There's no denying it, Terry Pratchett is one of the most outstanding authors of our time, combining sly and witty humour with sharp moralism. The Truth, personally speaking, is not as good as some of his other works, but it more than makes up for it with its characters.

Oh, it's funny, and it's still as sharp a satire as Pterry can write. The Truth is a great book on it's own, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Expect the classic wit and good moralistic and philosophical lesson that comes from Pterry. I won't give you a synopsis, that's been done. But since The Truth is a book written in a whole series of wonderfully humourous books, comparison with his other works would surely arise.

While I am a relatively new fan to the Discworld books (The Truth is the 5th Discworld book that I read), I can't help but make a small note of comparison that The Truth did not quite leave me rolling laughing on the floor as Feet of Clay did. Maybe it's because I've started to grow familiar with the quirkiness of Ankh-Morpork (tragic!), or maybe it's some other reason, but The Truth just didn't have me laughing a lot. As for it's mystery, without offering any spoilers, The Truth is no where as good as Pterry's books on The Watch, which The Truth is all too often linked to. Some events still needed a certain leap of faith to digest and lack a solid explanation.

The Truth does have a very distinct and solid moral theme, posing the thought-provoking question: What is the journalistic truth? Is it what people want to hear, or what the newspapers choose to say? Is a half-truth the truth? William claims to be answerable to the truth, but what truth is that? Telling the truth, as Pterry writes, is not the same as being honest.

But what The Truth does have that raises it above the rest is a cast of colourful and deep characters. Expect the same old favourites appearing - Gaspode and Foul Ole Ron, for an example - and some very interesting new characters. William de Worde may be a character you love or hate (I know I love him - anyone who can do what he did to the Patrician is one heckuva guy), but there's no doubt he's one that speaks of much depth. I won't be surprised to see that he would appear again in another book. Fans of Vetinari (I don't know how many there are, but I know I'm one) would be glad to know that in this book, the mysterious but loyal clerk Drumknott plays a bigger role than usual, and so does his adorable(?) dog Wuffles. Even mediocre characters in the book are interesting. Call it a subjective point of view, not everyone likes the characters in The Truth as I do, but hey, I know I did.

And of course, as promised by Pterry, you get to see Vimes and The Watch from an outsider's point of view. That alone is a bonus in itself.

All in all, The Truth is not the funniest or the cleverest Discworld book that I've read, but it has all the marks of Pterry's works - moral, plot, and humour - combined with one of the most colourful assemble of characters I have read. I will be looking forward to any future books that would include William de Worde in it.

Oh, and of course, the absolutely unforgettable - Otto the teetotaling vampire with a suicidal craving for flash photography, absolutely rocks.

This is the twenty-fifth book in Terry Pratchett's series on the Discworld--a flat world, supported on the back of four massive elephants riding on the back of a planet-sized turtle, anything hilarious can happen here, and eventually does. When William de Worde stumbles upon a group of dwarves setting up their new invention (a printing-press with movable type), he suddenly finds his little newsletter transformed into a giant, mass-market newspaper. But, when the Patrician of Anhk-Morpork is accused of murder, and the city goes up in an uproar, Mr. de Worde suddenly finds himself at ground zero. Strange things are happening, and Mr. de Worde finds that he has a master whom he must serve--the truth!

As always, Terry Pratchett is the master of telling a gripping story, where at time two and more storylines are running simultaneously, all without causing the least bafflement to the reader. I loved the characters, including a vampire on the wagon, a very serious zombie, several homicidal maniacs, Samuel Vimes, a load of armed and dangerous dwarves, and a secret informant known as...Deep Bone. This is another great Pratchett book, one that I recommend wholeheartedly.

Terry Pratchett's 'mirror of worlds' is staring us right in the face. He wants us to take him and ourselves more seriously. Fantasy is on the decline on the Discworld, humour becoming more cynical and real-life issues reaching out to claim our attention. The origins of this trend aren't easy to pinpoint. Certainly all of the Sam Vimes series demonstrate it, with FEET OF CLAY and JINGO prominent in presenting us with the round world Discworld mirrors. This latest product of one of our world's more penetrating writers challenges us to look at ourselves closely. Which values do we truly subscribe to today?

