Thud!

Thud! Is Terry Pratchett's 34th disc world novel. It is definitely his darkest Discworld novel yet, both physically and metaphorically. The majority of the novel takes place beneath Ankh-Morpork in Dwarves tunnels. So it is dark, but beyond that this novel delves into racial bigotry and the damage unbending fundamentalism can cause.

Samuel Vimes, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork watch has his hands full at the start of the book. He has just admitted his first vampire to the watch, which is causing discomfort between the new recruit and his werewolf sergeant. On top of that, the city is filling with dwarves and trolls, ancient enemies. The anniversary of "The Battle of Koom Valley", a battle between these ancient foes is just days away and tensions in the city are reaching a boiling point. And then a dwarf leader is murdered.

The themes Mr. Pratchett confronts in this novel are some of the most political he has ever touched upon in this series. What makes groups hate each other, and what is the nature of that hate. Mr. Pratchett's ability to handle these questions while still maintaining the humor he is known for was a revelation to me. Well done Mr. Pratchett!