Monstrous Regiment: A Novel of Discworld

Terry Pratchett books are usually very easy to read, partly because they're not written to be especially complicated and partly because they draw the reader in. His characters are realistic and even the non humans are very human.

If you're in the military, I highly recommend reading this book of his in particular. It shows who's really in charge in most units (senior enlisted), who knows what's going on, and that special relationship you can only really experience with your fellow soldiers and the people sitting with you at the bottom of the hill when the shit rolls down. It's entertaining, emotional, full of jabs at everything from religion to war.

This book comes in at about 400 paperback pages... which was big for a discworld novel at the time.

The book starts off great, and proceeds in typical Pratchett style until about page 240... then, things go downhill quickly. The fun/fast read is over, and it becomes a struggle to even finish the book.

I recommend GOING POSTAL instead, if you want a good example of a big/latter day book from the discworld series.

I love everything Terry Pratchett, but Monstrous Regiment isn't his best effort. If you haven't read Terry Pratchett before I recommend one of his other books first - I like reading them in order of publication anyway although it's not necessary. If you're an old fan, you'll like it (and maybe even better than I did).

Other reviews say this book is not like the others.I did not find a few of his works funny but still great.This work is good,it's a fun read and hard to put down.
I have read Pratchetts books at least 10 times each and find this one a good read.

This book is incredibly boring, with very little of the clever humor I've come to expect from Discworld. I usually enjoy the amusing footnotes, but there are very few of them in Monstrous Regiment. It's also a little "preachy" and the plot is predictable. Very disappointing.

Things are going down hill for TP. I was very disappointed. I wrote a review, and after a week it has not come up. Save your money folks. Get the paperback.....better yet, check it out from the library. If you liked TP's old stuff, you'll hate this. I did. It wasn't funny, it wasn't interesting, it was just dumb and predictable. I have every discworld novel in HB, and I pre-order them all as soon as the store lets me or notifies me. I'm a big fan.....but this book is probably his worst. Let's hope the next one is better.

This might be a better movie than it is a book. The writing itself is good and for those who enjoy reading this type of book, I'm sure it's fine but I have trouble getting serious about trolls and vampires who are recruited to fight a war. The girl, Polly, is enjoyable and the plot of her trying to find her brother dressed as a boy is interesting and I keep reading because of her and just tolerate the rest of the characters.

Polly Perks cuts her hair and leaves home to join her nation’s army to find her brother and bring him home; however her act of defiance against her country’s social norms turns out to have consequences geopolitically. Monstrous Regiment, the 31st book of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series and the third of the Industrial subseries in which the vast majority of the book comes from Polly’s point-of-view in which gender, religious, and military issues play a big role in the narrative.

The nation of Borogravia is always at war in one neighbor or another, their god Nuggan is dead because they believe his Abominations more than him, and their ruler The Duchess is probably dead after not being seen for decades but is slowly becoming defied in replace of Nuggan. All of these things conspire to make Polly go to find her brother Paul in the Kneck valley and bring him home so that she doesn’t lose the family inn. After signing up, she and the rest of the new recruits become the new “lads” of legendary soldier Sergeant Jackrum but on the way to the front Polly finds that all the other recruits are also women having joined for their own reasons. Throughout the book, the regiment starts impacting the war on an international scale as the Anhk-Morpork Times details the adventures of the troop making them underdogs back home even as they oppose the alliance that Anhk-Morpork is a part of.

Although the geopolitical aspects of her regiments actions comes as a surprise to Polly, most of her concerns throughout the entire book is understanding a “woman’s role in a man’s world”, the insane religion they’re dealing with, and finally military culture between commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Pratchett’s use of real world issues into his fantasy world might annoy some readers but I thought it was handled well especially in his dry satirical style. The only really big irritation was that after a while the surprise of another woman-as-a-man in uniform lost its impact because you could basically guess who was going to be eventually revealed to be a woman, so it became less important and just Pratchett check off another reveal.

Monstrous Regiment deals with a lot of real world issues in a dry satirical style that Pratchett is famous for. Although the book’s long running gag of revealing women-as-men in uniform gets old and easy to predict as the book goes along, it doesn’t take away from the overall good quality of the book. If you’re a Discworld fan you’ll like this book but if you’re new to the series try another book first.

Polly Perks disguises herself as a boy and enlists in the Army of the Duchess Annagovia in order to find her beloved brother, Paul. Not only does she have to cut off her long, blonde hair (which is an abomination unto the local god, Nuggan), she also has to learn how to pick her nose, scratch her crotch, and fart loudly in public.

So far the Borogravian army very much resembles a major league baseball team.

By the time she has been enlisted for a day in the Tenth Foot (also known as the 'Ins-and-Outs') under the command of the sadistic Corporal Strappi, Polly is cursing every folksong she ever heard on the romance of disguising herself as a boy and following the drum. Her fellow recruits, including a troll, an igor, a vampire, and a religious nut, fare no better, although the corporal goes easy on the vampire.

Then Corporal Strappi learns that he himself is going to be sent to the front, along with his band of raw recruits, and steals off into the night. Now fat, jolly Sergeant Jackrum is in charge.

Anyone who has ever read a fantasy or gone to a movie where a cunning, experienced sergeant takes charge, will know that the new recruits are now in for the ride of their short lives. Polly's life perks up (sorry) when a shadowy figure in the privy hands her a pair of socks and advises her to stuff them into her trousers. The advice that comes with the socks:

"'It's a funny thing," said the voice, 'but they notice what's missing more than they notice what's there. Just one pair, mark you. Don't get ambitious.'"

Polly follows her mysterious friend's recommendation, and the rest of "Monstrous Regiment" is a jolly-but-serious series of Terry Pratchett-falls as the recruits capture their first prisoners-of-war, visit their first tent-of-ill-repute, and generally learn how to survive in a war that their country is definitely losing.

But if Borogravia is losing, why are the recruits being stalked by newshounds from Ankh-Morpork, who insist they're war heroes? Why has 'Butcher' Vimes put a werewolf on their trail?

And why, oh why did Private Polly have to kick the presumed Heir of Duchess Annagovia right in his sock drawer?

"Monstrous Regiment" is vintage Pratchett and if I ever decide to cross-dress and take the Queen's shilling, here is the book that will guide me.

This is a very good Terry Pratchett novel. It's perhaps not one of his very best, but it's very enjoyable and, as usual, shows real insight.

Monstrous Regiment is the story of Polly, who lives in a benighted country oppressed by ludicrous religious rules and who disguises herself as a man and joins the army in order to find her brother who joined up years ago and has vanished. It actually takes longer than many to get going properly, but it becomes a very good, involving story with plenty to say about religious oppression and sexism. It's perhaps less laugh-out-loud funny than some Pratchett books, but it's still very entertaining and a five-star read for me. Warmly recommended.

This was my second Terry Pratchett book and I rushed into it after finishing Wee Free Men. I chose it because it was next in number of the Discworld novels. Expectations are unfortunate in how they may color an experience. I had hoped that it would be a continuation with an overlap of characters or elements between the two. There is not. My fault, my ignorance. Perhaps it is the unending rain, the ubiquitous mud, or the unending slaughter of senseless war, but the feel of this book is darker and less humorous. It is a complicated book with serious themes related to war, religion, gender, and class. It is very well-done and tightly written. Perhaps it is a bit too close to the absurd reality right now to be fun.

Borogravia has been at war so long, and with so many countries, that they’ve nearly run out of men and boys to send into battle. They aren’t very picky anymore about who they get to enlist.

Polly Perks, who is running her widowed father’s inn, wants to know what has happened to her brother, who enlisted and marched away a year ago. So when the recruiter comes to town, er, village, she cuts off her hair, dons men’s clothing, takes a male name, and passes for a boy. She knows how to act like a man: fart loudly and proudly, don’t be graceful, and punch your friends instead of hugging. She finds herself in a small band of recruits that includes a troll, a vampire who has sworn off blood, and an Igor- the race of people who are masters of sewing together bits of people who normally serve mad scientists. Leading them is Sergeant Jackrum, a large, loud, but smart and sympathetic, person who sets out to make men out of them- or at least, make soldiers out of them.

The story takes aim at gender inequality, war, religion, and government- with potshots at a few other things along the way- in Pratchett’s usual witty manner. To go into detail would be to go into spoiler territory, but suffice it to say that the recruits prove to be fast learners- very fast learners.

The pace of this novel is different from most of the Discworld series; despite being about war, it’s a little more low key. And that’s fine. The quieter mood fits perfectly with young recruits sneaking through the forest and infiltrating a castle

Montrous Regiment is a classic war story - Terry Pratchett style. It was like Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe Series in Discworld.

The country of Borogravia has successfully ticked off all of its neighbors by centuries of invading everyone - and now the other countries are returning the favor. Polly, a girl, disguises herself as a boy to join the army. The catch is, she's not the only one who had the "sudden, strange fancy" to enlist. She joins the Ins-and-Outs, a regiment with a troll, a vampire, an Igor, and a bunch of other lads who volunteered out of...something. Sheer patriotism? Or does everyone have something to run away from?

Polly isn't the only one with a secret in this motley crew, but they need to band together as one.
The Monstrous Regiment might be the only troops left fighting for their country.

The stakes are high, Pratchett's wit and wisdom is profound, the religious commentary cuts deep...and those soldiers sure have very, very well-shaven faces.

Another excellent Discworld story.

Just when it seemed like Pratchett couldn't write a stand-alone story that wasn't bogged down by continuity, he wrote Monstrous Regiment.

Set in a Discworld equivalent of the Napoleonic wars, the book starts with a girl disguising herself as a boy to join the army and look for her missing brother. What follows is a twistex plot that unfolds at a rate of around one major surprise per chapter. Monstrous Regiment was so ingenious that I was still realizing details I had missed for the next day and a half.

Pratchett tackles a lot of weighty issues in this one: fundamentalist warfare, religion, oppression of women (more often than not by other women), abuse during incarceration, and he does it with his usual insight and panache. My only beefs were 1) I could have done without the last two big reveals. 2) "The only thing the carnivore character can eat now is the rest of the party" subplot was already done in the very first Discworld novel, with a similiar but slightly more satisfying outcome.* 3) I would have liked to see less talking and more adventuring. I get that Polly is a female soldier, and that she wants to be taken seriously as a warrior while at the same time relucant to stab some conscript in the back for taking a leak too near her campsite in the wrong uniform. But I would have liked to see her live by her wits instead of relying on intervention.

Still I gave it five stars since it's better than almost everything else out there.

* Frankly, if my best friend was going to murder me in a very literal sense if I didn't get him a Diet Pepsi, I'd put everything else on hold to find him a Diet Pepsi. Not just ask about Diet Pepsi whenever we stopped for gas.

The small Discworld nation of Borogravia is at war, a situation they tend to be in with alarming frequency. It's an inconsequential country whose citizens follow a god who is constantly adding to a list of abominations (the most recent inclusions were cats, cheese, and rocks).

Polly Oliver is a young Borogravian whose older brother has gone missing in battle, so out of a sense of familial duty, she decides to join the army to see if she can find him. But that's not as easy as it sounds since Borogravia's antiquated laws prohibit women from joining the army. But with the help of a haircut, some boy's clothing, and a pair of strategically placed socks, she's able to enlist.

She's assigned to a regiment of other newly enlisted soldiers consisting of a vampire, a troll, and an Igor, each with their own secret--which likewise requires an extra pair of socks. This group of soldiers, who have no business being in the army, begin to stand out due to their bravery, cunning, and overall higher-than-normal intelligence level expected from soldiers.

Monstrous Regiment is another great addition to the Discworld series. This time Pratchett aims his satirical guns at the armed forces, and at war itself. Religion suffers a little collateral damage as well, but only where deserved. My only complaint with the book is that it's one of the Nightwatch books within the Discworld series, but Sam Vimes, a fantastic character in that group of books, appeared far too infrequently.

Monstrous Regiment would be a good introductory book to the series if you've never read one before. There's really no backstory to be aware of since very few recurring characters make an appearance.

[For context's sake, I have been reading the Discworld books in publication order. Monstrous Regiment is #31.]

So Monstrous Regiment started out a little bit slow, but then it really grabbed me and I was very invested. Somehow Terry Pratchett can introduce a slew of new characters all at once and still make me care about each of them within a few dozen pages.

I loved the political commentary--there's a nation that is proud of being proud, that is "peace-loving," but picks a fight with all of its neighbors. There's a pompous and power-hungry prince who bites off more than he can chew. There are political machinations behind the scenes, with Vimes at the center. I was a bit sad that we saw so little of Vimes and the Watch, but it worked well. And if an entire proud nation is so far gone and has fallen so deeply into the traps of group-think, baseless patriotism, and false religion, how do you save it?

Of course the ultimate core commentary is different from what I expected, and expertly pulled off. It's not a one-tone note on women in leadership or in the military. It's layered and it's nuanced, and it's so fun to see everything come together. Aspects of the plot were predictable, but the reveal was still incredibly interesting and fun. I came into this book expecting an average Discworld story, but finished it having found one of my very favorites.

Monstrous Regiment

This is the first Terry Pratchett book I've read although I have listened to and enjoyed a few audio books.

It took me a little while to get into Pratchett's style of humour and writing, and I found some of the characters underdeveloped in the first quarter of the book (hence the 4 stars). I had trouble keeping up with who Lofty, Wazzer, Shufti and Tonker were in relation to one another. Then as the story unfolded it really got going - the plot becoming stronger with each chapter.

I hope this isn't the last we see of Polly and the Ins-and-Outs as the storyline and imagery was very engaging.

Terry P inspires a great deal of emotion with this book. The Ins and Outs - a group of young soldiers each has their own background and story. As a reader you are subjected to sadness, joy and laughter. The story itself is expressed well and played with very few faults. Clearly defined characters complement the narrative of the plot perfectly in the right places.

In conclusion, I found this to be an excellent story with engaging personalities and an expressive and enthralling storyline.

As it's my first of Terry's - would I read more - definitely!

Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett gives us another beautiful ability to take an old story arch, pick it up, shake it and give it a new twist that makes you laugh while reading the Discworld version. War has broken out on the Disc and Borogravia is recruiting the remnants of its population for one final battle. So Sgt. Jackrum ends up recruiting Polly aka Ozzer and a number of other strange characters, many of whom are using a razor for the first time and the benefits of always having a spare pair of socks. But even though their cursing isn’t up to army standards, Sgt. Jackrums “Little Lads” have a lot going for them including guidance from “The Duchess”. The Duchess tells them they must free themselves from the Nugganites because the God Nuggan is dead and his list of abominations (including the one against the color, blue) is no longer law. The Duchess also asks them to free her and stop praying to her for help dealing with Nuggan. Most of the book leads up to these final points as we watch Polly/Ozzer and company fight the good fight and end up with more than they thought they would.

Spoiler, quoted from Wikipedia, follows --

In the summer of 1558, [John] Knox published his best known pamphlet, 'The first blast of the trumpet against the monstruous regiment of women'. In calling the "regiment" or rule of women "monstruous", he meant that it was "unnatural". The pamphlet has been called a classic of misogyny. Knox states that his purpose was to demonstrate "how abominable before God is the Empire or Rule of a wicked woman, yea, of a traiteresse and bastard". The women rulers that Knox had in mind were Queen Mary I of England and Mary of Guise, the Dowager Queen of Scotland and regent on behalf of her daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots. Knox's prejudices against women were not unusual in his day; however, even he was aware that the pamphlet was dangerously seditious. He therefore published it anonymously and did not tell Calvin, who denied knowledge of it until a year after its publication, that he had written it. In England, the pamphlet was officially condemned by royal proclamation. The impact of the document was complicated later that year, when Elizabeth Tudor became Queen of England. Although Knox had not targeted Elizabeth, he had deeply offended her, and she never forgave him.

I first read this book about 3 years ago, and recently re-read it when I could find nothing else on the shelves that appealed; I'd forgotten how much darker this one was than more typical Discworld novels, like "Going Postal" or "Night Watch" were. The underlying theme seems easy enough: war is often fought for the vaguest of reasons, if any, by those who live only to commit violence for the sake of it because it's become rote, and without a care to the cost (a statement that is all but repeated at the end.) Or more to the point, they've been fighting so long, they have no idea how to stop, and it's up to a new generation and fresh minds to set things right. Or...something like that. :-)

What makes the book really charming is the "little secrets" that get revealed about Polly Perks' comrades as well as the underlying cause of the war they fight in, or at least, the perceived reasons (including the dictates of an insane god that declares things such as the color blue to be sinful--a clear knock at religion and its often wild, contradictory edicts) for it, most of it handled with a good dose of humor--but no so much as to overshadow the very real fact that people are dying or being left maimed by it all. It's a dark tone, in fact, that remains ever present.

