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lizzyfields's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lindzlovesreading's review
3.0
This Discworld novel started off a little slow, Vimes wondering around in the country out of his depth was a little aimless. But what does a lost copper need? A case with a chase, it is was Commander Sam Vimes, Black Board Monitor Vimes does best.
There were some spectacular Vimes moments, flashes of Pratchett's brilliance. A brilliant fisticuff's scene, a run away boat chase, and the usual brilliant Vimes and Vetinari conversations. Vimes is very much a Sherlock character, always a head of the game, some times he is not aware of it.
I love the notion of if you have the ability and have to beg for your life, it is murder. And how the law just follows Vimes around, no matter where he goes, it is an independent substance, he can fit in his pocket.
The Discworld novels are quant, cute, brilliant, funny, smirkingley good, and oh did I say brilliant.
There were some spectacular Vimes moments, flashes of Pratchett's brilliance. A brilliant fisticuff's scene, a run away boat chase, and the usual brilliant Vimes and Vetinari conversations. Vimes is very much a Sherlock character, always a head of the game, some times he is not aware of it.
I love the notion of if you have the ability and have to beg for your life, it is murder. And how the law just follows Vimes around, no matter where he goes, it is an independent substance, he can fit in his pocket.
The Discworld novels are quant, cute, brilliant, funny, smirkingley good, and oh did I say brilliant.
lesserjoke's review
3.0
Another fine comic adventure, but not quite up to author Terry Pratchett's best work, which makes it all the more regrettable that this is where we leave the stalwart Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. The writer finished just one or two further Discworld novels before his death, and based on this title (the latest I've read), it does not appear that he was actively planning to conclude the series or resolve any of its loose story and character arcs.
The main problem with this volume is that its conceit of Vimes on holiday is rather aimless. Of course there ends up being some nearby criminal activity that the watchman senses and feels drawn to investigate, but for a good portion of the text, the only real concern is how his urban-honed instincts rub up against the countryside way of life. Both a light Jane Austen homage and the eventual check-in with the protagonist's subordinates back home seem somewhat perfunctory, not to mention largely disconnected from what becomes his new case.
It's still a drolly amusing tale for the most part -- especially if you like jokes about small children and their interest in feces -- and one that manages to treat its heavier topics like discrimination and slavery with the care they deserve. But it lacks the heart and clever plotting that the setting has achieved elsewhere, and is overall a poorer note for the Watch to go out on.
[Content warning for reference to statutory rape.]
Find me on Patreon | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter
The main problem with this volume is that its conceit of Vimes on holiday is rather aimless. Of course there ends up being some nearby criminal activity that the watchman senses and feels drawn to investigate, but for a good portion of the text, the only real concern is how his urban-honed instincts rub up against the countryside way of life. Both a light Jane Austen homage and the eventual check-in with the protagonist's subordinates back home seem somewhat perfunctory, not to mention largely disconnected from what becomes his new case.
It's still a drolly amusing tale for the most part -- especially if you like jokes about small children and their interest in feces -- and one that manages to treat its heavier topics like discrimination and slavery with the care they deserve. But it lacks the heart and clever plotting that the setting has achieved elsewhere, and is overall a poorer note for the Watch to go out on.
[Content warning for reference to statutory rape.]
Find me on Patreon | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter
samphope's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
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? Yes
3.0
guillaume_rho's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Not the best or most memorable Discworld book, but even that is above the average of the general fantasy landscape.
It was funny to see Vimes out of his depths in the country, being annoyed by the silence and unable to sleep without the sounds of people screaming in the streets. The relationship between him and his wife and son developed in beautiful ways.
Again, the theme of racism is strongly anchored in this story, but this time it’s towards goblins. That part of the story was very touching! Love Tears of the Mushroom!
rhubarb_'s review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
otis_punkmeyer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.75
smorkin's review
2.0
I normally like Pratchett but this is quite bad. The story has no sense of direction, and the dirty jokes are way too common (and not even funny). So similar to Unseen Academicals. I'm afraid Pratchett is no longer able to put together a good read :-(