Raising Steam, the 40th novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Series was released in November last year and features a few old favourites.
Moist von Lipwig is once again in the spotlight when the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork finds a new and challenging job for him.
Moist was introduced in Going Postal, caused mayhem in Making Money and in Raising Steam will have to contend with the Discworld’s first steam engine.
Dick Simnel, a self-taught engineer from Sto Lat, improves on his deceased father’s idea and invents a steam engine. He sets off to Ankh-Morpork where his invention catches the interest of the millionaire businessman, Sir Harry King.
Thus follows the establishment of a rail line, disturbed by a number terrorist attacks by Dwarfish fundamentalists. Moist is called in by Lord Vetrinari to be the government representative in negotiations with landowners along the new line’s route.
A coup de tat within the Dwarf Kingdom results in a mad rush across 1 200 miles and crossing a structurally-weak bridge with the secret help of the City’s ancient golems.
This fantasy-comedy novel is written with all of Pratchett’s trademark wit and sarcasm and includes various amusing parodies and heaps of hilarious footnotes.
I recommend getting your hands on this book and booking a day on your calendar to read it. Keep a glass of your preferred beverage and some snacks close at hand because once you start reading it’s going to be difficult to stop until you’ve turned the last page.
