Folks, it's actually NOT odd that I read a novel. I've read tons. It's just that after a long day working in a hot kitchen, I like to unwind with my favorite hobby- reading and collecting comic books. But when the legendary author Terry Pratchett recently passed after losing his long battle with degenerative brain disease, I felt it was time to take another trip to Discworld in his honor.
Discworld is a flat planet that rests on the backs of 4 elephants who in turn rest on the shell of a giant turtle who floats through outer space. It's residents are an odd collection of witches, wizards, guardsmen, con artists, and even Death himself. Pratchett's stories are massive and my only flaw with this accomplished satirist is that he will often paint himself into a corner and rush to end his books with a random supernatural event that has little to do with the actual plot or fool the reader with an elaborate rouse.
But Pratchett is a master at writing biting satirical dialogue. No topic is safe as he's skewered everything from religion to Santa and beyond. Often it's what's unsaid that is just as funny as the things the author makes his creations say. This book is a definitive reflection of that unique writing style.
In Monstrous Regiment, young Polly is on the hunt for her missing brother who joined the Borogravia army a year prior and hasn't been heard from since. After cutting her hair, learning to walk with a swagger, and arming herself with a few choice swears and a strategic pair of socks, Polly Perks, barmaid becomes Ozzer Perks, corporal. But she might not be the only new recruit to the Borogravian army with a secret. Only time and the war corresponding Ankh-Morpork Times will tell of those skeletons in the unit's army.
Featuring some great cameos from Death, and members of the Night Watch, including Sam Vimes, this volume was one of the better Discworld titles. I love all of the books in this series, but this volume had a really good ending to it and that's one reason I rate it as superior. My only regret is that Pratchett passed away too soon to see more Polly stories in the future. I think she is a character with a full rich story that's not finished yet. Sadly, the scribe of Discworld is now silent.
Worth Consuming and yes- I plan on reading some more Discworld novels in the very near future thanks in a very large part to this awesome volume.
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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