Rich

Reading these early Discworld, I've been trying to isolate the specific point at which a reader can see an embryonic Discworld transform into THE DISCWORLD.

It's in here somewhere. Sixth book of a series.

Trying to be specific; it might be the point at which the witches are trying to guide the troupe back to Lancre under the guise of harmless old crones collecting firewood.

It might be Nanny Ogg singing "The Hedgehog Can Never Be Buggered At All".

It might just be Nanny Ogg.

Either way, this is The Discworld.

Legacy sequels rarely work, but it's the hope each and every time, you know? Its good to be back in Brentford again.

• I potentially enjoyed the fact I was reading this book more than I actually enjoyed reading it.
• Please keep telling me the primary protagonist is "The cleverest woman in Europe". Maybe one more time.
• Pre-Regency era Lois Lane doesn't like being married to Clark Kent.

I mostly kid. It's fine.

As a big fan of the initial Brentford trilogy's humour, characters, and style, this made me want to go re-read those again.

A fun nostalgia trip that doesn't quite engage me as much as the original did, but still a fun revisit to the glorious town of Brentford, and I'll be continuing the series.

If one squints, there's definitely some gems in here, but I suspect only in retrospect. Unfortunately outdated enough that even the most mature codebases will likely be migrating away from the toolsets evangelised here.

I made peace very early with the fact that the flurry of locations, transportation methods and routes would wash over me, and enjoyed the ride!

For me, the message is clear and perennially accurate; the story dragged.