Synopses & Reviews
It is rare and splendid event when an author is elevated from the underground into the international literary establishment. In the case of England's best-known and best-loved modern satirist, that event has been long overdue.
Terry Pratchett's profoundly irreverent Discworld novels satirize and celebrate every aspect of life, modern and ancient, sacred and profane. Consistent number-one bestsellers in England, they have garnered him a secure position in the pantheon of humor along with Mark Twain, Douglas Adams, Matt Groening, and Jonathan Swift.
Even so distinguished an author as A. S. Byatt has sung his praises, calling Pratchett's intricate and delightful fictional Discworld "more complicated and satisfying than Oz."
His latest satiric triumph, Carpe Jugulum, involves an exclusive royal snafu that leads to comic mayhem. In a fit of enlightenment democracy and ebullient goodwill, King Verence invites Uberwald's undead, the Magpyrs, into Lancre to celebrate the birth of his daughter. But once ensconced within the castle, these wine-drinking, garlic-eating, sun-loving modern vampires have no intention of leaving. Ever.
Only an uneasy alliance between a nervous young priest and the argumentative local witches can save the country from being taken over by people with a cultivated bloodlust and bad taste in silk waistcoats. For them, there's only one way to fight.
Go for the throat, or as the vampyres themselves say...Carpe Jugulum
Review
"Another sidesplitting Discworld adventure from the undisputed emperor of philosophical slapstick....Pratchett knows what makes people tick and how to make them laugh. And how." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"This, the 23rd book in the series, is a marvelous send-up of old horror movies, from the shambling, pieced-together, lisping servant Igor to the torch-wielding mobs." School Library Journal
Review
"Once again, in his twenty-third Discworld novel, Pratchett is wildly inventive and consistently funny, and would be a big name if he did not toil in the science fiction/fantasy genre." VOYA
Review
"As always, Pratchett manages to make all of this look incredibly easy. Carpe Jugulum is just the thing to cheer you up on a dreary winter day." Don D'Ammassa, Science Fiction Chronicle
Review
"[E]nough bloody fun for everyone. So, sit back and enjoy poignant parody master Terry Pratchett's rollicking adventure..." KLIATT
Synopsis
"The novel exudes the curious feel of old-fashioned vampire and Frankenstein legends. . . . Pratchett lampoons everything from Christian superstition to Swiss Army knives here, proving that the fantasy satire of Discworld 'still ate'nt dead.'" -- Publishers Weekly
The twenty-third novel in the Discworld series from New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett
It isn't much of an island that rises up one moonless night from the depths of the Circle Sea--just a few square miles of silt and some old ruins. Unfortunately, the historically disputed lump of land called Leshp is once again floating directly between Ankh-Morpork and the city of Al-Khali on the coast of Klatch--which is spark enough to ignite that glorious international pastime called "war." Pressed into patriotic service, Commander Sam Vimes thinks he should be leading his loyal watchmen, female watchdwarf, and lady werewolf into battle against local malefactors rather than against uncomfortably well-armed strangers in the Klatchian desert. But war is, after all, simply the greatest of all crimes--and it's Sir Samuel's sworn duty to seek out criminal masterminds wherever they may be hiding...and lock them away before they can do any real damage. Even the ones on his own side.
Synopsis
Another brilliant installment in Terry Pratchett's acclaimed Discworld series, "The novel exudes the curious feel of old-fashioned vampire and Frankenstein legends. . . . Pratchett lampoons everything from Christian superstition to Swiss Army knives here, proving that the fantasy satire of Discworld 'still ate'nt dead.'" -- Publishers Weekly
King Verence, in a fit of enlightened democracy and ebullient goodwill, invites Uberwald's undead, the Magpyrs, into Lancre to celebrate the birth of his daughter. But everyone knows you don't invite vampires into your house, even stylish, sophisticated ones with fancy waistcoats -- unless you want permanent guests. Once ensconced within the castle, these wine-drinking, garlic-eating, sun-loving modern vampires have no intention of leaving . . . ever. Standing between the Magpyr family and Lancre are a coven of four: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Magrat, and young Agness. And as the Lancre living are about to discover, there's only one way to fight. Go for the throat, or as the vampyres themselves say . . . Carpe Jugulum
The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Carpe Jugulum is the 23rd Discworld book and the sixth in the Witches collection. The Witches collection includes:
Equal RitesWyrd SistersWitches AbroadLords and LadiesMaskeradeCarpe Jugulum
Synopsis
More from Prachett's satiric Discworld series. King Verence makes a big mistake by inviting vampires into Lancre to celebrate the birth of his daughter. Once inside the castle, the Magpyrs have no intention of ever leaving. Only an uneasy alliance between a nervous young priest and the argumentative local witches can save the country from being overrun.
About the Author
Terry Pratchett's novels have sold more than fifty-five million (give or take a few million) copies worldwide. He lives in England.
As many of you know, beloved house author Terry Pratchett has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Terry has become active in fundraising efforts to support Alzheimer's research. Click here to read a speech Terry made to the Alzheimer's Research Trust Conference in the UK earlier this year. If you are interested in making a tax-free donation to to the Alzheimer's Association click here.