Tony Robinson Books

Admittedly I think it's tied for first with about half a dozen of the other books in the series. Loved this. I particularly like Lady Sybil in this one - she's given a bit more to do and more personality. Cheery is also a good play in this as is Igor (no no not Igor... Igor.) Overall it's great fun. I think if you haven't read much or any of discworld before this would be an acceptable one to read first or early on.

Although I love the Discworld series as a whole, I'm noticing a pattern that the ones I like the least all have Sam Vimes as the central character. I have nothing against Vimes as a character per se, but I'm beginning to suspect that some sort of "Vimes curse" exists: if Pratchett's using him, the book's ultimately going to be a disappointment.

Such was the case with The Fifth Elephant. The book started off promising, but about a third to half way through it seemed to be losing steam. Ironically, the ending seemed to drag on about 20 pages longer than it should have. In between, we have a number of tantalizing ideas that are ultimately left as unexplored red herrings. (I'm reading the series out of order, so I don't know if Pratchett was laying groundwork for future books, or if he just lost interest in them while writing.)

Another big problem I had with this book is that it had a heavy helping of overly-contrived plot convenience. Pratchett's proven that he's creative enough that he could certainly have come up with something better than the Deus Ex Machina that shows up ***a couple of times*** here.

Last gripe: in the beginning, it seems that we are going to have 3 interconnected subplots, but as the story shifts more and more to the Vimes angle, 1 of them (the Carrot/Angua arc) ultimately just becomes an unsatisfying Deus Ex Machina to get Vimes out of trouble at a critical moment, and the other (the Captain Colon arc) ultimately becomes weak comic relief -- which Pratchett (wisely) all but forgets about anyway.

Despite this, Fifth Elephant had a few amusing moments, and helped flesh out the Discworld Milieu. If you're a completionist, by all means give it a go, but remember to keep your expectations reasonable. Pratchett certainly has done better.

Although I couldn't quite get my mind around the idea of a fat mine (created by the fiery crash of the fifth elephant that supported Discworld on top of A'Tuin, the Cosmic Turtle), this fantasy is nevertheless a savoury entry in the Sam Vimes/Night Watch series (in spite of all that fat).

Sam Vimes, Commander of Ankh-Morpork's Night Watch is 'asked' by the city's Patrician (with the approval of Sam's wife, Sybil) to represent the city at the coronation of Uberwald's new dwarf Low King.

The last thing Sam wants to do is dress up in ceremonial tights and gallop off to a country filled with werewolves and vampires, not to mention two sects of battling dwarfs. He's got the murder of a condom manufacturer to solve right in Ankh-Morpork, plus the theft of a replica of the holy Scone of Stone from the Dwarf Bread Museum.

However Lady Sybil thinks her husband needs a vacation, so off they go, tights and all, leaving Captain Carrot Ironfoundersson (a six-foot adopted dwarf) in charge of the Watch. Then Corporal Angua, the only werewolf on the Watch disappears and Captain Carrot resigns to go after her, taking only Gaspode, the talking dog with him.

Sergeant Colon is now acting-Captain of the Watch, much to the dismay of everyone, including himself.

While his beloved Night Watch slides swiftly into an abyss of incompetence in Ankh-Morpork, Sam discovers that being an ambassador is not all champagne and cucumber sandwiches. On his first day in Uberwald's capital city, he becomes both a murder suspect and a participant in the Game--a werewolf version of 'Fox and Hounds'---with himself as the unwilling fox.

The alpha female among the werewolves calls Sam a "nothing...a paper man. A man of straw. An insult." She will have to learn the hard way that she grossly underestimated the new ambassador.

If you'd like to read the Sam Vimes/Night Watch books in order of publication, they are: "Guards! Guards!" (1989); "Men at Arms" (1993); "Feet of Clay" (1996); "Jingo" (1997); "The Fifth Elephant" (2000); "Night Watch" (2002); and "Thud!" (2005).

I've decided he's too good and too prolific for me to write a brand new review every single time I read one of his books. Discworld currently has 34 titles and every one of them will probably knock your socks off. His mind bubbles and flashes like a boiling pot of electric eels, and I simply can't get enough of his writing.

A reviewer has compared him to Geoffrey Chaucer. He reminds me more of Douglas Adams, or perhaps S Morgenstern. Great company, isn't it? He's an extremely skillful and imaginative writer, damn funny, clever and observant to boot. He's also very easy to read. A master of characterization, and if there's anything else you like about reading that I didn't mention here, assume I simply forgot. He's awesome.

Another reviewer mentioned Jonathan Swift and PG Wodehouse. Why such hallowed company? Because Pratchett belongs there! Truly, I'm enjoying my quest to read every book in the series. You should do the same, and begin your quest at the library because he's got to be there. He's awesome!

Yet another reviewer said Jerome K Jerome meets Lord of the Rings. Yeah, that works too.

Why do we, as reviewers, compare authors to other authors? Because it's easier than thinking. In the case of Terry Pratchett, it's probably because we'd otherwise wind up quoting the guy. He's so unique that we just don't know how else to cope with his greatness. Even this paragraph sounds like foamy drool raving, doesn't it? That's how all readers react to Pratchett. Reviewers simply don't have the good sense to keep it to themselves.

I could call his writing fantasy, but I could likewise call what Douglas Adams wrote science fiction. In both cases, I wouldn't be wrong, but I'd be neglecting so much and just totally missing the point. A rare few authors transcend a genre to such a degree that you know they're shouting out, loud and proud, a big fat "Bite me!"

I love Terry Pratchett's writing, and I completely understand why some folks refer to him as their favorite author. Or favourite, I should say, since we're being British. He's one of those authors that makes you want to grab whoever's in hearing range and start reading passages aloud. I'm simply thrilled that there's such an extremely talented and prolific author who's been working for years without me being aware of him. Now I have much catching up to do, and I will love it.

I know that many have stated that there had been a decline in Pratchett's writing as time goes on... I personally would have to disagree. There is a change in his writing; however I feel that it has been for the better. As his books have progressed, he has leaned less toward the quick giggle and insane rush of nonsense and more toward a satirical plot with darker edges and the giggles interspersed within the story rather than his jokes running the story.

The Fifth Elephant is one of Pratchett's more plot driven novels, there isn't a giggle or a chortle on every page as with some of his others. I have always liked the Guard's series for this reason, I like a good plot. If you have not read a discworld book before, I wouldn't advise this be your starting place, instead I would start at the beginning of whichever series it is you want to read. This being part of the Guards Series I would start with "Guards Guards" which although it is by no means the strongest entry in the series, it is a good introduction to the lead character of Samuel Vimes and his crew. Each of the following books adds additional characters who become major players in the later books. The characters truly grow through each of the books and I think that having read the previous in the series will increase your enjoyment of this one.