If you're going to read the Discworld novels for their humor value you might find yourself put off a bit by this; don't let it shade your opinion of the rest of the series, though! With the exception of some of the early books ("The Light Fantasic", "The Color of Magic", pretty much any book pre-"Mort", which tend to be a bit drier as Pratchett got his bearings) the Discworld series manages to be a wonderful blend of drama and humor, and some surprisingly insightful and touching moments. "Monstrous Regiment" is a slight step off that path, but by no means a bad book for it--if anything it helped me to appreciate far more how much humor and joy the rest of the series has brought to me as a reader.

I don't know how it happened. I am a certain kind of nerd of a certain age who had never read a Terry Pratchett novel.

That's a lie. I had read a Terry Pratchett novel, but I didn't read it because it was a Terry Pratchett novel. I read it because it was a Neil Gaiman novel. Good Omens is an awesome book, isn't it?

But then I stopped. Not with Neil Gaiman, but with Terry Pratchett. He's been quietly publishing dozens of books in the millions of copies published in scores of languages all aimed at me and nerds of a certain kind and age -- and I've been ignoring him.

I have to apologize. I came across a couple of adaptations of his work and watched them: Hogfather and The Color of Magic. And I loved the world he built and the stories he told in them, this intelligent and fun mix of science and fantasy like Vonnegut and Tolkien had a kid named Terry.

So, I went to the library to learn more about this world, and I came across this title. A rogue group of soldiers enters a war as its county is on the verge of total annihilation and turns the war around. And there's a twist! And vampires and trolls. This is an awesome book.

Oh, yes. I shall have to visit the discword again and again starting very soon.

In the remote country of Borogravia, war is the national pasttime. The problem is that lately Borogravia has been as successful at war as the Detroit Lions are at football. Like desperate countries everywhere, though, they claim they're winning, despite the evidence to the contrary.

Because of all this war, villages are pretty much down to the elderly, children, and women. One of these women named Polly Perks decides to cut off her hair and join the army so she can find her brother Paul, who disappeared years earlier in the war with neighboring Zlobenia. She soon joins a regiment (really more of a squad) with other young people including a pyromaniac, a potential psychopathic killer, and schizophrenic, as well as a troll, a vampire, and an Igor--the latter being one of those hunchbacked assistants to mad scientists everywhere.

Though of course Borogravia is winning the war (wink, wink) there's no time to train the new recruits in warfare. But before they can get to the front, they come under attack from Zlobenian forces. Polly uses all her cunning to defeat the enemy, but from then on this monstrous regiment is on the run. Their only hope is to retake their country's stronghold and free the prisoners inside, including Polly's brother. To do so, though requires the regiment to put themselves in great danger from the enemy--and their own superior officers.

In "Jingo" Pratchett took on war from the perspective of the invader. Now in "Monstrous Regiment" it focuses mostly on the defender. The key point is that Polly and the other Borogrovians are not bad or evil. They're just doing their job and defending their country--and each other. It's the ones in charge, like the insane god Nuggan or the never-seen Duchess, who are the bad ones. That's good to remember because in any war there's a tendency to demonize the other side so that they seem like demons instead of real people. Otherwise it would be hard for a country to want to go to war and kill other humans not so different from them.

Though I'm sure this was unintentional, the conflict between Lieutenant Blouse and Sergeant Jackrum reminded me of Mailer's "The Naked and the Dead." In both the inexperienced young officer thinks he's in charge while the sergeant thinks he should be the REAL boss because of his experience and the officer should just be a figurehead. Things go much better for the lieutenant in this book though.

While Borogravia and Zlobenia sound more like the Balkans, there are references to the second Iraq war with the term "shock and awe" and the concept of embedded reporters. That allows readers to easily relate to the story, despite the presence of fantasy elements. William de Worde and Otto the vampire photographer of "The Truth" (Volume 25) make a cameo as the aforementioned embedded reporters while Sam Vimes and members of the City Watch also appear in the story.

The one knock I have on this book is one that I've had on a couple other of the Discworld ones. Sure there's a vampire, troll, and Igor in the regiment but they don't really contribute much to overall story. Actually the vampire and troll sit out most of the conclusion. Other than the vampire's jitteriness at needing coffee (to keep him from draining people's blood) that allows for a couple of Vietnam allusions predating "Tropic Thunder", he doesn't do much and the troll does less. At least the Igor serves as the medic. They could easily have not been in the book and it wouldn't have affected the story much. The example I used before was it's like having a few pieces left over after putting together a jigsaw. The pyro, schizo, and even the psycho all have their uses in the story, but the most monstrous characters seem just there to make the jacket sound more interesting. A pity.

Still, this is a good book with humor that doesn't dumb-down it's very non-humorous subject matter.

Join me now in a verse of "War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothin'!"

That is all.

I never would have read this book had it not been a gift. A vampire, a troll, an Igor, a ware wolf, and young women passing as men for good measure? Not my cup of tea. But, I'm glad I read it. It was fun and has made me wonder how an alternate universe be so different, so en point, and feel so real? Talent, I suppose, and the result of a well-practiced craft.

The first 80% of the book deserves 4 stars, but unfortunately the writer's hand grows heavy in the last 5th.

Polly Perks disguises herself as a boy and enlists in the Army of the Duchess Annagovia in order to find her beloved brother, Paul. Not only does she have to cut off her long, blonde hair (which is an abomination unto the local god, Nuggan), she also has to learn how to pick her nose, scratch her crotch, and fart loudly in public.

So far the Borogravian army very much resembles a major league baseball team.

By the time she has been enlisted for a day in the Tenth Foot (also known as the 'Ins-and-Outs') under the command of the sadistic Corporal Strappi, Polly is cursing every folksong she ever heard on the romance of disguising herself as a boy and following the drum. Her fellow recruits, including a troll, an igor, a vampire, and a religious nut, fare no better, although the corporal goes easy on the vampire.

Then Corporal Strappi learns that he himself is going to be sent to the front, along with his band of raw recruits, and steals off into the night. Now fat, jolly Sergeant Jackrum is in charge.

Anyone who has ever read a fantasy or gone to a movie where a cunning, experienced sergeant takes charge, will know that the new recruits are now in for the ride of their short lives. Polly's life perks up (sorry) when a shadowy figure in the privy hands her a pair of socks and advises her to stuff them into her trousers. The advice that comes with the socks:

"'It's a funny thing," said the voice, 'but they notice what's missing more than they notice what's there. Just one pair, mark you. Don't get ambitious.'"

Polly follows her mysterious friend's recommendation, and the rest of "Monstrous Regiment" is a jolly-but-serious series of Terry Pratchett-falls as the recruits capture their first prisoners-of-war, visit their first tent-of-ill-repute, and generally learn how to survive in a war that their country is definitely losing.

But if Borogravia is losing, why are the recruits being stalked by newshounds from Ankh-Morpork, who insist they're war heroes? Why has 'Butcher' Vimes put a werewolf on their trail?

And why, oh why did Private Polly have to kick the presumed Heir of Duchess Annagovia right in his sock drawer?

"Monstrous Regiment" is vintage Pratchett and if I ever decide to cross-dress and take the Queen's shilling, here is the book that will guide me.

Polly Perks disguises herself as a boy and enlists in the Army of the Duchess Annagovia in order to find her beloved brother, Paul. Not only does she have to cut off her long, blonde hair (which is an abomination unto the local god, Nuggan), she also has to learn how to pick her nose, scratch her crotch, and fart loudly in public.

So far the Borogravian army very much resembles a major league baseball team.

By the time she has been enlisted for a day in the Tenth Foot (also known as the 'Ins-and-Outs') under the command of the sadistic Corporal Strappi, Polly is cursing every folksong she ever heard on the romance of disguising herself as a boy and following the drum. Her fellow recruits, including a troll, an igor, a vampire, and a religious nut, fare no better, although the corporal goes easy on the vampire.

Then Corporal Strappi learns that he himself is going to be sent to the front, along with his band of raw recruits, and steals off into the night. Now fat, jolly Sergeant Jackrum is in charge.

Anyone who has ever read a fantasy or gone to a movie where a cunning, experienced sergeant takes charge, will know that the new recruits are now in for the ride of their short lives. Polly's life perks up (sorry) when a shadowy figure in the privy hands her a pair of socks and advises her to stuff them into her trousers. The advice that comes with the socks:

"'It's a funny thing," said the voice, 'but they notice what's missing more than they notice what's there. Just one pair, mark you. Don't get ambitious.'"

Polly follows her mysterious friend's recommendation, and the rest of "Monstrous Regiment" is a jolly-but-serious series of Terry Pratchett-falls as the recruits capture their first prisoners-of-war, visit their first tent-of-ill-repute, and generally learn how to survive in a war that their country is definitely losing.

But if Borogravia is losing, why are the recruits being stalked by newshounds from Ankh-Morpork, who insist they're war heroes? Why has 'Butcher' Vimes put a werewolf on their trail?

And why, oh why did Private Polly have to kick the presumed Heir of Duchess Annagovia right in his sock drawer?

"Monstrous Regiment" is vintage Pratchett and if I ever decide to cross-dress and take the Queen's shilling, here is the book that will guide me.

Pratchett's latest effort takes us into a parody of the regimented life in the army as we follow Sir Samuel Vimes, hot off the press from Nightwatch, as he resumes his ambassadorial role. This time we move to the land of Borogravia, constantly at war with the Zlobenians and follow the story of Polly Perks who has learned how to act like a boy (with the aid of a few well-placed socks) and joined up with her fellow recruits, the vampire Maledict, Tonker Shufti, Wazzer, the troll Corfundum, Igor, and Lofty, to name a few, under the command of the self-important and nasty corporal Strappi and the quietly heroic Sergeant Jackrum. After losing Strappi, very quickly, Polly's secret is out (as is most of the last regiment) and they find themselves on the front line with no training (as the war's going badly but this cannot be mentioned). Nevertheless, they manage to surprise and overcome an advance scout group of heavy dragoons under the command of the disguised Prince Heinrich (there is a very amusing episode as Sergeant Jackrum neatly maneuvers his way around Discworld's `geneva convention'-equivalent). Gradually, they stumble their way past a skirmish at a clacks tower, bump into William de Worde and the delightful Otto Chriek, deal with Maledict's coffee withdrawl symptoms, and eventually end up dressing as washerwomen to gain entry to the Zlobenian-held Kreck keep. Once inside, the ever-surprising lieutenant Blouse manages to steers them, with Polly's excellent guidance, to freeing all the prisoners with some explosive help, restore control of the keep to Zlobenian hands and then avoid a court martial with de Worde's intervention before Polly moves onto her next misison.
Pratchett is without doubt the current master of satire across all genres. The subtety of his humour and his inoffensive parody is coruscating in its effectiveness, poking enjoyable fun at the establishment. By breaking all the usual rules our gallant ladies defy and rampage through the war with devastating effectiveness to show that in a war, there are no rules. Written with Pratchett's usual wit and razorsharp satire, this would come somewhere high up my list of Discworld recommended novels.

In Terry Pratchett's Discworld, a comic fantasy fun house mirror reflection of our world, he explores and satirizes the themes of war, leadership, gender roles. The setting is a particular corner of Discworld where the nation of Borogovia is continually at war with its neighbors. It is a place reminiscent of Fredrick the Great's Prussia, Hitler's Germany, and many other places in our world where warfare skipped lightly over rational aims to assume a monsterous life of its own. The protagonist, Polly, is a girl who disguises herself as a man to join Borogovia's army in order to find her brother. She hooks up with Sergeant Jackrum and his misfit recruits and many comical adventures ensue. A reader new to Pratchett's books will find it amusing and absurd. And they will find Pratchett's signature ability to preach great truths through non preachy humor and absurdist fantasy. Most Pratchett fans will be faintly disappointed that it isn't quite as funny as his prior work. When Pratchett works these tales he's honest in portraying death, loss, and grief as tangible problems even in the fantasy setting. He balances it with comedy, but he doesn't blunt it. One awkwardness in this book is that Pratchett uses many war cliches: the Cunning and Worldly Wise Sergeant and the Book Smart But Clueless Officer. In certain moments one can feel they've read this before in some other, possibly better, book. But the reason these cliches persist is because they are so often true. And while they outnumber original insights greatly, the whole amounts to a satisfying read.

Set in the strange world of Borogravia where living is practically an abomination, this tells the tale of Polly Perks as she disguises herself as young Oliver (socks and all) to get into the army to find her brother. Simple, right? Pfft, I should know better than to expect that from a Pratchett book by now. ^_^
The regiment in question soon fills up with some unexpected wannabe soldiers: a coffee-drinking vampire, a troll and an Igor, alongside the more normal, though no less disturbing, folk. And off they all tramp to be geared up and trained, only there's bugger all gear and training will be on the front line, which apparently isn't much of a front line. There's also the question of who knew Polly's secret and didn't rat her out.
It was certainly an interesting read, but a touch draggy after the previous books. Probably would've liked it more if I hadn't already read Night Watch.

Set in the strange world of Borogravia where living is practically an abomination, this tells the tale of Polly Perks as she disguises herself as young Oliver (socks and all) to get into the army to find her brother. Simple, right? Pfft, I should know better than to expect that from a Pratchett book by now. ^_^
The regiment in question soon fills up with some unexpected wannabe soldiers: a coffee-drinking vampire, a troll and an Igor, alongside the more normal, though no less disturbing, folk. And off they all tramp to be geared up and trained, only there's bugger all gear and training will be on the front line, which apparently isn't much of a front line. There's also the question of who knew Polly's secret and didn't rat her out.
It was certainly an interesting read, but a touch draggy after the previous books. Probably would've liked it more if I hadn't already read Night Watch.

Polly Perks runs away disguised as a boy to join the Borogrovian army in order to search for her missing brother Paul, who joined up the year before. She is one of a motley number of new recruits who include a vampire, a troll, an Igor, and seveal other rather strange people. They are looked after by the mighty Sergeant Jackrum, who keeps a fatherly eye on them all. Polly soon finds out that she is not the only recruit with something to hide, and learns the importance of an extra pair of socks.

She finds herself acting as batman to the nervous Lieutenant Blouse, who dreams of achieving glory by having an article of clothing or food named after him. The war is going badly for Borogrovia, and the enemy are getting the upper hand, but then the recruits devise a cunning plan for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. But Maladict the Vampire is having coffee withdrawl symptoms, and Wazzer is hearing voices in his head, and things are getting stranger all the time.

There are some good characters in this book, particularly the larger-than life Sergeant Jackrum, and some chracters from previous books pop up. It's not quite as sombre as 'Night Watch', but it is a bit short on laughs compared to earlier Discworld novels, there are some funny bits, but they are rather few and far between. This is a good book, but in my opinion could have done with a bit more humour.

For reasons of her own, Polly needs to join the army. The problem is that they aren't hiring, not her sort, at least. You know, the female sort. Religious law would declare her an Abomination for such un-womanly behavior. Polly, however, is not one to let little things like the nation's entire theocracy or or military establishment upset her plans.

So she joins. So, among others, do a troll (a minor geological formation on legs), a vampire who's taken the pledge, and an Igor - good person to have at hand, or at any other body part in need. This small, untrained, unarmed, and underfed platoon (the "In and Outs"), led by a delusional desk-jockey, are out to defeat the massed armies of Discworld.

With Pratchett writing, you already know that A) the massed armies aren't ready for the In-and-Outs, and B) the In-and-Outs aren't quite ready for themselves, either. The nation's theocracy and military establishment should get a good grip on something sturdy, too, not that it will do them much good.

This book doesn't sustain the frenzied pace of the earliest Discworld books. The series is still going strong, though, even after two dozen or more titles, long after most series start looking tired. It's still worth reading, especially when Polly wonders whether she's wearing the socks or they're wearing her.

