The Thief of Time

The Thief of Time (2001) Terry Pratchett

I have no idea how I’d missed this book for so long. It came out in 2001, which was when Michael & I were buying our house, but you’d think I would have noticed long before now there was a Discworld book I hadn’t read.

Especially since every time I put off reading a Discworld book, I end up wondering why on earth I did, since they’re always good.

Lobsang Ludd has been apprenticed to the Monks of Time, after it was discovered he was able to slide time without any training. Jeremy Clockson makes clocks, and is asked to create the perfect clock. Unfortunately, doing so may lead to the end of the world. Susan Sto Helit is a teacher, but she is also the granddaughter of Death, and he isn’t pleased with the idea of the end of the world, and so asks Susan to look into things.

First, Death is my second favorite character in Discworld. (My favorite is the librarian: OOK!) Second, since we had Death, we also had the Death of Rats, who amuses me immensely. I am also fond of Susan Sto Helit, who is most definitely a no-nonsense kind of woman, and the perfect elementary school teacher. Plus, a cameo appearance by Nanny Ogg!

As far as the other characters, I liked them, but I didn’t love them the way I do the various members of the Watch or some of the witches. But that was okay, because we got to spend time with Death and the other Horsemen and Susan and even an Auditor.

As far as the story, it was good, but I have to admit that some of the parts involving the Horsemen felt very similar to Good Omens. This wasn’t a bad thing at all, but it was a bit distracting.

You’ve probably already read The Thief of Time, but if you haven’t it has an all-star cast of characters, and is well worth checking out.
Rating: 8/10

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