The thing I find particularly hard about reviewing Terry Pratchett is trying to come up with anything I might say that would capture the deft, clever, articulate writing that characterizes his books. Nothing seems to do it justice and I end up feeling he's best left representing himself. He simply has a magical way with words. --- This story he calls a "historical fantasy," although the only fantastical elements are the way he's slightly fictionalized some of the characters and their interactions in early Victorian London. The protagonist is a young man named Dodger who has encounters with a journalist named Charlie Dickens, a barber named Sweeney Todd, politicians Robert Peel and Benjamin Disraeli, and many others names familiar from history. It's a nice blending of fact and story that captures the atmosphere of a time and era. --- I'm waffling between four and five stars on this one. It's not as overtly humorous as much of Pratchett's other fare, with a little more emphasis on the adventure and suspense and a little less commentary on the foibles of the human creature. But I tipped the scales up because I sense he wrote this with a bit of a mission in mind; when I read this and similar stories set in that era (even the recent movie adaptation of Les Miserables), I see ominous similarities to some current political trends, and I think he meant this book as a beneficial reminder and lesson. That earns a bonus from me.

This book is a great historical novel for teens, although Terry Pratchett calls it historical fantasy. Set in Dicken's London, it has all the humor we've come to expect from Pratchett, wonderful characterization and the fllth and poverty that was Victorian England. Dickens is actually a character in the novel along with Sweeney Todd, Disraeli, Queen Victoria and many others. This book is my favorite of the 2013 Printz honorees.

A good example that Terry Pratchett does not need Discworld to tell an exciting and humorous book. Also a Michael L. Printz 2013 Honor Book. If you like this, you might also want to try the classic The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or Bloody Jack.

"Late one rainy night in Victorian-era London, 17-year-old Dodger (a street urchin who makes his living scavenging in the city's sewers) witnesses a young lady being held against her will. A noble sort, Dodger rescues the girl - and from there, his story takes many unexpected turns, including some that involve famous historical figures and fictional characters from the period (such as Charles Dickens and Sweeney Todd). A ripping good tale filled with dry humour, unusual characters, and great descriptions of Victorian London, Dodger is a bit different from Terry Pratchett's other novels but no less enjoyable - especially for readers who enjoy a clever turn of phrase." Teen Scene January 2013 Newsletter http://www.nextreads.com/Display2.aspx?SID=5acc8fc1-4e91-4ebe-906d-f8fc5e82a8e0&N=586158

Ankh Morpork meets Victorian London - but without the wizards of Unseen U. I rousing good time with Pratchett's usual quirky (and outstanding) sense of humor.