Thud!

Like many Terry Pratchett fans, I have already read every Discworld book, many several times. With the hole that has been left by the passing of Sir Terry we will all keep desperately looking for a way to get MORE. Stephen Briggs' performance of many of the Discworld books is definitely one of those places to look to fill the Pratchett gap. I have purchased several of the audiobooks and I have to say, this one is probably the best. In fact, when I finished listening to it, I just went back to the beginning. Listening to Audiobooks of novels that you have already read in a world that you have thoroughly imagined is such a double edged sword: what you interpreted in your mind may be really challenged by the performer. I have to say, Stephen Briggs interpretations are now ingrained in me. With the subtlest shift of voice he gives complete distinction to each character and after a very short while, these voices have become the way I hear the characters. You can read all of the reviews of "Thud" itself for story and such, I just wanted to note for those searching for a way to get a bit more Terry Pratchett now that the tap is turned off, that this is a great way to experience it as if it were new.

I always find it hard to decide whether these ratings are correct. Is there some violence? Yes--some street fighting, a murder, some dead bodies found. Not too much description. Threats of violence that are scarier to this reader than the actual violence (Sam Vimes fears for his wife's and his baby's lives). Is there sexual content? Yes. Some lesbian innuendo that might go right over most readers' heads; references to pole dancing; a character described with every euphemism possible that relates to a woman with--er--great...tracts of land, shall we say. So it's probably not appropriate for reading to young kids (age 5-9) unless you want to answer some embarrassing questions. What I love about this book in particular is the analysis of the political situation in Ankh Morpork. So like what we were going through the first time I read it, back in the early 2000s. It is as appropriate now as it was then. And I absolutely love the part where Sam is running through the cave, aware that he's missing his 6pm reading time with young Sam, shouting out the words to the book he's memorized. Overall, I think this is one of the best Disc World books. But to each their own.

Thud is the 34th discworld novel written by Terry Pratchett. This book returns to Ankh Morpork and the to the cast of characters in the A.M. City Watch. Pratchett has been trying to move the technology of the discworld on. We've had the clacks, the Times, the postal service and in this book a whole bunch of engineering, some riots, some assassins and some murders. There's also a million year-old demonic life force to contend with. Stuck in all of this is 'Mister Vimes'. Vimes has clearly become one of Pratchett's favourite characters. And why not, there's a lot you can do with Sam Vimes. This is a darker novel compared to most of the discworld oeuvre. It's not quite as serious as Nightwatch but it explores darker themes and the sense of humour is less ebullient. Nevertheless this is one of the best discworld novels due to its complexity and interweaving of various comic and tragi-comic themes. Let's just say that Tawnee is a classic Pratchett creation and a romantic Nobby Nobbs is truly frightening. Go on read "Thud!". You know it mages twisted sense.

Koom Valley!!!!! Ages ago the Dwarves ambushed the Trolls, or maybe the Trolls ambushed the Dwarves, in Koom Valley. Since then the Dwarves don't trust the Trolls, and vice versa. Every minor spat is a new "Koom Valley". On this anniversary of the famous conflict, it appears the tension may lead to another all-out war. One of the primary Dwarf rabble-rousers has been killed, and the Trolls are being blamed. And the Trolls have a new leader -- the mysterious "Mister Shine -- Him Diamond!" The perfect person to lead the Trolls in a war against the Dwarves.But that is Politics. Commander Vimes of the Watch just wants to find the murderer, whoever it is. and get him in jail, as long as this does not interfere with reading "Where's My Cow" to his young son every day at 6:00 sharp.Armies gather for a huge clash at Koom Valley, And if that is not enough, it appears that some sort of ancient evil spirit -- the "Following Dark" -- is loose and terrifying the bravest Dwarves. Commander Vimes does not want to believe it exists. After all, the Dwarves have been lying to him about everything else on the case.It looks like Commander Vimes may have to solve the mystery of Koom Valley himself.As I read through this story, I kept coming across really memorable quotes. Terry Pratchett has a keen eye for human foibles, and he has a number of acerbic comments about the mobs willing to get manipulated and the people more than willing to manipulate them into becoming lynch mobs or starting wars.

Another tale starring Pratechett's alter-ego Sam Vimes, somewhat less on the funny side and more on the deep-thinking side, or as deep as you can get with a pedigree in humourous fiction. Worth including on your read-list because the story is echoed in many later books in the series, which may not make sense unless you have been briefed about events in Koom Valley. This is Pratchett showing us he can do more than spin a few corny jokes.

What can I say, Terry Pratchett was a hilarious genius who is greatly missed. I love his Discworld novels and particularly those based in Ankh-morpork and involving Commander Vimes and the Watch. In Thud! Commandeer Vimes has to deal with a vampire recruit to the Watch, Deep Down Dwarfs undermining his city and street battles between Dwarfs and Trolls who have never forgotten the ancient Battle of Koom Valley. All while getting home each night by 6 pm to read "Where's My Cow?" with all the right farmyard noises to young Sam. I originally bought and read this brilliant book in paperback and recently bought it on Kindle and read and loved it again. You can always rely on Terry Pratchett to make you chuckle. Plus it is always amazing how much of our present times are reflected in his writing. Enjoy!

No. Really, the children's games mentioned as an aside did it. This book is just the thing to read when you could do with a laugh.Lady Sybil is very like someone that I know; I hope that she remembers me and laughs too. If you are reading my review I hope that you see how much Lady Sybil is loved.Those book is filled with the signature shaggy dog jokes and the logical illogical thoughts that most people look forward to be reading in any Terry Pratchett book.

Sir Terry's books are a delight and an education. His early work was insightful and funny. Since then it has improved. I can only suggest you go and get some of his books and start reading. His later books look deeper into some of the darker elements of humanity while still being far more amusing than a simple gag-book. His characters develop and grow, becoming more and more human. I just wish politicians, priests, teachers and soldiers had his books as part of their training, along, on consideration, with everybody else. Having read they would probably all change their career ground rules. Thud gives us a very good story, a good handful of magic,and a good look at racial and religious intolerance. In short a few lessons in how to watch our feet, our unconscious and our beliefs.

Every Pratchett fan has their favourite series e.g. maybe love the Witches but tire easily of Rincewind (as I do).Without question my all time top 5 novels feature the Watch. I think Sam Vimes must be one of the most interesting characters created. At times he comes across as a sort of Discworld version of Gene Hunt! Upright, honest (mostly - I do love his sparring with Vetinari). Men (I suspect) identify with him and want to be like him whereas women (I know) are possibly rather envious of Lady Sybil! There is something reassuring about Sam Vimes being a copper in your town.To reveal anything about the plot is totally spoilerific - I mean why would you read 'Where's my cow?' and skip straight to the end - you'd miss all the best noises. However I must make a special mention of the 'NEAR VIMES EXPERIENCE' - I woke up half the train stifling snorts of laughter. Got to love the big guy with the scythe.At heart, and the reason for the success of the series and characters, the novels are quite simply cracking crime stories, with characters you care about. Yes there is a veneer of the fantastic due to the setting and Discworld mythology but they stand up in comparison to the best of 'normal' crime fiction. Feet of Clay remains my personal favourite but Night Watch and Thud are close behind. Best to read them in order so you understand the full backstories of Vimes and his full supporting 'cast' but read them you should... Highly recommended.