//wiredweird

Nothing is quite what it seems in this latest Discworld offering. Even the Discworld is not quite what Pratchett fans can identify. Magic is only like a whiff or shadow appearing from time to time. We encounter few of the regular heroes or places. Borogravia is not a major spot on the Discworld map. The small country is embattled in apparently never-ending wars with its neighbours about who knows what. Its rulers claim it to be a peace-loving place - thus it's always somebody else's fault. With so many battles, the army is running out of recruits so that a troll, a "reformed" vampire (having replaced his craving for blood with one for coffee), an "Igor" (known for his ability to stitch severed limbs and other missing parts back on people), a couple of lost youths with nothing better to do, and one following a religious calling, are enlisted. And, above all, a girl, disguised as one of the boys, wants to join the fun: Polly Perks or "Private Parts".
Polly is young, smart and courageous. With her hair cut short, in men's clothes and imitating some "typical" male habits, she easily fools the recruiting officers. Or does she? Polly has several reasons to join the war effort - she needs to find her soldier brother who has not been writing home. Also, she has not really much to look forward to in this country. Borogravia is run by a Duchess who may or not be alive, and Nuggan, the local deity, who issues strict rules for his followers, reflected in an ever expanding list of "Abominations". These become stranger as time moves on. They include a ban on the colour blue, having your picture taken, newspapers, or the use of garlic. Women's lives are especially restricted: not only should girls not wear trousers, they cannot own land, houses or run a business.
The story follows Polly, a skillful observer, who always asks pertinent questions. What is the purpose of the war, the upcoming battle, the enemy and the truth in all she hears and sees: "We are still winning this war, aren't we?!" Sergeant Jackrum, an old hand in the business of war, guides the motley crew of new recruits towards the battlefield. There is no time for training, really, but as the archetypical military father figure, he intends to "look after my lads". He maneuvers around Lieutenant Blouse, who knows everything about all the historical wars - from books. Blouse is more successful at redesigning filing systems than at giving orders to the squad. Then again, he shows surprising qualities when things get really tight.
Humour and irony in this story operate at various levels. So also does the social and political commentary. The daily military confusions of the recruits and personal interactions between them are often hilarious. Secrets are discovered, shared and hidden again. Sometimes it is not even clear who is fighting whom. William de Worde, the editor of the Ankh-Morpork Times and well known to Discworld fans, has his own assessment of the situation: "sometimes a country's system is so out of date that it's only outsiders that can see the need for wholesale change". The news business is also no longer what it was either...
There are many perfect one-liners and satirical gems that Pratchett has scattered throughout the book. From "shock and awe" to female tactics in close combat, you can smile, giggle or laugh out loud. But then again, the latter may get stuck in your throat when you think about the timely and topical messages being conveyed. This is, despite the Discworld fantasyland and its ludicrous conflicts, a serious book for serious people in serious times - and "no one has the right to be stupid." Questions remain at the end of the book and one wonders where Pratchett will go from here.
Monstrous Regiment is recommended for Discworld beginners or newcomers; fans will find some familiar territory and will broaden their horizons of the "mirror of worlds". [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa Canada]

Polly Perks is confronted with a dilemma. She's very bright and her mother has taught her how to read and write, which has become an Abomination Unto Nuggan, the local god. She tends her father's bar and understands the business, but in Borogravia --- ruled by the tyrannical god Nuggan and his human counterpart, The Duchess --- no woman can actually operate a business because that too is an Abomination Unto Nuggan. Art, music, jigsaw puzzles and rocks have also recently been declared as Abominations in a rapidly deteriorating country that is losing its war.

The trouble is that her brother Paul, the only legal heir to the lucrative pub, is off to the wars with neighboring Ankh-Morpork, who has been captured or is perhaps dead, so Polly's future looks rather bleak. Paul is a gentle soul by nature, an artist who of course can't practice his craft due to Nugganism and has no head for business. With him installed as legal owner ... well, you see Polly's problem. She needs to find Paul, bring him home, and set him up as owner so she can secure her future --- or else it's the Workhouse (or worse) for Polly.

So she crops her hair, dresses up like a boy, and runs off to join the regiment. This is of course an Abomination Unto Nuggan, but Polly is nothing if not resourceful and with the quiet help of someone who whispers helpfully from behind a wall when she's relieving herself in the privy that a carefully placed pair of socks might fool the casual onlooker, Polly becomes Oliver Perks and her adventures begin. Polly, cum Oliver, takes her duties as a private seriously. When she finds herself feeling aggressive and even belligerent, she blames it on the socks. In fact, after cursing or belching she often thinks to herself, "It's the socks talking, there."

Her fellow soldiers in the Monstrous Regiment consist of (remember this is Discworld) a motley assortment of what's left of Borogravian young manhood: a Troll, a vampire, an Igor (Igors are a special class of being on Discworld --- they make excellent field medics because of their skills in stitchery and, er, recycling body parts). Also enlisted are three other young lads, all under the eagle eye of Sergeant Jackrum, veteran of legendary battles and the stuff folk songs are made of.

This extraordinarily amusing book is a homage to Terry Pratchett's huge following of well-educated women, which make up a surprising majority of his vast readership. In fact, until J. K. Rowling came along, Pratchett held something of a record in book sales in Great Britain, acquiring an O.B.E. in literature from the Queen. He has caught on in a big way with American readers who enjoy his droll satire. Only a few of the books in the 28 volume-series on Discworld feature women. The Wyrd Sisters (a group of erstwhile Witches), Angua (a female werewolf in Ankh Morpork's Watch) and Commander Vimes's wife are among the few female protagonists. With MONSTROUS REGIMENT, we are introduced not only to Polly Perks but also to some other rather astonishing heroines. Elaborating on them though would spoil the tale.

Pratchett has outdone himself with MONSTROUS REGIMENT --- a feat that might be hard to imagine after so many books. It is fresh, witty as ever, and brings a whole new look to Ankh Morpork. One might be tempted to compare this tale to our conflict in the Middle East, if one was of a mind to take Pratchett with more than a grain of salt.

--- Reviewed by Roz Shea

When "Thief of Time" came out, I read it. Then I read it again. I read it four more times waiting for the next Pratchett book. Then "Night Watch" came out and I did the same thing. But I don't think that will be happening with "Monstrous Regiment."
Pratchett seems to admire and respect human spirituality and the kind of deep faith that can move mountains. He feels the same way about courage and endurance in the face of insurmountable obstacles. And he despises the way the institutional church and national governments exploit these in favor of organized religion, warfare, and political advantage. He devotes "Small Gods" and "Jingo" to this very theme, and he does it brilliantly; those are two of his best. "Monstrous Regiment," looks at these issues, plus another Pratchett theme, the way societies work out their sexuality and gender-role issues. Unfortunately, it doesn't do quite as well.
The story is of a war between Borogravia and a neighbor. The basic plot outline is Jeanne d'Arc and the siege of Orleans. It is told from the point of view of Polly, who cuts her hair and dresses like a boy and joins the army to fight the foes of her homeland. We get some cameos from Vimes, Angua, Reg Shoe, Buggy, Death, William de Worde and Chriek, even Lord Rust, but the main characters and the setting are all new. Polly has many adventures, see many new sights, learns many new things, and comes home safe.
Hard to say what the problem is. It almost seems like the author isn't giving it his full attention. The footnotes are intermittent and half-hearted, rather than pointed and hilarious. The cameos seem, mostly, aimless: if you're not going to use Death, why bother having him at all? de Worde and Vimes actually serve the plot, but they seem to be going through the motions rather than enhancing the story.
More troubling is the main characters themselves. Partly, the book is one long shaggy-dog joke (cf. John Knox's essay, or at least the title of it), and it becomes obvious pretty early what the punchline is. But, worse, none of the lead characters thrill, none of the humor lifts off the page and makes you guffaw. The satire is often blunt where it should be sharp, the sadness never reaches very deeply. Some of the main characters are never fully explained or developed, especially the Jeanne d'Arc character and Lt. Bounce; but even Jackrum remains flat (no pun intended). As an empowered woman, Polly doesn't come close to Angua or Miss Susan. Despite the constant references to the weird local religion, there is no religious fanatic like Vorbis, no believer to compare with Brother Brutha. Nor is there a real villain. There are various villainous characters who appear and disappear and reappear, but no single bad guy to keep your eye on, to represent an always dangerous threat to our heroes, and that may be the greatest weakness of the whole book.

Still, it's Pratchett, and so well worth the price and the time to read it. And I can always re-read "Thief of Time" and "Night Watch."

In far-off Borogravia, the kingdom is at war and has used up its supply of male cannon fodder, and so it is up to the girls to protect the motherland. Our hero(ine) Polly joins up, and winds up in a regiment containing a vampire, an Igor, and a troll, and with several other members who are, predictably, not quite what they seem. There is a great critique of militarism and military culture buried in here, and Borogravian society is a great send-up of theocracy in which the god Nuggan is suffocating his followers in endless new commandments about things to avoid. Then there's the mysterous and creepy Duchess: the book gets an extra half-point for some unexpected genuine spookiness. Reviewers are calling this Pratchett's best book to date. I'm not sure I agree, but I acknowledge that over his last few books he has become a satirist to take seriously, if that makes any sense; I think it yields mixed results when this is a writer whose appeal comes largely from his wordplay and humor; I'm not sure he can quite pull off both Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain at the same time. As is usual in his books, the final plot twists and surprises are not very interesting by the time we get to them. Vimes, Angua, Otto, William de Worde, and an Igor show up, and so it all makes more sense if you've read Fifth Elephant, The Truth, or Carpe Jugulum, but this is best thought of as a standalone.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Monstrous Regiment, and it has made it into my "stranded on a desert island" collection.

Monstrous Regiment, along with Small Gods, ranks among Terry Pratchett's most complex novels. Again, Pratchett showcases his astute, and scarily accurate, understanding of human nature.

The world of Monstrous Regiment is upside down. Down is up, white is the new black, and the lines between wrong and right are delightfully blurred. Anyone coming into this looking for a clear-cut lecture is going to be sorely disappointed.

Readers are cleverly lulled into rooting for a ragtag band of warriors, but to root for the success of these warriors is to hope for the success of troublemaking, out of control, rogue nation. As a group, the Borogravians are trouble. Individually, however, they are not that bad. It is not long before the reader forgets that this likable band of `brothers' are the bad guys.

Pratchett does something unexpected in Monstrous Regiment. He humanises the enemy. It is hard to blindly hate people with whom you can identify, and even harder to dismiss collateral damage when you know their names.

The other side also receives an unusual treatment. Pratchett shows quite clearly that it (the other side) is justified in its actions. There is no doubt anywhere in the novel that Borogravia is a problem. Yet, the other side is thoroughly unlovable. In fact, the head good guy is a pompous, arrogant, insufferable horse's hiney.

Monstrous Regiment is not for made easy for the reader. Pratchett makes a point of not telling the reader exactly how it relates to current events, and certainly does not tell them how or what to feel.

Borogravia could be any country in any time. The attitudes and feelings of Borogravians do not have to be restricted to tiny, resource-starved, rogue nations. Borogravia is more like a national state of mind.

This is for the reader looking for Terry Pratchett doing what he does best - satire.

Long-standing fans of Discworld know how Pratchett explores many levels in his books. MR achieves a new degree of intensity in examining the human tendency for conflict. The "fantasy" aspects of the Discworld are nearly abandoned in this story of war and soldier life. To be sure, there's a vampire, a troll, and Angua the werewolf. An Igor completes the team in a special, rather cutting, role. None of these "fantasy" characters can avoid being dominated by their human aspects. Pratchett enhances his ability to show us to ourselves. While his humour carries us along in following the tale, the underlying theme remains clear. War is a distinctly human enterprise.
Polly Perks seeks her missing brother in the middle of a conflict none can explain nor justify. Hiding the fact that she's a girl, she slashes her golden curls, dons boys' clothes [including "special purpose" socks] and enlists to seek him out. Her military career is fraught with risk, but not just from battle. If she's exposed, the wrath of Nuggan, the local deity, will be boundless - dressing as a man is an Abomination. As are cats, the colour blue, garlic and a host of social ills. These are lined out in the Appendix of a bible - with the Appendix larger than the main inspirational text.
In Sam Vimes' view, Polly has entered a life of crime, but not through her cross-dressing. He thinks "war is a crime - like murder". Sam, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, has been sent to make a peace. When the stakes are as high as these - who rules the country - the task becomes Herculean. As with most wars, this one uses high moral purpose to camouflage baser selfish motives. A prince seeks power. Polly, along with her meagre "regiment" is caught up in the forces this war for rule has unleashed. They are ill-equipped and untrained for their task. Even so, Polly's first skirmish with the enemy has enduring results.
Pratchett, using Polly's voice, has produced his finest work. He delves into military life, the vagaries of monarchy, and the shams of religion. He exposes many nerves in this book, but with a gentle finesse. He encourages the open mind while appealing to those who haven't taken the trouble to even ask questions. Polly asks and confronts many of these queries. She examines the answers in light of what is occurring around her. She's sharp and alert. She has to be, hiding her identity from friend and foe alike. She learns to belch, pick her nose and walk swaying her shoulders instead of her hips. Is this what's important? Pratchett takes us to the abyss of gender politics, reveals its deceptive simplicity, and leads us away. To confront a yet more fundamental horror. He is adept at surprising the reader, accomplishing that again here with his usual aplomb. Once again, he's "mirrored" our world. Take a close look and see if you are imaged here. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa]

Join up! Fight for your country! Serve the Duchess! Join the Monstrous Regiment, with it's full compliment of trolls, vampires and, well, women...
Polly Perks disguises herself as a man in order to enlist in the army, to go and find her brother, lost on the battlefields at the edge of the Kingdom. The Kingdom is Borogravia, and, of course, there's a war on. There's always a war on. The little repulic of Borogravia is a war-like nation, with a penchant for generation-long feuds and border disputes with its neighbours. But, now those neighbours have formed an alliance (indeed, you might wonder what took them so long) and their forces are marching on Borogravia, and it's going to be up to the Monstrous Regiment to use all it's resources to win the day...ALL it's resources.
You get the impression when reading this that it was great fun to write. Great fun to write. That's because it's great fun to read. It's hardly the greatest Discworld book, however. Some of the themes are merely only touched upon, and you do get the sense that Pratchett was just going through the motions a little, concentrating on the fun of writing it, rather than trying to eke out depth and meaning upon meaning which some of his very best books do. NEVERTHELESS, this is still excellent stuff, and there's no way it should get less than five stars.
It's great fun to acquaint yourself with new characters and new scenery, as this is completely new territory for Pratchett. And some of those characters, too, are brilliant...especially the marvellous Sergeant Jackrum, who we really should see more of, and the delightful vampire Maladict, who just oozes intellectual superiority. The mountain of cameos is also quite entertaining (Vimes, Angua, William de Worde, DEATH, Buggy Squires, Reg Shoe) but because they don't really serve a great purpose, that adds to the initial feeling that this is, actually, not quite Discworld-lite, but Discworld-a-little-bit-liter-than-Night-Watch, which was so heavy I felt like I'd read a piece of lead (but, still, five stars again.) Because, of course, this isn't lite at all. It's just a little less serious. There are some very good notions and ruminations on war which Pratchett explores, and actually some very moving moments, which I really wasn't expecting. Pratchett doesn't normally do "moving", but there were definitely one or two occasions of it here... He also has a nice amount of fun exploring gender-confusion, men dressed as women dressed as men, etc. Indeed, he's beginning to display an almost Shakespearean fondness for having his characters dress up as the opposite sex.
All in all, I reccomend this unreservedly to the Pratchett fan, and also think that it's probably not too bad a place for a newbie to begin... It's fun and funny, and definitely worth your time.
Now we can all get busy looking forward to his next "Young Adult" (ha!) effort, A Hat Full of Sky, due next Spring...

Monstrous Regiment is not as funny as Discworld novels mostly are; in fact, it's the best work Terry Pratchett had conjured in quite some time, possibly second to The Truth. It's not the laugh-a-minute, surreal fantasy-comedy that Terry had become famous for; it's actually much more satire than parody, and the humor is therefore much more subtle and less, shall we say, 'jokey'. Terry gives us very little of the familiar Discworld faces or places; many fans have found that to be a downside, as well. In fact, those were the very reasons I found 'Monstrous Regiment' so good. I feel that, despite all my love for them, the old, old Discworld characters - Sam Vimes, Carrot, Rincewind, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Susan and the rest - have become quite repetitive over the last few years, especially Vimes who been quite overplayed recently. In 'Monstrous Regiment', he plays a minor role in which he excels. Death, too, is given a very brief cameo, and William De Worde and Otto (from 'The Truth') also grant a couple of cameos (although William is a character that had not yet fulfilled his potential, at least not as a supporting actor).

