Thud - Racial Tension, Primordial Horrors of the dark and a Watchman

First and foremost, I need you to understand that I barely got any sleep, and I'm groggy as hell right now. Why do you need to know? Because it is this book's fault, partly at least. And I blame the rest on the rat that's evading all forms of capture.

In my childhood days, I was deathly afraid of the dark. And I was never fond of rats. A part of the story in Thud takes place deep underground, in the mines, and there is an element of cosmic horror surrounding the dark. It was so well written that it induced a little bit of claustrophobia.

As a result, throughout the night, I was teetering on the edge of unease and suffering from lucid nightmares. So when I got a text at 4:30 AM from a friend (bless their soul), I shot up, broom in hand, ready to fight the unseen horrors of the dark. Or the rat!

The point I am trying to make; the writing here is exceptional enough to have an effect on me.

Let me heap praises!

The story starts off with the sound of a dwarf being bludgeoned to death in a mine - Thud! Everyone suspects a Troll did it. Now, the watch (police) and Commander Samuel Vimes need to solve this complex murder mystery with care. Why is it complex? Because of the looming anniversary of the Battle of Koom Valley. The battle that has fueled centuries worth of tension between the long-feuding races.

That's how this book starts, very political and on the knife's edge. Tensions flaring, with the city on the cusp of a war, with the Watch as the last bastion of peace. As the story goes on, it escalates from being a political murder mystery to larger than life adventure peppered with ancient cosmic horror. This could easily have been jarring if it was not for Pratchett's biting satire and his use of Samuel Vimes a lightning rod to ground the story.

Samuel Vimes, in my opinion, one of the most finely crafted literary characters. He is nowhere near flawless, especially when juxtaposed against Carrot (who is supposed to be). But that's what makes Vimes, so interesting. He knows what's ethical, what's never to be attempted and the gray area in between. He knows all the unspeakable things he is capable of, yet he never picks the easy way out. That's not to imply he is compelled to make the right choice, but rather, he avoids actions that could lead him down a path he is feels is morally corrupt.

The most satisfying part of City Watch books, is that Pratchett somehow manages to transcend the character of Samuel Vimes to near cult status without actually meaning to. Pratchett adds another dimension to him, Samuel Vimes the father. His duty and sincerity to Young Sam is heartwarming.

The anger of Pratchett at display and the astute use of humor whenever needed is a trademark of these books. And Pratchett is at his best here.

The other characters are well written, and I like the newcomer - Sally the Vampire, the first Vampire in the watch. Her budding friendship with Angua (the werewolf) against all odds and differences, is the subplot that allows the narrative to breathe.

The book, in my opinion, flows much better than Night Watch, a favorite of mine. In fact, Thud is one of my all-time favorites, too. The way the story and mystery escalates is so engrossing that I couldn't put down the damn book.

Closing Thoughts

I loved reading this book. I have ordered the Snuff, the next book in the series, along with more bookmarks. The official hardcover is being flown in from Britain, so I might pick up Bladurs Gate 3 to play or something else meanwhile.

If you have any suggestions on what to read, watch or play, feel free to contact me. If you liked what you read, feel free to comment or subscribe.

And I off to sleep.