This book was a lot more similar to Thud! than to the Color of Magic, and I really enjoyed that. There was an actual story-line (which was hilarious! a convicted con-artist who is saved from being executed in order to be offered a government position!) and what seemed to be a point to the whole thing (although whether any fantasy novel really has a point is debatable).
I loved the characters! They were very believable and sympathetic--even the protagonist, a sort of anti-hero who ends up using his skills at deception and truth-twisting to do something good.
Again, just a fun read!