#Review: Reaper Man

Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett

I’ve been a little disappointed in the majority of my reads during my trawl through the first third of the Discworld series. Finally however I feel as though I’m getting to see more of the Pratchett I know and love so well. Of course, it does help that DEATH is central to the plot in this one. Pratchett’s DEATH is one of my favourite characters, ever since I first encountered him when reading Good Omens.

DEATH’s ‘retirement’ is central to the plot and pulled me through the book with the anticipation of finding out how this pans out. I also loved the introduction of Windle Poons and the very logical reason for the existence of his zombie self. Other great characters such as Miss Flitworth and the shy Bogey Man combine to make a terrific ensemble cast for this novel.

There were also some particularly joyous moments during the read such as the mayhem which ensues at Unseen University any time some sort of crisis occurs. Pratchett is very good at highlighting how benighted establishments often hide behind an air of efficiency when in fact it is total chaos behind the scenes. I chuckled my way through a description of Wizards carving up an Ankh Morpork intersection to do Wizardly things.

Looking forward to the next book in the series now that I’ve had a good portion of what I consider to be proper Pratchett fare.

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