Carpe Jugulum- A Discworld Novel by Terry Pratchett

Everyone knows that vampires aren't all that smart, at least anyone who knows anything about vampires.

There are very simple rules to being a vampire, always dress in evening wear, shun away from holy objects, burst into flame in the sun, don't enter a person's home without first being invited and drink lots of blood. It's the way things have been done for thousands of years but thanks to the power of positive thinking and a little self help, Count Magpyr and his family have taught themselves to overcome the limitations that come with being a vampire... Unfortunately this does not bode well for the people of Lancre, for these modern vampyres intend to force their way in and take over the kingdom.

Of course Lancre isn't exactly helpless. Home to a group of powerful witches, one of which just so happens to be queen, the Magpyrs may find out that they've bitten off more then they can chew. There's Anges Nitt, the maiden who is of two minds about everything... literally, Nanny Ogg, who takes guff from no one, Queen Magrat Garlick, who's still learning to juggle witchcraft and motherhood and of course Granny Weatherwax, an old crone who's bad side you're best to stay away from. Add to the mix Mightily Oats, Omnian priest and missionary and the people of Lancre may just have a prayer.

Defeating the Magpyrs isn't going to be easy since none of the conventional means of defeating vampires works on them. Alongside the Count is his wife the Countess and their two children Vlad and Lacrimosa as well as a group of fellow vampires from Überwald, the evil empire of Discworld. Lacrimosa is your typical teenager (even though she is over 200 years old) and Vlad seems smitten on poor Agnes who does not return his affection. The witches of Lancre wont be going down without a fight though and with the help of some unexpected allies they just might be able to prove that the old ways are the best ways after all.

The twenty third book in Pratchett's Discworld series, Carpe Jugulum is the first to feature vampires in a starring role. Amazingly entertaining, Terry Pratchett proves once again why Discworld has become such a phenomenon. Witty and charming, Carpe Junglum keeps readers wanting more... which is definitely not a problem since there are currently over forty titles in the Discworld series.

-Chris

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