Wintersmith - Terry Pratchett

One of my favourites

This has become one of my favourite books. I've always loved the "witches" series and the "nac mac feegle" who appear in Carpe Jugulum invaded my brain, kicked a few bottles around and dossed down.

This is, as others have said, the third in the "Tiffany Aching" series. I admit I enjoyed the first, wasn't too struck with the second (to start with), but with this one Pratchett is back to his best. It hooked me from the start.

Pratchett's talent and skill is in the folklore and the facts which he uses in the books, the little things, like the old belief in summer and winter Gods, the laying out and sitting with the dead, etc. For me it is these small factual titbits that add to the story and make it more than your typical 'story book'. Some of the in-jokes seem to be based on this 'secret' knowledge and understanding (Da Vinci Code but much much better and not boring).

If you've never read Pratchett before then I would heartily recommend this series - Wee Free Men, A Hat Full of Sky and Wintersmith.

If you're unsure try the library first. Annoyingly this series tends to be found in the children's section of book shops and libraries - so if you're going in to a library to look at one, take a child with you, or do as I did, and borrow a friend's child.

Wonderful read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is witty, laugh out loud funny at times, and thoroughly enjoyable. I am 40 something but that didn't stop me enjoying it immensely! I normally have my nose in a crime thriller murder mystery sort of book but thought I would try this for a change. I wasn't disappointed. Excellent book.

Winter comes for Tiffany

As the third book in the Tiffany Aching series `Wintersmith' had a lot to live up to as `Hat Full of Sky' was one of my favourite books and while it didn't totally live up to its predecessor `Wintersmith' is still thoroughly entertaining. This book begins with Tiffany, now almost thirteen, working with the eccentric old witch Miss Treason but when she is taken to witness a mysterious dance in the middle of the night she gets caught in the moment and things can only get worse. Now the personification of Winter is in love with her, Annagramma is making a mess of things and the gods are spying on her.

Although not as good as the previous book in the series `Wintersmith' is still a cut above many books that I have read and continues to make the Tiffany Aching books some of the best in the Discworld series. The first quarter of the book is slightly lacklustre but the story soon picks up in chapter five, which in and of it self has some of the most beautifully written scenes that I have read in a while. Terry Pratchett is a brilliantly imaginative writer and this book shows off his talents will, blending mythology, folklore and common sense into a brilliantly funny, involving and in places tender story.

Good, but not his best

This is the third in the Tiffany Aching series (the first two being 'The Wee Free Men' and 'A Hat Full Of Sky'). I'd recommend reading them in order rather than starting with this one. Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg also show up again, I'm pleased to say.

The book is highly enjoyable - funny with its serious side, and extremely readable. All Pratchett fans should read it. Unfortunately, I can't finish this with the traditional line "Pratchett at his best..." because it just isn't. Parts of it are very overwritten - he belabours points far too much and this distracts from the story. So, could have been better. But still good and recommended.

WHAT A GREAT BOOK

I have just started reading this book and it's FANTASTIC!Ihave almost every Terry Pratchett book and they are GREAT!WARNING:I WOULD RECOMMEND READING THE OTHER TWO BOOKS NAMED'Hat Full Of Sky' and then 'Wee Free Men'.
you will enjoy watching Tiffany grow up and her friendship wth the nac mac feegles.Enjoy!oh yeah and.....
BUY IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!