Reviews

Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

dermonik's review against another edition

adventurous funny reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I never really know what to say about Terry's work because, in all due fairness, there's never anything to pick at. Of course, it isn't my favourite of his works, but everything that makes him a fantastic author shines in this one: witty, wise-cracking writing; intrinsically fascinating characters; all wrapped up in a dense time travel plot that I was thankful for it not going for the old tropes. It was interesting seeing the old characters in a new light!

Additional bonus for the main antagonist — Carcer is the only one in the whole series that I hated so thoroughly. Only complaint is that the ending wrapped up quickly. Didn't give the conclusion enough to breathe, personally.

devlavaca's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted

5.0

ymberlenis's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

samueldhall's review against another edition

5.0

5 stars. This is absolutely my favourite discworld novel so far.

nathaliehoffmannn's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

murderandsunshine's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jenuinepanic's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

tvduine's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mimbla's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

timinbc's review against another edition

5.0

Just re-read this. 5-star rating stands.

Do not read this as your first Pratchett, or even your first Night Watch/Guards novel. Do the others first, then come back and savour this. For the same reason that if you had five really good beers, you wouldn't serve the best one first.

This is a book for grown-ups, and in in-yer-face for those who dismiss Pratchett as a scribbler of silly fantasies. The wisecracks are still there, but the book's about responsibility and duty and trying to figure out what's right. And most of all, it's about Sam Vimes, the best cop there will ever be in fiction.

There's some social comment too, particularly about how society honours those killed in war or riot.
It's quite moving in places.

And ... Mustrum Ridcully riding a broom!