Thief of Time
Ratings145
Average rating4.3
This story is good in parts. It features Susan Sto Helit, my favourite Discworld character; in fact, this is the last we ever see of her (alas). We also get the History Monks and Lu-Tze, who follows the Way of Mrs Cosmopilite. There's an Igor who's quite amusing.
However, the Fifth Horseman of the Apocalyse seems like an idea that needs more work; the abbot reincarnated as a baby is rather tiresome; the mad clockmaker lacks appeal; and the story is infested with Auditors. I'm not keen on the Auditors; I don't think they're well suited to the Discworld; and I frankly wish that Pratchett hadn't invented them.
Furthermore, this is one of those books in which Pratchett goes all cosmic on us, and I think he's better when he keeps his feet on the ground. To put it another way, the story is too weird for its own good.
I quite enjoy it overall, it's quite exciting, and of course there are some funny moments; but it's not one of his best.
I adore Miss Susan and like to think that I'm bright enough not to omit the “Miss”. Although I did miss Lord Vetinari, ah well there were plenty of other fantastic characters.
I liked that the auditors got what was coming and the fun signs in the museum.
Another gem from Sir Terry. He had such a unique, insightful, compassionate voice. This one is charming, joyful, tense, and deceptively profound.
One of the best I've read. Pratchett is always great juggling so many factors: underlying philosophy, well rounded characters, brilliant dialogue, engaging plot, thematic cohesiveness and worldbuilding.
At the same time, whilst always great, often there may be a teeny tiny dip in one of those areas compared to others.
This book nails them all.