Wintersmith 
asked by carrots on November 25, 2006 2:08 PM
At 9, Tiffany Aching defeated the cruel Queen of Fairyland.
At 11, she battled an ancient body-stealing evil.
At 13, Tiffany faces a new challenge: a boy. And boys can be a bit of a problem when you're thirteen. . . .
But the Wintersmith isn't exactly a boy. He is Winter itself—snow, gales, icicles—all of it. When he has a crush on Tiffany, he may make her roses out of ice, but his nature is blizzards and avalanches. And he wants Tiffany to stay in his gleaming, frozen world. Forever.
Tiffany will need all her cunning to make it to Spring. She'll also need her friends, from junior witches to the legendary Granny Weatherwax. They—
Crivens! Tiffany will need the Wee Free Men too! She'll have the help of the bravest, toughest, smelliest pictsies ever to be banished from Fairyland—whether she wants it or not.
It's going to be a cold, cold season, because if Tiffany doesn't survive until Spring—
—Spring won't come.
Reviews
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Tiffany Aching, the heroine of this wonderful series for young readers (chronologically and mentally), is continuing her apprenticeship to become a witch. She lives with Miss Treason, a rather unusual witch to say the least. Tiffany learns as she goes, does her chores without complaints and realizes that witching is learned by doing. It has little to do with magic, except, maybe, for a bit of "boffo". Now almost 13 years old, she is experiencing new and complex emotions, in particular as they concern "boys". She also has to learn to take responsibility and that one simple little error of judgment can have dramatic consequences, reaching far beyond her own life.
Pratchett has spun another great yarn around witches, young and old, linking it to the previous books in the series and adding new twists. Trying to be useful to Tiffany are the familiar older witches: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Miss Tick. But, with Tiffany in trouble, the Nac Mac Feegles cannot be far away. The tiny blue good-for-trouble creatures have to leave their favorite pastime for a while to help their "wee big hag" to confront the great danger that is potentially engulfing everything. Less helpful and preoccupied with their own lives, competing with each other, but as important to growing up, is the coven of young apprentice witches.
So, what is the great danger? Despite being warned not to, Tiffany joins in the secret dark Morris dance. The opposite from the light cheerful May dance that welcomes the summer, the dark dance announces the beginning of winter. And Tiffany's dance partner is no other than the "elemental" of winter, the Wintersmith. The young girl is torn between fascination and fear by the unlikely suitor who has fallen in love with her. She is touched by the attention and icy presents created for her: flowers, snowflakes in her image, and much more. At the same time she knows the devastating destruction that come with each appearance: storms of increasing intensity that cover everything under a deep blanket of snow. How can she extricate herself and her surroundings from the dangers that loom? Can she rely on her tiny blue friends? Can the witches solve the puzzle? Read it to find out.
Pratchett is a master in building characters and spinning intricate and multilayered stories. This is another one to treasure. My recommendation, though, is to start the series at the beginning, you'll have more fun. [Friederike Knabe]
Pratchett has spun another great yarn around witches, young and old, linking it to the previous books in the series and adding new twists. Trying to be useful to Tiffany are the familiar older witches: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Miss Tick. But, with Tiffany in trouble, the Nac Mac Feegles cannot be far away. The tiny blue good-for-trouble creatures have to leave their favorite pastime for a while to help their "wee big hag" to confront the great danger that is potentially engulfing everything. Less helpful and preoccupied with their own lives, competing with each other, but as important to growing up, is the coven of young apprentice witches.
So, what is the great danger? Despite being warned not to, Tiffany joins in the secret dark Morris dance. The opposite from the light cheerful May dance that welcomes the summer, the dark dance announces the beginning of winter. And Tiffany's dance partner is no other than the "elemental" of winter, the Wintersmith. The young girl is torn between fascination and fear by the unlikely suitor who has fallen in love with her. She is touched by the attention and icy presents created for her: flowers, snowflakes in her image, and much more. At the same time she knows the devastating destruction that come with each appearance: storms of increasing intensity that cover everything under a deep blanket of snow. How can she extricate herself and her surroundings from the dangers that loom? Can she rely on her tiny blue friends? Can the witches solve the puzzle? Read it to find out.