Quick Summary: A strange theft and murder occur in Ankh-Morpork, and just as the Watch is about to investigate, The Patrician sends Vimes and his wife off to Uberwald to attend the coronation of the new Dwarfish Low King as ambassadors. While street hardened Vimes has to start learning about politicking, Angua disappears... and Carrot decides to go after her, unfortunately her trail leads to Uberwald, land of vampires, werewolves, and Dwarves who rarely come to the surface. As Sam Vimes always says - A cop will always find a crime, the origins of the strange crimes in Ankh-Morpork also lead back to Uberwald and the coronation ceremony. Vimes finds himself attempting to not only play politician and ambassador, but also detective to sort out the truth before the Dwarves are thrown into a bloody civil war.

The summary sounds a bit dark doesn't it? Well this, much like "Carpe Jugulum," is a darker more plot driven novel, but the humor is still there. Cheery accompanies Vimes back to her homeland as military attaché and unfortunately her modern ways cause issues amongst the more traditional dwarves of Uberwald. Detrius the Troll attends as the cultural attaché, unfortunately in Uberwald the trolls and dwarves have been at war for over a hundred years... then throw in Angua's noble yet slightly psychotic werewolf family, and a Vampire clan that's on the wagon from drinking human blood... everyone is moving their chess pieces and poor Sam has to figure it all out. Sybil has a much larger roll in this story than in the past, and her personality really begins to develop. This book is funny, full of action, and intrigue... who stole the Scone? Who murdered the prophylactics maker? Where is the fake stone? Who is behind it all? The opposing Dwarves? The Werewolves? The Vampires? Or is it someone from within?

Although I didn't laugh nearly as much during this book, I found myself truly enjoying the read much more than some of the others. If I were to try to tell you what "The Color of Magic" was about... I really couldn't other than to say it was about running away... True, I enjoyed it immensely, but this had a plot, a meaning, and more to learn from, I think this is an excellent addition to the Discworld series.

Of the eight Discworld novels I've read so far, this is the best. It reminds me of Monty Python, but produces Pythonesque absurdity while keeping the characters a good deal more realistic than Monty Python.

I Love Rincewind and Cohen, and Here they are.
This one is based on and in Asia.
So, Funny!

Rincewind, a notably unsuccessful wizard but a very successful survivor (nearly always by running away at top speed), was the protagonist of the first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, and has appeared in several more books since. I can't say he's my favorite character, but this one is pretty good anyway. Lord Hong, a schemer after power in the Agatean Empire (pictured as a mixture of Chinese and Japanese culture) that makes up the Counterweight Continent, has sent to Ankh-Morpork for "The Great Wizzard" (yes, with two Z's), a figure in ancient legends. It's all part of his convoluted plan to become emperor when the current one dies (with Lord Hong's help). As it happens, Rincewind, who acted as guide to Twoflower, an Agatean tourist in his first outing, is the likeliest candidate for Great Wizzard and off he goes to the Empire. Where, of course, because of his pre-emptive karma, he quickly becomes caught up in the power struggle, gets saddled with a not very convincing cadre of underage revolutionaries, loses The Luggage, and crosses the path of the Silver Horde. The latter is a group of six geriatric barbarians led by Cohen the Barbarian (a/k/a Genghiz Cohen), an occasional character in several other Discworld books. Here, Pratchett uses the very straightforward barbarians -- who have gotten to be very old precisely because they're very good at what they do -- as a balance to the scheming, underhanded, poison-preferring, untrustworthy Agateans. And Twoflower reappears, too. Not a great book, but perfectly readable.

This was about my 12th or 14th Pratchett novel. I enjoyed it and enjoy his all of his story lines but prefer the character development in Night Watch to that of Interesting Times. As are most of the plots involving the reocurring character Rincewind, there is lots of escaping, vicious villans and amazing magical events that keep your attention. This one spoofed revolutions, revolutionaries and Asian culture. Cohen the Barbarian and the silver hoarde were quite refreshing and represented a style of working man's thinking that has almost died out. This was an good read and up to to Pratchett's usual quality.

This is the second book I've read featuring Rincewind (the other being "The Last Hero"). Admittedly, I could be wrong, but I strongly suspect a formula here: Rincewind is always in the wrong place at the wrong time, does everything wrong yet comes out ahead (thanks to outside help) despite himself. Something like that would get old REAL FAST, but fortunately, not all Discworld books are based on that pattern. Plus, I'm early enough in my reading that I haven't surpassed my threshhold for "Rincewind-Ex-Machina."

I called this book a "guilty pleasure" and stick by it. I suspect if a different author had written something like this (without the rich flavor of Discworld to spice it up) I would have been a bit harsher in my review. However, it's Pratchett, who is always a pleasure to read: insightful AND funny. If you like the series as a whole, you'll most likely enjoy "Interesting Times."

I've already read just about everything by Terry Pratchett I can get my hands on. Several times. From "The Carpet People," to "Making Money." I love the worlds Mr. Pratchett's fertile imagination creates. His characters are as real as they can be, people from regular life, just on a different world.

I bought "Wintersmith" in the audio version, so I could listen to someone else's interpretation, to augment the voices and personalities I "heard" in my mind when I read the book. Stephen Briggs does a magnificent job of reading into the prose the subtleties and nuances of each of the characters.

The story is wonderful, the reading is great, and it makes the miles go by quickly as I listen on my iPod (tm). If you're already a Pratchett fan, I recommend the adventures of Tiffany Aching, as she does her best to convince the Wintersmith that she really doesn't need a cold-shouldered boyfriend at the moment. Read it or listen to it, you'll enjoy it.

What happens when the Wintersmith (discworld's version of Jack Frost) falls in love with a teenage witch in training? Why, he makes snowflakes in her likeness, of course...and then he snows them down on the world by the billions, until the land, the houses and even the sheep are buried in them. And what does a young witch do when she is showered with this sort of attention? Well, she gets very very embarrassed. The whole sordid and hilarious mess is right here in the third book of the Tiffany Aching series: another great young readers novel by Terry Pratchett. You'll have to read the book to find out how Tiffany deals with the affections of the Wintersmith, and all the ways he/it tries to win her love, and how the Nac Mac Feegle come to help the "Big Wee Hag" out of a truly elemental mess. Just be prepared to do a lot of laughing along the way.

- C.A. Wulff, author of Born Without a Tail

This is the third of the Tiffany Aching trilogy. The books could easily be read individually as Pratchett is a wonderful author, skilled enough to make each book stand alone and at the same time fit together. If you haven't read any Discworld books yet you're in for a treat though I personally would start at the beginning and not the end. Though some people like to eat dessert first...

This is a story about Tiffany Aching, a young witch in training. She stumbles into a situation with the god of winter in which she becomes his first crush. She must rectify the problem before a major disaster is made of the seasons and the people who are subject to the weather's whims. She learns what it means to be a competent witch along the way.

Very enjoyable story. Fun, irreverent, touching.

This is another book in Terry Pratchett's series on the Discworld - a flat world, supported on the backs of four massive elephants riding on the back of a planet-sized turtle, anything hilarious can happen here, and eventually does.

In this sequel to A Hat Full of Sky and The Wee Free Men, young Tiffany Aching's apprenticeship in witchcraft get interrupted when she is taken to see the dancing of the Black Morris, and she unwisely joins the dance. The Wintersmith, quite literally Winter himself, is quite taken with this brash young women, and begins the courtship to end all courtships...literally.

This is another great Terry Pratchett book - I must say that I really like the Tiffany Aching books, and really, really like the Nac Mac Feegle. There's some great additions here, including the presence of Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax. So, let me just say that if you are a Discworld fan, you will not be disappointed. If you like good (no, great!) fantasy stories, then read the three Tiffany Aching stories, and have the time of your life. I give this book two thumbs up!

This book was originally published in 1988.

Terry Pratchett's bibliography marches onwards towards 40 books, but as with every author, the true classics jump out at you. While many will choose Soul Music as Pratchett's zenith, or perhaps his collaboration with Neil Gaiman, Good Omens, I put the finger on Wyrd Sisters as the penultimate Terry Pratchett novel. It's the only book every fan can agree on, and has made countless Pratchett fans out of first-time readers.

Broadly a parody of Shakespeare's MacBeth, Wyrd Sisters is the 6th Discworld novel, and Pratchett's 15th overall. It's the 2nd book in the broadly loved "Witches' Stories" begun by "Equal Rites". Pratchett starts with its main protagonist, Esmerelda "Granny" Weatherwax, and sticks her with two other witches from her home, the mountainous state of Lancre, hubward from the great city of Ankh-Morpork. Gytha "Nanny" Ogg is the mother of all mothers, the matriarch of the burgeoning Ogg clan, whose sharp wit and sharper eye for vice is a treasure trove of belly laughs. Magrat Garlick is the reluctant maiden of the coven, naive and earnest to a fault, and given to expecting form to accompany function. That makes Granny Weatherwax the cr--...no, she'd give me the Evil Eye if I said the word. She's just old, cantankerous, knows a lot of real stuff about life, and brooks no fools.

When the King of Lancre is murdered, his spirit appeals to the witches to avenge him and protect his heir from his scheming cousin and murderer, Duke Felmet and his vicious harpy of a wife, the Duchess, who (both described in the novel and in the wonderful animated mini-series) sports a hair-do like Princess Leia from Star Wars, but isn't beautiful and is built like a valkyrie. Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg know the secret of the king's son, and set out to ensure that things unfold as they should.

And they do so with some of the wittiest and most hysterically funny dialogue ever written in a novel. The exchanges between Granny, Nanny, and Magrat, and their conversations with others, are the stuff of comedy legend. Because it's a story with Nanny Ogg in it, a lot of the humor is sexual in nature but in the "nudge nudge wink wink" vein of things, which makes Granny Weatherwax annoyingly uncomfortable (after all, just for the inevitability of someone saying 'we're all naked under our clothes', she wears clothes under her clothes) and most of it sails gaily over Magrat's head. Such as in their discussion of some of the former king's propensities:

"And then there was that great hairy thing of his," said Nanny Ogg.
There was a perceptible change in the atmosphere. It became warmer, darker, filled at the corners with shadows of unspoken conspiracy.
"Ah," said Granny Weatherwax distantly. "His droit de siegneur."
"Needed a lot of exercise," said Nanny Ogg, staring at the fire.
"But next day he'd send his housekeeper round with a bag of silver and a hamper of stuff for the wedding," said Granny. "Many a couple got a proper start in life thanks to that."
"Ah," agreed Nanny. "One or two individuals, too."
"Every inch a king," said Granny.
"What are you talking about," said Magrat suspiciously. "Did he keep pets?"

And these kinds of exchanges keep turning up continually, all the time, nearly every page with two or three. And somehow Pratchett keeps it up the whole book *and* manages to thread a sharp plot through the whole thing.

It's difficult to underestimate this book. It establishes so many cherished ideas about the Discworld -- about the role of witches in its culture, the echo of our own European legacy, for example. It fixes into the Discworld pantheon Nanny Ogg's cat, Greebo, as a boot-faced ball of casual malevolence even as Nanny dismissed him as "just an old softie". (Pratchett is obviously a cat lover.) More fans of Terry Pratchett and Discworld can likely trace their fandom back to this book more than any other.

Being the 2nd book in the story arc, Pratchett truly fleshes out his characters, sketches out his mythology, and hits his literary stride with Wyrd Sisters. Just as the middling Mort launched the classic "Death's Family" novels Reaper Man and Soul Music; and the middling Guards! Guards! launched the classic "Night Watch" novel Men at Arms, Wyrd Sisters adds every crucial element that was missing from Equal Rites, and provides a perfect launchpad for the classic witch books to follow, "Witches Abroad" and "Lords and Ladies". (And if ever there was a paragraph that could serve as a Pratchett Reading List for the Uninitiated, there it is right there.)

Wyrd Sisters isn't just a good book. It isn't just a funny book. It's a fan creator. Come witness Terry Pratchett at the beginning of the finest phase of his writing career.

Terry Pratchett has become one of the most popular authors alive today and his popularity is richly deserved. But not even with his fertile mind could ever have envisaged the heights to which his Discworld series would rise. This book was first published in 1988 and is number six in the Discworld novels.

You would think that a fantasy world full of trolls, zombies, witches, vampires would be an alien concept to most readers. Werewolves and dwarves in the Ank Morpork city watch. Wizards running a university. All this born in the mind of one of the funniest minds writing today. Surely this style of writing would have a limited readership? But no the books are loved by anybody and everybody and are read by people who would not normally allow fantasy fiction anywhere near their book shelves. This is the Discworld of Terry Pratchett.

In this episode Granny Weatherwax and her fellow coven members are meddling in politics, the royal kind, which Granny Weatherwax thinks is the worst kind of all. The Wyrd sisters as they are known battle to put the right king on the right throne, at least that's the general idea. After all what are witches for . . .

Meet Granny, Nanny, and Margrat, the three witches of the Ramtop Mountains. They meet on a rainy night and are saddled with an infant prince and a Shakespearean drama of the highest magnitude. Pratchett takes his three magical ladies out for their first real spin and sets his sights on MacBeth. Grand satire and fantastic characters that leave one grinning as the pages turn. Let Nanny summon a demon using old soap flakes and a wooden spoon, or Granny to use "headology", or Magrat to make the tea and fall in love and the world will be a scary, but funny place indeed.

First let me say that, as with all Terry Pratchett's other books that I read, I liked this one, but not as much as I liked Guards! Guards! I am sure that Wyrd Sisters had, at some level, a deeper meaning than was obvious to me. I don't view the Discworld stories as satires, although they may be, I just want some time to escape from Earth. And this book filled the bill. The main characters were well developed and the book was overall a very good read. I look forward to reading many more of his stories, although I am not calling my travel agent to book a visit to Ankh Morpork.

I almost gave this 4 stars, but the more I thought about it, the less satisfying it became.

Wyrd Sisters is a mildly amusing parody of Macbeth, with shades of Hamlet tossed in as well. I was actually reminded of "Rosenkrantz and Gildestern are dead" by Stoppard, which tells the story of Hamlet through two very minor characters wandering around the background during key scenes and soliloquies. Sadly, Wyrd Sisters wasn't as inventive.

The story has some good chuckles, but none of the laugh-out-loud moments that pepper Pratchett's other works. Also missing are cameos from the vast pantheon of enjoyable minor charcters in the Discworld milieu. My major problem, though, involves a...

***MINOR SPOILER***

About half way through, it becomes necessary to age one of the central characters (the rightful heir to the throne) by 15 years so he can return and claim his birthright. Pratchett's method for this was wholely unconvincing, and even he seemed embarrased by the awkwardness of it all, based on some comments that appear after the fact. I realize it needed to be done, but it just didn't sit right with me.

***END MINOR SPOILERS***

If you like Pratchett, and especially the Lancre Witches arc of his writing, then you'll probably enjoy Wyrd Sisters. Personally, I don't think it's one of his better efforts, though I'm glad I read it from a "completionist" standpoint.

I give the book 4 stars (probably 3.75) because of putting the witches through a new theme - vampires invading Lancre! This makes for a refreshing story in the Discworld series to date. However, the witches are still the same characters (of course), so the type of jokes and their behavior is nothing really new.

Overall, another great adventure. I guess you can only do so much with the same characters though.

Fans of Terry Pratchett already know the comic prowess the writer possesses, so as one of the later books in his Discworld series, Carpe Jugulum is not surprisingly funny.

For a first time reader, however, it is.

Although it takes a bit longer to digest some of the finer elements - the many different characters in the book, for example - once you get going there's no slowing down. The book practically flies by (though not necessarily on a broom) because the author visits a different character every few pages, so there is little lag in the book.

Also, the lack of chapters is a bit disconcerting, at first, but not a major problem.

'Jugulum' is not the first in the witches series thread, but it's not hard to pick up what's going on if you pay attention. I won't go into explaining the unique method Pratchett's used to compose the Discworld universe, but suffice it to say that everything is not linear in the least bit.

As far as the actual work of the novel goes, Pratchett does a great job pacing the hilarious adventures of the witches and vampires, and the utterly fantastic fantasy characters are so life-like you really lose sense that it's a fantasy novel at all. Satire is prevalent in the subplots, and Pratchett is very sly in his dealings with religion and religious indoctrination, both very important themes throughout 'Carpe Jugulum.'

Like the cover suggests, there's a bit of Carl Hiaasen (for the humor) and and Kurt Vonnegut (for the satire) in the book, and that's a huge compliment for a pure genre writer. Though pop fiction is hardly given the credit it deserves, I think that Pratchett's books - Carpe Jugulum, in particular - will survive for generations.

How can you not like a book about vampires and witches?

I've read nearly all the Discworld novels and I have to say this is one of the strangest. It's not very funny, for one thing, being much darker and with a more brooding tone than the others. It's in the witches subseries and it's about vampires (the title means "Go for the throat"), but unlike the teetotaling Black Ribboners in the other books, these creatures are downright evil in the classic 19th century fictional mold of the undead. The vampires come, of course, from Uberwald, and King Verence of Lancre (the Fool that was), in a spirit of evenhanded humanity, has invited them in for his daughter's naming ceremony. Of course, the only way vampires can enter a home is by invitation, and in this case, the king's "home" is the entire country. And they have every intention of making themselves at home. Granny Weatherwax, not having received her invitation, goes off in a huff, especially, since Magrat, the youngest witch (the Maiden) has been replaced by Agnes Nitt of the split personality. Magrat, now the Queen, is also a mother (or the Mother), which means Nanny Ogg is set to be the Crone -- which doesn't please her at all. Anyway, there's also a phoenix, and a singleminded Master of Falconry, and a doubting priest of Om, and Igor the driver (it's still his name at this point; he hasn't yet become "AN Igor"). And we get to meet the Nac mac Feegle, the six-inch-high "wee free men," who paint themselves blue and love to fight, drink, and steal cattle. (Well, they are Pict-sies. . . .) Pratchett is a highly original master of the language, with such gems as "I understood every word in that sentence, but not the sentence itself." He's also a master of stealth philosophy: "This was a test. Everything was a test. Everything was a competition. You had to make choices. You never got told which ones were right. Oh, some of the priests said you got given marks afterward, but what was the point of that?" Also: "Sin, young man, is when you treat people as things. Including yourself. That's what sin is." But, while there's some good, thoughtful stuff here, it's still a strange book.

The reviews here are quite varied on this book, they are all obviously written by Pratchett fans however one of the problems with being a Pratchett fan is that he has SO many novels that you are bound to find a few that aren't your taste. I personally loved this book. My favorite of Pratchett's creations include the Witches and the Guards series.

An attempt at a short summary:
The King of Lancre and his new wife the former Witch Margrat have their first child, and are holding the Christening ceremony. In The King's usual attempt to be "Modern" he invites the Magpyrs, a family of Vampires from Uberwald. Vampires of course cannot go where not invited, so they capitalize on the invitation to take over the entire country of Lancre. The Vampire clan however, is obsessed with becoming "Modern" and is quite Yuppyish. They have made themselves immune to garlic, sunlight, religious symbols, and just about everything else that normally works against Vampires. Meanwhile Granny Weatherwax's invitation to the Christening was stolen, so in a typical Granny fashion, she is off in a huff. The soppy priest of Om that comes to do the Christening becomes quite the major character, and the "Wee Free Men" make their first appearance. Add in Igor, the Vampire's henchman who wishes things would go back to the way they are, and the Falconer who spends most of the tale hunting down a Phoenix and you're in for a non-stop good time. Nanny Ogg and Agnes/Perditia Nitt are put into the position of attempting to rescue the kingdom from the Vampires without Granny.

The witches are all their standard unique selves, Granny stubborn as a mule but with a heart of gold, Nanny with her wild ways and lewd comments, Margrat with her new aged ideas but strong backbone when needed, and the newest of the coven - Agnes Nitt a very big girl with a thin girl trapped inside her. Agnes becomes a major character in this book and really develops her unique personalities. The Priest of Om also becomes quite an interesting character with his on again off again faith crisis. The Wee Free Men are entertaining, but hard to read, Igor is an absolute trip.

Some will say that this is a re-write of "Lords and Ladies" I personally didn't find it so. Sure bad guys arrive and threaten Lancre, and the Witches step up to do battle in their round-about humorous ways. But then again what fantasy/sci-fi/action or horror doesn't have bad guys showing up and good guys trying to stop them? Of Pratchett's novels I found this one to be much darker than the others because the Vampires are quite sinister for one of his villains. Still I found this to be an amazingly humorous tale. The bickering between the witches, the family fights between the vampires, Igor's wanting to make everything dusty and covered in spider webs and longing for the old-school days of his master, the Falconer's obsession with trying to catch a bird he's never seen, the Wee Free Men stealing anything they can get their hands on, and even Greebo.

The pace of the book is unbelievably quick, numerous characters come and go and you'll find yourself wondering how all of this will tie in together. But you can't put it down. I can attest to that first hand, I read way past my bedtime to finish the book because the action never stopped long enough for me to stick in a bookmark. The humor wasn't as non-stop as in some of his other books, but the funny parts were hysterical. I found that this book had far more meaning to it than many of the others.

If you are first time Pratchett reader, I would not recommend this book as a starting place because some of the history of the witches is almost required to get full enjoyment out of this story. I can't imagine that a first time reader would understand the concept of "Borrowing" from this book or get the humor of the "I ain't dead" sign. This is one of my favorite of Pratchett's novels so far.

I've read about half of Discworld now, and this is easily the weakest one. I'd almost say "it sucks" but shan't stoop to such a deplorable pun.

The plot seemed a rehash of Lords & Ladies, just swap vampires for elves and take out the Shakespeare homage. Worse, key elements of the plot, such as how Granny's "borrowing" works, are at direct odds with the rest of the series and cause a gaping plot hole [I'd elaborate on that except it's a HUGE spoiler.] Much of the plot requires "willful stupidity" on the part of the villains, which struck me as very contrived. The ending itself was unsatisfying, though perhaps Pratchett is planning on picking this up at some time in the future.

There are no laugh-out-loud moments to be found, and even the chuckles are few and far between. The closest to social insight is one of the characters' questioning his faith, and even that is dealt with better in Small Gods.

If you've never read any Discworld books before, don't start here, and in fact you can probably just skip this entry alltogether and still enjoy the rest of the series. If you do like Pratchett, well, still skip it, unless you have a soft spot for the Lancre witches arc or are a real vampire fanatic. Even then, keep your expectations low, so they won't be dashed like mine were. You have been warned.

Pratchett has repeatedly shown he can do better than this.

out of all of the discworld books this one is my favorite.I love the whole dragon bit and we meet everyone for the 1st time.

I'm a huge fan of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series; it's my "guilty pleasure." I started with this one and then had to read all of the books. But this remains my favorite. Wickedly funny and inventive, down to the almost-real bumper sticker: Honk if You Love Dragons. My only question for the author would be: Are the Dragon Breeders based on dog breeders or cat breeders?!

I read this book while sitting in the airport, and numerous times I laughed out loud, drawing the odd attention of my fellow passengers. Killed by a metaphor. That was priceless. I love Carrot.

This is a wonderful book on its own, and serves is a great introduction to the Guards series of Discworld books. It's also early enough in Pratchett's series that a new reader will not be overwhelmed by the "in jokes". For readers already familiar with the series, Pratchett has created a set a ordinary non-heroes who rise to perform heroic deeds, while poking fun at police fiction from Dragnet to Dirty Harry.

Well this is the third of Pratchett's "Discworld" books I've read and probably the last one I'll read for a bit as I have some other stuff to do. Anyway, "Guards! Guards!" was another entertaining and quick read, though I couldn't help thinking it bore a lot of similarities to the later "Going Postal" which I read first. It wouldn't surprise me if many of Pratchett's nearly 40 Discworld books are very similar because in my experience authors develop a certain way of doing things and so do I, although I don't consider myself a true "author" at this point, just a hack writer.

But enough about me and vague generalizations. "Guards! Guards!" is about the laughably inept City Watch, who work the graveyard shift ringing a bell, shouting "all is well," and trying to stay out of the way. This is because the Machiavellian head of the metropolis of Ankh-Morpork, Lord Vetinari, has essentially legalized crime by unionizing thieves and assassins and giving them strict quotas. The head of the City Watch's night shift, Captain Sam Vimes, comes from that Bruce Willis mode of cops in that you can usually find him in a bar or in the gutter afterwards, stinking like a bar.

Things begin to change when a "dwarf" named Carrot arrives from the mountains. Carrot really isn't a dwarf, he's a human taken in by the dwarves since he was a baby and his parents were murdered. When he arrives in Ankh-Morpork he starts throwing the book (figuratively and literally) at the criminal element in the city despite Vimes and his lieutenants telling him to chill out. Meanwhile, a real crime is being purpotrated by a secret society trying to take control of the city by summoning a dragon. They get a lot more than they bargained for and now the only ones who can stop it are the City Watch with the help of the Lady Raskin, one of her pet swamp dragons, and an orangutan librarian.

I think the good thing about this off the bat is that while the book is funny and the cops are inept, they aren't really "Keystone Cops" so much as guys who really don't have an important job and are well aware of this so they just don't care. Some of the plot is predictable but the main twist at the end I didn't really see coming. Like the other two Discworld books I've read (and I'll bet it is the same for most) it features a lot of subtle comedy that makes it laugh out loud funny. As I said earlier, at some point I'll get around to reading more of these because they are high-quality reads that are fun and cover serious topics as well.

Also, as far as comparing this to "Going Postal" they both start off with the "hero" who isn't a hero by any stretch (drunken cop vs. con man) who is embroiled in a much larger game and somewhat reforms, in the process meeting a lady who isn't necessarily a "lady" in terms of decorum. Like I said, I'll bet a lot of the other books in the series follow a similar pattern, but it's a good pattern so that's not really a bad thing.

That is all.

There aren't enough words in the English language to express my utter loathing and contempt for this book. I had heard that Pratchett was "satirical", "devious", "irreverent", "magical", "entertaining" and "above all funny".

Sadly "Men at Arms" is none of the above. Pratchett is trying to be Douglas Adams and fails at it miserably. This story in particular was trite, condisending, and supremly unfunny. His use of footnotes to make a joke that had no bearing upon the story was...lame, for lack of a better term.

The jokes, reeked of "ho ho ho see how clever I am!" rather than actually being funny. The characters struck me as pale shadows of characters who only grow and change in set and sadly predictiable ways so that they can advance the plot and story rather than being changed by the plot and story.

I can't even say the story was silly lame. It wasn't. It was just lame.

I've listened to "Lords and Ladies" in the abridged and unabridged versions and can only recommend the unabridged.

The person who did the abridging seems to have gone about it by discarding every other chapter from the unabridged book. The story jerked along so confusingly, I wasn't sure at the end what the plot had been about other than Elves coming back from exile. Tony Robinson's reading only added to the confusion, his store of "voices" consisted of "regular voice", "low volume hissed voice", "loud voice". LVHV was used for the Elf Queen and several other characters and was so hard to hear that I often had to back up the track, set the iPod's volume to max and repeat so I could figure out what the dialog was.

Then I got the unabridged version that Nigel Planer reads and realized that "Lords and Ladies" is another triumph for Pratchett! Nigel Planer is a wonder! The witches have voices that sound elderly, female and distinctly individual. Dwarfs have deep gravelly voices and Trolls sound dimwitted and slow. Wizards, the Librarian, every character has his own voice. Planer's only flaw is that young women always sound adenoidal, but it's not jarring and I soon got used to it. Best of all, Planer's reading is always clearly audible.

So, avoid the unabridged versions! I can't imagine what Terry Pratchett was thinking when he greenlighted these travesties. Maybe the publishers told him that people who demand books that can be listened to in one long setting don't care if the stories suck?

to funny to be real. i don't ask for much more in a discworld novel.

This is probably among the best Diskworld books Pratchett has written. It has it all: rich character development, an intriguing plot that actually kept throwing curves at me, some sarcastic social commentary, and of course, Pratchett's renound rapier-like wit. I'm still laughing at his concept of "retro-phrenology."

As with any Diskworld novel, this one is best enjoyed if you already have a grip on the setting, but if you're new to the series, you can start here with little problem -- though you'll get the sense you're not privy to a number of inside jokes.

Highly recommended.

Edward D'Eath by chance becomes obsessed with the royal line of Anhk Morpork, the city watch enjoys the benefits of several directions of integration, Sam Vimes of the Night Watch prepares to retire to a life of comfort and other torments, the harsh and serious nature of clowns is considered, the genteel and sophisticated nature of Assassins is considered, and the fruits of allowing a certifiable genius to run loose with tools are sown.

As an obsessed Assassin works behind the scenes to restore the heir to the royal family of Anhk Morpork to the throne, the unsuspecting presumed heir walks the streets of Anhk Morpork commanding the respect of the crimenal element of the city. This is most unusual as he is a junior Watchman.

An invention of Leonard of Quirm is loose in the city, and as the inventions of madmen and geniuses (and Leonard is both in his own special fashion) are wont to do, it is making mischief.

Sam Vimes is about to marry the wealthiest woman in the city, and the clash of cultures is brilliant social commentary.

And the dogs of A-MP have a leader with a dark vision of the supremacy of canines over bipeds...

This is Terry Pratchett at his best! Discworld is in fine form, reflecting the obsession with royals, gun control, affirmative action, political action, and the dark side of clowns. One of the best of DIscworld.

What a story teller. I really enjoy all the disc world books.

"Soul Music" is the sixteenth book in Terry Pratchett's hugely popular Discworld series and was first published in 1994. He has gone on to win the Carnegie Medal for "The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents" and was awarded the OBE in 1998.

Death - tall guy, a little thin, carries a scythe, likes the colour black - appears in more of the Discworld books than any other character. By and large, he makes only a very brief appearance and - while the role he plays in "Soul Music" is still a supporting role - he has a huge influence on what happens in the book. Back in "Mort", he took an apprentice who eventually went on to marry Ysabell - Death's adopted daughter. In time, the pair had a daughter called Susan, who makes her first appearance here. As the book opens. Susan is a pupil at the Quirm College for Young Ladies. She can't quite remember her maternal grandfather, let alone what he does for a living...however, she has inherited some of his abilities. Unfortunately, Death is feeling a little depressed, and it seems there are certain things he'd rather forget. (The problem is that he's not quite sure how to go about forgetting). It's all causing Albert, Death's butler, and the Death of Rats quite some concern. When Death takes soe time off in order to try and forget, it also causes Susan a great deal of bother...you see, somebody's got to do Death's job...

Imp y Celyn, meanwhile, is a promising young harp-playing bard from Llamedos (a country with Welsh tendencies). After a blazing row with his father, he sets off to become the greatest musician in the world, and eventually arrives in Ankh-Morpork. While trying to join the Guild of Musicians, he meets Glod Glodsson (a horn-playing dwarf) and Lias (a troll who specialises in percussion). The trio, however, are a little short on funds and can't quite meet the subscription fee. This means they're barred from playing music professionally in the city...which is unfortunate, as the on ly way they can raise the money for the fee is by playing music professionally. Things get even worse when Lias accidentally breaks Imp's harp - though they soon make the mistake of replacing it with a guitar from a magical music shop. Inspired by the guitar, the trio invent a new style of music the becomes known as "Music With Rocks In" - something that leads them hurtling towards disaster. By the way, a rough translation for "Imp y Celyn" is "Bud y Holly"...

A big plus for the book is the return of Death of Rats and the introduction of his sidekick, Quoth the Raven. Quoth, named by a wizard who thought he was also a comedian, is partial to an eyeball and - like the skull he roosts on - can talk. However, he absolutely refuses to say "nevermore". A very funny book, with a plenty of nods to famous songs, bands and movies, it's highly recommended. It may be a slight advantage to have read "Mort" - though as the book begins with a brief introduction, you'll not really miss out if you haven't.

It hardly gets any funnier than this: DEATH (skeleton in black robe) has a teenage granddaughter named SUSAN who gets a crush on a young musician Imp y Celyn (which translates Celyn = Holly, Imp = Bud). Ructions in reality ensue when Susan tries to save Buddy from his appointment with Fate.

If there is a musical catchphrase that Pratchett fails to warp, pun or riff off of, than it isn't an important one. Pratchett's characters are lively and engaging; his plot runs on rockets and his humor, whether you find it satiric or merely slapstick, is truly funny. As always, Discworld holds up a warped mirror to our world and shows a true picture. This is one of Pratchett's best. Highly recommended.

I've decided he's too good and too prolific for me to write a brand new review every single time I read one of his books. Discworld currently has 34 titles and every one of them will probably knock your socks off. His mind bubbles and flashes like a boiling pot of electric eels, and I simply can't get enough of his writing.

A reviewer has compared him to Geoffrey Chaucer. He reminds me more of Douglas Adams, or perhaps S Morgenstern. Great company, isn't it? He's an extremely skillful and imaginative writer, damn funny, clever and observant to boot. He's also very easy to read. A master of characterization, and if there's anything else you like about reading that I didn't mention here, assume I simply forgot. He's awesome.

Another reviewer mentioned Jonathan Swift and PG Wodehouse. Why such hallowed company? Because Pratchett belongs there! Truly, I'm enjoying my quest to read every book in the series. You should do the same, and begin your quest at the library because he's got to be there. He's awesome!

Yet another reviewer said Jerome K Jerome meets Lord of the Rings. Yeah, that works too.

Why do we, as reviewers, compare authors to other authors? Because it's easier than thinking. In the case of Terry Pratchett, it's probably because we'd otherwise wind up quoting the guy. He's so unique that we just don't know how else to cope with his greatness. Even this paragraph sounds like foamy drool raving, doesn't it? That's how all readers react to Pratchett. Reviewers simply don't have the good sense to keep it to themselves.

I could call his writing fantasy, but I could likewise call what Douglas Adams wrote science fiction. In both cases, I wouldn't be wrong, but I'd be neglecting so much and just totally missing the point. A rare few authors transcend a genre to such a degree that you know they're shouting out, loud and proud, a big fat "Bite me!"

I love Terry Pratchett's writing, and I completely understand why some folks refer to him as their favorite author. Or favourite, I should say, since we're being British. He's one of those authors that makes you want to grab whoever's in hearing range and start reading passages aloud. I'm simply thrilled that there's such an extremely talented and prolific author who's been working for years without me being aware of him. Now I have much catching up to do, and I will love it.

Imp (Bud as in plants in Springtime) Y Celyn (Of the Holly trees) makes music his life (without understanding all the implications) and organizes a band with a troll, a dwarf, and briefly an orangutan; Death's grandaughter Susan considers the consequences of silliness, Death expresses gratitude with a rose in his teeth, a big hearing-impaired spotted cat arranges for a singer to appear with just one glove, the neighborhood witch arrangements are explained, a felonious monk's musical talent is discussed, and music-with-rocks-in is introduced.

One of the absolute best of Pratchett, and definately the best of the thread about Death. There are more rock and roll references per page than any other book in history, and more laughs than a rational man can deal with (I had no problem...) All the hallmarks of Pratchett's finest work; beautifully tangled threads of the story, humor both subtle and flagrent, puns to tears, and more than the customary presense of Death (and Death of Rats, and Death's servant Albert). It stands as well alone as it does as part of the Death stories or Ankh-Morpork stories.

Kudos!

Terry Pratchett's first novel, "The Carpet People", appeared in 1971. "Lords and Ladies" is the fourteenth novel in his hugely popular Discworld series and was first published in 1992. It's also the fourth book (after "Equal Rites", "Wyrd Sisters" and "Witches Abroad") to feature Granny Weatherwax, the Discworld's greatest witch.

Granny Weatherwax is joined by the two other members of her coven - Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick - and begins as the trio return home from a lengthy trip in foreign parts. Nanny Ogg is the raucous head of the Ogg clan based in Lancre town, and is pretty much Granny's oldest friend. Magrat is a much younger witch, and she has a few fanciful ideas about magic that Granny doesn't altogether approve of. Where Granny prefers Headology, Magrat has always been fond of dancing, occult jewellery and runes. However, she's also the closest thing Lancre has to a medical expert. Before the coven's trip abroad, Magrat had been romantically involved with Verence, Lancre's King. She had been a little worried about where she now stood, having been away for so long. However, it comes as something of a shock when she Verence has made all the plans for a Midsummer Day's Wedding...without having ever actually proposed to her.

The trouble, however, isn't caused by either the Royal Wedding : the Elves are trying to break through again. When Granny and Nanny see their first crop circles appearing, they know immediately what the trouble is...but they're initially reluctant to explain it to Magrat. They know that Magrat would see elves as lovely, wise and kind - when, in reality, they're cruel and vain. Eventually, Magrat storms off in her frustration and resigns as a witch to start being a Queen. However, she has a great deal to learn about being a Queen...though it's Queen Ynci and the castle's bees she learns the most from. (Bees are famous for hating chaos...and Lancre's bees are very worried).

For many years, the Elf Queen and her followers have been kept in their own world by the Dancers - eight standing stones, arranged roughly in a circle. However, the circle's power has been getting weakened recently - thanks to a group of young girls, who have been dancing around it - and the Queen will soon be able to return. While it's the two senior witches who lead the fight against the invaders, they do have some help. There is a group of wizards in town for the Royal Wedding - the Archchancellor, the Bursar, the Librarian and Ponder Stibbons - who do what they can, while Lancre's crack squad of Morris Dancers also provide a little help. (They're also working on a play, as part of the wedding-related celebrations - but that, unfortunately, causes more trouble than it's worth). Casanunda also returns, a dwarven count and the Discworld's second greatest lover. Being particularly smitten with Nanny Ogg, he's naturally very keen to help her out...

Another very funny book and - like "Wyrd Sisters" - some of the laughs are inspired by Shakespeare. Pratchett himself acknowledges that this is one of the few Discworld books where the reader would be better off knowing a bit of the back-story. (You could probably skip "Equal Rites", though you'd be better off reading at least "Wyrd Sisters"). While there's never been any mention of a Grandpa Weatherwax - let alone any children or grandchildren - "Lords and Ladies" does throw a little light on one of Granny's early romances...and the love-interest may come as a slight surprise. Totally recommended, this is Pratchett on top form.

Granny Weatherwax and crew arrive home for a wedding, and the return of the Lords and Ladies (elves) to the land. But no witch is about to let a bunch of nasty, petty, pointy-ears take over their kingdom! These wonderful characters of Pratchett's make another return to satirical literature with a take on "A Midsummer's Nights Dream" with heavy nods to Irish folklore (druidic magic, mean,tall fae). This is one of the very few books that even Pratchett says clearly comes right after the one before so you might want to pick up "Witches Abroad" first.

Author Terry Pratchett savages 'cute' in many of his Discworld novels. In "Witches Abroad" he skewers the 'good' fairy godmother. "Hogfather" is a much darker version of Santa Claus. Elves take a beating in "Lords and Ladies." They represent glamour without soul. They like to torture animals, humans included--you know, the 'La Belle Dame sans Merci' bit, except elves come in both sexes.

The people in the Kingdom of Lancre are afraid even to use the word 'elf,' except for soppy, junior witch, Magrat Garlick, who is soon to be King Verence's bride. She is known as the witch who clinks and clanks about in occult jewelry, and loves scented candles.

Luckily, senior witches Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg are also on the scene, after an extended vacation to Genua to end the 'good' fairy godmother's reign of terror (see "Witches Abroad"). Even though they scorn the modern trappings of witchcraft (see above: scented candles), they hold the power in Lancre.

King Verence II is more interested in crop rotation and breeding pigs. When Magrat returns from Genua, he informs her that he's planned their wedding, ordered her dress, and invited the guests. (Red Alert! Red Alert! Man your battle stations! Completely clueless male enters story!) What Verence doesn't do is propose marriage to his intended wife. After all he is a king.

Magrat does a slow boil until the day before the wedding. She finally revolts but as usual, her timing is execrable. Her husband-to-be has been captured by the elves.

How in the name of Om did the elves manage to escape from the circle of stones known as the Dancers? Did it have something to do with would-be witch, Diamanda and her friends dancing nekkid (a Nanny Ogg term) round the stones?

Did it have something to do with Nanny Ogg's semi-annual bath?

Why did Lancre Morris Men decide to hold their play practice near the Dancers?

Did it have something to do with the nekkid dancers?

Discerning reviewers have compared "Lords and Ladies" to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer-Night's Dream." There certainly are many complicated love stories in both novel and play. Pratchett gives us Magrat and King Verence II; Nanny Ogg and Casanunda, Discworld's second greatest lover; Granny Weatherwax and...

Look, you need to read the book and find out for yourself. Let's just say that Granny's suitor is growing a crop circle on his head.

Everyone knows that fairies are bright, beautiful mythical creatures that fight darkness and evil and sing a lot of wistful songs, right? Well, not in the Discword (and not here either if you pay attention to the stories). Not in Lancre anywhere within bowshot of the eight Dancers on Copperhead mountain. It's crop circle season there right now and Granny Weatherwax can feel the worlds shift into synch as the elves prepare to cross over and take everything we've got.

If you've read a number of Pratchett's books you know that there is at least one other story besides the main plot and sometimes the secondary story really is the main plot. To some degree this is true here. To add to La Weatherwax's problem with the beautiful people, Magrat gets disgusted with Granny's secretive habits and exits the coven in a huff. Since Magrat is about to become the queen, this is a serious huff. Magrat's adventures and discoveries accomplish something Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg have never accomplish. Magrat grows up (well, almost grows up) and saves the kingdom (with a tremendous amount of help).

Pratchett is, as always, looking for the funny scene or quick, deadly pun. But if you stop and think for a bit you will see that Lords and Ladies is deadly serious as well. A girl starts to become a woman, the dangers of believing what you want to see, the story of another young woman who must face a decision made years ago and come to terms with her present -- these themes may be dealt with lightly, but Pratchett isn't as biting as he usually is. This time it's clear that he loves his characters and wants them to come alive for us. And they do.