Many who use Pratchett to escape from the realities of life will grizzle about this trend. This book is easily the least 'escapist' of any he's written. We are given a dedicated newsman who's challenged by business 'ethics'. A tabloid competitor emerges, offering readers glaring sensationalism, but false "news". Supplies of paper dry up, the press is demolished and survival of both the Ankh-Morpork Times and its publisher comes into question. This book isn't fantasy, it's history. It just happens to be Discworld's reflection of Round world's chronicle of business ethics. The only thing missing in this account is the "market survey" to assess what will sell to the population. Indeed, the most telling line in the book is Vetanari's comment that "people don't want news, they want olds" - the confirmation of what they already believe. "News" will simply cause people to think, and we all know how dangerous that is.

William de Worde's choice of "newsboys" an interesting touch. Foul Ol' Ron, the Duckman, and, in particular, Gaspode, purveying the A-M Times on the city's streets, would have been a memorable sight, but Pratchett pushes them into the background. Foul Ol' Ron as a reporter might have led the Times down an interesting path. The biggest news, however, is an almost murder. Vetanari is again placed in an unusual position for a City Manager, and the twists of that tale are Pratchett at his finest.

One thing missing in this book is the progeny expected by Sam Vimes and Sibyl at the end of FIFTH ELEPHANT. It's too soon for that in the Discworld timeframe, of course. Since Sam appears in this book, the image of Ol' Stoneface as a parent would have been priceless. Printing and spreading the news immediately called up anticpation of The Librarian making an appearance, but we have to do with Foul Ol' Ron instead - not a bad trade, just a small disappointment. Foul Ol' Ron might have been puffed a bit. After all, the only coherent expression he's uttered 'Queen Mary says to watch your back, mister' might well have been enlarged on here. Leaving all communication to Gaspode, who has his own agenda to follow.

Long-term fans of Pratchett shouldn't be disappointed that the light-hearted days of Rincewind and the Wyrd Sisters seem to be fading into the background. We should be glad he's still producing. Years ago in the US, a similar voice in the person of Tom Lehrer used humour to awaken Americans to some of their dearly-held follies. The election of Ronald Reagan drove Lehrer into retirement, a sad loss. That Pratchett is able to keep reminding us of who we are, and do it in such entertaining fashion, is a tribute to him and encouraging for us. He's telling us that he believes there's hope yet.

This is another book in Terry Pratchett's series on the Discworld--a flat world, supported on the back of four massive elephants riding on the back of a planet-sized turtle, anything hilarious can happen here, and eventually does. In this book, Cohen the Barbarian decides to "return" fire to the gods. Unfortunately for the Discworld, this is not a friendly act. An alarmed Lord Vetinari puts together a team to stop Cohen and the Silver Horde, a team composed of Rincewind, Captain Carrot of the Watch, and the brilliant Leonard of Quirm. With a cast of characters like this, adventure and hilarity are bound to follow!

This book is quite different than the other Pratchett books I've read. The story is somewhat short, but this large book makes up for that with the large and well-drawn illustrations of Paul Kidby. I enjoyed finally seeing Carrot, Lord Vetinari, and Ponder Stibbons (Oh, so that's what Harry Potter will look like in a few years!), not to mention some breathtaking pictures of the Discworld and Ankh-Morpork (both two-pages large!).

Like other Pratchett stories, this one is simultaneously funny and fascinating. I enjoyed the story, and I enjoyed the pictures. This is a great book, one you should buy!

