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Ankh Morpork and Klatch have been at peace for a long time now. Klatchians would even send their sons to the prestigious Assassin's Guild Academy, and Ankh-Morporkians (Ankh-Morporkans?) would happily lend money to their Klatchian neighbors in need. And yet, when a mysterious island emerges from the sea all bets are off. Both sides are set to claim the island of Leshp as their own.



There is an attempt at a diplomatic solution, when Prince Khufurah visits Ankh Morpork. Nevertheless, things end badly for both parties, after the Prince disappears amid the chaos of a flaming embassy. With no other alternatives, Ankh Morpork and Klatch are going to war. In the end, this shouldn't be a difficult endeavor, after all Klatch is very much indebted to the Ankh Morpork. On the other hand, the latter doesn't exactly have an army to speak of...


Illustrated by

Based on the 2-3 most popular reviews here, I wasn't expecting much from this installment of the City Watch's adventures. So the fact that I ended up enjoying it so much, was a rather welcome surprise. Most importantly however, I have finally found a liking for Commander Vimes.

It wasn’t spying, Commander Vimes told himself. Spying was when you crept around peeking in windows. It wasn’t spying when you had to stand back a bit so that you weren’t deafened.

Vimes’s approach to paperwork was not to touch it until someone was shouting, and then at least there would be someone to help him sort through the stacks.

“By the way, do you think anyone saw you up there?�
“I doubt it, sir. I was right in among the chimneys and the air vents.�
Vimes sighed. “Captain, I expect if you’d done it in a cellar at midnight his lordship would have said ‘Wasn’t it rather dark down there?� next morning.�

As far as Captain Carrot is concerned, he starred in plenty of hilarious scenes, such as this hilarious negotiation with criminals.

“Never mind, we did it! Now can we come out, please?� There was another sound behind the voice. It sounded like a low, continuous growl.
“I think you ought to be able to tell me what you stole,� said Carrot.
“Er…rings? Gold rings?�
“Sorry, no rings mentioned.�
“Pearl necklace? Yes, that’s what—�
“Getting warmer, but no.�
“E²¹°ù°ù¾±²Ô²µ²õ?â€�
“Ooo, you’re so close,� said Carrot encouragingly.
“A crown, was it? Maybe a coronet?�
Carrot leaned down to the constable. “Says here a tiara, Reg, can we let�?� He stood up. “We’re prepared to accept ‘coronet.� Well done!�

There were however, several exasperating moments between Angua and him. I totally sympathize with the girl, especially when it comes to these types of conversations.

“Well, that’s a nice start to the day,� said Carrot.
“Thank you, yes, I wasn’t hurt,� said Angua.
“It makes it all seem worthwhile, somehow.�
“Just my hair messed up and another shirt ruined.�
“Well done.�
“Sometimes I might suspect that you don’t listen to anything I say,� said Angua.
“Glad to hear it,� said Carrot.

Score: 4/5 stars

This was an especially memorable book, more so given the current political situation in the Middle East. Basically, the dedication at the beginning of the book nailed it: To all the fighters for peace.

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Other books featuring the City Watch:
Review of the 1st book: Guards!Guards!
Review of the 2nd book: Men at Arms
Review of the 3rd book: Feet of Clay
Review of the 5th book: The Fifth Elephant
Review of the 6th book: Night Watch
Review of the 7th book: Thud!
Review of the 8th book: Snuff