Scan barcode
A review by crufts
Night Watch by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.75
Man. How did Terry Pratchett do it? In short, another fantastic Discworld novel, this one continuing the Guards arc that started in Guards! Guards! (see my review of that here).
Although Night Watch is Book 29 of the Discworld series, you only need to have read Guards! Guards! (Book 8) to understand what's going on. Actually, you could probably even read Night Watch as a standalone.
Captain Samuel Vimes has long led the Night Watch of the city of Ankh-Morpork. He's seen a lot in his 48 or so years, including the day thirty years ago when a violent revolution ended in the removal of the city's ruler - and the deaths of many of young Sam's colleagues in the Watch. It was an experience that could have turned a good man bad. But fortunately, young Sam and the other watchmen had the guidance of the honest and incorruptible Sergeant John Keel, and so Sam Vimes grew up to be an honest policeman himself.
Thirty years later, the grown Captain Vimes is chasing down the unrepentant murderer Carcer when they're both thrown back in time by a magical anomaly. Carcer immediately murders the past version of Sergeant Keel, and plans to do the same to young Sam Vimes. The older Vimes realizes he only has one chance to save history: he must step into Keel's shoes and lead the Night Watch through the chaotic revolution that is inexorably bearing down on the city.
Since the story steps away from the present day so quickly, I thought I'd miss beloved characters from Guards! Guards! such as Lady Sybil Ramkin, or even the watchmen like Corporal Carrot or Sergeant Colon. What we actually get is a concentrated dose of Sam Vimes by himself, and that was so interesting to read that I'd soon completely forgotten about these other characters. We even get sneak peeks at younger versions of some of the present-day characters such asCorporal Nobbs, Lord Vetinari, Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler, and even (briefly) Lady Ramkin .
In contrast to previous Discworld books which are basically a barrel of laughs tied up with clever wordplay, Night Watch got shockingly dark and emotional at times, and I mean that as a huge compliment. I'm very glad Terry Pratchett dipped into a darker tone for this novel because it made for a terrific ending.
Excellent novel, would totally recommend if you're reading through the Guards arc of Discworld. You might also like the sequel, Feet of Clay.
Although Night Watch is Book 29 of the Discworld series, you only need to have read Guards! Guards! (Book 8) to understand what's going on. Actually, you could probably even read Night Watch as a standalone.
Captain Samuel Vimes has long led the Night Watch of the city of Ankh-Morpork. He's seen a lot in his 48 or so years, including the day thirty years ago when a violent revolution ended in the removal of the city's ruler - and the deaths of many of young Sam's colleagues in the Watch. It was an experience that could have turned a good man bad. But fortunately, young Sam and the other watchmen had the guidance of the honest and incorruptible Sergeant John Keel, and so Sam Vimes grew up to be an honest policeman himself.
Thirty years later, the grown Captain Vimes is chasing down the unrepentant murderer Carcer when they're both thrown back in time by a magical anomaly. Carcer immediately murders the past version of Sergeant Keel, and plans to do the same to young Sam Vimes. The older Vimes realizes he only has one chance to save history: he must step into Keel's shoes and lead the Night Watch through the chaotic revolution that is inexorably bearing down on the city.
Since the story steps away from the present day so quickly, I thought I'd miss beloved characters from Guards! Guards! such as Lady Sybil Ramkin, or even the watchmen like Corporal Carrot or Sergeant Colon. What we actually get is a concentrated dose of Sam Vimes by himself, and that was so interesting to read that I'd soon completely forgotten about these other characters. We even get sneak peeks at younger versions of some of the present-day characters such as
In contrast to previous Discworld books which are basically a barrel of laughs tied up with clever wordplay, Night Watch got shockingly dark and emotional at times, and I mean that as a huge compliment. I'm very glad Terry Pratchett dipped into a darker tone for this novel because it made for a terrific ending.
Excellent novel, would totally recommend if you're reading through the Guards arc of Discworld. You might also like the sequel, Feet of Clay.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Murder and Pregnancy
Murder and violence: Often described in brief, euphemistic or humorous terms.
Pregnancy: Lady Sybil is towards the end of a pregnancy, at an age where pregnancy can be difficult (perhaps 40 or 42).
Pregnancy: Lady Sybil is towards the end of a pregnancy, at an age where pregnancy can be difficult (perhaps 40 or 42).