One of the weaker Witches books. The vampires angle seems tired, and Granny Weatherwax is more of the same. ( )

A very amusing follow-on from Small Gods. I intially didn't like it so much, but have greatly enjoyed the re-read.

Following the ascention of the prophet Brutha in Omnia, the fire and sword priests have splintered inot thousands of sects leaving the Quite Reverand Oates very confused. When he arrives in Lancre for the naming cermony of the royal couples first child, he has few ideas about the wirtches who reside there, but a short introduction to Nanny Ogg soon puts him right. King Verace who is always keen to be up to date with the latest modern inclusive thinking has invitied everyone in the neighbourhood, including the local Uberwalden vampire clan Count Magpyr and family. Now the Count is a modern vampyre (Note Spelling) and as such only a century or so behind the times. He believes in the ultimate superiority of the vampyre species, the domination (rather than slaughtering) of humans and most of all, he doesn't believe in all of the vampires normal weaknesses. Pretty soon however he is going to realise that Granny Weatherwax doesn't hold with any of this happening on her turf.

On the surface this is little more than a straight send-up of Dracula, and all the similar B movies, where there is always a handy crucifix lying around when you need one - and how you would defeat a vampire when this convenient plot device is denied to you. Underlying this simple spoof though is a much more nuanced comentary on the usual variety of themes. Key in this book is religion, with Quite Reverand doubting Oates enduring a trek with Granny thorugh the wilderness, each scoring points off the other. There are also a few comparisons about different ways to rule a population, contrasting between Nanny's spontaineous mob, the population ignoring the King, and the 'volantary' associations of the vampre's townships. As usual with any book featuring Granny, the foremost point is to think clearly for yourself about what the issues are. This is something we could all take away and apply to any situation in 'the real world'.

It isn't one of his best books though, the vampires are annoyingly overdone without quite being funny enough. There's a major plothole in that previously Uberwald hasn't been anywhere near Lancre, certainly not the few hours coach journey that it takes them to drive there, or even less that Granny and Oates can walk it. Also it's not quite clear why Granny can relinquish the ability of the Count's training. And what is the pheonix doing? But these are minor quibles.

Read it, enjoy the puns, the ribald commentry from Nanny, and revel in the artistry of Granny's abilities - and view each sunny day as something to believe in.

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First, an excerpt:

'Two things have traditionally puzzled vampire researchers. One is: why do vampires have so much power? Vampires're so easy to kill, they point out. There are dozens of ways to dispatch them, quite apart from the stake through the heart, which also works on normal people so if you have any stakes left over you don't have to waste them. Classically, they spent the day in some coffin somewhere, with no guard other than an elderly hunchback who doesn't look all that spry and should succumb to quite a small mob. Yet just one can keep a whole community in a state of sullen obedience . . .
The other puzzle is: why are vampires always so stupid? As if wearing evening dress all day wasn't an undead giveaway, why do they choose to live in old castles which offer so much in the way of ways to defeat a vampire, like easily torn curtains and wall decorations that can readily be twisted into a religious symbol? '

Now the review:

What happens when a 'modern' vampire eschews tradition and refuses to let himself be cowed by holy water, sunlight or religious symbols? When such a vampire, and his equally up-with-the-times family invade the mountainous community of Lancre, it is up to an agnostic preist and the area's three eccentric witches to save their home.

True to form, the book is a hilarious satirical romp, full of puns, wry observations and replete with Igors who lisp as a matter of professional pride. ( )

A bit too similar in concept to Lords and Ladies.

Seize the Jugular!

A modernising vampire is invited to Lancre, and takes over the kingdom. A clever satire on modernism, and the way in which evil comes in, through the back door, and wearing the mask of progress.

At the end of The Century of the Fruit Bat Vampires have discovered farming, and townsfolk are their herds. Standing between the dark and the light, and drawn to both, is my favourite Discworld character, Granny Weatherwax. One of the most thoughtful Discworld novels. ( )