Raising Steam (Discworld, #40; Moist von Lipwig, #3)

Title: Raising Steam (Discworld, #40; Moist von Lipwig, #3)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Published in: 2013

Date read: 3rd May 2015

Score: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Raising Steam" by Terry Pratchett is the 40th novel in his Discworld series, and the third to heavily feature Moist von Lipwig. Published in 2013, it explores the transformative (and often disruptive) power of new technology, specifically the invention of the Discworld's first steam locomotive, and the societal upheaval it causes.

The story begins in Ankh-Morpork with the ground-breaking invention of a working steam engine by a brilliant, unassuming young dwarf named Dick Simnel. Dick, a natural mechanical genius, builds his "iron horse" out of a genuine love for engineering, not profit.

The development of this revolutionary machine quickly catches the attention of Lord Vetinari, the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork. Always keen to exploit new opportunities and bring progress (or at least profit) to his city, Vetinari immediately sees the potential of a railway network. He tasks Moist von Lipwig, who has already revitalized the Post Office and the Royal Bank, with the impossible job of building and running a railway system for the entire Discworld.

Moist, initially reluctant as always, is forced to embrace this new challenge. He applies his characteristic blend of showmanship, cunning, and sheer willpower to the task. Building a railway proves to be a logistical nightmare, involving land acquisition, dealing with sceptical landowners, overcoming engineering challenges, and convincing the public to embrace this noisy, smoky, fast-moving monstrosity. He enlists the help of engineers, laborers, and even his new wife, Adora Belle Dearheart, who manages to get golems working on the railway construction.

However, the railway's rapid expansion threatens ancient ways of life and deeply held beliefs. Traditionalist dwarves, particularly a fundamentalist faction known as the "Grags" led by the zealous Nutty Slack, view the railway as an abomination against their god, Grag Nuggan, and a violation of the sacred earth. They see it as a symbol of modernity destroying their heritage and begin to carry out acts of terrorism and sabotage against the burgeoning rail lines and the dwarves working on them.

The narrative also follows Commander Sam Vimes of the City Watch, who is tasked with dealing with this rising wave of anti-technology extremism. He finds himself caught between maintaining peace and understanding the motivations of the traditionalist dwarves, all while the railway construction pushes forward.

The climax involves a dramatic race against time as the first major railway line is completed, intended to connect Ankh-Morpork to the distant city of Quirm. The Grags plan a devastating act of sabotage on the inaugural journey, intending to derail the train and make a powerful statement against progress. Moist, Vimes, and their allies must work together to prevent disaster and protect the future of steam on the Discworld. "Raising Steam" is a vibrant, funny, and surprisingly timely exploration of technological change, societal resistance, and the relentless march of progress.

Comments:
Just loved it, as always! Amazing that a railway engineer in any part of the universe automatically has a Yorkshire accent. Nice to see lots of main characters from other books appear, if not lead in the story. Thoroughly enjoyed it throughout.

Books that we've read by Terry Pratchett (39):
The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1; Rincewind, #1) (1983), The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2) (1986), Equal Rites (Discworld, #3; Witches, #1) (1987), Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1) (1987), Sourcery (Discworld, #5; Rincewind, #3) (1988), Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches, #2) (1988), Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8; City Watch, #1) (1989), Pyramids (Discworld, #7) (1989), Eric (Discworld, #9; Rincewind, #4) (1990), Moving Pictures (Discworld, #10; Industrial Revolution, #1) (1990), Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12; Witches, #3) (1991), Reaper Man (Discworld, #11; Death, #2) (1991), Small Gods (Discworld, #13) (1992), Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches, #4) (1992), Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch, #2) (1993), Soul Music (Discworld, #16; Death, #3) (1994), Interesting Times (Discworld, #17; Rincewind, #5) (1994), Maskerade (Discworld, #18; Witches, #5) (1995), Feet of Clay (Discworld, #19; City Watch, #3) (1996), Hogfather (Discworld, #20; Death, #4) (1996), Jingo (Discworld, #21; City Watch, #4) (1997), Carpe Jugulum (Discworld, #23; Witches, #6) (1998), The Last Continent (Discworld, #22; Rincewind, #6) (1998), The Fifth Elephant (Discworld, #24; City Watch, #5) (1999), The Truth (Discworld, #25) (2000), The Last Hero (Discworld, #27; Rincewind, #7) (2001), Thief of Time (Discworld, #26; Death, #5) (2001), Night Watch (Discworld, #29; City Watch, #6) (2002), The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1) (2003), Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3) (2003), A Hat Full of Sky (Discworld, #32; Tiffany Aching, #2) (2004), Going Postal (Discworld, #33; Moist von Lipwig, #1) (2004), Thud! (Discworld, #34; City Watch, #7) (2005), Wintersmith (Discworld, #35; Tiffany Aching, #3) (2006), Making Money (Discworld, #36; Moist Von Lipwig, #2) (2007), Unseen Academicals (Discworld, #37; Rincewind, #8) (2009), I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld, #38; Tiffany Aching, #4) (2010), Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch, #8) (2011), Raising Steam (Discworld, #40; Moist von Lipwig, #3) (2013)