This is the first novel in the Death cycle and I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve met Death a few times in other novels, but this is the first book where we really learn about the personality behind the hood.

Story

For some reason, Death needs an apprentice and he’s actually the main character throughout this novel. As usual, the story bends reality, space and time with a wiff of romance mixed in for good measure.

World-building

Pratchett did a great job in creating Deaths estate and giving substance to the whole “Like sand through an hourglass, so are the days of our lives”-metaphor. Great stuff!

Characters

Mort is a vey likeable character and following his shenanigans is a blast but in my opinion, Deaths mid-life crisis, interweaved with the main story, paints a great picture of this iconic persona.

Writing

It’s a Pratchett novel, what do you expect? Hillarious as usual with metaphors that come to life and sentences that wriggle around like snakes in a pit. Beautiful prose.

Conclusion

I loved every minute of this and will gladly read more of this!