Soul Music - Discworld Book 16

Synopsis

Death disappears again, and his granddaughter Susan Sto Helit reluctantly takes his place. Meanwhile, Discworld discovers the addictive power of "Music with Rocks In," a magical form of rock 'n' roll.

Book Overview

In Soul Music, Death again faces an existential crisis, leading to his mysterious disappearance from duty. His granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, a rational, pragmatic young woman raised largely unaware of her unique lineage, reluctantly assumes responsibility for guiding souls to the afterlife. At the same time, Discworld experiences the emergence of "Music with Rocks In," an enchanting, magical form of rock 'n' roll music that swiftly captivates audiences, creating fanaticism and chaos wherever it’s played.

The story follows the unlikely rise of Imp y Celyn (Buddy Holly’s Discworld counterpart) and his bandmates, who inadvertently channel this powerful musical force. As the band achieves rapid fame, Susan struggles to understand the impact of such intense passion, creativity, and chaos. Meanwhile, Death explores his own identity and purpose, seeking answers to questions he never realized he had.

Pratchett uses this narrative to satirize fame, celebrity culture, and the seductive yet destructive power of unchecked creative passion. He humorously but thoughtfully critiques the phenomenon of popular culture, highlighting its transient, addictive nature and the ways in which it shapes identity, community, and individual lives. The story poignantly explores themes of identity, family legacy, and the profound relationship humans have with music and art as a source of meaning.

As part of the "Death" sub-series, Soul Music further develops Death’s character and introduces Susan Sto Helit as a crucial new figure, whose rational approach contrasts sharply with her grandfather’s more philosophical introspection. Susan’s presence sets the stage for later explorations of humanity’s relationship with belief, reality, and mortality, notably in Hogfather and Thief of Time, making this novel a key entry in Pratchett’s ongoing examination of existential and cultural themes.

Principal Characters

Susan Sto Helit
Death's granddaughter who inherited some of his abilities, such as walking through walls and stopping time. Practical, logical, and no-nonsense, she reluctantly steps in when supernatural duties call, despite preferring a normal life as a governess or teacher.
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Death
The anthropomorphic personification of death on Discworld, who speaks in ALL CAPITALS and has a fondness for cats, curry, and humanity. Despite his intimidating appearance as a skeleton in a black robe, he's generally fair, philosophical, and tries to understand humans.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Imp Y Celyn
Imp Y Celyn, also known as "Buddy," is a young bard from Llamedos who becomes the central figure in the novel "Soul Music." His character is a parody of rock and roll legends, embodying the spirit of rebellion and the transformative power of music. Imp's journey from a traditional musician to a rock star with the help of a magical guitar highlights the theme of music's ability to transcend and transform, making him a pivotal character in exploring the cultural impact of music in the Discworld universe.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Glod Glodsson
Glod Glodsson is a dwarf musician with a passion for rock music, playing a pivotal role in the band "The Band with Rocks In" in the novel 'Soul Music.' Known for his pragmatic and business-minded approach, Glod balances the chaotic creativity of his bandmates with his own grounded sensibility, making him an essential part of the group's dynamic. His significance lies in his ability to bridge the gap between traditional dwarf values and the revolutionary spirit of music, embodying the cultural shifts within the Discworld.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Cliff
Cliff is a troll and a member of the Band with Rocks In, a group that plays Music with Rocks In, a magical and transformative form of music in the Discworld universe. Known for his laid-back demeanor and love for music, Cliff plays the drums with a natural rhythm that belies his rocky exterior. His role in the band highlights the cultural diversity and unexpected talents found within the Discworld's varied inhabitants.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
The Band With Rocks In
The Band With Rocks In is a magical rock band that becomes an overnight sensation in Ankh-Morpork, embodying the spirit of rebellion and the transformative power of music. Comprised of unlikely members, including a troll, a dwarf, and a human, the band challenges societal norms and brings the raw energy of 'Music With Rocks In' to the Discworld. Their rise to fame highlights the chaotic and unpredictable nature of magic, as well as the cultural shifts within the city.
Appears in 1 bookView Details

Auxiliary Characters

Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully
The long-serving head of Unseen University, a boisterous, outdoorsy wizard who's the complete opposite of the stereotypical academic. His robustness and refusal to listen have made him unusually long-lived in a position traditionally subject to deadly politics.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
CMOT Dibbler
An enterprising but perpetually unsuccessful street vendor in Ankh-Morpork, famous for selling questionable sausages "inna bun." A shameless opportunist who constantly seeks get-rich-quick schemes, he embodies the entrepreneurial spirit at its most desperate.
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Nobby Nobbs
A member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch so unidentifiably human he carries a certificate to prove his species. A petty thief and coward with questionable hygiene, he nonetheless shows occasional moments of surprising insight and loyalty to his fellow watchmen.
Appears in 8 booksView Details
Fred Colon
A long-serving, overweight sergeant in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Conservative, not particularly bright, but well-meaning, he forms a comedic duo with Nobby Nobbs and is fiercely loyal to Commander Vimes despite his tendency to avoid actual policing whenever possible.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
The Librarian
A wizard transformed into an orangutan who decided he preferred his new form. He serves as the librarian of Unseen University's magical library and communicates almost exclusively through the word "Ook." Despite this limitation, he's highly intelligent and fiercely protective of books.
Appears in 5 booksView Details