In numerous sub-cycles, which are conventionally called “Wizards”, “Witches”, “Death”, “City Services” and others, Pratchett has examined in detail the phenomena of such phenomena as, for example, heavy music (“Fatal Music”), Hollywood (“Moving Pictures”), soccer (“Invisible Academics”), the press (“True”) and many others.

But the true gem among the Flatland stories is the sub-cycle about the Guardian, in which the author has comprehensively explored the nature of Power and Order. Together with Samuel Wymes, we trace the evolution of the City Guard from a bunch of pathetic misfits to a powerful organization of law enforcement officers. We see how a low-life drunkard, who had long given up on everything, finds faith in his cause and his family, thanks to the arrival of a Companion and an encounter with a Companion for Life. And it turns out that Commander Vimes has a sharp mind, an unyielding will and a developed sense of duty, which allows him to solve the most complicated crimes and maintain order in the city, which he feels with the soles of his shoes. The other guards also leave an unforgettable impression: the dwarf-raised Morcoe Ironstonesson (that perfect Companion who believes in society and the rule of law), the “born sergeant” Colon, the werewolf Angwa (rebelling against family tradition), the colorful Corporal Schnobby Schnobbs (who is easier to imagine not in the ranks of the guards, but among their wards), and the mighty troll Detrit (slow-witted but faithful comrade). The lives and deeds of these characters are described with such humor, such language, that the process of reading is a real pleasure.

But most importantly, with the help of humor and satire in novels about the Guardian, the author makes you think about such questions: what is a “good” ruler? What is his power based on? Who is better: a murderous king, a cunning patrician who has turned the city into a self-governing corporation of guilds, or perhaps a real bloodthirsty dragon who will keep everyone in fear? What is the social contract and what is the role and responsibility of the opposition? How to achieve order and law-abidance? How can interracial and interfaith peace be preserved? Thinking about all this is no less fascinating than following the adventures of beloved characters or detective intricacies.

Pratchett’s books about the Guardian can be reread endlessly, it is a monument to the Wizard of the Word who left us.

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Rise up, sons of Borogravia, in defense of the Motherland! Evil and treacherous neighbors who only dream of invading Borogravia are at her borders again! They just have to be mean and treacherous – for we are a peace-loving and honest people, are we not? So it just has to be THEIR fault that we are continually at war, doesn’t it? But here’s the problem. A little one, but still. Borogravia’s sons are kind of, well, that. Gone.

The ones that are left, well, they don’t have arms. Or legs. Or any other things that are important for the defense of the homeland. It’s not enough to fight here, you can’t even work in the fields. So the potatoes are also running out. In fact, the bark from the trees is already running out. And then, by themselves, the last recruits begin to have questions in their heads. Such as these. Yes, we are certainly a proud country, but what exactly are we proud of? We are, of course, all ready to die for our country, but why do the special political corps always have to monitor our readiness? And what, in fact, are we fighting for if all the good people of this country are in this little barracks of recruits? All these questions, however, are only up to the moment when the enemy appears.

War is war. There’s no time to think, you have to kill. To kill people who you have nothing against, and who also have nothing against you, and to kill without hesitation, quickly and clearly. Otherwise they will kill you. And don’t forget to watch your own officer! For if your enemies want more than anything not to meet you, it is your own officer who wants you to die for the Motherland.

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