 | | |
| Making Money (Discworld) | 
 enlarge | Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: Harper
Category: Book
List Price: $25.95
Buy New: $2.96
You Save: $22.99 (89%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $2.96
Avg. Customer Rating:  (101 reviews)
Sales Rank: 70175
Languages: English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 400
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 6 x 1.5
ISBN: 0061161640
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN: 9780061161643
ASIN: 0061161640
Publication Date: September 18, 2007
Release Date: September 18, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Customer Reviews:
Great characters March 4, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
When Terry Pratchet creates great characters, he...well, creates great characters. He found a winning one in Moist von Lipwig, the hero of Going Postal and this, the sequel. Most character-driven stories don't have a complex plot, as the story is mostly derived from the characters.
Making Money is no different. As a story, it's pretty standard affair. Moist is pulled by the always magnaminous patrician Vetinari to spruce up the Royal Mint. Unlike in Going Postal, Moist has a choice (or so he thinks) and decides against it. However, fate has more to say about it and he, in turn, ends up having to watch over the bank (and the bank's chair...um...dog) or get killed by the Assassin's Guild. Then there's the fact that the bank's council doesn't like what Moist is doing (also with villainous intent) and you basically have the plot.
But what raises this story above average (but not quite further) is the fact that it rests squarely on a cast of terrific and zany characters. From the always entertaining Moist to Cosmo, a man trying desperately to actually become Vetinari, to Ms. Dearheart, Moist's fiance, Making Money is filled to the brim with great moments.
Unfortunately, one too many plots are introduced later in the novel, weighing it down and dragging the pacing. In fact, one such addition had me wondering how the hell it fit in and became a sort-of deus ex machina, making the particular plot point feel tacked on to solve the problem. Overall, though, it's an enjoyable read (or listen).
Speaking of listen, I actually listened to this particular novel on a 16 hour car ride and I have to say, Pratchet was meant to be heard. I found myself laughing in spite of myself a lot more than when I normally read his books. If you have an opportunity, I'd definitely recommend giving the audio book a go.
 very good book March 2, 2008
I had purchased this book for my wife, it came very quick and in very good condition. She says she would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy books.
 An OK Discworld Book February 27, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
By my count, which is slightly different from Amazon's, this is the 31st book in Pratchett's Discworld series. With its publication, Going Postal: A Novel of Discworld graduates from a stand-alone book to the first of the "Moist Lipwig" subseries (this book being the second in that subseries). Unfortunately, that graduation does not bear presents. Whereas, "Going Postal" was pretty good, "Making Money" is merely OK. Yes, the parodies are funny. But, unfortunately, the main character, Moist Lipwig, isn't really the driving force behind the plot's progression: he seems to be just along for the ride. The first part of the book is pretty good. Moist is front-and-center and seems to be moving things along. But, shortly after he moves to the bank, he just turns stupid (especially considering what he did for a living prior to becoming the Postmaster General) and the book just drifts. I actually put the book down for a couple of days because I was so upset with this. Finally, near the end, he seems to become himself again. But, the denouement essentially turns into an "A Miracle Occurs" moment. I don't know what happened to Pratchett concerning this book. But, really, I don't see the point in it. He really doesn't seem to have put his usual effort into the plot, the development, or the characters.
If you want to pick the book up from the library, go ahead an do so. But, don't expect prime Pratchett material. The best I can rate it is an OK 3 stars out of 5.
 Pratchett runs amuck February 19, 2008
I love Pratchett's books, and Going Postal may be my all-time fave, but this book pales in comparison to his other Discworld novels. Many people here have suggested that it may be ghost-written, and Pratchett has recently admitted he's in the early stages of Alzheimer's (warmest regards to him and his family)...whatever the reason, this book suffers. As I was reading it I kept wondering where the story was going, it didn't seem to have a cohesive focus. Characters are introduced and they seem to have potential, but then have little to do with the story. Old familiar faces appear but then they either are not used, or they're portrayed out of character; it doesn't feel like the same person you've known in earlier books.
What has always made Pratchett so great is the satire, but unless the satire here is poking fun at oldie Hollywood movie scripts, I'm missing the jokes.
I love Pratchett and strongly encourage people to read his earlier books, but don't let be the first one you pick up.
One of his best! February 19, 2008
Funny as hell. This is one of his best stories, with a cast of characters I would love to see immortalized in film. Moist Lipwig, a reformed thief(!) is now a bored civil servant, needing a new challenge, tempting fate in dangerous ways. Then, Vetinari..............
Read it and weep with laughter.
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| | |