Instead, we have a remarkably large cast of new characters, and the strangest part of it is - most of them are sane. The lead characters in 'Monstrous Regiment' are exquisitely 'normal' in Discworld standards, and though at first it seems like the cast includes 'a troll, a vampire, and Igor and A FEW OTHER GUYS' they all turn out to be very individual and well-rounded characters. Terry leans on character development here more than he ever did before, and lo! - there are hardly any physical descriptions of the characters, and yet we get to know each one individually through their actions, their behaviors, personalities, motives and past. In fact, the troll and the Igor (there was one of those in every Discworld novel for some time now) are surprisingly normal too, though they're probably the weakest characters and are there mostly for a few gags and some comic relief. The vampire is actually one of the most fascinating characters in the novel, yet he doesn't even speak with a funny accent! Altogether, 'Monstrous Regiment' is not the story of one level-headed, sane character surrounded by madmen, like so many of Terry's novels; it's the story of entirely sane people in a mad world. As Vimes himself wonderfully puts it, a country can be insane even though all the people in it are completely sane and normal.

And that's the gist of it really. This little sentence rings very much true in the context of every war we have in the world. It's easy to say that 'Monstrous Regiment' is a satire about Islam and some parts of it may be, but it's true for every war there ever was and it's the kind of book people should take notice of. And that's why, even though - BECAUSE it's not filled with gags and wordplay, but with truly deep and observant satire. And if you think Terry and depth don't go together, read back to 'Small Gods', probably the best book in the whole series, and the one most easily comparable to 'Monstrous Regiment'. Maybe the fact that I served in the army myself helped a bit with some of the humor (I had a desk job actually, but I did get to meet my share of Sarges and Ruperts and Terry captures them perfectly) but I do think that this book is relevant to any place and any times. It takes a bit more thinking than your usual Discworld novel, but is well worth it.

I'm still slightly ashamed of enjoying the Discworld™ novels as mush as I do. I started reading Pratchett when I was 14 and I've read all his books in order since then. I burned through this one in two days and I don't know if it's the fact that they're practically all made up of conversation, have "chapters" than rarely span more than three pages or because they don't require much in the way of deep thought that makes them so readable.

Anyroad, this one is about a young lady who goes to war disguised as a bloke and how she shapes the history of her nation. Although there's the usual Discworld characters- Werewolves, Trolls, Vampires, etc., this one's quite light on the magic, concentrating more on gender politics and the inherent absurdity of war.

If you've read Pratchett's other books and liked the ones with wizards and Rincewind best, this may be a tad disappointing. If you've never read any of his books before, this isn't the worst place to start, as you don't need much in the way of a backstory and it'll introduce you to his esoteric style. If you've read lots of his other books, then you'll need no persuading for this one; I've never met a person who's just read two or three discworld novels. You're either a fan, working your way through all 30 or so, or someone who can't be doing with worlds carried on the back of elephants and turtles and footnotes on every other page. So, in summary, not his funniest, nor most thought-provoking, but still undeniably enjoyable reading.

As the Discworld series continues to evolve, it seems to move frightfully close to our world. No longer bogged down in a plethora of characters and fantastic fictional characters, Pratchett seems to be poking fun at the modern world via a direct route.

In "Monstrous Regiment", Pratchett mocks wars over land claims (aren't all wars essentially fought for land?). As if mocking the absurdity of war was not enough, Pratchett makes the main characters a regiment of women of various species disguised as men. The main character Oliver/Polly enlisted to find her brother. The other women enrolled with a similar motive of finding a man in their life. As the book moves at a rapid pace, we find that there are more women in the army than we are led to believe. For those familiar with British humor, the women dressed as men can not help but be pictured as the Monty Python-esque Pepperpots.

"Monstrous Regiment" moves at a quick pace and tells a story that I perceive to be very engaging. Certainly many of the negative reviews received by this book are a result of this Discworld novel omitting many of the usual Discworld characters. Once readers get past the fact that this is not the usual Discworld novel, they are certain to enjoy it.

Polly Perks is a young woman who works at her father's inn, the Duchess (named after an iconic Borogravian figure). However, since it is one of the numerous "abominations unto Nuggan" for a woman to own pubs in Borogravia, she realizes that if she wants to keep the Duchess, she needs to get her brother Oliver back from the front. Indeed, Borogravia is at war, again, with one of its neighbours.

So when the recruiting party goes through town, she cuts her hair, disguises as a man, kisses the portrait of the Duchess and gets the Shilling. Now she's in Sergeant Jack Jackrum's army, along with a group of other makeshift soldiers, among which Maladict the reformed Vampire (who's given up blood for coffee), a Troll and an Igor. Soon enough she learns to walk and swear like a man, and to wear a pair of socks in her trousers.

I found Monstrous Regiment hard to get in at first, because I got all the names and nicknames mixed up and I wasn't familiar with military vocabulary, let alone military slang. But in the middle of the book the story started flowing more naturally and became much more exciting, and in the end I liked its "farce" twists and turns a lot.

This trip to Discworld takes us into Borogravia, home of constant warfare that generally stem from the most ridiculous reasons imaginable. Into the conflict comes young Polly Perks, a barmaid who needs to find her brother before the family loses the family tavern. As women are not permitted to be soldiers as it is "an abomination unto Nuggan." the deity whose concerns are constantly becoming more and more outrageous, Polly pretends to be a man and joins up with a ragtag group that include a vampire, a troll, and an "Igor." Everyone has their own secrets and the troop goes off to war.

This episode of Discworld is a bit predictable. The conflicts and concerns of war are ample fodder for farce and Pratchett makes the most of the setting, but the storyline and the "surprises" within are far too predictable. Pratchett does have an opportunity to give some more depth to his world, but I found myself missing Ankh-Morpock and its denizens (although a few make an appearance). An departure from the norm and still enjoyable, but hopefully Borogravia will only make an occasional appearance.

When a recruiter comes to town young Polly sees a chance to go and find her missing brother. Her brother joined the army and she has not seen him since then. She feels responsible for his joining and now feels it is up to her to rescue him.

By dressing as a boy Polly soon finds herself under the command of a formidable NCO. But while maintaining her secret identity Polly learns some of the truths about war and discovers that someone knows her secret. In her group are also a troll, a vampire and an Igor (as well as a number of humans).

Meanwhile Vimes is about representing Ankh-Morpork which is trying to put an end to this small war. Somehow Polly and company are at the center of getting everything resolved. Unfortunately they are more resourceful than expected.

The book follows Polly and company as they head for the front and a final resolution (and revelations). The book is full of the wit and humor typical of most of the Diskworld books and had me laugh out loud a couple of times (a rare occurrence). A fine addition to the series.

If you're a diehard Pratchett fan - I've got some bad news for you: Monstrous Regiment isn't about witches, Rincewind, wizards, Death, or even the Watch (although they play a role.) It's a standalone book like Equal Rites, Soul Music, Pyramids, or Small Gods. So, people - join a support group, wear some armor on the weekends, something ... but prepare yourself for something a little different from a truly creative author.
Monstrous Regiment takes place on the outer fringe of the Discworld stories - in Borogravia, a country sandwiched by a score "more civilized" nations which they've managed to aggravate into a constant state of war that has left their land uncultivated, and their popluation dwindling. With all the men missing or killed in the neverending state of warfare, who's the right man for the job? That's right - a woman.
Polly Perks has a lot on her mind: her dimwitted, yet gentle brother is missing in action; her father's inn is being overrun by hooligans and old soldiers; and being a woman, she's got a lifetime of swabbing out the privies to look forward to since the nationalized diety has proclaimed every state of existence (except baldness) an Abomination for women. So with a quick haircut, a comic walk and a pair of socks, she enlists in the Borogravian army to at least find her brother.
I enjoyed this book a great deal more than some of the more recent books, and in a much different way than some of the earlier books. Pratchett has stripped his style of many of the cheaper puns and sight gags, to reveal a more subversive type of humor - humor based in satire that lacks the punch of a timely toilet joke, but that is more satisfying to me as a reader. Pratchett also prods around the edges of the Disc, and does a pretty adequate job of finding new ways to explore the world he's created. And his thematic conclusions are never easy: there were at least two occasions in Monstrous Regiment where I thought: "Well, that should do it - Polly will be fine now," - Pratchett always seems to have one more twist up his sleeve.
Monstrous Regiment presents a quandry, though: a new reader will be muddled, misled, and underinformed about the Discworld; the plot and theme more than compensate for it, however. I feel you should read The Fifth Elephant, Men At Arms, or Feet of Clay first, then you have to read The Truth, and then this one to fully appreciate the presence and role of Vimes, Angua, William de Worde, and Carrot (who is not referred to by name ???!!) - their parts of the story, while critical, are really sketchy and assume a great deal of prior knowledge. But there is plenty of action, invention, and great dialog to keep even a casual fan interested. Put down that Robert Jordan, fanboy!
Will Polly find her brother? Will she be able to keep her secret? Why are there never any socks in the regiment's laundry? These are all questions worth answering by reading Monstrous Regiment. New readers will enjoy Monstrous Regiment after a little catch up - fans will enjoy it more by relaxing their tightening expectations on one of fiction's most active and creative satirists.

Polly Perks is confronted with a dilemma. She's very bright and her mother has taught her how to read and write, which has become an Abomination Unto Nuggan, the local god. She tends her father's bar and understands the business, but in Borogravia --- ruled by the tyrannical god Nuggan and his human counterpart, The Duchess --- no woman can actually operate a business because that too is an Abomination Unto Nuggan. Art, music, jigsaw puzzles and rocks have also recently been declared as Abominations in a rapidly deteriorating country that is losing its war.
The trouble is that her brother Paul, the only legal heir to the lucrative pub, is off to the wars with neighboring Ankh-Morpork, who has been captured or is perhaps dead, so Polly's future looks rather bleak. Paul is a gentle soul by nature, an artist who of course can't practice his craft due to Nugganism and has no head for business. With him installed as legal owner � well, you see Polly's problem. She needs to find Paul, bring him home, and set him up as owner so she can secure her future --- or else it's the Workhouse (or worse) for Polly.
So she crops her hair, dresses up like a boy, and runs off to join the regiment. This is of course an Abomination Unto Nuggan, but Polly is nothing if not resourceful and with the quiet help of someone who whispers helpfully from behind a wall when she's relieving herself in the privy that a carefully placed pair of socks might fool the casual onlooker, Polly becomes Oliver Perks and her adventures begin. Polly, becomes Oliver, takes her duties as a private seriously. When she finds herself feeling aggressive and even belligerent, she blames it on the socks. In fact, after cursing or belching she often thinks to herself, "It's the socks talking, there."
Her fellow soldiers in the Monstrous Regiment consist of (remember this is Discworld) a motley assortment of what's left of Borogravian young manhood: a Troll, a vampire, an Igor (Igors are a special class of being on Discworld --- they make excellent field medics because of their skills in stitchery and, er, recycling body parts). Also enlisted are three other young lads, all under the eagle eye of Sergeant Jackrum, veteran of legendary battles and the stuff folk songs are made of.
This extraordinarily amusing book is a homage to Terry Pratchett's huge following of well-educated women, which make up a surprising majority of his vast readership. In fact, until J. K. Rowling came along, Pratchett held something of a record in book sales in Great Britain, acquiring an O.B.E. in literature from the Queen. He has caught on in a big way with American readers who enjoy his droll satire. Only a few of the books in the 28 volume-series on Discworld feature women. The Wyrd Sisters (a group of erstwhile Witches), Angua (a female werewolf in Ankh Morpork's Watch) and Commander Vimes's wife are among the few female protagonists. With MONSTROUS REGIMENT, we are introduced not only to Polly Perks but also to some other rather astonishing heroines. Elaborating on them though would spoil the tale.
Pratchett has outdone himself with MONSTROUS REGIMENT --- a feat that might be hard to imagine after so many books. It is fresh, witty as ever, and brings a whole new look to Ankh Morpork. One might be tempted to compare this tale to our conflict in the Middle East, if one was of a mind to take Pratchett with more than a grain of salt.
--- Reviewed by Roz Shea

Long-standing fans of Discworld know how Pratchett explores many levels in his books. MR achieves a new degree of intensity in examining the human tendency for conflict. The "fantasy" aspects of the Discworld are nearly abandoned in this story of war and soldier life. To be sure, there's a vampire, a troll, and Angua the werewolf. An Igor completes the team in a special, rather cutting, role. None of these "fantasy" characters can avoid being dominated by their human aspects. Pratchett enhances his ability to show us to ourselves. While his humour carries us along in following the tale, the underlying theme remains clear. War is a distinctly human enterprise.
Polly Perks seeks her missing brother in the middle of a conflict none can explain nor justify. Hiding the fact that she's a girl, she slashes her golden curls, dons boys' clothes [including "special purpose" socks] and enlists to seek him out. Her military career is fraught with risk, but not just from battle. If she's exposed, the wrath of Nuggan, the local deity, will be boundless - dressing as a man is an Abomination. As are cats, the colour blue, garlic and a host of social ills. These are lined out in the Appendix of a bible - with the Appendix larger than the main inspirational text.
In Sam Vimes' view, Polly has entered a life of crime, but not through her cross-dressing. He thinks "war is a crime - like murder". Sam, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, has been sent to make a peace. When the stakes are as high as these - who rules the country - the task becomes Herculean. As with most wars, this one uses high moral purpose to camouflage baser selfish motives. A prince seeks power. Polly, along with her meagre "regiment" is caught up in the forces this war for rule has unleashed. They are ill-equipped and untrained for their task. Even so, Polly's first skirmish with the enemy has enduring results.
Pratchett, using Polly's voice, has produced his finest work. He delves into military life, the vagaries of monarchy, and the shams of religion. He exposes many nerves in this book, but with a gentle finesse. He encourages the open mind while appealing to those who haven't taken the trouble to even ask questions. Polly asks and confronts many of these queries. She examines the answers in light of what is occurring around her. She's sharp and alert. She has to be, hiding her identity from friend and foe alike. She learns to belch, pick her nose and walk swaying her shoulders instead of her hips. Is this what's important? Pratchett takes us to the abyss of gender politics, reveals its deceptive simplicity, and leads us away. To confront a yet more fundamental horror. He is adept at surprising the reader, accomplishing that again here with his usual aplomb. Once again, he's "mirrored" our world. Take a close look and see if you are imaged here. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa]

First of all, Monstrous Regiment is the 28th Discworld book, and Pratchett is just getting started. Every time you think he has run out of ideas, he comes up with something new (or an interesting take on something old). This book is no different, as this time he examines the military and the military mindset. Is it a good one? SIR, YES SIR!
This is another winning Discworld book. It's a bit different in tone from Night Watch, if only because the humour is broader. In Night Watch, the humour was on the side and it was a fairly serious book except for that. This has a serious point to make as well, but the humour involves everybody. It was refreshing to see. Pratchett has some good points to make on military matters in the real world, and he skewers the entire mindset (not necessarily of the men, who he never really disparages, but the planners).
He does have the obvious stereotypes of the hard drill sergeant and the lieutenant who doesn't really know what he's doing and has no experience. But even these stereotypes he turns on their heads, shakes them upside down, and looks at what comes out. Pratchett, always a master of character, has created some new winners (though I don't believe they'll be back in another book, like some of Pratchett's recurring characters). Polly is the typical Pratchett hero: determined, relatively straight-laced, intelligent and resourceful. She's a wonderful viewpoint character, scared but determined to do what is right. When she's assigned to be the lieutenant's assistant, she's reluctant to take advantage of the position, though she does so to help out her mates. She helps Lieutenant Blouse along, though she's terrified of shaving him because she's never learned how to shave herself.
Probably the best character in the book, though, is Jackrum. He reminds me a lot of Sam Vimes from the City Watch books, but with a different edge to him. He's a soldier and nothing else. He doesn't want to be an officer. He doesn't want to be a civilian. He wants to do his job, keep his lads safe, and bring them home. He doesn't like sneaking around and doing things different from the army way, and he's horrified when Blouse wants to use subterfuge to get into the castle they're supposed to take. He's a man of duty, honour, and integrity, and while he's always rough on his men, he also respects them. Of course, we find out there's a reason behind the man he is, which is what really cuts him apart from Vimes.
The other characters are standout even if they aren't developed that much. There's the religious zealot who constantly speaks to "The Duchess," (the figure who, much like Queen Victoria, hasn't been seen much since her husband died, and who many feel is actually dead). There are a couple of fire-bugs who ran away from where they were being held. The best of this bunch, however, is the vampire (Maladict) and the latest in a long string of Igors in a Discworld book. Maladict has sworn off blood in order to be accepted in society, and has developed an addiction to coffee instead. He's the only one that seems, at least initially, to know what's going on. When the coffee runs out, look out! Igor is much the same as most of his brethren, handy with a surgical knife and internal organs. Both of these characters add some sparkle when they're on the page, as well as a lot of laughs.
There are a few well-known Discworld characters in the book to add colour as well. William de Worde (the journalist from The Truth) and his photographer vampire Otto, make an appearance. I'm surprised that they weren't "embedded" with the troops, but that may have been a bit obvious. Pratchett does use them to make some statements about the Press in wartime, and how wars are reported. Samuel Vimes and a couple of his watchmen are also included, though they don't have a major part. I think Vimes is included mainly as a counterpoint for Jackrum's character, and he does a good job of that. He's also a voice of reason in a sea of insanity (Polly's adrift in that sea, so she doesn't count).
The best thing about Pratchett is that he is entertaining and thought-provoking even when you might not agree with him. Given some of the things he makes light of, I may be able to guess what his opinion is on the recent war in Iraq. However, even if you don't agree with him, he will make you think. And he will make you laugh, which is the most important part. He also touches on gender and religious issues, all in one book. The fact that he's able to make interesting points without seeming like a scattershot approach says something about Pratchett's writing.
Monstrous Regiment is a return of sorts to Pratchett's previous style of combining humour and social commentary. It's another must-read for any Pratchett fan.
David Roy

