Reviews

Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett

jorien_hattink's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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? No

4.5

aruarian_melody's review against another edition

Didn't keep me engaged. The concept is great but for once I felt like Pratchett's tone didn't work with the serious theme presented. 

leonidskies's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny medium-paced

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

4.0

This is the first book written solely by Pratchett that I've read, and I enjoyed it quite a lot! It was a really solid read that split itself between silliness and cutting social commentary, with a dash of things that felt pretty obvious to me but maybe weren't when the book was written.

The concept was charming and the execution was better in parts (took itself more seriously than I expected), but occasionally dragged itself down (for me) by returning to the refrain of the joke it's based upon with mixed success.

I did REALLY enjoy it though, and I'm definitely inclined to pick up some of the political-leaning Discworld works if there are any that strike my fancy. 

shantyangua's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

nickdablin's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-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? No

5.0

Of the later Discworld books, this one ranks among my favourites. Some of the later installments in the stories of well-established characters end up feeling a bit by-the-numbers, but here Pratchett is spinning a tale with a new cast in a newly invented country, and so it feels fresh and inventive. The largest connection to the rest of the series is the character of Vimes, and even he is made more interesting by being viewed from a different perspective for once. The tale itself is a fun version of the old trope of a woman pretending to be a man in order to join the army, with the sort of well-paced, farcical yet heartfelt escalation one would expect from Pratchett. The protagonist, Polly, is likeable if nondescript, but the supporting cast shines, particularly the boisterous Sergeant Jackrum. It's maybe not as laugh out loud funny as some earlier installments, although there are some stunning puns and the dialogue is as sparkling as ever, but the themes and heart of the tale make it an extremely enjoyable read.

caitlincook918's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

dignorant's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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? No

4.5

aetherkids's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted tense fast-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? Yes

4.25

sams84's review against another edition

5.0

This is a superb part of the Discworld dynasty and follows a newly created regiment within the oh so manly army that turns out to be immensely ill equipped and untrained and yet pulls of some epic missions and successes, much to the surprise of their commanding officer. But of course this is not the only thing that he finds surprising as his new recruits are not all they seem and by making excellent use of socks and the general assumption that certain humans can't fight, the recruits bend (and break) more than just the rules. Packed full of Pratchett's usual dry wit and satirical ribbing of the modern world, this has an extra edge as it takes on the most macho and destructive of things, war.

tessaf's review

challenging emotional

5.0