This review was originally posted at Goodreads and imported here later with next to no spell/grammar checking.

5/5 stars

I’ve learned the word "jingoism" thanks to this book. A word that keeps being more and more relevant since the first time I’ve read it.

This is the fourth book in the City Watch (aka the best) subseries of Discworld. The great city of Ankh-Morpork is experiencing a rise of xenophobia and the tensions with a neighbouring country (loosely based on India and the Middle East) are mounting.

All the main characters are now in place and fleshed out so this is just a fantastic ride. Jingo is a bit more serious and less just plainly funny (though it’s still stuffed with jokes). We’re also leaving the noir-ish feel and focus a bit more on the international politics.

I do not feel this cheapens the book or lessens its enjoyment in any way, however. It’s still brilliant, with great moments, wonderful characters and a fantastic ending. It’s just that it also feels like something that’s super relevant today.

(if you do want to give it a go however, you should start with Guards! Guards! — the first in the City Watch series. No need to read all of Discworld, but jumping on at this point would likely be confusing).

by Tomas Sedovic on 9th March, 2019