Monstrous Regiment

by Terry Pratchett

A review by Sara Froehlich

War has come to the Discworld, and all of the men and boys are going to fight. The small kingdom of Borogravia has to defend themselves.

Polly is doing most of the work running the family inn, The Duchess, since her brother Paul was called away to fight. Paul's been gone for a year and it's been months since his last letter home. Polly has never been one to sit around and let others do the work so she cuts her hair short and joins the army as "Oliver" to do her part and find her brother at the same time. Along the way we meet many new fascinating Discworld characters, and some are not what they seem.

It seems that Polly is not the only one hunting for a loved one who marched off to war and was not heard from again. Can this brave band of soldiers rescue the men they love?

Once more Terry Pratchett has managed to create vivid, living characters, which is no small feat considering some of them are vampyres, zombies, trolls and werewolves. The wit and wisdom we have come to expect from Pratchett is once again right on, making this book, while funny and satirical, insightful into the world of war.