Pratchett is a master in building characters and spinning intricate and multilayered stories. This is another one to treasure. My recommendation, though, is to start the series at the beginning, you'll have more fun. [Friederike Knabe]
reviewed by dataworld on November 29, 2006 10:56 AM
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It doesn't get much better than that.
I still don't get why this is labeled as a book for kids. In my opinion it stands up with any other Discworld book, and oh yes it is a Discworld book!
DEATH even puts in an appearance. Who knew you couldn't take mustard with you?
Add in the Feegles, and this book has many of my favorite characters in it. Mix that in with Terry's usual casual mix of hilarity while subtly saying profound things about human nature, and why would you even need to hear about the plot from me?
You *might* want to go and get The Wee Free Men and A Hat Full of Sky before you read this, if you really want to be clued in, mind.
I still don't get why this is labeled as a book for kids. In my opinion it stands up with any other Discworld book, and oh yes it is a Discworld book!
DEATH even puts in an appearance. Who knew you couldn't take mustard with you?
Add in the Feegles, and this book has many of my favorite characters in it. Mix that in with Terry's usual casual mix of hilarity while subtly saying profound things about human nature, and why would you even need to hear about the plot from me?
You *might* want to go and get The Wee Free Men and A Hat Full of Sky before you read this, if you really want to be clued in, mind.
reviewed by teacher on November 29, 2006 1:39 PM
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First published in 2006, "Wintersmith" is set on the Discworld and is Terry Pratchett's third book to feature Tiffany Aching and the Wee Free Men. Tiffany was raised on an area called the Chalk, where her grandmother was a very influential figure and a revered shepherdess. Tiffany idolised her Granny Aching and, having long suspected she was also a witch, is now following in her footsteps.
Tiffany is currently being trained by Miss Eumenides Treason, a rather frightening 113 year-old witch : so far, she's lasted an impressive three months at the cottage, where most other students only lasted a single night. The house is full of cobwebs, despite its lack of obvious spiders, and everything in black. (Tiffany even has to make her cheeses black. One of them, Horace, is a rather lively cheese - he's a bit like a dairy-related version of Rincewind's luggage. He has his own personality and can move about by himself). Miss Treason's favourite candle-holders are skulls, while legend has it there's a pile of gold in her cellar guarded by a demon.
Tiffany has seen the 'standard' Morris Dance at home : the dancers danced, summer came and she never gave it too much more thought. The Dark Morris, however, is its mirror image : it's not so widely known and when it's danced, the winter arrives. Miss Treason, who has never missed it, says it also has to be witnessed. However, Tiffany is given strict instructions not to talk, to look only at the dancers and - most importantly - NOT to move until the dance has finished. Unfortunately, the beat gets into Tiffany's feet and she can't stop herself joining the dance. Before you can say Tiffany-shaped-snowflakes, the Wintersmith (the elemental in charge of winter) has fallen in love with a certain young witch who danced the Dark Morris with him.
Obviously, this spells trouble for Tiffany - luckily, however, she has Granny Weatherwax, Miss Treason and Nanny Ogg to help her out. Better yet, she has the Wee Free Men on her side. Also known as the Nac Mac Feegle, these Pictsies were thrown out of Fairyland for being drunk, disorderly and generally rebellious. They are covered in tattoos, have red hair and blue skin and wear little other than kilts and swords. An extremely strong and agile race, they are extremely fond of fighting, stealing and drinking - Granny Aching's Special Sheep Lineament is a particular favourite. For a while, Tiffany was their temporary Kelda (or Queen) - as a result they have a duty to always protect her. However, it won't be easy against a lovesick Wintersmith...
Like everything else I've read by Pratchett, this is an excellent book. It's easily read, features plenty of likeable characters and there are plenty of laughs. Although it's probably better to have read "The Wee Free Men" and "A Hat Full of Sky" before this, you'll not feel too left out if you haven't. Definitely recommended !
