“A magnificent sign-off.” This will be music to the ears of grieving Pratchett fans who will be eager to bid one final farewell to the beloved author and the universe he so carefully created.

Pratchett died in March aged 66 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and his Discworld novels are some of the best-selling works in English fiction around the world. The Shepherd’s Crown is his last, written throughout his worsening struggle with Alzheimer’s.

The Shepherd’s Crown is the 41st novel in his Discworld series, which started as an affectionate parody of fantasy novels and became a satire on modern life.

Critics, too, have lavished praise on his last novel, and spoken of their regret over the author’s early death.

Waterstones, in Piccadilly, London, created a Discworld inside its store and greeted fans in fancy dress, including as the wizard Rincewind, while others queued at the chain’s Newcastle store dressed as witches, wizards and even Death, a regular character in Sir Terry’s hit series.

“With his final Discworld tale, the late author continues his move away from pure fantasy and into moral and social exploration”, wrote Guardian reviewer A.S. Byatt.

“Nothing in Pratchett stays still and his inventive energy, book after book after book, is astounding”.

His daughter Rhianna Pratchett has said that she will not be continuing any of the unfinished stories.