I think Terry is the author I'm thinking about most when it comes to my own writing. He's the audience in mind, the one I would hope most to impress. 

Is it awash in goodness, never gunshy with a mirror to hold up to society but never cynical enough to take itself too seriously? Is it funny, genuinely funny? Is there a really good metaphor across the whole affair that's communicated clearly but doesn't bludgeon you? 

I love Discworld. I love Terry Pratchett. 

Guards! Guards! is a really fun look at civic duty and the wisdom (or lack thereof) of crowds. 

It's also got my vote for the best dragon in fantasy. 

I wished he played with his ideas a bit more around the 3/4 mark, right around where I felt the story start to drag a little. Also, I've been hearing so much about how Vimes is the best Discworld character and I wasn't really moved by him at all in this book. I understand that changes as early as the next book-- but I was a little let down. 

Still-- a wonderful book.