Pratchett's unique and ultra-creative characters would typically be too complex and, well, outlandish to appropriately capture in artwork. Fortunately, Paul Kidby was up to the challenge and he has done a magnificent job in bringing Discworld to life.
The Last Hero, in truth, is the story of Discworld's GREATEST hero, Ghenghiz Cohen the Barbarian. The fabled adventurer-turned-Emperor is getting old and is not very happy about it. He blames the gods for his plight, reasoning that his great deeds should grant him immortality. Joining him are the Silver Horde - his fellow adventurers who, though also in their declining years, have lost little of their battle prowess. Kidnapping a minstrel (since every great adventure needs to be remembered in song) they head to the mountain home of the gods with a gigantic explosive and aim to detonate it at the top.

The problem is - this will also destroy all magic and, hence, the world.

The world's only hope lies with Ankh-Morpork's resident genius-with-ADD, Leonard of Quirm, and his flying machine.

This book was an unexpected surprise and a top-notch addition to the Discworld universe. For those keeping score, this technically belongs in the "Watch" sub series, possibly falling after The Fifth Elephant. Highest possible recommendation.

What a fabulous, fabulous book! Not only is it another wonderful yarn by Mr. Pratchett, but it is filled with absolutely WONDERFUL art that is at times stunning, and at other times very humorous.
For fans of Mr. Pratchett's other novels, there are numerous walk-ins by his other famous characters, which only adds to the fun. The story is original, though obviously satyrizing numerous greek myths.
I cannot recommend this book enough, it is an absolute delight.

A new Discworld novel (actually probably a novella, by length, but it's bound in cloth with a price to match) by Terry Pratchett, this one skewering the tale of the Pied Piper, with some deep digs at Beatrix Potter... Warped, whacked out, very funny, his usual satirical twist on British customs and culture. So far Pratchett, though ringing the changes on quite a successful formula, has not really been repeating himself and certainly never boring anybody...This novel traces the tale of a cat named Maurice and his troop of rats, all of whom lived a bit too close to the wizardly garbage pile at Unseen University and thus were exposed to magical leakage and somehow developed intelligence. Maurice, being the cat that he is, hooks up with a stupid-looking kid who plays the flute, and they develop a lucrative scam infesting towns and being paid to rid the places of vermin...at which point the troop moves off to the next town. But these rats have plans of their own...and when they meet the story-spinning granddaughter of the famous Grim Sisters, the whole thing gets very messy.

Not a cute little talking animal story. Not really for children. Not a bad read, not at all.

Its a Discworld tale aimed at younger readers (ages 9-12) but I dont care. Its a DISCWORLD novel, people! Besides, if kids can enjoy the "regular" Discworld books, why cant an adult enjoy this one?

Terry Pratchett (TP) does not patronise his target audience in this novel. The storyline tackles heavy issues but done in such a way that it wont turn off the younger mindset. Such is TP's creativity that he's able to tell a tale for his younger fans without appearing to be a doddering old man preaching to the kiddies. In fact, his fans of all ages will laugh themselves silly at the ever present humour, though the young 'uns will enjoy it more as the references are more recognisable to them.

The regular Discworld characters do not make an appearance (Death has a cameo, though) but again that does not affect the story for veteran Disc fans...although events that happened in other Disc books are hinted at, which is nice. Besides, this is an "Amazing Maurice" novel, so let the cat and his rats shine.

TP has parodied Shakespeare's plays, Hollywood, politics, murder mysteries and err...Australia in his previous works and this time its the turn of the Brothers Grimm 'Pied Piper' fairy tale. Maurice the cat runs a very profitable scam involving the rodents and a naive kid who can play a pipe but this being a Discworld book, things soon go pear-shaped real quick. There is evil about and it does not like cats.

All in all, TP has once again created lovable characters to populate the Discworld and join the ranks of fan favourites like DEATH, the Patrician, Granny Weatherwax, Commander Vimes and the Librarian (oook!). I hope there will be other books featuring Maurice and/or the rats in either the regular Discworld books or this "Young Readers" set.

My only criticism is the cover. Why oh why do the Discworld novels published in the US cant have great cover art like its UK counterpart??? This novel suffers the same fate as the regular Disc novels published in the US -- boring covers. Go to amazon.co.uk to see what I mean.

