Review Detail

Reader reviewed by darkouthere

Once again, we enter Discworld to follow the adventures of Tiffany Aching, a young witch, and the Pictsie Nac Mac Feegle who are pugnacious little fairies.

At the beginning of this story, Tiffany, 11, is old enough to leave her home and begin training as a witch with Miss Level in faraway High Overhang. At the same time, the Nac Mac Feegle are also studying--to be writers. Their new kelda, Jeanie, is determined to whip them into shape so that they aren't so ignorant.

But, things become dangerous for Tiffany. The "fairies" discover that a hiver, a demon, is haunting Tiffany, hungry for her power. Jeanie then sends Rob Nobody, the clan leader, and his men to help protect the young witch.

Not knowing the danger that she was in, Tiffany continues training under Miss Level, frustrated at her slow progress and the seemingly useless lessons and days visiting the peasants and caring for them. She wants to learn real witchcraft, but she can't seem to even get down a basic spell. All this contributes to the village girls' belief that Tiffany is a liar and was never recognized by Mistress Weatherwax, well-known among witches and mortals, even though she was.

When the hiver catches Tiffany and takes over her body, it uses her ambition and power to "take her over the edge", that is, take her to the bad side. It is up to Rob and the pictsies along with Miss Level and Granny Weatherwax to bring her back.

This latest book by Terry Pratchett is, as usual, fun and explores evil in human nature. There are plenty of laughs and clever sayings in store for those who want to read it, but it wasn't as hilarious or as thoughtful as previous books in the Discworld series. Parts of the story are dull, but the dialogue is just as animated and Granny Weatherwax is as charming as ever.

For those who want to know about Tiffany Aching's continuing adventures, I recommend this book to you. If you are looking for more laughs, try an older Discworld book.