Update.....

Well, it's been quite awhile since I posted here. However, that's not because I haven't been reading! In recent months I've reread the works of James Clavell and several of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.

I attempted to read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova but gave up as my memory problems were making it somewhat arduous. However, I will go back to it in the future as I did enjoy the parts i can remember (it's a sort of vampire/ historic novel, I suspect with a twist in it somewhere beyond where I read up to!).

I did manage The Last Legion by Valerio Massimio Manfredi which I thoroughly enjoyed; in fact I've ordered another of his novels from the library! The story is of the young Emperor Romulus Augustus fleeing the Empire under the protection of a grizzled veteran legionnaire and an aged druid from Britannia.... it gives a different spin to the Arthurian legend which was interesting. But the novels great strength lies in the ease with which the author evokes the Roman world. He uses few words to paint vivid pictures; he depicts the minutiae of working life in the ancient world with an ease and confidence which feels almost documentary rather than fiction. I later discovered that Manfredi is an Italian Professor of History and Archaeology - so it's hardly surprising his knowledge of Roman life is so impressive! That said what I absolutely enjoyed the most about this book was the following, taken from the acknowledgements:

"....and to Giancarla at Freccia's Bar, whose matchless espresso always starts my day off right."

The bulk of my reading time has been occupied trolling through Terry Brooks' Shannara Chronicles. This huge slab of epic fantasy managed to slip under my radar in my youth, so I thought I would catch up on it now. It's not too taxing (!) and is hugely formulaic, which really helps with my poor memory - I can guess what I've forgotten! The stories are moderately engaging and, although two-dimensional, you know what you're getting with the characters which is comforting. So far I've waded through 5 of the books and have 2 to go (I knw there are later ones as well but frankly I've nearly had enough), so the end is in sight!

I'm sure I've reaad other stuff as well but I can't remember what!

'Only You Can Save Mankind' by Terry Pratchett, 1992

For plot info etc see here.

After reading a couple of lengthy novels I fancied something much shorter and more familiar. This is not one of my favourite Pratchett's but it is very short and I have read it several times.

I do like Johnny Maxwell. He's a bit of a junior 'everyman' and tends to be more thoughtful than those around him. His group of friends are engaging as well. They are all misfits who have collected together - this seemed to be a clique in most schools I attended.

I like the descriptions of the aliens - the Scree Wee- who are typical computer game aliens; ie they are hopeless at fighting back.

This is a good addition to the other Johnny Maxwell books, although it is not as rounded as 'Johnny and the Bomb', and it greatly lacks the elegance of the Discworld novels. However, it is aimed at younger readers and is short enough to hold their attention.

Remember: "Actual games shots taken from a version you haven't bought".

'Men At Arms' by Terry Pratchett (1993)

For a brief synopsis go here.

For me this is the start of what I think of as 'the really good Discworld novels'! Sam Vimes starts to feature prominently and the politics of Ankh-Morpork are now consistent. Carrot is further explained as is his relationship with Angua. Some events in later books are foreshadowed here and we get an insight into the workings of the Assassins Guild....

This is one of my fasvourite Discworld novels. It starts to feel comforting and familiar; the characters are now behaving consistently which allows for the stories to develop more satisfyingly in the next few novels. Both leonard of Quirm and the patrician himself are more satisfyingly fleshed out in this book. Perhaps not a good starting place for Discworld newbies but a very good read all the same.

'The Fifth Elephant' by Terry Pratchett (1999)

Thanks to Wikipedia for the synopsis.

"Samuel Vimes, Commander of the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork and Duke of Ankh, thought that things were bad enough when he was forced to go to Überwald—a largely wild territory—on a diplomatic mission. That was before he found himself entangled in a plot to spark the dwarf equivalent of a holy war, not to mention running naked in the frozen wastelands of Überwald with werewolves on his trail.
The plot concerns the appointment of a new king of Dwarfs (the Low King). It is a controversial choice and the cause of a rift forming in the Dwarf community. Lord Vetinari sends Vimes as the Duke of Ankh-Morpork to be an ambassador along with Detritus and Corporal Littlebottom - the idea being Trolls and Dwarfs are ethnic majorities in Überwald, where the Low King resides. Littlebottom is not a typical dwarf, as she accepts her gender and even wears a dress, which is highly offensive to the conservative dwarf society. Accompaining them as both guard and spy is Inigo Skimmer, a scholarship boy from the Assassin's Guild school (the requirements for such a scholarship being left unsaid).
Once in Überwald Vimes finds his relationships with Dwarfs, Vampires and Werewolves very different from the ones he experiences back home and also finds the 'Scone of Stone' (a large piece of dwarf-bread the Low King MUST be crowned on, q.v.Stone of Scone) has been stolen. Perhaps there is a link to the recent theft of a replica of the Scone in Ankh-Morpork, and the murder of a manufacturer of prophylactics in that city. Vimes must use his detective skills to solve the mystery of the Scone, while trying to stay alive.
A sub-plot involves Carrot Ironfoundersson and Gaspode the Wonder-dog going in search of Carrot's werewolf girlfriend Angua. The simultaneous absence of both Vimes and Carrot from the city watch requires one of the existing watchmen to be promoted. Sergeant Fred Colon is the senior officer, and so is made Acting Captain. Colon is not comfortable being a leader, and deals with the position very badly, becoming excessively strict and paranoid as the Watch crumbles around him.
The novel gives more detail on werewolf society, including the concept of yennorks, werewolves who cannot shapeshift, and are permanently in human or animal form. It also explores the society of dwarfs on the Disc, introducing the drudak'ak (which roughly translates as "they who do not get out in the fresh air much"), conservative dwarfs who are the keepers and interpreters of dwarf law.
This is the fifth Discworld novel starring Vimes and the City Watch. Also starring Dwarfs, Werewolves, Vampires and Battle-Bread."

This is the 23rd Discworld novel and is actually one of my favourites. I like the development of dwarf culture, the expansion of the Igors and the Transylvania-esque setting. I particularly like the emphasis on Sam Vimes; I have a theory that he is being groomed for the patricianship....

As usual this is highly readable and very likeable. Having seen a few classic horror movies will aid picturing the surroundings, as will some knowledge of dwarf-culture from other fantasy sources (and some awareness of the bardic tradition in Welsh literature!).

One of the best Discworld novels so far, although not a good starting point.