For "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents", Terry Pratchett's 28th Discworld book, he states in the Author's Note at the end that he did a lot of research into rats before writing this book. It shows.

This also marks Pratchett's first Discworld book for the young adult set. It actually serves as a pretty good introduction to the Discworld, giving us an entirely new set of characters to play with thart aren't bogged down in the already established Discworld cosmology (save the necessary cameo by Death, the famous anthropomorphic personification).

The story is a spin, obviously, on The Pied Piper of Hamlin, but with Pratchett's usual fairy-tale-crashes-head-on-into-real-world take on things. The rats (and cat) talk - and scheme and scam - but do so in a way completely at odds with the standard Disney-like children's book characters. They're really more characters trying to come to terms with being saddled with things they never wanted - like sentience - than anthropomorphic animals. In fact, stories like Peter Cottontail (and the Brothers Grimm) are parodied throughout the book.

In keeping with Pratchett's previously mentioned belief in previous books that kids are just as capable (if not more, in some cases) of dealing with nastiness, death and general unpleasantness, Pratchett doesn't really pull any punches in his narrative. He treats rats as they really are - smelly, foul, incontinent sometime cannibals. That's not to say that, like all of his protagonists, they're not actually good beings - they're just not cute, fluffy and sweet.

However, all this said, it's still a story about humankind - and ratkind - triumphing over it's baser beliefs and practices. It's a great story and which, as with all of Pratchett's best books - deals out humor, suspense and creepiness in equal measure. I recommend it for kids, adults, Discworld fans and those new to the series. It's as good as any Discworld book he's done so far and it doesn't need the established background to tell a great story.

Vampires have invaded Lancre and any fan of Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick won't be disappointed with their adventures. Magrat has gone through some pleasing changes, and Agnes ("She that calls herself Perditax") has become a very interesting addition to the coven.

_Carpe Jugulum_, like all the other Discworld novels, is not simply straight-forward fantasy, or just an amusing read. It's difficult to review a Discworld novel because they manage to be both amazingly funny and poignant at the same time. There are some truly beautiful moments in this book, and I cried with laughter more than once on reading it.

If you enjoy humorous fantasy, you'll never find anything as remotely funny as Pratchett. If you're tired of having your intelligence insulted by the usual, tired fantasy plot devices and characters and don't mind thinking, I heartily suggest this book and all the other Discworld series.

Pratchett's previous book, "The Last Continent", about the Disc's equivalent of Australia made me lose faith in one of Britain's most talented authors. It seemed that he'd finally run out of steam, wallowing in old characters without trying to do anything new but (as you can probably tell by the 5 stars above) it seems he's back on form.

It seems that just about every passing mythological creature wants to mess with Lancre these days. They're fighting tooth and nail (and fang and talon) to take over. Following on from the elves of "Lords and Ladies" are a family of vampires who have decided that their kind should stop lurking around in the shadows and living in impractical gothic mansions and take over Lancre, with the rest of the world to follow. No longer happy with how things are, they've decided to enslave the humans of the Disc (they obviously don't believe in free-range food). Sadly, they make the mistake of starting with a certain small county starting with "L"...

Whereas in "Last Continent", Pratchett seemed to forget about character progression (aside from poor Ponder Stibbons), he's back on form here. Agnes Nitt stops being a slightly more tough version of Magrat and becomes a fully fledged character in herself, whilst Granny's put through the emotional wringer again. As well as bringing back the old familiar (in both senses of the word) characters, CJ also brings in some new people - a priest who's lacking in self-confidence and a stereotypical igor being two of the most memorable.

In fact, there are only a couple of problems with the book, starting with the aforementioned igor character - in a world where Pratchett seems desparate to supply explanation for every odd occurance (how gods are 'made' in "Small Gods" or how an aerodynamically dragon can fly in "Guards! Guards!) the idea behind a community where people are sewn together from their relatives' body parts just doesn't feel... right (it makes for some pretty good jokes though). Likewise, there's a grey area as to exactly who's been turned into a vampire by the end of the book.