I love Terry Pratchett's work and this is a fine example of it. It is, however, a little less than some of the others. Pratchett's work runs about half the gamut; being from very good to inconceivably, rip snortingly wonderful and by his standards this would fall somewhere near the middle.
It is less humerous than some of the others - though still with several wry grins and a couple of laugh-out-loud in public moments. The characters are interesting, but not quite as sharply drawn as in other books.
Part of the problem is that it is drawn from a culture that his readers are less familiar with, so some of the Jokes I'm absolutely certain, have gone right over my head and that of some of the other reviewers here, too I suspect. I had the same problem with "The Last Continent" where several Australian folk references and heroes were drawn into the plot which I entirely failed to recognize until they got annotated. Terry is nothing if not a meticulous researcher and I have a strange suspicion that this is one of those I'm going to end up reading more often.
This is a great book by any measure except those jaded from higher expectations of this author.

This is the first Terry Pratchett book I've ever read and If the rest of his stories are as imaginatively funny as this one I'll soon be a life long fan...
Monstrous Regiment is about a barmaid named Polly who lives in Borogravia where the proud people war with anyone and everyone around them. Polly chops off her hair, pulls on some trousers and signs up to be a soldier in the Borogravian army to track down her brother and bring him back home.
Her journey takes her on a wonderful adventure filled with vampires, werewolves, Igors and trolls. You'll be surprised and delighted by her discoveries along the way and grinning like a fool the whole way through...
Couldn't for the life of me put this book down...

Polly Perks sees no other option to secure her future but to enlist, disguised as a boy. So she cuts her hair, puts on a pair of trousers, and sets out on her journey. Can she get away with it?

Whether women can make good soldiers is just one of many queries answered in this book. In a story concerning gender issues and women’s rights (not from the simplistic vista of what makes men and women different or equal, but showing what an individual is and what we all must brazen out to become a worthy one), here is a journey ignited by and about pride, about courage, and hard-headedness. It is not only about war and its consequences, but about those who fight and why they do it, and those who stay behind and how they deal with the fight at home; about how the media can shape the world, influence opinions and results, It is about pride, fanaticism, equality and discrimination. It is about finding your own way, even if it means going against your family, your country, your beliefs. You will often go to bed considering these (and many other) matters in solidarity, sympathy and praise of vivid, real and worthy characters in here..

But don’t worry: the story flows through other issues that we all have wondered about, like how Trolls woo each other, what an extra pair of socks can do for you. Is there a cure for baldness? Why do some zombies just groan and cause trouble, while others decide to not just take it lying down? How reformed vampires can resist the urge to drink blood, and find their way. Who stays behind when all the men close to us have to go to war?

You will definitely have fun while this ragtag squad of humans, vampires, trolls, and even igors, go on to war, knowing they are the last recruits, but knowing too there is nothing for them behind. What will the future bring to them? They will find who they really are; they will find where their inner strength comes from and ponder about doing the unthinkable and what that limit is depending on who and what we are.

Great reading, great book, great characters, great and realistic dialogues and situations. You will agree when the story is over, when you close the book, when you say: “Great” to yourself. Never will an adjective be better used than then – and now.

First, know that I read Terry Pratchett for his social satire. And normally, his books have many a chuckle and a few belly laughs with much provocation of thought. This book, for me had one chuckle, and one belly laugh--an allusion to President Kennedy that was truly inspired. In reality, that fits what I saw as the background for this book, a one-hit idea stretched to 389 pages. However, the book and movie, "War of the Roses" did it first and better.

Yes, the silliness of war is part of this book, not done as well as others have, but there. Yes, the silliness of the military is there, not done as well as others have, but there. Yes, the silliness and strength of country loyalty is there. But primarily, this book is about the war of the sexes, and that theme Terry Pratchett has done well, but in other works.

In the end, you take from this book that men are about, well, uhmm, socks. And women are about getting things done. And people are out and about.

Maybe this would have been a better book for me if not part of the 31 book 'disc world' series. I expected things. And, OK, Death makes his appearance, for a page. And, OK, Vimes is a minor character. But, when all was said and done, my only thought about this book was....OK.

Terry Pratchett is one of my favorite novelists. I'm trying to work through the Discworld series-- a marvelous universe full of characters that interconnect in ways you wouldn't have dreamed possible. Even so, when I opened the front cover... I didn't put this book down until I reached the back.

Our protaganist is a young lady who, because of religious ordinances (which keep getting stranger), cannot inherit the family tavern. Her brother has joined the army and should he not return, the tavern is lost to her. So she hatches a daring plan to join the army and find her brother. Only on Discworld, nothing is what they appear.

I won't say more, because I will risk giving away the twists. But oh! What delightful twists Mr. Pratchett gives us on this part of Discworld. Familiar characters will peek in, new characters will be introduced, and a madcap adventure await you between the covers of this book.

Long-standing fans of Discworld know how Pratchett explores many levels in his books. MR achieves a new degree of intensity in examining the human tendency for conflict. The "fantasy" aspects of the Discworld are nearly abandoned in this story of war and soldier life. To be sure, there's a vampire, a troll, and Angua the werewolf. An Igor completes the team in a special, rather cutting, role. None of these "fantasy" characters can avoid being dominated by their human aspects. Pratchett enhances his ability to show us to ourselves. While his humour carries us along in following the tale, the underlying theme remains clear. War is a distinctly human enterprise.
Polly Perks seeks her missing brother in the middle of a conflict none can explain nor justify. Hiding the fact that she's a girl, she slashes her golden curls, dons boys' clothes [including "special purpose" socks] and enlists to seek him out. Her military career is fraught with risk, but not just from battle. If she's exposed, the wrath of Nuggan, the local deity, will be boundless - dressing as a man is an Abomination. As are cats, the colour blue, garlic and a host of social ills. These are lined out in the Appendix of a bible - with the Appendix larger than the main inspirational text.
In Sam Vimes' view, Polly has entered a life of crime, but not through her cross-dressing. He thinks "war is a crime - like murder". Sam, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, has been sent to make a peace. When the stakes are as high as these - who rules the country - the task becomes Herculean. As with most wars, this one uses high moral purpose to camouflage baser selfish motives. A prince seeks power. Polly, along with her meagre "regiment" is caught up in the forces this war for rule has unleashed. They are ill-equipped and untrained for their task. Even so, Polly's first skirmish with the enemy has enduring results.
Pratchett, using Polly's voice, has produced his finest work. He delves into military life, the vagaries of monarchy, and the shams of religion. He exposes many nerves in this book, but with a gentle finesse. He encourages the open mind while appealing to those who haven't taken the trouble to even ask questions. Polly asks and confronts many of these queries. She examines the answers in light of what is occurring around her. She's sharp and alert. She has to be, hiding her identity from friend and foe alike. She learns to belch, pick her nose and walk swaying her shoulders instead of her hips. Is this what's important? Pratchett takes us to the abyss of gender politics, reveals its deceptive simplicity, and leads us away. To confront a yet more fundamental horror. He is adept at surprising the reader, accomplishing that again here with his usual aplomb. Once again, he's "mirrored" our world. Take a close look and see if you are imaged here. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa]

First of all, Monstrous Regiment is the 28th Discworld book, and Pratchett is just getting started. Every time you think he has run out of ideas, he comes up with something new (or an interesting take on something old). This book is no different, as this time he examines the military and the military mindset. Is it a good one? SIR, YES SIR!
This is another winning Discworld book. It's a bit different in tone from Night Watch, if only because the humour is broader. In Night Watch, the humour was on the side and it was a fairly serious book except for that. This has a serious point to make as well, but the humour involves everybody. It was refreshing to see. Pratchett has some good points to make on military matters in the real world, and he skewers the entire mindset (not necessarily of the men, who he never really disparages, but the planners).
He does have the obvious stereotypes of the hard drill sergeant and the lieutenant who doesn't really know what he's doing and has no experience. But even these stereotypes he turns on their heads, shakes them upside down, and looks at what comes out. Pratchett, always a master of character, has created some new winners (though I don't believe they'll be back in another book, like some of Pratchett's recurring characters). Polly is the typical Pratchett hero: determined, relatively straight-laced, intelligent and resourceful. She's a wonderful viewpoint character, scared but determined to do what is right. When she's assigned to be the lieutenant's assistant, she's reluctant to take advantage of the position, though she does so to help out her mates. She helps Lieutenant Blouse along, though she's terrified of shaving him because she's never learned how to shave herself.
Probably the best character in the book, though, is Jackrum. He reminds me a lot of Sam Vimes from the City Watch books, but with a different edge to him. He's a soldier and nothing else. He doesn't want to be an officer. He doesn't want to be a civilian. He wants to do his job, keep his lads safe, and bring them home. He doesn't like sneaking around and doing things different from the army way, and he's horrified when Blouse wants to use subterfuge to get into the castle they're supposed to take. He's a man of duty, honour, and integrity, and while he's always rough on his men, he also respects them. Of course, we find out there's a reason behind the man he is, which is what really cuts him apart from Vimes.
The other characters are standout even if they aren't developed that much. There's the religious zealot who constantly speaks to "The Duchess," (the figure who, much like Queen Victoria, hasn't been seen much since her husband died, and who many feel is actually dead). There are a couple of fire-bugs who ran away from where they were being held. The best of this bunch, however, is the vampire (Maladict) and the latest in a long string of Igors in a Discworld book. Maladict has sworn off blood in order to be accepted in society, and has developed an addiction to coffee instead. He's the only one that seems, at least initially, to know what's going on. When the coffee runs out, look out! Igor is much the same as most of his brethren, handy with a surgical knife and internal organs. Both of these characters add some sparkle when they're on the page, as well as a lot of laughs.
There are a few well-known Discworld characters in the book to add colour as well. William de Worde (the journalist from The Truth) and his photographer vampire Otto, make an appearance. I'm surprised that they weren't "embedded" with the troops, but that may have been a bit obvious. Pratchett does use them to make some statements about the Press in wartime, and how wars are reported. Samuel Vimes and a couple of his watchmen are also included, though they don't have a major part. I think Vimes is included mainly as a counterpoint for Jackrum's character, and he does a good job of that. He's also a voice of reason in a sea of insanity (Polly's adrift in that sea, so she doesn't count).
The best thing about Pratchett is that he is entertaining and thought-provoking even when you might not agree with him. Given some of the things he makes light of, I may be able to guess what his opinion is on the recent war in Iraq. However, even if you don't agree with him, he will make you think. And he will make you laugh, which is the most important part. He also touches on gender and religious issues, all in one book. The fact that he's able to make interesting points without seeming like a scattershot approach says something about Pratchett's writing.
Monstrous Regiment is a return of sorts to Pratchett's previous style of combining humour and social commentary. It's another must-read for any Pratchett fan.
David Roy

I love Terry Pratchett's work and this is a fine example of it. It is, however, a little less than some of the others. Pratchett's work runs about half the gamut; being from very good to inconceivably, rip snortingly wonderful and by his standards this would fall somewhere near the middle.
It is less humerous than some of the others - though still with several wry grins and a couple of laugh-out-loud in public moments. The characters are interesting, but not quite as sharply drawn as in other books.
Part of the problem is that it is drawn from a culture that his readers are less familiar with, so some of the Jokes I'm absolutely certain, have gone right over my head and that of some of the other reviewers here, too I suspect. I had the same problem with "The Last Continent" where several Australian folk references and heroes were drawn into the plot which I entirely failed to recognize until they got annotated. Terry is nothing if not a meticulous researcher and I have a strange suspicion that this is one of those I'm going to end up reading more often.
This is a great book by any measure except those jaded from higher expectations of this author.

This is the first Terry Pratchett book I've ever read and If the rest of his stories are as imaginatively funny as this one I'll soon be a life long fan...
Monstrous Regiment is about a barmaid named Polly who lives in Borogravia where the proud people war with anyone and everyone around them. Polly chops off her hair, pulls on some trousers and signs up to be a soldier in the Borogravian army to track down her brother and bring him back home.
Her journey takes her on a wonderful adventure filled with vampires, werewolves, Igors and trolls. You'll be surprised and delighted by her discoveries along the way and grinning like a fool the whole way through...
Couldn't for the life of me put this book down...

Polly Perks sees no other option to secure her future but to enlist, disguised as a boy. So she cuts her hair, puts on a pair of trousers, and sets out on her journey. Can she get away with it?

Whether women can make good soldiers is just one of many queries answered in this book. In a story concerning gender issues and women’s rights (not from the simplistic vista of what makes men and women different or equal, but showing what an individual is and what we all must brazen out to become a worthy one), here is a journey ignited by and about pride, about courage, and hard-headedness. It is not only about war and its consequences, but about those who fight and why they do it, and those who stay behind and how they deal with the fight at home; about how the media can shape the world, influence opinions and results, It is about pride, fanaticism, equality and discrimination. It is about finding your own way, even if it means going against your family, your country, your beliefs. You will often go to bed considering these (and many other) matters in solidarity, sympathy and praise of vivid, real and worthy characters in here..

But don’t worry: the story flows through other issues that we all have wondered about, like how Trolls woo each other, what an extra pair of socks can do for you. Is there a cure for baldness? Why do some zombies just groan and cause trouble, while others decide to not just take it lying down? How reformed vampires can resist the urge to drink blood, and find their way. Who stays behind when all the men close to us have to go to war?

You will definitely have fun while this ragtag squad of humans, vampires, trolls, and even igors, go on to war, knowing they are the last recruits, but knowing too there is nothing for them behind. What will the future bring to them? They will find who they really are; they will find where their inner strength comes from and ponder about doing the unthinkable and what that limit is depending on who and what we are.

Great reading, great book, great characters, great and realistic dialogues and situations. You will agree when the story is over, when you close the book, when you say: “Great” to yourself. Never will an adjective be better used than then – and now.

First, know that I read Terry Pratchett for his social satire. And normally, his books have many a chuckle and a few belly laughs with much provocation of thought. This book, for me had one chuckle, and one belly laugh--an allusion to President Kennedy that was truly inspired. In reality, that fits what I saw as the background for this book, a one-hit idea stretched to 389 pages. However, the book and movie, "War of the Roses" did it first and better.

Yes, the silliness of war is part of this book, not done as well as others have, but there. Yes, the silliness of the military is there, not done as well as others have, but there. Yes, the silliness and strength of country loyalty is there. But primarily, this book is about the war of the sexes, and that theme Terry Pratchett has done well, but in other works.

In the end, you take from this book that men are about, well, uhmm, socks. And women are about getting things done. And people are out and about.

Maybe this would have been a better book for me if not part of the 31 book 'disc world' series. I expected things. And, OK, Death makes his appearance, for a page. And, OK, Vimes is a minor character. But, when all was said and done, my only thought about this book was....OK.

