Pratchett, Terry. Wintersmith. Harper, 2006. ISBN 9780060890315. $16.99. 323 p.
Reviewer: Jan Staheli
Reading Level: Intermediate, Young adult
Rating: Outstanding
Genre: Fantasy fiction; Adventure stories; Humorous stories;
Subject: Witches--Juvenile fiction; Winter--Juvenile fiction; Fairies--Juvenile fiction; Books--Reviews;
Crivens! They're back! The Nac Mac Feegles have returned to help Tiffany Aching out of another spot of trouble. While studying witching skills with Miss Treason, a blind old witch who uses others' eyeballs to see, Tiffany impetuously puts herself into the notice of the Wintersmith—Winter itself, an elemental force who now has a crush on a thirteen-year-old witch. While the Feegles, six-inch blue men with swords as long as they are and terrible Scottish brogues, race about fightin' and drinkin' and trying to keep up with Tiffany's adventures, she is also getting help from several other witches who have taken an interest. Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax can be daunting, even for an elemental spirit, but in the end, Tiffany must take care of this problem of Winter on her own.
When Terry Pratchett sets out to write a story, he makes it a rip roarer! Funny, suspenseful and wise in turns, his brand of fantasy is a true delight. His characters are quirky, but real—if such a thing can be said in fantasy. He makes magic mostly the magic of really seeing, and actually thinking, and finally doing something about the problem at hand—ultimately a pretty magical way to behave. Highly recommended to all who love to laugh and think and escape, just for a while, into another wonderful world.