But it quotes a Beautiful South song, so that's okay.

Still, it's great to see Pratchett back on form. Welcome back, sir.

Okay, I have this odd sence of de ja vu when I read a vampire novel, I mean if you read 3 how different can the 4th be? Not this one. It's a beautiful satire and has far too many one liners and jokes like all Terry Pratchett books to really go into. It has Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax two of the witches in Lancre driving out the vampires (sorry, vampyres)who were invited in by King Verence for his daughter's christening. Possibly my favorite bit, was when the older vampires are making fun of young vampires who wear bright clothes and stay up until noon and wear their hair short and tell people that their name is Pam or Agnes.... it's a very funny quick read. I also have a hard time thinking of it being a blow off. There are bits with Granny Weatherwax that make you feel you may have just read somethingg important.

This book/map, which is the fourth map from the Pratchett multiverse, is for the avid reader who has all the books by Terry Pratchett and is desperate enough for more material that he shells out twenty bucks to get more.

The writing is excellent, as always, but there are only 23 (quick count) pages of it. The rest of the product (except for the title pages etc.) consists of a large map following the same standard as the three other maps. The problem with it is that it doesn't enhance the reading of the novels in any way at all. The first two maps, Ankh-Morpork and, to a lesser degree, Discworld, added to the fun by letting the reader follow the protagonists' journeys while reading the novels. This map from the domain of one of Discworld's most amusing and easiest recognizable characters does no such thing. It is nice-looking but nothing more. It doesn't really tell me anything more about Discworld than that its author has no intention to starve.

What I really would wish is a collection of the text-bits from the maps together with Terry's excellent short stories in one book. That way we could avoid all the empty filling.

Ok, here's the full quote: Death: "THERE ARE BETTER THINGS IN THE WORLD THAN ALCOHOL, ALBERT"

Albert: "Oh, yes, sir. But alcohol sort of compensates for not getting them."

for all you fans of discworld out there this is another great product. you get with the mapp of death's domain a text book which explains what is the meaning of every part in the domain. in the text book we can learn what are death thoughts about golf and about getting lost in a garden maze. if you love death as much as i do you have got to buy this product.

Its great but to worn you i think its more for thouse of you that play Discworld RPGs like Gurps of Discworld Mud so if you play them or intend on playing them it my be usefull if not its still cool to have im meen how often do you get to say you have a map of Deaths estate

As much as I appreciated the general quality, layout and design of this publication, I was "put-off" by the very opinionated writing which I found throughout the book. When I read entries in ENCYCLOPEDIAS, I'm accustomed to INFORMATION, not OPINIONS. Oh well...

Though the effort, layout and content are commendable I find one key problem with the book as a whole; it's just *FAR* too negative in it's mini-reviews of fantasy material (particularly film and t.v.). The amount of negative comments is so pervasive that I wondered, at times, if the authors even enjoyed fantasy, period. Virtually every fantasy classic is bashed for being anything from contrived to tawdry to banal. Yes, it's a work of opinion but (and I feel this is obvious) anyone who would pick up an Encyclopedia on any specific genre and to read so very much negative review was extremely off putting to me.

I've really enjoyed this book so far, it's very informative, and is beautifully designed. In 250 pages you can only cover so much of the fantasy universe, but I think they did a good job.

I did notice that there are a lot of opinions, but there are many more facts, and the opinions make for a slightly more interesting read than just facts, as long as you take them with a grain of salt. I didn't notice overly negative opinions though, I saw a mix of positive and negative. And face it, a lot of pulp and mass-produced fantasy entertainment isn't of the best quality, that's just reality; I don't think it's unreasonable to call those types of items 'derivative'.

In summary, definitely a fun book to browse through; even extends into gaming (learning the origins of D&D, etc was very cool). I never would've thought that I'd learn the origins of the name 'Wendy' from this book!