Men at Arms
1993 • 432 pages

Ratings184

Average rating4.4

15

Discworld City Watch books reread continues! I was right to remember this one as an ensemble piece. As with Guards, Guards, upon reread my biggest gripe is that Sam Vimes is still figuring himself out, and we don't get as much of him on the page as I prefer. It's a lot less confusing getting a chronological intro to Detritus and Angua this time round! 

While the gun control commentary remains chillingly effective, what really struck me this time ‘round was how skillful, concise a replication is shown of the kind of casually racist scripts common in the 20th century, unexamined prejudice thinly veiled via troll/dwarf hate. Found family/'gang's all here' vibes of the watch do not prevent the author from making pointed references to corruption, brutality, injustice, prejudice that are often associated with police forces (and politicians). 

P.S. Gaspode is a smelly treasure
⚠️Animal death

October 11, 2024Report this review