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Guards! Guards! summary
Brief summary
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett is a humorous fantasy novel that follows the misadventures of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch as they battle a secret society and a powerful dragon. It's a witty and entertaining story set in the quirky world of Discworld.
Table of Contents
Guards! Guards!
Summary of key ideas
Setting the Stage
In Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett, the story begins in Ankh-Morpork, a city in the Discworld, a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants that stand on the back of a giant turtle. The city is a melting pot of fantasy creatures, including dwarfs, trolls, and werewolves. We are introduced to the Night Watch, a ragtag group of guards who have given up on the idea of law enforcement in a city where crime is the norm.
The Night Watch consists of Captain Vimes, a disillusioned alcoholic; Sergeant Colon, a bumbling fool; Corporal Nobbs, a kleptomaniac; and Carrot, a new recruit who believes in the ideal of justice.
The Unveiling of a Sinister Plot
The plot thickens when the Unseen University's magical library is broken into and a book on summoning dragons is stolen. We learn that the book has been taken by a secret society called the Elucidated Brethren of the Ebon Night, who believe that they can control the dragon and use it to overthrow the Patrician, the city's ruler.
The Brethren succeed in summoning the dragon, which quickly establishes itself as the new ruler of Ankh-Morpork. The city is thrown into chaos as the dragon demands virgin sacrifices and gold, and the Patrician is ousted from power.
The Night Watch Strikes Back
As the city falls apart, the Night Watch is pushed to the brink. Captain Vimes, however, begins to sober up and see the potential in Carrot, who is revealed to be the true heir to the throne of Ankh-Morpork. Carrot, who has been raised by dwarfs, is the rightful king according to an ancient law.
The Night Watch, with the help of Lady Sybil Ramkin, a dragon expert, and the city's remaining forces, hatch a plan to defeat the dragon and reinstate the Patrician. They manage to lure the dragon to the heart of the city, where it is killed by a ballista bolt fired by Vimes and Carrot.
Restoring Order and Unveiling Truths
With the dragon dead, the city begins to return to normal. The Night Watch is hailed as heroes, and the Patrician is reinstated. Carrot, however, refuses the throne, choosing to remain a humble guard. He believes that the true power lies in the people, not in a king.
In the end, the Night Watch is reorganized and revitalized, with Vimes promoted to Commander and the others given new ranks. The Brethren are exposed as frauds, and the city begins to heal from the dragon's reign of terror. And so, the Night Watch, once a laughingstock, emerges as a force to be reckoned with in Ankh-Morpork.
In conclusion, Guards! Guards! is a tale of redemption and the triumph of good over evil. It showcases Terry Pratchett's unique blend of humor, fantasy, and social commentary. The story also serves as the starting point for the Night Watch subseries in the Discworld universe, setting the stage for further adventures with these unlikely heroes.
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What is Guards! Guards! about?
Guards! Guards! is a fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett that takes place in the fictional city of Ankh-Morpork. It follows a group of inept and underfunded city guards who must save the city from a plot to overthrow the ruling Patrician using a summoned dragon. Filled with Pratchett's signature humor and wit, the book satirizes traditional fantasy tropes while delivering an entertaining and thought-provoking story.
Guards! Guards! Review
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett (1989) introduces readers to the chaotic and hilarious world of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Here's why this book is a great addition to your reading list:
- It cleverly blends fantasy elements with humor, creating a unique and entertaining storyline that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
- The book features a cast of colorful characters who are relatable yet delightfully eccentric, adding depth and charm to the narrative.
- With its twists, turns, and unexpected revelations, the plot ensures that every page is filled with excitement and surprises, guaranteeing that boredom is never an option.
Who should read Guards! Guards!?
Readers who enjoy humorous and satirical fantasy novels
Fans of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series
Those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining story with memorable characters
Categories with Guards! Guards!
Book summaries like Guards! Guards!
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Guards! Guards! FAQs
What is the main message of Guards! Guards!?
The main message of Guards! Guards! is the power of unlikely heroes and the importance of standing up for what is right.
How long does it take to read Guards! Guards!?
Reading Guards! Guards! takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Guards! Guards! a good book? Is it worth reading?
Guards! Guards! is worth reading for its humor, clever plot, and memorable characters. It's a delightful journey into a quirky fantasy world.
Who is the author of Guards! Guards!?
The author of Guards! Guards! is Terry Pratchett.
What to read after Guards! Guards!?
If you're wondering what to read next after Guards! Guards!, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda