Hogfather - Terry Pratchett

Advantages: It's simply brilliant
Disadvantages: Er, none?

...of Father Christmas. However, the Hogfather is the Discworld equivalent of the jolly fat man, with a slight twist of typical Pratchett humour and irony. Pratchett has written about lots of things in his Discworld novels- China, the end of the world, the discovery of the cinema. All have been handled beautifully. However, I couldn’t help feeling that dealing with the death of Father Christmas might be just a little beyond Pratchett’s abilities. ...
...assume the role of the Hogfather for the night to help thwart the auditor’s plans. At the same time he must ensure that his granddaughter, Susan, puts an end to Teatime’s evil escapades and ensure that the Hogfather lives to see another Hogswatch. To shorten what happens, she succeeds, and he does. Yet whilst it might sound a bit clunky and bizarre, it really is surprisingly easy to follow. For a start there’s lots of little intricacies ... Read review

Advantages: very funny and clever as well
Disadvantages: not a good place to start if you've not read any Pratchett before.

...to do away with the Hogfather - a figure much akin to our Father Christmas. Death knows something that no one else does - Death knows why there has to be a Hogfather (he doesn't let on until the end of the book) and since no one else is around, he takes up the job. HO HO HO. Just try to imagine death attempting to be jolly, and handing out gifts to small children. It's a thought, isn't it? "Hogfather" gives us plenty of time with the excellent Susan ...
...way. The scenes involving the Hogfather are my favourites in the book - there is a great deal of energy and vigour in them, something almost primeval and utterly memorable. If you haven't read anything from the Discworld series, I would strongly recomend reading "Mort" before this one - it explains Susan's background and gives you some access to Death as a character. That said, "Hogfather" does stand rather well on its own, although some of the jokes ... Read review

Advantages: brilliant read, fab till the end, wicked satire
Disadvantages: ending is a bit weak in comparison but still good

...rid the world of the Hogfather (a.k.a. Father Christmas) for a reason not revealed until towards the end of the book. This, of course, causes chaos in Discworld (as does everything really) and Death’s granddaughter has to go around clearing things up in a beautifully Mary-Poppins type manner. The book is filled with crazy scenarios, clever wit and a million laughs. Terry Pratchett’s method of reporting many simultaneous events by constantly flicking ...
...characters. These include such curiosities as Death (an anthropomorphic personification who has become too interested in humans), Susan the strangely over-adept governess and her ingratiatingly cute charges Gawain and Twyla, Mister Teatime the Assassin (pronounced Teh-ah-tim-eh, of course…) who seems to enjoy his job far too much, and rather a lot of wizards. Wizards are a trademark of Pratchett’s Discworld series, as the category in which his novels ... Read review

Advantages: DEATH, a warped Assassin, and real honest to god boars
Disadvantages: The Cheerful Fairy...seriously, weaker sub-plot, VERY seasonal, so best read at Christmas time

...most particularly, so does the Hogfather – sitting on his sleigh, pulled by four pigs (or, perhaps boars…every legend has its beginning…which usually involves blood) every Hogwatchnight, distributing presents to GOOD boys and girls. However, THIS Hogswatch, something is amiss. For one, the Hogfather seems a bit…well…on the slim side. Skeletal, you might even say. And oddly, seems to speak IN CAPITALS. His elf looks ...
...Reaper Man?). Since the Hogfather seems to be…missing, it’s only logical (!) that DEATH should assume his duties. Of course, the pillow under his suit barely gives him a belly – hardly a fat one. And it’s a real chore to get a fake beard to stay on when you haven’t got any ears. Nevertheless, DEATH makes sure that he, as the Hogfather is seen. For seeing is believing. Death’s granddaughter, Susan, who is now a ... Read review

Advantages: Pratchett's best novel in my humble opinion
Disadvantages: Some may consider it lightweight

...his greatest work. The Hogfather is the twentieth in a long line of Discworld novels. The Discworld is a round flat land which balance precariously on the back of for giant elephants which in turn stand on Great A'Tuin the sky turtle which swims through space to unknown destination. Only on a land such as this could dwarves, trolls, vampires, humans and Nobby Nobbs exist. Get it, got it, good lets move on. The plot centres on my two favourite Discworld ...
...narrators throughout. The Hogfather (the Discworld's very own version of Santa Claus) is missing presumed dead and as such someone has to take his place to ensure children continue to believe, step forward Death! Meanwhile strange things are happening in the sprawling Metropolis of Ankh Morpork. Strange beings are popping into existence such as the Verruca Gnome and the Oh God of Hangovers. Step forward Susan, Governess and Bogeyman killer whom needs ... Read review