The series was great mindless popcorn to get me through the first 6 weeks of Shelter in Place. Sam is appealing and compassionate; growing in complexity – though the action moves away from his POV as the series progresses.
Guards Guards (4/5) – A strong start and great introduction to Vimes. He’s still largely struggling against neglect and is little known; a great Zero end of Zero to Hero.
Men at Arms (3/5). Diversity begins its major subplot; the main plot is interesting but hinges on a weapon’s mind control, which is a bit off. Admittedly, in the later era of the US, crazy by gun possession isn’t that far fetched a plot.
Feet of Clay. (4/5) An interesting sideways approach at the ideas of automation and robots; I really liked the Nobby focus.
Jingo (2/5). Okay, but demoting Sgt. Colon & Nobby to stock characters who pantomime class manners chafed after their development in the last book. War and glory seemed like bigger topics than were easily handled.
The Fifth Elephant (3/5). The main plot gets us quickly and interestingly into Uberwald; back home Sgt. Colon continues descending into farce. But the three cultures of Uberwald and their interactions prove fascinating.
Night Watch. (4/5) Probably my favorite of the series; an interesting time travel hook and fun interactions with younger versions of the core characters.
Thud! (3/5) Racial tensions and refighting old wars are dominant themes; it’s fun and lighter without warping characters too much — though Angua’s instinctive vampire conflict would have been disturbing if not steered to funny.
Monstrous Regiment (3/5). Another take on war; this one barely involves Vimes and the Ankh-Morpork characters. Polly is a very appealing heroine; and each squadmate comes into their own.
Going Postal (3/5). The mail service revamped as a plot is odd but works. Much of the strength comes from Moist’s internal tension, and the insight into the competing clacks competition is interesting. Satisfying resolution.
