Book Review: Night Watch

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Night Watch     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Terry Pratchett
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: Discworld # 28
Harper Collins, Nov 2002, $24.95, 352 pp.

The Duke of Ankh Sir Samuel Vimes knows that in his role, as Commander of the Watch, there is never a dull day on Discworld. Usually Sam stays off the street and works behind a desk, but when a particularly vicious psychopath kills one of the men under his command, Vimes is determined to find Carcer and bring him down. He corners him near the university but just as he is about to apprehend him a freak occurrence sends them back in time.

Carcer kills John Keel, the man who taught Vines how to be a good copper, and it is up to Sir Samuel to find a way to teach the young Samuel Ivens how to bring honor to a job. Before he can think of returning to his present, he must also take care of Carcer, show the Watch that it needn’t be corrupt, and find a way to put history back on track.

The Discworld novels are always interesting and humorous and Night Watch is no exception. The hero is thrust back in time and into an organization that is corrupt, inept and inefficient. Using the knowledge gained in the thirty years on the job he brings a sense of honor and fair play to the NIGHT WATCH, which makes him very appealing to the readers. Terry Pratchett has written a fine well- rounded novel that will please his fans.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner