Pyramids

Pyramids by Terry Pratchett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


*** Possible Spoilers ***

A fine romp though a Discworld interpretation of ancient Egypt. In this version the pyramids are actually magic, and you can sharpen quite a bit more than a razor blade with them. In addition, those pharaohs so interred do live forever - stuck under a massive amount of stone. They aren't very happy about it. It is a world where kings are divine but priests - in particular the high priest - actually rule.

Teppic who had been educated abroad, needs to return home because his father, the king, has died and he needs to take over the role. With him he brings the one thing most repellent to a kingdom thousands of years old, the idea of change. New meets old with chaotic and humerous results.

I quite enjoyed this book although it tended more towards the adventure side and less to the humour characteristic of tome of the other Discworld novels. In addition, I didn't care for the ending - not the final ending. I rather liked the twist there, but just before than when Teppic leaves, he and his sister make a decision. What was decided was never revealed. Maybe the reader is expected to intuit something obvious but unfortunately I wasn't up to the challenge.

If you enjoy Terry Pratchett's writing, this is a pretty good book. As always, don't look for deep insightful character arcs. In these books plot trumps character development every time so if you're looking for the latter, look elsewhere.



View all my reviews