Book two in my Discworld re-read. We're still in the 'Early Pratchett' era, which I never really enjoyed so much the first time I read them. The difference from The Colour of Magic is huge, though. I think it's the switch from 'one-off novel mode' to 'series mode' kicking in. A fair number of people die, but the characters are slightly less expendable than in TCoM. You feel they may even appear in later books! Similarly, the style changes. It is less of a fantasy mickey-take than before. There are still some of those elements, but the world is taking on a life of its own. After all, the main baddie in this one is basically an HR manager, something entirely unfantasyish.
The later books generally pick a topic, and run with it, exploring the Discworld's take on it. This doesn't, and the storyline... well, it's ok. It's not a storyline that fits easily into a long series (indeed, as far as I can tell, it's not referenced again), and on its own... well, it does the job. Next up: Equal Rites. I'm rather looking forward to this.
Posted 2007-10-14.