Terry Pratchett is one of my favorite novelists. I'm trying to work through the Discworld series-- a marvelous universe full of characters that interconnect in ways you wouldn't have dreamed possible. Even so, when I opened the front cover... I didn't put this book down until I reached the back.

Our protaganist is a young lady who, because of religious ordinances (which keep getting stranger), cannot inherit the family tavern. Her brother has joined the army and should he not return, the tavern is lost to her. So she hatches a daring plan to join the army and find her brother. Only on Discworld, nothing is what they appear.

I won't say more, because I will risk giving away the twists. But oh! What delightful twists Mr. Pratchett gives us on this part of Discworld. Familiar characters will peek in, new characters will be introduced, and a madcap adventure await you between the covers of this book.

Maybe I'm just becoming jaded to Pratchett, or maybe I happen to be picking up a run of his lesser works, but Monstrous Regiment continues what I'm noticing as "the Vimes Curse": if Vimes is in it, I'm going to be disappointed.

High Points: Pratchett's wit is present as always, and there are the usual grins and even laugh-out-loud moments. I liked his parody of ultra-fundamentalist religions that have worn out their welcome by going out of control. Also, I wasn't quite sure where he was going with this, so it held my attention. If nothing else, it's a quick read.

Low Points: Stevie Wonder could have seen the "plot twist" in this, though it's ***so*** obvious that it was probably intentional that it be seen, and not meant to be the "hinge" of the book. Like I said under high points, I wasn't sure where he was going with this. Turns out I knew exactly where he was going, but had just expected more.

Monstrous Regiment is a "stand-alone" episode in the Diskworld milieu, so don't expect any "continuity clues." I might be wrong on that, of course, if Pratchett ever plans to revisit the setting or characters, though I doubt he will.

I'd probably be harsher on this book if a different author had written it. If you like Pratchett, keep your expectations reasonable and give it a go.

Oh, what a yummy book! I've been going through some lean times lately, and felt pretty sure that even good old Discworld wasn't going to get me smiling, but that was only because I hadn't done any Pratchett reading for a while. No matter how bad things get, Discworld makes me laugh. No, not just laugh, CHORTLE.
I went through this in two days, and I couldn't stop laughing (well, okay, at the serious parts I could). Pratchett has the supremely enviable skill of being able to do it all -- humor, drama, the Low Condition of Man/Woman In Dire Times, heck, even practical wisdom. And, he can do it with fascinating, complex characters, an intriguing plot, and a handful of subplots all going on at the same time.
Pratchett, good job! And thanks for the laughs. I really needed that. Fundamentally my life situation hasn't actually changed. But at least I'm smiling. :) (see?).

Borogravia is a small, backwards country that wages constant war on all of its neighbors. It is ruled by the Duchess, or rather a picture of the Duchess since nobody has seen her for eighty years. Their God is Nuggan, who has a list of "abominations" that include things such as the color blue and babies.

For Polly Perks, Borogravia is home, one she is willing to fight for, so she cuts off her hair and joins the army. She thinks her disguise might not be good enough, but when her squad consists of a vampire, a troll, an Igor, a religious nut, and the infamous Sergeant Jackrum, Polly doesn't need to worry about fitting in.

Monstrous Regiment to me has a different tone than the other Discworld books. Perhaps because there's no villain, no face of evil that the main characters are trying to stop. Perhaps it's because Borogravia is such a backwards country, and I'm used to the new, forwards-thinking Discworld with clacks towers and affirmative action for racial minorities (such as dwarves and zombies). Borogravia is one of the last places to refuse these modernizations.

But perhaps most of all, it's the lack of Discworldy-ness. No A'Tuin the Great Turtle, no magic, no million-to-one chances. In fact, if it weren't for the inclusion of fantasy creatures (werewolves, pixies, trolls, an Igor, etc), there's not too much to say this happens on the Discworld at all. It could have happened on Earth.

Pratchett's writing style also seems to have significantly matured, especially when compared to his earlier works. Today's lampoon is Gender Discrimination. The idea of a woman running off to war isn't new, but when put into the context of the Discworld things get very interesting. Funny, definitely, but funny with room for thought.

If you're a fan of the Discworld series, you'll enjoy Monstrous regiment. It's another fresh take on a tired subject, with lots of laughs and the occasional cameo from more familiar characters from Discworld books. On the other hand, if you're new to the series, this is probably a bad place to start. The book starts off with the assumption that you already have a grasp on the fundamentals of Discworld. Many of the jokes (Sir Samuel "The Butcher" Vimes, who eats raw meat and has come to terrorize the good Borogravian soldiers!) are references to earlier books. If the parentheticals meant nothing to you, don't start here.

There must be very little left that has not be said about the genius that is Terry Pratchett. No wonder he is England's best selling living author.
This book has a slightly different slant to many of the Discworld novels but it none the worse for it.

It is about a young girl, Polly Perks who has her own reasons for going to the recruiting sergeant with a pair of socks pushed down her trousers and asking to join "This man's army". Included in her section are a set of misfits including an "Igor" and a reformed vampire and why not.

They all march off with their new sergeant who says he is determined to look after "my boys" and will not let any harm befall them . . .

There is a nice comic twist at the end of the book, maybe you will see it coming and maybe you won't.

Many people try to imitate Pratchett. Take it from me it's impossible.

I've decided he's too good and too prolific for me to write a brand new review every single time I read one of his books. Discworld currently has 34 titles and every one of them will probably knock your socks off. His mind bubbles and flashes like a boiling pot of electric eels, and I simply can't get enough of his writing.

A reviewer has compared him to Geoffrey Chaucer. He reminds me more of Douglas Adams, or perhaps S Morgenstern. Great company, isn't it? He's an extremely skillful and imaginative writer, damn funny, clever and observant to boot. He's also very easy to read. A master of characterization, and if there's anything else you like about reading that I didn't mention here, assume I simply forgot. He's awesome.

Another reviewer mentioned Jonathan Swift and PG Wodehouse. Why such hallowed company? Because Pratchett belongs there! Truly, I'm enjoying my quest to read every book in the series. You should do the same, and begin your quest at the library because he's got to be there. He's awesome!

Yet another reviewer said Jerome K Jerome meets Lord of the Rings. Yeah, that works too.

Why do we, as reviewers, compare authors to other authors? Because it's easier than thinking. In the case of Terry Pratchett, it's probably because we'd otherwise wind up quoting the guy. He's so unique that we just don't know how else to cope with his greatness. Even this paragraph sounds like foamy drool raving, doesn't it? That's how all readers react to Pratchett. Reviewers simply don't have the good sense to keep it to themselves.

I could call his writing fantasy, but I could likewise call what Douglas Adams wrote science fiction. In both cases, I wouldn't be wrong, but I'd be neglecting so much and just totally missing the point. A rare few authors transcend a genre to such a degree that you know they're shouting out, loud and proud, a big fat "Bite me!"

I love Terry Pratchett's writing, and I completely understand why some folks refer to him as their favorite author. Or favourite, I should say, since we're being British. He's one of those authors that makes you want to grab whoever's in hearing range and start reading passages aloud. I'm simply thrilled that there's such an extremely talented and prolific author who's been working for years without me being aware of him. Now I have much catching up to do, and I will love it.

I finished the book thinking it was ok, then had to stop myself and think - wasn't that by *Terry Pratchett*?
His novels are usually characterised by a wonderfully funny, interesting read, that sneakily hits you with great insights into 'the way the world (doesn't) work'.
This... wasn't.
Not incredibly comedic, lacking interesting footnotes, and it didn't leave me with any cool insights either.
It *hinted* at a whole potentially amusing Vietnam vet thing with Maledict briefly, but didn't really go anywhere.
It suggested that Blouse might actually do something in the way of 'figuring stuff out', but that didn't go anywhere either.
It never looked at the why or how of Nuggan being crazy, or anything much to do with Gods at all.
On the other hand, it is hard to make a living as an author, and for such a long series (not to mention the other books) he has a *very* impressive track record. So if you haven't read him before, read Terry Pratchett! Lots and lots of it! But this isn't on par with his other stuff.
**** Spoiler ****
Did virtually the entire army *have* to be female? That wasn't enough of a plot point, or insightful enough to carry the entire book on.
****

If you haven't read the Discworld books by Terry Pratchett, then don't wait any longer! You are in for hours of supreme pleasure. Pratchett's books work equally well on many different levels -- as imaginative fantasy, constant hilarity (particularly for those who like puns and wordplay), and sly satire.
Monstrous Regiment is another welcome addition to the Discworld saga, but I wouldn't recommend it to newcomers (who might instead consider one of the Watch books, or those involving our good friend Death). Long-time fans, however, will join me in welcoming the bedraggled army and its unique band of soldiers (complete with a vampire and an always-useful Igor...). Pratchett turns provides commentary on male-female roles, and on war, while keeping the story going without stumbling. The momentum might flag a bit near the end, and some familiar faces (Vimes, Antigua) would be even more welcome if they played larger roles -- but they are really bit players in this chapter of Discword lore -- and long may it continue!

Another disc world book, churned out in the same time scale as the last few. There are a few laughs, though not many, and there is a reasonable story, though not a gripping one.

I think "Ok" sums up the book well! In the same way as sometimes you'll watch a TV program because it's on, it passes the time until something you're really waiting for comes on. Cameo appearances from Vimes and Anguna in the first few and last few pages may make a regular Pratchett reader pick this up hoping for the rest of the Men at Arms squad to be about. They'll be disappointed. The story itself is basically Girl dresses as boy to join army and find missing brother. And that's it. I have a vague notion that this was more of a dig at how women still feel they live in a men's world, rather than a comedy fiction novel. Shame really, as I was left feeling it achieved neither status.

This is the 28th in Pratchett's Discworld series. It's also one of the standalone books ("Equal Rites," "Pyramids," "Moving Pictures," "Small Gods," "The Truth," and "Monstrous Regiment"). I'm not sure where Pratchett wanted to go with this book (or even if he knew where he wanted to go with it). Since it was published well after 9-11, I assumed he would use it as another platform for the anti-military, anti-nationalism philosophy-apparent that he bared in "Jingo." Thankfully, this isn't so. He seems to have moderated his stance there quite a bit. Unfortunately, that left this book wandering all over the place trying to come to a satisfactory ending. Part of the problem is that the protagonists, though fairly good, are on the wrong side: they're part of the enemy. You're left trying to figure out how Pratchett's going to have them succeed personally but have them lose group-wise. What he ends up with is sort of stop-gap. Heck, he even seems to realize this himself since at the very end everyone seems to be right back where they started (outside of the female emancipation stuff). Also, every single character in the book (including the main one) is pretty two-dimensional. It's like they're all putting in cameo appearances (especially the members of the Watch). Pretty disappointing. Overall, the book isn't bad. But, it certainly isn't funny and it sure isn't up to his usual standards. I rate it at a mere 3 stars out of 5.

Satire at its best. I make no secret that Terry Pratchett is one of my favorite authors, with a diabolical gift for fantasy and acid wit.

A woman joins the ranks of fighting boys, only to discover it's not so much "this man's army" anymore. Of particular note were the vampire character trying his utmost to remain calm despite the lack of caffeine and the return of my favorite Pratchett regular, Captain Samual Vimes (tasty). The story was more enjoyable than I thought it would be, especially since I tend to shy away from anything that has to do with the military. Definately got my 'socks' off.

For those new to Pratchett, there is a difference between Pratchett's older and newer works. The older books are chock full of characters, since he needed time to establish the Discworld and the way it wobbles, and they tend to lean heavier on the side of fantasy. The newer novels focus more on current pop culture for the bulk of the plot(like computers and popular book trends (Da Vinci Code spoof, anyone?). By now, most of the residents of the Discworld have already been gently prodded, or shoved, in some cases, into their place. It's always wonderful to read someone who is having way to much fun writing his books. Cheers!

I have been one of the world's biggest Terry Pratchett fans for over five years now- (I was actually introduced to him by my librarian- who had a wicked sense of humor.) I have followed Terry's exploits through uncharted waters- uncharted territories- and uncharted peoples... and have stuck with him while he contemplated Death, Pictsies and Buggers- (Which I shall never actually know what that stands for, but still...) And now- I have traveled with him to a land where some idiot of a god has decreed blue to be an Abomination.
Think it couldn't get crazier?
Terry Pratchett's latest installment into his beloved Discworld series is Monstrous Regiment- a story that, like all the others before it- contains outlandish plots, heart felt characters, and twists even O'Henry couldn't have predicted.
I, like all other Pratchett fans, looked forward to the debut of this book. I had recently read the Wee Free Men, and- honestly? I would not admit it to be my favorite work by him. I had all the hopes, though- that this would be the one. I read it through in a single day, and closed the covers deep in thought.
The story itself is wonderful- the characters leap out of the pages to take you- arm in arm- down dangerous roads even the most stout-hearted of us wouldn't dare tread. They have their own host of certain problems- (As all Pratchett characters can attest to), but they never lose their humanity, sense of humor- and most importantly- love of coffee.
If I could fault ANYTHING with this book- it would be the message Terry tries to imbue us with. It was sterlingly wonderful, of course- until the last few pages- but then, I began to wince, as he pounded into my brain something he had already pounded- every single page of the way.
Don't get me wrong- I'm a woman- I love the strong woman type in books- but when it begins to get just the teensiest TINIEST bit preachy- I back away. As Pratchett should have done, towards the end of the book. Kisses and hugs to Pratchett, always, of course- he inspired me to become the writer I am today... but he's never become even the closest bit preachy in any of his other books- I simply don't understand why he thought now would be a good time to start.
Bottom line? Read Monstrous Regiment to draw your own conclusions. Enjoy the witty lines- the lovely plot- and the even lovelier characterizations that comprise the best of Pratchett writing. Far from being held together with spit and coffee, this is wonderful stuff- with a definitive message.
Just don't forget to don that battle helmet for the end of the book!

SPOILER AHEAD DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU ALREADY KNOW THE ENDING

This installment of a new set of characters within the Discworld sets us in a parallel universe to the recent Bosnian Conflict. We follow a group of females willing to join the ranks to go find their men, or to escape a bitter past. Generally I love Terry Pratchett books. This one seemed a bit predictable. From the moment Private Oliver Perks "Polly" joins I had hopes she was the one female in the ranks of the men. Within a few pages you find out she is not alone. About 100 pages from the end the real dissapointment comes out. All in all it is a great book and the story is decent. I was just a little dissapointed with the end.

While a few of the Discworld regulars appear briefly in Monstrous Regiment, the tale is really about Polly Perks, who disguises herself as a boy to join the all-male Borogravian army. She enlisted to find out about her brother, the one she always had to look after before he joined the Army, who's gone MIA. In telling Polly's tale, Pratchett primarily mocks religion, war/the military, and of course, gender roles.

Perks is an intelligent and well-developed character, who quickly discerns reality from what people claim it to be. No reader would be surprised to discover that she makes a fine soldier "despite" her gender. Her sergeant, the legendary Jackrum, is the gruff, know-everything NCO who's less concerned with rules and more concerned with getting done that which needs to be done. Most of the other new recruits aren't noteworthy, though Maledict, a reformed vampire (he doesn't drink blood), is enjoyable for a while.

The plot is eminently readable, and fairly entertaining, but it doesn't meet the standards of his best works. Almost all of the Discworld books are designed to be funny (Night Watch is the only exception that comes to mind), but a number of them lose their humor (and consequently, their direction) in the telling of the tale. Monstrous Regiment is moderately funny at first, but then Polly's story gets bogged down by the mission she and her regiment find themselves on. The story doesn't get boring, but it nevertheless failed to keep me engrossed. It's worth a read, but not before a number of the other books in the Discworld Series (e.g., Mort, Witches Abroad, Thief of Time, and Night Watch).

Monstrous Regiment is not one of Pratchett's best, but it's very insightful. It, as always, is a book about human nature. It's satire aimed at religious wars. It also talks about equal opportunity for men and women. I think that pretty much every policymaker would benefit from reading this book, simply because it definitely talks about how women are forced to sneak in by the back door. That's reality.

