Discworld 15

While it's not one of the Disc's brighter lights, Men at Arms is a perfectly decent Discworld novel. It's less funny than most of Pratchett's prior output, but it compensates by having a more interesting and well-rounded set of characters. Grounding the story in one location - the city of Ankh-Morpork - and in a story of crime and back-street intrigue gives the novel some discipline where many Discworld novels roam and wander (and consequently so does my attention).

Pratchett is a peculiar storyteller: his stories seem to grow like fungi rather than be planted and nurtured and harvested, and while this often results in mis-shapen and only intermittently satisfying reads, there's always just enough to keep the reader primed for the next one. In Men at Arms it was the strong ending. Every time I tell myself I might make this my last Discworld novel, and every time I find myself making a note of the next book in the series. On to number 16 now. ( )

Interesting plot with many new, interesting characters. This book also added development for some of the characters introduced in "Guards! Guards!," which I also enjoyed. I enjoyed this book more than "Guards! Guards!" ( )

Another funny book about this strange other world and fantasy characters who guard the city. It's been awhile so I've forgotten the details but it's a good read. ( )

After the awesomeness that was Guards! Guards! I'm a bit frustrated with this one.
I loved everything that had to do with Vimes's character development, but the way Angua was handled and generally written left a bad taste in my mouth. After reading the witches' series I wasn't expecting this a generic female character from Pratchett.

Loved every scene with the Patrician. I think he's slowly becoming one of my favorites. ( )