Feet of Clay

Rating:
Summary: This is a great story - Pratchett at his best
Review: Some of the other Pratchett books I've had to give only four stars - because of Feet of Clay. This, to me, was the most memorably enjoyable book in the Discworld series.

A series of brutal, yet inexplicable crimes once again lead Sam Vimes and the Watch down the alleys and backstreets of Ankh-Morpork ... well, not Nobby, because he's been appointed a lord by the Registrar of Heraldry!

For those who relish in the early Pratchett non-stop puns, Feet of Clay has it; like the plot twists? got you covered; like a little message about free will? No problem. You want fries with that?

Anyone who enjoys humor will enjoy Terry Pratchett - people who like a very engaging plot with a surprising ending will really enjoy Feet of Clay. Since you don't really have to read the Discworld books in order, this can be a great starting point - just on the strength of the read. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A copper's question
Review: If pressed to choose a favourite Pratchett, it would likely be this book. Nearly every element is here, delivered with Pratchett's finest prose and wit. This a bit of a wonder, as it's a murder mystery, a genre I rarely delve into. Still, it's a Pratchett and goes from being worth a look to something to be cherished, its chief character a man to be admired.

Sam Vimes, who we first encountered in a sodden gutter, soddin' drunk, has risen to a knight's rank and is now Commander of the City Watch. He maintains a careful balance between being the Patrician's favourite and his nemesis. Vetanari knows he cannot truly control Vimes, yet for all Sam's resistance to the Patrician's deviousness, knows too that he cannot dispense with The Stoneface Policeman. Especially this time when its Vetanari himself who is the victim of a murder plot. An unsuccessful one, as it happens.

Sam's entered the realm of matrimony, a step which elevates him almost more than the

promotions the Patrician has granted. Lady Sybil, however, remains at the periphery of Sam's focus. He's still a copper and one of the biggest cases of all confronts him in this book. First, foremost and throughout this book, Sam Vimes is tasked with guarding his own back. Vimes is "a jumped-up copper to the nobs, and a nob to the rest", which gorges the ranks of his enemies. His thwarting of an Assassin is pure Pratchett; pure Vimes, for that matter. One can't help but wonder why Vetanari doesn't assign Vimes some bodyguards. Instead he gets a sedan chair - which he "drives" himself.

There are murders in this book, unusual in Pratchett. Two deaths arouse the City's ire against new Pratchett figures, the golems. Golems reach far into the depths of European history - mindless, man-like creatures from the soil who can be put to any task. Created only to obey, they are the perfect slave - rebellion isn't in their make-up. Except for their size, they are nearly defenseless. The perfect suspect, ultimately vulnerable, who can be destroyed without qualms of conscience. The situation is so clear-cut that Sam knows they can't be guilty. But who is?

In his quest for justice, Sam is supported both in the plot and in the characters of his Watch team. In this book, Angua reaches new levels of prominence, which brings Carrot forth in new ways, as well. Describing their situation as a "relationship" gives the term a whole new meaning. The Watch now has a forensic expert in the figure of a dwarf - Cheery Littlebottom. It's not possible to dwell further here on this unique Watch specialist. You must read this book to become acquainted with one of Pratchett's most engaging characters. Read further to discover one of his most devious creations.

As with most of Pratchett's recent books, there's a sub-theme running beneath all the hilarity and convoluted thinking. In this case, the issue is "freedom". This word has been bandied about by so many writers in so many circumstances, it's hard to believe that Pratchett could bring anything fresh to the discussion. As always, Pratchett is able to surprise and excel. His discussion freedom's worth and what it takes to be achieved adds lustre to an already superb story. Pratchett's ability to bring philosophical issues into what is still described as "humorous fantasy" is a unique talent. We must keep buying and touting this finest of purveyors of wisdom and values.

Rating:
Summary: A great Discworld book
Review: This was the first book of his I read and it got me hooked on the series. I actually laughed out loud while reading it and that's a rare thing. Granted, I've read other stuff by him that's funnier, but it's still great. The vampire constantly going to the watch about working conditions at places hazardous to a vampires health (a holy water bottling plant, a stake manufacturuer) were hilarious!

Rating:
Summary: Freedom
Review: even though this book was a easy read it packs a heavy issue of class supression. It is about golems and how they begin their journey to freedom. I really enjoyed this book and rooted for the golems all the way!

Rating:
Summary: Cracked Dreams
Review: There's a killer in Ankh-Morpork, and he's not part of the guild. First a old priest is killed, then a drawf battle bread museum curator; now Lord Vetinari is slowly being poisoned and Vimes has no idea why. To add to his troubles, his new wife wants him to get a coat of arms. While Vimes can't get one, he finds out that someone in the Watch can have one, because he is royalty. A certain . . . nobby sort of person. Many of the aristocrats, positive that Vetinari will died, have begun to refine `Lord de Nobbes' who hates the whole business. On top of all that, the city golems, which are creature made out of clay, have been acting very strangely. They've been found around crime scenes. The whole town's about ready to kill all of the golems. The thing of it is . . . there's no way that any of these golems could have committeed those crimes. So who did? As usual, Pratchett spins a wonderful tale with funny bits, funnier bits, and bits so funny you'll fall off your chair laughing. So enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: A true "theatre of the mind" comedic listening experience.
Review: Terry Pratchett is the funniest writer working in science fiction and fantasy today! Feet Of Clay is one of his best comedic fantasies and has been wonderfully translated into an audiobook "theater of the mind" experience complete with golems, dwarves, a werewolf suffering from Pre-Lunar Tension, and more. With its manifold textured plot and memorable characters, Pratchett again demonstrates his singular wit and whimsey, as well as a gift for satire that is second to none! Nigel Planer's splendid narrative skills does full and complete justice to Pratchett's unique abilities to craft and spin a yarn that leaves a smile in the mind long after the book done.

Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: Very good reader. I really like him. You must really buy this casset book.!

Rating:
Summary: The Title gives too much away
Review: There's a murderer loose in Ankh-Morpork it's up to the gumshoes to find him. This episode in the Discworld Saga concentrates on Commander Vimes, Carrot and various others in the Watch. Nobbs is promoted to nobility and of course gets as drunk as a Lord. We meet female dwarves, thwart assination attempts on the Patrician, get to solve a murder mystery and stop a riot involving the city's golems. Oh, yes and we get to meet many of the newest Watch members. My only disappointment in this one is that Pratchett's usual strange twists, weren't quite up to par. Perhaps he had recently read too many obvious mystery novels and wanted the reader to figure out the plots ahead of time muttering to themselves. He does effectively lampoon many mystery writers as well as create a marvolously convoluted plot that dovetails, if not mysteriously, at least with humourous consequences.

Rating:
Summary: Feet of Clay, Book of Laughs
Review: I have heard Terry Pratchett's writing described as less intelligent Douglas Adams. This is nonsense as 'Feet of Clay' proves. This is a marvellously humourous book that is positively crammed full of that particular blend of wit that only Pratchett can produce. The story is extremely well crafted and has an excellent plot, worthy of the title of a great mystery. Read it.

Rating:
Summary: non-stop fun!
Review: This is one of Pratchett's best works. As a Discworld fan, this is a must read. For a new reader, you might want to read "Men at Arms" first. Some new characters are introduced in this book, like Dorfl the golem, a lot will appear again in other books. In short, Feet of Clay will keep you laughing till the last page.