Nation

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His best book so far - Rated
Terry is one of those who understands the meaning of life - which can't be put into words, it can only be hinted at through story - it can't be grasped by the conscious mind, it can only be felt through the spirit. This book contains more of his wisdom than any previous book, while still being a thoroughly entertaining read. It makes you feel really alive. The prologue alone filled me with joy - it is the best creation story I have read for a long time - full of truth.

Hmmmm - Rated
Well
The first putdownable Pratchett for me
Took me a few sessions to get through this one (usally one session of about 8hrs for a new TP book)
Nice idea but just not up to usual standard imo
Really hope that this isn't the end for TP and that Unseen Academicals (or whatever the next Discworld book is called)see's a return to form.

mikee's thoughts - Rated
Nation
Having an " almost" complete collection of Pratchett I was not surprised by this book.
It has been described as 'juvenile' but I cannot accept that as it introduces many concepts that would not be of interest to juveniles.

I enjoyed the book, but it did not keep me reading until 4am as some SCI FI does. 'DUNE'first edition, and Cherryh's Foreigner series hold the record for this.

In general a well written, interesting book, worth the cash and a worthy addition to a Pratchett collection.

Disappointed - Rated
I've read all of Pratchett's books and enjoyed most of them while watching his development from a writer of parody to something much more complex and enjoyable.

Nation is a giant leap backwards: one-dimensional characters, poor internal logic and very derivative. It's been done before and done better.

No doubt Terry's defenders will leap to a Pavlovian defence, but really folks we bought this book because Pratchett's been a great writer - this is far from his best work.

Capured by Nation! - Rated
I think an important thing to say before my review is that I've only read a few Pratchett books in the past.. two of which I really enjoyed, the others I wasn't so keen on. This meant that I was able to approach this book without any preconceived ideas, hopes, or biases.

Nation isn't a discworld book, nor is it part of a series. It's a stand alone story, about a boy called Mau, and a girl called Daphne. It's a children's book, but I'm sure most adults will appreciate it too.

Mau has just spent some time on the Boy's Island, and is on his way back to his Nation, where he will become a man. However, before this can happen, there is a large storm, and when Mau arrives home, everyone has been killed or washed away.

Daphne is on a ship caught up in the storm. The wave carries the ship onto the island, and she is the only survivor. As Mau and Daphne meet, they have to find ways to communicate, and work together, whilst Mau tries to figure out how to rebuild his Nation.

The rest of the story is best discovered as you read, so I'm not going to spoil it here. Nation is a book about growing up, and friendship. Most importantly, it's about questioning everything you have ever known, coming to your own conclusions, and not being afraid of changes. The main characters are wonderful, I quickly warmed to them, and felt myself part of their journeys. The humour is beautifully subtle, and the messages strong.

I couldn't wait to keep getting back to this book, and I was extremely disappointed when I finished. If I didn't have so many others waiting, I would have been tempted to go back to the beginning, and start all over again!

Some reviewers have been disappointed, others have said that it's different to his usual books. My experience is limited, so I can't really judge. As a stand alone book, however, it completely captured me, and will definitely be re-read.