There is a tiny handful of Pratchett's books that don't quite reach the heights of other stories like, Small God's and The Truth. Lords and Ladies falls into this category, but make no mistake it is still very good work. Think of it as 4.75 stars rather than 5.5. The story is a bit haphazard in its development, and jumps around quite a bit before coming in for a landing. Part of this is due to the fact that the witches not only keep Magrat in the dark, they shut us in the closet as well. But the ending makes up for a number of tiny sins. And the players will stay with you for a good while. After all, there is no such thing as a bad Discworld story.

As with any Discworld book, Lords and Ladies is most enjoyable if you already have some grounding in the Discworld series. L&L also assumes some knowledge of its predecessor, "Traveling Abroad." I hadn't read that one, but Pratchett was nice enough to include a little synopsis at the beginning. Finally, L&L is probably best if the reader is familiar with Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

No single aspect of this book stands out as "outstanding": the plot is "good," the subplots are "good," the characters are "good," the humor is "good," etc. But like the title of this review says, "the total is greater than the sum of the parts" making the overall effect quite worthwihile and enjoyable. All in all, a solid effort.

If you're a Pratchett fan, definately give it a go. If you're new to Discworld, it's still enjoyable, though you'll (correctly) get the sense that there are a LOT of references and inside jokes going on you're not privy to; still, it'll probably pique your interest enough to check out more in the series.

Tiffany Aching is back to learn the serious business of witching in this sequel to The Wee Free Men. Tiffany sets out to do her apprenticeship with Miss Level. While Tiffany carries out the mostly mundane tasks of caring for the sick, she experiments with her own magical talents which have begun to surface. Thank goodness for the return of the Mac Nac Feegles, as well, who are back to protect the "big wee hag" as she contends with the mysterious and dangerous Hiver.

Full of Pratchett's wry British humor, this is a book for young and old alike. Like the Wee Free Men, although it takes place on Pratchett's Discworld, the Tiffany stories have a feel and flavor all their own.

- C.A.Wulff, author of Born Without a Tail

Terry Pratchett captures so much in his prose. This book, and this series, are great for kids, and especially girls who are coming of age. Tiffany Aching is an easy character to relate to, and even though we may not face situations quite like hers, we can see parallels. And the Nac Mac Feegle are wonderful comic relief. Like any Pratchett book, a definite 10 of 10.

First things first - do not let the "young adult" tag on this product dissuade you from diving in.

Now, as to the book itself, we find ourselves, as usual with Mr. Pratchett, on Discworld, the magical flat world sitting on the back of four elephants, all of whom are borne on the back of a great turtle, who soars through space. Yet we aren't dealing with such majestic themes and images here. We concentrate our tale upon a slight little girl, one Tiffany Aching. She is coming into young womanhood, which is trying enough, but certainly more trying when one is a novice witch, even one as powerful as Tiffany. Maybe even more so because of it.

Tiffany, you see, is trying to learn the ropes of witchdom, which means she apprentices herself to various witches to learn the ins and outs of the life. This she does, even though it means she has to leave her homeland (there are no more witches where she lives on the Chalk). So, leave she does and she starts to learn.

But somewhere along the way she attracts the attention of a being as old as the universe and as powerful. And this being wants. What it wants, it comes to realize, is little Tiffany Aching.

But Tiffany, in addition to being a powerful, if somewhat untried and novice, witch also has additional protectors. The Nac Mac Feegle! The Wee Free Men! The person who first said that big things come in small packages was almost certainly describing the Feegles. The Pictsies (as they are wont to be called) protect Tiffany from, well, everything. They think she belongs to them and they're not really keen on thieves, unless it's them doing the thieving. And drinking. Oh, and don't forget the fighting. If they can do that in service to their witch (their "hag" as they call them) then all the better!

Pratchett has woven another magical, haunting, hysterical, tragic tale of the little things of being - life, death, power, duty, and maybe justice.

Or maybe we are dealing with majestic themes, after all. With liberally sprinkled episodes of thievery, fighting, cussing, and boozing, which the Feegles will tell you makes up almost the entirety of being. One can only love a creation like the Feegles, although I would advise a distant and general kind of love. Up close affection from a Feegle generally involves a headbutt.

A brilliant series and one I'm looking forward to completing, if, as reported, the next book after Wintersmith is the finale.

Bravo Mr. Pratchett!

The Editorial review from Washington Post, above, lacks perspective. JKR's minor characters have psychological depth while Pratchett's are two-dimensional? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, what a bizarre comparison. They're two different writers. It should be noted that Pratchett started the Discworld series in 1983 (Color of Magic) when JKR was only 18 years old. He established his style long before JKR published Philosopher's Stone in 1997. All of his books are like this, for the most part. He simply used his existing Discworld template when he wanted to comment on the Harry Potter world, and thus created Tiffany Aching. If witches in Hat spend a great deal more time riding broomsticks and casting spells than they did in Wee Free Men it's because Pratchett is purposefully referring to Harry Potter's magical education. Correct, Miss Level's cottage is no Hogwarts. That's the point. With Tiffany Aching Pratchett gets to play with, gently satire and generally enjoy both Harry Potter's brand of magic and the commercialized airy-fairy Wiccan brand of magic, and mix some real old British magical lore in, too. Note that I am a Potter Fanatic.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hat Full of Sky and the other Tiffany Aching stories. I can't recommend them enough. Humorous, likable, thought provoking and excellent.

Terry Pratchett is my favorite author.

Most of the authors on my Top 10 list got there on the basis of a few good books; Robin McKinnley's "The Blue Sword" and "The Hero and the Crown"; Tolkein's "The Hobbit"; Elizabeth Moon's Paksenarion Trilogy; David Webber's "Mutineer's Moon" Trilogy...

With Pratchett, it's easier to list those of his books that I don't like. There's only one ("Eric!"), and even it has its moments.

I suppose that now I have to explain why I like him so much. The reason is simple. He is wise. He is ALSO funny, which allows him to present his wisdom in a way that is readily accessible.

As a case in point, I am a soldier. I know the nature of my peers. Pratchett's books about CDR Vimes, which I collectively refer to as The Watch Trilogy (although there's now more than three volumes) is a masterpiece of insight into the nature of wearing a uniform. There is nothing at all heroic about CPL Nobbs or SGT Colon, and I've known many individuals very like both of them. Yet, when the time comes, and society needs someone to stand in the gap, they're there. Flaws and all. And beside them are people like CPT Carrot, who is virtue personified. CDR Vimes may not be virtuous, and he'd be horribly offended at being called noble, but he is good. And he does what he does because he loves his people. (I recall the comic scene where he states that the city is a woman, and he loved her even when she kicked him in his teeth.) The armed forces have the same mix of personalities that intermingle with complex interaction. We're not heros. We're people. Pratchett is one of the few authors who understands that enough to write it believably.

But as much as I enjoy Pratchett's Watch Trilogy, I love his Witch Trilogy (also more than three books at this point). Esme Weatherwax is, perhaps, the most complex character that I've yet to see written into any book. She is a woman who is rigidly moral, because she understands that she is very close to being evil. It's by sheer willpower, and never being willing