Sam Vimes is a man on the run. Yesterday he was a duke, a chief of police and the ambassador to the mysterious fat-rich country of Uberwald.

Now he has nothing but his native wit and the gloomy trousers of Uncle Vanya (don't ask). It's snowing. It's freezing. And if he can't make it through the forest to civilization there's going to be a terrible war.

But there are monsters on his trail. They're bright. They're fast. They're Werewolves - and they're up.

The Fifth Elephant is Terry Pratchett's latest installment in the Discworld cycle, this time starring dwarfs, diplomacy, intrigue and big lumps of fat.

I love this time of year, with the promise of Xmas comes the new Discworld novel! I adore Terry Pratchett's sharp wit and totally twisted view of the world. I can't wait to begin reading it.

January 25th 2001
Up to page 97

Oh joy! As with all of Pratchett's books the beginning meanders towards the plot in a string of amusing and witty situations. No doubt by the end all will fit into place and I'll have to re-read the book to see all the subtleties...ahhh, I love Pratchett! In order to fully appreciate this you have to be familiar with the characters, so if you've not already done so go and read the first 23 books first! It'll be worth it.

This is a book about The Watch, so the much loved Carrot, Colon, Nobby Nobbs et al are present. Clacks (known as semaphore in the non-Discworld) have been invented (probably by Leonard of Quirm, who is still Vetinari's 'house guest') and long distance democracy is in full swing as a new dwarfish Low King is due to be crowned.

As Vimes prepares to head off to Uberwald, land of vampires and werewolves, not to mention the dwarfs and trolls, mysterious crimes are committed in the city of Ankh-Morpork. Firstly a copy of the fabled Scone of Stone (the original is used in the coronation ceremony) is stolen from the Dwarf Bread Museum. Then Stonky, creator of Stonky;s Ribbed Magical Delights, is found dead in a vat of his own rubber. How does all this fit in with Constable Augua's disappearance and The mysterious vampire, an old flame of Vetinari's? Who knows, but it will be a fun ride finding out! And why has Carrot resigned???

Is it obvious yet how much I'm enjoying this book? I should think so, but if you're in any doubt check back in a week or two:)

11th February 2001
Up to page 181

So Carrot resigned in order to go and find Anuga, who should he take on this epic journey across the mountains? Gaspode!!! Wheeee! You just have to love the incredible talking dog, who first appeared in Moving Pictures.

February 18th 2001
Up to page 268

So diplomacy is in full swing, and Vimes has arrived safely (or the nearest diplomatic equivalent) in Uberwald. He has been introduced to a rather eclectic rabble of leaders, from Angua's parents the werewolves, to the pastel jumpered vampiress Lady Margolotta and the new Low King of the Dwarfs, via various members of the ever popular Igor line.

Back in Ankh Morpork the new captain of the watch is loosing the battle against the sugar thieves. Colon, formally Sergeant, isn't adapting well to the lofty heights of his new post, and the Watch is rapidly collapsing around him...but so long as the sugar is safe it'll all be alright...right?

This book is a real joy to read, as are all Pratchett's books, and the familiar characters are exploited to the full in this new chapter. Uberwald is an exiting new take on gothic worlds, in Discworld werewolves get freaked out by vets and baths and Dwarfs only come in one shape, unisex.

There's a wild, undisciplined flow to Pratchett's books that creates an aura of gently ambling towards a conclusion. The plot often takes second place to a clever and humorous situation, being picked up once more when the moment has passed. You feel as though instead of being presented with a story with a beginning, middle and an end you are being taken on a roller-coaster ride, a wonderfully exhilarating journey through a magical and creative land. The characters leap off the page and embed themselves firmly in the imagination. what more can you ask for in a book?

11th March 2001
The End

Kings, plots, werewolves, murder, revenge, sibling rivalry and much much more make up this wonderfully creative and cool story. The really great new addition to this novel were the Igors, you've all seen them, the hapless lurching servants of horror movies who's lisping 'yesh mathter' has become a building block of the genre. Pratchett's unusual take on this species was totally hilarious, and yay one is coming back to Ankh Morpork so it's a safe bet we'll get more of the Igor's in the future. The other brilliant thing about the Fifth Elephant was the development of the character of Lady Sybil Rankin, Vimes wife. Up until now she has been pretty much a bit player but here in Uberwald she really comes into her own as a politician and as her husband's strong right arm. 

I find reading Pratchett an amazingly enjoyable experience, like curling up in a warm and cozy bed on a winters day. There's something so comfortable about his style, his characters and the overall feel of these books. It's like coming home. Story wise I'd not really warmed to Vimes and the watch, preferring the shenanigans of the Wizards and Witches instead but this book changed my mind. I loved Colon and his mini breakdown, the sugar cubes were a lovely touch. I loved the idea of Nobby Nobs as head of the union, Detritus quietly striking and Vetinari content in the knowledge that there would be no crime as long as the threat of Vimes return hung in the air. I loved the Gavin/Anuga/Carrot love triangle, not to mention Gaspode the brave! All in all it was wonderful, and the end left lots of groundwork for future (miss) adventures. I can't wait!