After reading "Nightwatch", I was sure that the next book would be somewhat of a disappointment. No insult to Pratchett meant; I mean just the opposite, in fact, since "Nightwatch" is a stunningly amazing piece of literature which continues to floor me. Thus did I open "Monstrous Regiment" with trepidation and more then a little skepticism since the characters, location, and situation were all entirely new to the Discworld.
Any fears I had previous to this book concerning Pratchett's ability to continually keep the Discworld to it's high standard were brought to rest by this book.
I won't comment on the actual plot of the book, but I will comment on what Pratchett has managed to do. For one, he has managed to create yet another amazing character and land within the Discworld, as well as include old and new favorites from other works. The inclusion of William and Otto from "The Truth" as well as Commander Vimes and Sergeant Angua from the various Watch novels brought just enough familiar flavor to keep us from feeling lost without overpowering the new part of the Discworld brought to light.
As to Polly and her band...I loved them. They so finely walked the tightrope in so many ways, both within the story and within the mind of the reader, that I simply stand in awe of Pratchett's ability to populate this story with characters the way he does. Jackrum was...there aren't really any words for Jackrum. While some Discworld fans might be hesistant at accepting the new players in their favorite universe and wish for more of Rincewind or the Witches or even Death (who plays a decidedly small role in this novel about War), I feel that the new blood that Pratchett is putting into the Discworld is doing nothing but making it stronger, better, and more rich. Seeing William and Otto was great fun, and their effects on the world being so quickly felt...well, it just SMACKS of Discworld.
The book in short is, to me, an amazing novel that I will treasure. It made me laugh out loud more then once, scream out loud many times more then that, and think a great deal more then perhaps any other fantasy writer has the ability to make me. I'd give it five stars if I hadn't read "Nightwatch".

A tiny nation is at war and girl dressed as a boy joins a mismatched regiment and ultimately wins the war.

Like most later Diskworld novels Monstrous Regiment will be a quick read with some good chuckles and then fades from memory.

The twists are predictable, the jokes are too, there's a lot of moralizing about the horrors of war but nothing more unpleasant than a bump on the head happens on camera.

A good read for a long plane trip or dull weekend.

This book starts about a young lady trying to find her brother, and goining the army. The book is well written, shows the futility of war, plus the other suides of it, glory, doing what needs to be done etc. It also handles some other areas well such as desrimination against women ( after readibng the book most of the cvharcters are women). And some of the struggle faced by women in this world. Not just the disc world. I would reccomend this book to any in the military, as it shows good command structure and control of troops well, also is is a well presented book which is a good read.

Let me start by saying that I am a big Disc World fan. I have read every single book in the series.

My problem with Monstrous Regiment is that it is simply not funny. Yes, I smiled here and there, but I never laughed. The characters are mostly new ones and none of them are really good. The story is not that great either.

Bottom line, if you are new to Disc World you should definitely choose a different book. Try "Guards, Guards", "Small Gods" or my personal favorite "The Light Fantastic". If you are a regular Disc World reader, maybe you should (heresy) consider skipping this one altogether....

Monstrous Regiment is the thirty-first novel in the Discworld series, following The Wee Free Men. This novel is set in the Grand Duchy of Borogravia. The national god, Nuggan, has a holy book, like most gods, but HE issues frequent and direct updates to the Abominations appendix in each copy of his book within Borogravia, so that it is a "living testament". Among other things that are an Abomination unto Nuggan are chocolate, garlic, cats, dwarfs, the color blue, and women wearing men's clothing.

These Abominations have led to the Borogravians tearing down the clacker towers through the region, which greatly annoys Ankh-Morpork and the surrounding countries. Lord Vetinari sends Sam Vimes as his special envoy to the Alliance of nations invading Borogravia. His first priority is ending the war.

In this novel, Polly Perks decides to go look for her older brother, who had enlisted in the Tenth Foot, his father's old unit, and hasn't written home for much too long. Paul is a bit simple, so Polly has been minding him since she was very young and she sees no reason to stop doing so.

Polly cuts her hair short and dresses as a young man -- an Abomination unto Nuggan -- and travels to a small town where she is not known. She enlists as Oliver Perks in the Tenth Foot, the Ins-and-Outs, and several others enlist right after her, including a vampire, a Troll, and an Igor. Sergeant Jackrum cheerfully signs them up, has them kiss the Duchess' picture, and gives them an IOU for their shilling. Corporal Strappi, however, has misgivings about the whole thing.

When the recruits reach Plotz, they discover that they are the very last to join up, so there is a shortage of uniforms and equipment and the available materiel has been scrounged from the dead and wounded. Moreover, their new officer, Lieutenant Blouse, informs them that they will be skipping arms training and going directly into battle. Strappi thinks this is funny until he learns that he will be accompanying them. Then the Lieutenant gives Sergeant Jackrum his discharge papers.

At this point, the real fun begins. Strappi goes AWOL, Jackrum manages to nullify his discharge, the enemy sends a cavalry patrol to intercept them, and an Ankh-Morpork reporter shows up to cover their capture. Along the way, Polly learns that she isn't the only woman in the army under false pretenses.

This novel satires the usual targets -- aristocrats, petty gods, snoops and busybodies, etc. -- but also takes aim at warfare and at the role of women therein. Although he exaggerates for effect, the author points out that it is a little too late to protect women from the horrors of war, for women have been just as much involved in war as men since time immemorial and some have even disguised themselves as men and served in the armies. As Polly observes, at least she gets to carry weapons and get some respect as a man. While military communal showers would probably make it difficult for women to successfully pass as men nowadays, the barrier has already been broken many times.

This novel is not as farcical as many previous works, but it does have its moments, particularly when the women disguised as men pose as washerwomen. The Lieutenant provides a fair amount of comedy just by his romantic notions of warfare and dreams of glory, as contrasted to Sergeant Jackrum's pragmatic cynicism.

The title of this novel apparently alludes to a misogynist pamphlet by John Knox, The Monstrous Regiment of Women; this disparaging view of women seems to be the main target of this satire. The ending of this novel is not really a termination, for the cycle of warfare continues and Polly is off on another mission. Possibly there will be a sequel!

Recommended for Pratchett fans and anyone else who enjoys social satire and ironical comments in a fantasy setting.

-Arthur W. Jordin

The challenging part of writing fantasy is making the unbelievable believable. Sadly, Terry Pratchett does not meet the challenge in "Monstrous Regiment". I have read and enjoyed previous Discworld stories, and was sorely disappointed in this book. I picked it up fully anticipating another great read, and kept anticipating the story to smooth out until the last few chapters. Unfortunately, every chapter got worse and it was with a heavy heart (and heavy eyelids) that I closed this book for the last time. The characters were only mildly interesting, and the many revelations about them were rather more grating than surprising. The overall theme of the book left me rolling my eyes and sighing, something I would not have expected from Terry Pratchett. My advice: if you are looking for a good fantasy novel, go back to some older Terry Pratchett, and leave this one on the shelf.

Borogravia is at war. Again. Or still. The country has been fighting with its neighbors so long that there aren't very many young men left to be soldiers. So even though a woman dressing as a man is an Abomination Unto Nuggan (garlic, chocolate, ears, rocks and much more at all Abominations unto the crazed Borogravian deity), Polly Perks dresses as a man and signs up for the Ins and Outs, the Tenth Division of the Borogravian army. No one looks too carefully; recruits are getting too hard to find.
The title is a play on an obscure John Knox essay, a diatribe against women in leadership positions. Army life, officers, NCOs, patriotism, Army intelligence, institutional religion and especially sexism all get the Pratchett Treatment. More than any of his other books, I was strongly reminded of Mark Twain's later satires. Pratchett is a little gentler than Twain, and his approach is more methodical, but the same simmering anger is evident. Pratchett's distaste for the institutions and respect for the individuals is made completely clear. Stupidity, Polly Perks comes to realize, is simply too dangerous to have around.
There are a few wonderful new characters, including Jackrum, a legendary sergeant in the Borogravian army, apparently ageless and, upon his word, "not a dishonest man;" and Maladict, one of Polly's fellow recruits, who has substituted a lust for blood for a lust for coffee (Pratchett is plainly a serious coffee drinker). And there are cameos of greater or lesser extent from Watch characters Duke Samuel Vimes, Corporal Angua, Buggy Swires and Reg Shoe; and William de Worde and his photographer, Otto.
But mostly this is about Polly, an intelligent, decent person, placed in the madness and folly of war. She masters the art of impersonating a man - mostly belching and walking differently - practices shaving with a blunted razor and learns the importance of a strategically placed pair of socks. She learns how to tell if it is just the socks talking. She learns that sometimes when you ask, "Are we winning the war?" you might not be asking the right question. And she demonstrates that sometimes the right man for a task is a woman. Or perhaps several women.
Pratchett touches on another theme, too, the difference between worship and belief. "Small Gods" focused on that distinction, and it plays a critical role here. Borogravians may worship Nuggan (even if they sometimes ignore the newest Abominations) but they believe in the Duchess, even though she may be dead. And, as events unfold, the difference is critical.
There aren't many belly laughs, but this is a mature, amusing and instructive novel. It doesn't hurt that the themes are topical, but it's too much to hope that either Tony Blair or George W. Bush will read, let alone understand, what Pratchett is saying. Don't make their mistake.

I'm a fairly new fan of the discworld novels, but have thoroughly enjoyed all of them that i have read.

I enjoyed this story very much, but had a bit of trouble with the premise that so many women were in the army without anyone realizing it. I mean, couldn't people tell by their voices that they were women? It was neat to have the whole regiment of new recruits turn out to be girls, but after that, I think the idea was carried too far. As I said above, I enjoyed the story, and would definitely recommend it, but in my humble opinion, what started out as a novel idea was blown way out of proportion.

I regret listening to those reviews which caused me to put off reading this book for so long. I LOVED this book! Even the cameos fit in as part of the story, not as in random, thrown in cameos (with the exception of the Death cameo. That was just stupid...). My other complaint is that he took it too far towards the end witht he females. A few females, fine, but everyone is just too much. And I wish a certain character *spoiler* who um...loves coffee (trying to be subtle!!!) had remained a guy. But that's just personal choice, not as with some of the characters, which it was just too much.

But enough complaints! Unlike some of the other books, which are just random, "haha, he tripped" humor, this was more of a an actual story. I'm not saying it's better than some of the watch series, but it is CERTAINLY worth reading, very funny book. Won't bother summarizing the plot as it's been done already.

I've read all the Discworld books in order and this is one of the best ones of the bunch. There is more action and suspense than some other books, and the Blouse characters is very funny. I had some laugh out loud moments, especially with Blouse insisting on becoming a washwoman later in the book. The minor characters were not too interesting (like Maladict/a), but the main characters made up for it. Another good thing on this book is it doesn't rely on previous books' storylines.

Fantastic book that mixes Pratchett's wit and mastery with social issues, especially those of gender and feminism. Join Polly as she defies social and religious custom to join her nation's army while disguised as a boy just so she can find her MIA brother.

Monstrous Regiment is one of the best works that Pratchett has written. Polly Perks disguises herself as a man to join the army of Borogravia, and we find out over the course of the book that she's not the only one. As usual, Pratchett draws upon a wealth of sources to bring us this glimpse into another facet of the Disc. Many would argue that due to the introduction of new characters and the setting being in a non-explored corner of the Disc this book would pale in comparison to many of the other more mainstream titles in the series. I for one feel that this introduction is refreshing and will undoubtedly inject new blood into the life of the series. I envision that one day the names of Perks, Maladict, and Jackrum will shine next to the familiar Vimes, Vetinari, and Weatherwax.

The Cheesmonger squad of Jackrum's Little "Lads" come together for various reasons and then clings together as a cohesive unit as they develop in a land that is actually mad. From the uncountable wars Boragravia engages in, to the madness of the Nugganite Law, we see that these women soldiers are the only sane ones involved. From the vampire, to Igorina, and from the pyromaniac to the Avatar of the Duchess we are treated to a roller coaster of fun and satire. This book deserves to be on the shelf of every Pratchett fan and will hopefully be a spring board for new adventures involving the cast of Monstrous Regiment.

The book was pretty darn good for most of it, but a lot of characters ended up not really mattering, it felt like the story was following the wrong person, and the ending was rushed and not very satisfying. Still worth reading, just didn't blow me away.

This is a flawed book, not quite up to NIGHT WATCH, which was one of his best. However, we must keep in mind -- lite Pratchett is better than no Pratchett!

I feel that one of the problems with this outing is an apparent unwillingness to quit. I couldn't find the ending! It seemed to reach several stopping points, and breezed on by them. The Sargent could have been left in the closet and nothing would have been hurt. Everyone didn't have to turn out to be a woman, frankly, although that was funny -- initially.

But, like I said, Pratchett lite is still Pratchett, and one can't be expected to knock it out of the park every time. I admit to giving it an extra star for nostalgia's sake.

Unlike Jingo or other Pratchett novels that treat the topic of war, I found "Monstrous Regiment" to be disappointly ho-hum. The big novelistic conceit: almost all the characters turn out to be ________, gasp! was predictable from the beginning.

The plot and the characterizations were passable, and I agree with another reviewer that the character of Lt. Blouse is true Discworld gem! Otherwise, I found this novel to be much flatter than I would have expected: not nearly as gripping as "Night Watch," another Pratchett novel from a similar time period.

On the other hand, even a humdrum Pratchett offering is still better than most anything else in fanasty (esp. humorous fantasy), so this novel is still a must-have for the Pratchett fan.

I loved this book. I checked it out at the library, and when I had to turn it in, I almost drew in purple all over the pages so I could keep it, like Ramona Quimby. But later I bought it, and I've been quoting random bits ever since then.

So why only four stars? Because, when you get right down to it, it's not very well thought out. You cant even fathom what comes next, because it's all out of order with no real pace.

I cant complain that all of them are women, as much as I'd like to side with Paperdragon's reveiw on that issue. It fits with the plot, and all of us fictional character obsessors can just jump off a cliff, alright? Alright.

Seriously, though. It'a a little bit out there that all of them turned out to be women, but stranger coincidences have happened. And lets remember that this world is shaped like a disk and is being carried through space via turtle transportation. Realistim isn't the most important factor.

Personaly, I think it was as funny as any of his other books. The problem is, everybody steps back and looks at morals and then looks to how funny it was. Sure, there where a lot of morals. But go back and read again, and you'll laugh just as much. You just cant see it in the big picture.

The characters in this book are incredibly well accomplished for this being a stand alone in the discworld series. I've found myself drawing them as lions with enough material from the book that you can pretty much tell who they are, even as lions.

If you've never read Terry Pratchett's books, this is a great book to start on. You dont need to know all Pratchett's usual characters, so there's no confusion. Monstrous Regiment brings fresh blood into the Discworld series which was, to be frank, getting a bit stale.

Terry is one of my favourite authors (we're even on first name terms) and i've read. I confess. All of his books. And this is definitely not as strong as most of his discworld series.
His humour is, surprisingly, almost as good as ever. He's a funny guy. But i think the fact that he is introducing a whole new cast of characters and there not even in Ankh Morpork its actually a little boring. You don't really become involved because throughout the whole book hes saying how unimportant this country is. Also, he does use an old cast of characters- My favourites- the city watch but they are not used affectively and dont crop up as often as i would have liked. Vimes seems particularly absent from his usual surly self. He smiles.
But i still think it's an excellent book. A good laugh. And perfect for anyone.
God Save Terry Pratchett.

Literally the only drawback for me was that it is a standalone Discworld novel and I wanted to keep reading about ozzer, wazzer, lofty, shufti, tonker, igor, carborundum, maladict, and jackrum.
11/10: will force friends to read so we can discuss its brilliance

Polly Perks, disguised as a boy, joins a regiment of Borogravians filled with the usual lot of trolls, vampires, and the like, and learns what war is really like: violent, senseless, hierarchical with the addle-brained near the top of the hierarchy (her sergeant insists on calling her "Private Parts" instead of "Private Perks" for a good part of the book).
Like all Pratchett books this one is worth reading, a much better satire than anything else out there today. But "Monstrous Regiment" is not going to end up on my Favorite Discworlds shortlist. It takes place in the unfamiliar land of Borogravia, with characters new to the series (although Sam Vimes and Angua put in a very modest appearance), so I miss the wealth of local detail that goes into the more familiar Ankh-Morpork-based novels. Even compared to, say, "Jingo," much of which is also set abroad, Borogravia is a bit less, um, colorful.
Pratchett does a nice job making the plot topical (the divisions in Borogravia seem more-or-less Yugoslavian to me), but the setting and the characters seem like they will need another novel or two to come to reach their full Pratchett-osity.

