Discworld is a series that has been going for quite some time, spanning well over 30 books and now even televised films. While all the ones I have read are great reads, my favourite characters are the Night Watch, and thus my favourite book is the one named after these tiresome heroes of the night.

Night Watch sees Ankh Morpork city watch captain Sam Vimes sent back in time through a magical accident, as well as the villain he is chasing. He reappears in his own past, in a time before the Guilds reigned over the city and before organised crime was legalised. It’s a refreshing change seeing a small, *friendly* (not sure that is the right word) watch, over the ever growing watch of the future as seen in the other Guard books (i.e. Feet of Clay). There are also some old friends – such as Nobby Nobbs, who is at this time a street urchin.

It gives quite a bit of insight into the past of Discworld too. Pratchett has written this well, it’s quite a gripping novel at parts and at others, Pratchett’s dark humour is good at picking out the irony of war and battles, mocking the French Civil war with the battle of treacle mine lane (Liberty, Equality, Reasonably Priced Love, and a Hard-boiled Egg).

In all, a great read, good for your first read if you have never read Discworld before, though I suggest reading the first Guard books beforehand so you get to know some of the characters.