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Yet another Terry Pratchett book but this time it’s one that’s aimed at younger readers. Which is surprising really because it’s just as dark as anything you’d read in the Discworld series. It is affiliated with Discworld in that the Death character is present, but other than that there are few recognisable features. In this story, we have a talking cat, a horde of talking rats and a stupid looking boy who together experience an adventure of the toughest kind when they must face up to a rat king, rat traps, dogs and, of course, humans.

At first, I wasn’t so sure about this novel, and I must say that having finished it, I do still prefer the Discworld books, but the little rat characters are so endearing that you can’t help but be entertained by their plight. I never thought rats could be so appealing. Maurice the cat also provides some humour, although the laughs don’t come as frequently as in some other TP novels.

Reading this made me reflect on my childhood reading material: all I kept thinking as I read this was..ooh isn’t that a bit dark/shocking for a kid’s book. But then you remember reading Roald Dahl, an author who left such an impression on all of us because he wasn’t afraid to delve into the dark side now and again. This story does not play it too safe, although a happy ending is secure.

There’s quite a few layers to this tale actually. Adventure story aside, TP looks at the circle of life, spiritual belief, the conscience, the effect of humans on the world and the art of storytelling. Yes really! All these topics are touched, making this a novel ripe for discussion.