Tiffany is currently being trained by Miss Eumenides Treason, a rather frightening 113 year-old witch : so far, she's lasted an impressive three months at the cottage, where most other students only lasted a single night. The house is full of cobwebs, despite its lack of obvious spiders, and everything in black. (Tiffany even has to make her cheeses black. One of them, Horace, is a rather lively cheese - he's a bit like a dairy-related version of Rincewind's luggage. He has his own personality and can move about by himself). Miss Treason's favourite candle-holders are skulls, while legend has it there's a pile of gold in her cellar guarded by a demon.
Tiffany has seen the 'standard' Morris Dance at home : the dancers danced, summer came and she never gave it too much more thought. The Dark Morris, however, is its mirror image : it's not so widely known and when it's danced, the winter arrives. Miss Treason, who has never missed it, says it also has to be witnessed. However, Tiffany is given strict instructions not to talk, to look only at the dancers and - most importantly - NOT to move until the dance has finished. Unfortunately, the beat gets into Tiffany's feet and she can't stop herself joining the dance. Before you can say Tiffany-shaped-snowflakes, the Wintersmith (the elemental in charge of winter) has fallen in love with a certain young witch who danced the Dark Morris with him.
Obviously, this spells trouble for Tiffany - luckily, however, she has Granny Weatherwax, Miss Treason and Nanny Ogg to help her out. Better yet, she has the Wee Free Men on her side. Also known as the Nac Mac Feegle, these Pictsies were thrown out of Fairyland for being drunk, disorderly and generally rebellious. They are covered in tattoos, have red hair and blue skin and wear little other than kilts and swords. An extremely strong and agile race, they are extremely fond of fighting, stealing and drinking - Granny Aching's Special Sheep Lineament is a particular favourite. For a while, Tiffany was their temporary Kelda (or Queen) - as a result they have a duty to always protect her. However, it won't be easy against a lovesick Wintersmith...
Like everything else I've read by Pratchett, this is an excellent book. It's easily read, features plenty of likeable characters and there are plenty of laughs. Although it's probably better to have read "The Wee Free Men" and "A Hat Full of Sky" before this, you'll not feel too left out if you haven't. Definitely recommended !
reviewed by vern on November 29, 2006 7:32 PM
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I love all of Terry Pratchett novels, but I particulary love his children stories about Tiffany Aching. Tiffany is a witch, but to help people or solve problems she has been taught that using your head always works better than using magic. Tiffany is a great hero and it is great to have a little girl save the day. This book is full of great characters, humor and understanding of how the minds of people work.
I can hardly wait for another Tiffany Aching book!
I can hardly wait for another Tiffany Aching book!
reviewed by onthemic on November 29, 2006 7:32 PM
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Pratchett does it again! This guy is unbelievable. The Tiffany Aching series featuring the Wee Free Men (led by the inimitable Rob Anybody) are pitched as children's books. Like Discworld is for adults. Sure.
Terry tells a tale of an elemental force, the Wintersmith, smitten with a young witch who meddles where she shouldn't (as is tradition for young witches everywhere). Granny Weatherwax features prominently in a tale of coming of age, the cycle of the seasons and what it means to be live, die and love. A kid's book for sure. Of course it is. There's stuff tucked away here that people in their 30's wouldn't quite get ... This is more Wicked than Harry Potter with just as much to think about and smile about.
If you've given the Wee Free Men a pass since it's for kids, take another look. If you enjoyed Gaiman's American Gods, you'll like this one.
-Greg Richter
gregrichter.com
PS: Don't dance the Dark Morris. It IS creepy.
Terry tells a tale of an elemental force, the Wintersmith, smitten with a young witch who meddles where she shouldn't (as is tradition for young witches everywhere). Granny Weatherwax features prominently in a tale of coming of age, the cycle of the seasons and what it means to be live, die and love. A kid's book for sure. Of course it is. There's stuff tucked away here that people in their 30's wouldn't quite get ... This is more Wicked than Harry Potter with just as much to think about and smile about.
If you've given the Wee Free Men a pass since it's for kids, take another look. If you enjoyed Gaiman's American Gods, you'll like this one.
-Greg Richter
gregrichter.com
PS: Don't dance the Dark Morris. It IS creepy.
reviewed by scoobie on November 29, 2006 7:33 PM