, in order to complete their quest. As usual, Rincewind is the unwilling protagonist at the story's heart, but this time he is determined to get that dratted spell out of his head once and for all.

In a climax of absurd proportions something happens (no spoilers!) that will change the future of discworld and the universe at large. For the better, maybe. For the funnier, of course!

Pratchett's characteristic creative wordplay, and his ability to balance humor, pace, and action, are what keeps people coming back for more Discworld madness. This is one book you will not want to put down!