I have to confess, I was a little dissapointed with Nightwatch. I liked to have the familiarity of the other characters in the Watch, but it was good to focus on Vimes for a while and realise what a great character he is.
But onto MR, God was it great. I didn't have as high expectations for this one, but not only did I fall in love with the regiment (especially Polly, Maladict and Igor) but it also put in some appearences from Angua, Vimes, William De Worde and Otto. At first I thought their appearences were a bit out of place, like a kinda "Asterix in Switzerland" approach. But if you keep reading their presence will make more sense. I loved every page of this book and look forward to seeing the next installment!

This is one of Pratchett's finest novels here. It takes the Mulan cliche of women disguising themselves as men to join the army and twists it so many times, it comes out fresh. This is destined to become a classic and required reading.

Pratchett's 31st (inc Maurice & Last Hero) Discworld novel still delivers although it took me a little while to get into and care about the new characters. Usually he will set up various circumstances that force cross species to work together; this time they are just dumped on the page and you have to accept it.
A few guest appearances from Vimes and guards offer nothing much more than a bit of familiar territory.
As per usual, though, once I was a good way into it I felt compelled to see what next and was not disappointed at any point - plenty of laughs and originality. Not his best but certainly an indication that this series has a long way to go yet.

Loved every minute.
On the one hand, I found this book more touching, and slightly darker, then some other Discworld novels. There's bound to be some saddness involved with going into hopeless wars for stupid gods. This is not necessarily bad: I felt this was giving a true heart to the story, making the characters real & compassion-worthy (well - at least some of them, that is).
On the other hand, Pratchett has always been able to introduce compassion into his novels without ruining the fun (see the witches stories in particular). This book is no different. It has the usual parade of insane characters & hilarious moments. I was reading it on the train & sometimes it was all I could do not to embarass myself by bursting out laughing.

I especially liked this gender-swapping romp. All the men have died in the war or in the process of delaying death on the front. Their loved ones form an unlikely band of a troll, an Igorina, a vampiress, and a few tough damsels to save the day, or at least their marriages.

Where others did not understand the motivations behind this book, I got it. I completely got it. In another time and another place, I might have donned the socks and wandered cluelessly off to war.

Polly's antics are, to me, hysterical. The whole book had me laughing out loud (an annoyance to my family). I think that Pratchett has created a masterpiece in which he actually UNDERSTANDS what women go thru, without even trying.

So much in the world of fiction is besmirched by filth that in order to get a good clean book you almost have to resort to reading childrens' books, which don't generally give me the intellectual fulfilment that I need. Terry Pratchett is the one exception to the rule. There has never been a book of his that I have not enjoyed thoroughly.

The book is a departure from the usual for Pratchett's books; usually the books are full of male heroes. This story has a decidedly feminist edge to it and in my opinion the author does get carried away a bit with unearthing female soldiers. In the end it is a lovely story that at some points will bring a tear to your eye and make you think. There isn't much of the usual servings of naughty humour in this book and I suppose the subject matter can only be so funny. Though the story is based on a fictitious Discworld, all the issues explored are relevant to our world and the different societies that exist.

A book I couldn't put down; every page makes you laugh out loud. The story and characters are simply wondrous, with plenty of hilarious observations an events that only Terry Pratchett could create. Top stuff.

You would expect in a series of over 30 novels for the quality to vary, and Terry Pratchett has produced both some gems in his Discworld series and some middling efforts. Regardless, they have all been marked by his inexhaustible humour and inventiveness. However, 'Monstrous Regiment' feels like it comes from another writer, a lump of leaden prose and tedious narration that offers practically nothing of interest or humour.

The small nation of Borogravia is plagued by constant warfare and an oppressive religion. A young woman named Polly out of desperation joins the army in the guise of a man, and hilarity fails to ensue. The regiment plods towards the battle, revealing the same plot twist every chapter (which even the title of the book telegraphs for those who know the reference) and some banal reflections on the futility of war and sexual stereotyping. What it fails to reveal is anything to laugh or care about.

Read any other Discworld novel before this one.

I would have given this book five stars. I absolutely loved it. Terry Pratchett never ceases to keep me laughing.

But...

Well, as much as I love the Watch from Ankh-Morpork and Sam Vimes, recurring characters from Pratchett's other books, I thought they were unnecessarily thrown into a story that could have driven itself perfectly without them.

By far in the top 5 Disc Worlds books i have read to date. I really enjoyed it and pretty sure i lent it out as it was truly a great read. Just wish I could remember who i lent it to. This title had great humor excellent plot twists some you saw and some you just didn't and did a truly great job of building up characters, even more so then he does in his other titles as he built up about 7 individuals here as the main characters rather than the typical 2-5.

This is Pratchett's worst book, and I've read all of them. Trying to be feminist, Pratchett goes for heart-rending melodrama over poor abused women - plus slapstick. Ouch.

SPOILER: The heroine Polly dresses as a boy and joins a regiment, in order to find her brother, who is a soldier. As it turns out, EVERY single soldier in her group is really a girl, including the sergeant! Hilarious. Except that all of them are in some way tragically abused (society is very hostile towards women). One of them is pregnant, trying to find the father of the baby - because unwed mothers are persecuted. One of them was raped by her employer, got pregnant and had the rape baby taken away from her. Others were abused as work slaves, or body-shamed into hiding in mens' clothes.

Every single one of them is in some way "in trouble" - as Polly might be, if she wasn't good at counting! (Yeah, Pratchett actually believes that the Rhythm Method is an effective form of contraception.) Instead of sharp or witty social commentary, Partchett keeps putting layer upon layer of drama and abuse.

And let's face it - any writer can do that. In fact, it's mostly bad writers who go for pity points instead of characterization.

This book is not a Pratchett, it's a Pratchett Pity Party. In the middle of all this misogynic melodrama, the funny scenes seem misplaced. When you read Discworld, you want sharp and relevant satire, not generic whininess.

It's not that Pratchett can't write about feminist issues - in the City Watch novels he did, starting with Angua and other female Watch members, and it was fine. But this time, he apparently got carried away on a sea of tears. Too bad.

Started off very funny and full of action, but quickly became too preachy. I couldn't keep reading after the girls and Lt Blouse were facing a trial by their own side. Being a red blooded male from the southern United States; I have concluded that I am not the target audience for this type of book. Only so much girl power I can take at one sitting. Give this a miss if you are a nose picking, loud farting, rude belching, swagger walking manly man whose only use for socks is to keep your feet warm.

Terry Pratchett's latest book has to be one of the funniest i have read! It doesnt deal so much with fantastical creatures such as witches and the the constantly-popping-up Death (although there is a vampire and a troll involved) but instead follows the journey of a young girl entering the army as a man and all the adventures and many surprises she finds along the way.
This book is never boring and moves along at a fast and funny pace with so many twists youll get totally lost in the storyline. I reccomend it to all Terry Pratchett fans (although you'll probably already have it by now!) and also to anyone who loves a good laugh when reading. It's a book for all ages!

Yes, I am a Discworld fan. At the same time, I know that the individual books vary wildly in quality. No, this is not the greatest, but it's far from the worst. The ending is indeed a bit over-the-top, but overall it's a good even read and quite a good time.

I am a very big fan of Terry Pratchett's books, most of which are sidesplittingly funny while including effective satire/commentary on society. When Pratchett is on, his books are great. Unfortunatly he seems to have emphasized theme more than humor and storyline in this book. It's still ok, but it's defintly not going to be anywhere near the top of a list of his best books. It reads similarly to his book Pyramids, so if you liked or disliked that one you'll probobly feel the same about Monstrous Regiment.

This book settles it--I have lost my sense of humor. If you can find laughs in this book, congratulations. You probably collect SNL's last seasons on tape. I was disappointed and bored in turns throughout this book.
While Terry Pratchett can create characters and form sentences that nobody ever used before, his conversations are starting to take a predictable form, something like 4-panel comic strips. You know when the kicker is coming and what it will be. I respect his craft and have enjoyed every page of earlier books, but this one and Night Watch seem to have been written by someone else, or when Pratchett had other things to do.
I guess I'll stick to re-reading the old ones from now on.

Fun read. This is the first Terry Pratchett novel I've read and found it easy to get started. The story stands very well on it's own, though I'm the sort that likes background, so I would have liked to know what this world is all about.

this hilarious novel is sure to appeal to a wide spectrum of readers, while straying from the usual discworld oddities of Nobby Nobs and Cut me own throat "dibbler", Pratchett again effortlessly draws a portrait in the minds eye, of each character. Subtle hints are given throughout as to the eventual outcome of this feminist view of the armed forces but should amuse even the most starchy of brigadiers and sergeants the world over. Witty, endearing, and equally as amusing as his previous masterpieces, the world as we know it will be a dark and sad place when HE finally shuffles off this mortal coil.

Terry Pratchett was as reliable as the tides. His Discworld books never fail to transport me; I alternate between shouts of laughter and pauses of thoughtfulness. Fantastic stuff by a master storyteller.

I've read most of the Discworld books, and I'm generally able to put them into two groups: there are those are designed purely for laughs; lighthearted books that focus more on humour than theme. The "Rincewind" books usually fall into this category, as well and "Guards, Guards!" and some others. The other group includes the books like "Hogfather" or "Thief of Time" that, while still retaining their fair share of comedy, are written for the sake of their plot. All of the previous Discworld books I've read, from either of the two groups, have been excellent, some better than others but all very well written, interesting, and funny.

The most vexing thing about Monstrous Regiment is that it doesn't seem to know which of the two groups it wants to go into, and it inevitably fails in both. I smiled occasionally, and chuckled once or twice - this is nothing close to what the other Discworld books have done to me. At the same time, the brilliant plot which often inhabits other books in the series with relatively less outright comedy, just isn't there. It's a simple one - two countries are fighting, and Polly Perks is saving the day. The main character, unlike all the other books in the series, comes of as unrealistically flawless, without the loveable quirks of other Discworld protagonists like Sam Vimes or Rincewind the wizard. The same goes for Jackrum, who seems to be there mostly as a deus ex machina for the rest of the troupe: he knows everything about everyone, is the best at everything, and is virtually impossible to relate to at all.

The only good part of this book, I think, is Lieutenant Blouse. He's a true Discworld character, with the flaws and oddities I so missed in the other shallow characters in the book.

Discworld books are magnificent. Monstrous Regiment is a simple plot and a lame theme built around shallow characters. I don't know what else to say, except that 29/30 great books is still a darn good figure, so I suggest just skipping this one and moving on. There's much better than this out there.

Hello my name is Gaspode, i live on the discworld in Aknh-morpork. currently i'am living with a man named foul ole Ron, (not a good idea in my opion Terry, i mean in moving pictures i lost my ability to speak and since everyone loved my character you completly spoiled moving pictures and brought me back. But i have to say you did it quite well.)Anyway i chewed up Monstrous regiment and it was a great read. It (as normally is the matter) very very funny, I advise that you all read this book, but don't buy it, thats what libraries are for. I personally have bought 5 discworld books and they are currently collecting dust up on my shelth.
If terry P is reading please include me in future books you wouldn't believe the stuff i've gotten up to.
If you are wondering if this is really Gaspode. then my job is done .....I am a wonder dog.

I've read, if not all the Discworld novels, then at least 90% of them. This is the least enjoyable yet. Not because it's about the folly of war, or the hazards of stereotyping, but because it just isn't funny. Something's missing here. It reads like a lesser author's failed attempt at emulating Mr. Pratchett.

the plot is modern, the discworld style however is kept. excellent reading! it is one of the top discworld books in my eyes, as it has messages to think about (i don't want to give away anything you may like discover yourself) and still it is able to be a classical discworld book that is possible to be read by itself but it also suits nice if you already know some other books.

As a soldier myself I see a lot of humor in there that I can personnaly relate. I think that it is definately worth reading and any true Pratchett fan should already have it. True this is not the best one written, but it is by far not the worst (That would be "The Unadulterated Cat").

After reading the latest of Discworld novels, Monstrous Regiment I came to conclusion that something has changed. The Discworld has changed. It is no longer absolute absurd place with talking trees and houses made of sweets. Discworld has evolved into something more than this.
If you want to learn more about Monstrous Regiment and other Discworld books take a look at [...] .

Predictable, you can see the plot line coming from a long ways a way. Preaches endlessly and stridently about the perils of aggression and stereotyping. Normally this is due in a sly humorous manner with a wink and nudge encouraging you to make your own conclusions. In Monstrous Regiment it is repeatedly slammed in your face with no humor. I got two laughs out of the entire book

There is so much rubbish that pretends to be science fiction. Thank goodness for Pratchett! His books are a wonderfully wacky alternative world that bring pleasure to millions while maintaining an extraordinary consistency in every volume. I don't know how he does it but he has clearly done it again. Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan, 2003)

There isn't much to say about this book. I generally look forward to reading Terry Pratchett's work because he has a way of intertwining his message with a humorous story. But in Monstrous Regiment, there was no such subtlety. His message virtually bludgeons the reader. Even though I agreed with his message, there was so little humor that by page 100 of 500, I gave up. If you like Pratchett's usual wit, sarcasm and satire, then do not read this book.

This book is a downer. It is too based in the bad parts of real life for a disc world novel. It is not a fun read or that interesting a read either. Go back and read the other novels. Even the ones with DEATH as the central character weren't as gloomy as this book.

I thought I was ordering the book and this ain't it! This is the 118 page script for a play adapted by Stephen Briggs from Terry Pratchett's book of the same name. the store.com's search engine thinks they are the same and now I must reorder the book.

It is acceptable as a play, but not when you are expecting a lengthy period of hilarious reading.

...but it seemed to me that this is a book that someone *made* Pratchett write. It's missing his usual joie d'ecrire and can most charitably be described as 'dutifully composed'. There are, thank God, many superb Discworld books, but if this had been the first of them I'm not sure there would have been a second.

I am a huge Pratchett fan. I have loved every one of his books - except this one.
I stopped reading it half way through. It was not funny, I loathe the characters, and I do not care what happens to them.
No that is not accurate. I do care what happens to them. I would like them to be ridden down by the prince's cavalry and buried in battle field mud.

I have followed Terry Pratchett's work for years, and have enjoyed them immensely. This one was a disappointment, however. The plot seemed forced, the book moved from one event to the next in painfull sequence, the plot was transparent and unbelievable, and sometimes just plain boring. Gone is the flowing humor and effortless reading that I have come to expect and look forward to in his work. Enough said.

Warfare is the one subject that Pratchett's satire cannot handle. There was a foretaste of this in the disappointing Jingo, but Monstrous Regiment is a disaster. Pratchett can easily make us believe in a flat world carried on a giant turtle, but he can't make us believe in a world where a lot of otherwise normal girls decide to dress up as men and join the army, and, even more inexplicably, succeed in this transparent ruse. We find out, over and over again, that the soldiers are really women in disguise, and that is about all there is to the plot. What's the point of it? The author makes occasional nods to soppy pacifist cliches (war-never-settled-anything, etc.) but he doesn't believe these himself. Pratchett is at heart a realist, like his heroes Vetinari and Vimes. He knows that evil exists and that force is often necessary: the aggressor state Borogravia in this novel is a vicious theocratic tyranny, resembling the state of Omnium in Small Gods, but with clear echoes of Islamic fascism. The existence of such polities is enough to show that some wars are good, but Pratchett shrinks from connecting the dots, and concludes with a silly utopian fantasy that seems to have something to do with Women bringing Peace to the World. Pratchett's keen ear for cant deserts him when he turns to this subject. Maybe out of fear of offending the chattering-class lefties who control British publishing?

This book was very enjoyable to start, a young woman disguises herself as a man to join the army. Her adventure as she travels with her squad compsed of a Vampire, Troll, "Igor", religious fanatic and several other recruits is entertaining. But I was very disappointed with the ending, it could have been done differently.

This book seems perfect for a light read. It has catchy characters and an okay plot.

Actually, don't read this even as a light read unless you enjoy the "guilty pleasure" of reading novels with way too many adverbs. Monstrous Regiment is completely formulaic, and seems to be written by a machine and not a person. It is so shallow and badly thought out that it's nauseating.

I liked Pratchett's the Wee Free Men better. That was easily funny, whereas Monstrous Regiment is trying too hard. Don't read it unless you're a diehard Terry Pratchett fan. Or a masochist, that too.

SPOILER:

By the end of the book, it's revealed that everyone is a woman. This annoys me no end- it's predictable and yet so stupid that you have to wonder whether Pratchett was conscious when he wrote it.