Steve
A lovely little interlude with Lift, aided and abetted by Wyndle. As usual, an excellent audiobook performance by Kate Reading.
I've been working my way through the Discworld series for a while now and was beginning to grow concerned that Pratchett had reached his limits, with the recent foray into YA novels being a sign that he was taking it easy, however I couldn't have been proved more wrong. Maybe writing the YA novels allowed his time to re-energise because with Monstrous Regiment he returns to form with guns blazing.
This is easily one of the best in the series, if not the best. The themes explored are more mature and the situations grittier. The presence of the City Watch always seems to raise Pratchett's game and, although they only have a peripheral part to play here, the result here is no different.
I had been worried that the remainder of the series would be a slightly trudging affair, however my hopes have been raised massively by this late entry and I am looking forward to see what comes next...
Tried reading this twice and have struggled to get to the end both times (although this time I managed it). Something about the story failed to grab me, although I suspect it will work for others since all the usual ingredients are there. Unfortunately, this falls into the “for completionists only” category for me.
Much as I love Terry Pratchett, this is definitely a case of him finding his feet. You can see all the elements that made some of the later books such classics, however there are also plot holes and a general scattershot feeling. This is a pity because people often feel they need to start at the beginning of the Discworld series and are put off by this lackluster start (although, when I originally read this in my early teens, I thought it was one of the funniest things I had ever read).
My advice: start with something like Wyrd Sisters, Mort or Small Gods and then leave this one for when you want to complete the set.
Contains spoilers
Compared to the first in the trilogy, this was more solid than compelling. It felt like some events in this were simply there to propel the plot, rather than being natural extensions of the plot. Also, I am not entirely convinced by the way to action scenes are written; they feel underwritten and confused (one scene of conflict felt more like slapstick than action, and I am not sure that was intended).
In any event, this kept me involved enough to want to read the conclusion of the trilogy (if only to discover if the slightly weird reveal that Eborans were created by aliens pays off in some way).
Another ‘hmm' book. I never really worked out whether we are meant to sympathise with the main character but I found her distinctly unlikeable. Despite this, the book kept me involved, although I'm not sure that it really reached a satisfactory conclusion; there seemed a few too many issues left unresolved. So, this falls into the 3-4 star abyss; it kept me reading but ultimately was unsatisfactory.
This is the first novella in a superb quadrilogy. All of the books manage to be both fast paced and thoughtful, while not taking themselves too seriously.
3.5 stars in reality. There are moments of excellence, but also some longeurs and a few too many “coincidences” which are blatently present simply to set up the finale. Fortunately these don't detract from the overall story, which is much more action packed and blood-thirsty than you might expect in a book about a school for nuns.
One final point, this is obviously not intended to be a standalone book, with a myriad of unresolved mysteries at the end, so the reader should probably enter this world with an expectation to read the sequel, to avoid frustration.
I listened to the audio-book of this, which is superbly narrated and without a doubt added to the experience. In any event, this is now confidently joins The Martian on my list “must-read fictional books about the space exploration”.
Although it is an alternative history novel, it mirrors the real-world closely enough to feel solidly grounded in reality. The trials and tribulations facing female astronauts in the 1950's, had circumstances created the opportunity to override society's expectations, is well-captured. My only concern is whether the sequel, which diverges further from historical reality, will feel as authentic, but the reviews lead me to be hopeful.
Strongly recommended (especially the audio-book!).
Some stories, no matter their influences, are foundational. I have never encountered another series that seems to so clearly grow-up and evolve with its protagonists. A genuine tour-de-force.
DNF at just over 50%. I have a feeling this might have been due to the audiobook but I struggled to get involved in this story. The subject may have some academic interest, but the telling of the story feels disjointed. If the book comes out on kindle in this market, I might be tempted to give it another go, but there was nothing to entice me back to the audiobook.
A good, solid entry in the series. Some interesting locations, a trip Oop North, a healthy dose of DCI Seawoll and some moving forward of significant plot points. All good.
Another good edition to the series, albeit shorter than normal. If there is one criticism, it is that the denoument feels a bit rushed, although this does mean the story doesn't overstay its welcome.
Very good. Fast paced, with a solid momentum. looking forward to the next in the series...
I need to re-read this, but based on my last - and first - reading, this is one of the funniest, most acutely observed books I have ever read. One of the reason why I haven't re-read it is that I am worried my first impression was wrong.
This is going back on my Want To Read list so that I can finally lay this to rest...
After re-reading: while not as laugh out loud funny as the first time, it is still a hell of a trip.
Fantastic! The best fantasy that I've read (or, in this case, listened to) in a long time. Fast-paced, humorous and action-packed.
After a re-read with a book club: still great!
I've read 3 books by T. Kingfisher now, and all have surprised me as being much better than expected.
A good solid, stand-alone fantasy. Maybe a little predictable, but a well-written story nonetheless.
The twisting narrative keeps you guessing. I hope this maintains the momentum across the subsequent books in the trilogy...