More Demigods, Dragons and Guards - Books I've Read - March '23

March was a challenging month for me. I felt frustrated and anxious, with doubts creeping in at every turn. But reading helped me stay afloat. By diving into the pages of five different books, as well as revisiting some of my favorite anime shows and indie games, I found a way to escape from the stresses of everyday life. In this post, I want to share my thoughts on the books that helped me through this difficult time.  

Before starting the first book in February, I intended to space this series out. I never wanted to pick up The Sea of Monsters as my next book. Instead, I was so involved in the world, that I felt the need to continue the series. This is a testament to how immersive the world building was in the first book. Or at least how immersive I found it to be.

Before I knew it, I finished the entire series over a weekend. What can I say, I am a fan of mythology, well written characters and swash buckling adventures.

The Sea of Monsters was definitely my favorite book of the series. It is here, Percy and Annabeth develop as characters. Their relationship is given time to develop. In fact, I believe there wasn't any romantic subtext at all. It was just two kids developing camaraderie while going against the perilous world. Probably reminded me of school. The quest felt like a classic Greek myth, there was just enough charm and danger.

The Titan's Curse and The Battle of Labyrinth were not my favorite books in the series. Percy here was dumb and reckless, more akin to a Shonen protagonist. The stories could have been shorter, the adventures were not as satisfying as the earlier ones. However, these two books set the stage for the explosive finale in The Last Olympian.

Speaking of which, The Last Olympian is easily the best book in the series. The pacing is fast, and the stakes are high, and the story doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the world. The resolution is satisfying and the book as a whole is a thrilling conclusion to the series.

Overall, I had a great time revisiting the series and would recommend it to anyone who loves mythology, well-written characters, and swashbuckling adventures.

After Lords and Ladies, I needed a break from Discworld. I liked the Witches series, but it was getting stale. I wanted to mix it up, and I ended up reading six non Discworld books.

Percy Jackson certainly had its witty moments, but it couldn't compare to any Discworld novel I had read. And given how frustrating this month was, and it was very frustrating, I needed my fix.

And people usually do assume that I like cheery, that could get a teenage girl giggling. On the contrary, I just don't want to consume anything deary and depressing. I need something that is clever, witty, biting and honestly deep. And "Guards! Guards!" was all that and even more.

It is a story about the police force in a city where they are not needed. And when I say not needed, the City Watch is closer to a vestigial organ thanks to crime being organized. I know I have explained it in the worst way possible, but the guild system designed by the Patrician consists of guilds like assassins and thieves guild, having them self regulate. It is a fascinating read, and that part alone makes the book worth reading.

The City Watch is led by Captain Vimes, the ever pessimistic, always drunk, brung low by a woman. And I know a thing or two about being brung low by a woman. He's followed by Sergeant Colon, whose wife works during the day, and he works during the night. They communicate only through notes. The next in line is Corporal Nobby Nobbs, who people aren't sure is entirely human. Finally, we have the new recruit Carrot, a steadfast, unflinching believer in the law. These oddball misfits have to go up against a dragon, secret societies, a million to one chance, and more.  

Although the story is slow-paced, which is typical for Discworld novels, it keeps escalating into something bigger, keeping the whole affair fresh. The beauty of the book is that even though the story is linear and focused, the characters and the world around them keep expanding.

When it comes to Discworld novels, there's usually a character who steals the show and takes the spotlight. Granny Weatherwax in the Witches series and Death in the Death series are prime examples. However, in "Guards! Guards!", Captain Vimes is the star of the show. But what's remarkable about this book is how much space is given to the supporting cast. From Lady Ramkin to the Patrician to the Librarian, each character is fleshed out, and their presence is justified. Even the members of the City Watch, including Sergeant Colon, Corporal Nobby Nobbs, and new recruit Carrot, have their moments to shine.

Having said that, Captain Vimes is still the show stealer. His transformation from a pessimistic drunkard who was brung low by a woman, to that of an angry man who realizes he is in fact an officer of the law, is one of the more satisfying character arcs I have come across. It is gradual and organic. It is the through line that kept me hooked.

I was constantly chuckling and at one specific point, I literally laughed out loud. Which doesn't happen a lot. The book is hilarious, witty and on the whole a good time. But the hilarity doesn't mean it is shallow. The story has a certain depth to it, and it is well fleshed out. Easily one of my favorite Discworld novels.

Post Script

If you have any opinions on the above or have any suggestions, please feel to reach out to me. I would totally appreciate it. I am waiting for Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett to be delivered. Furthermore, I did pick up The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie and Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Though, I might just end up starting The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan.

Thank you for reading. Hope you have a great day.