Reviews

While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the musical interludes that assault your ears at (I assume) the beginning and end of each CD are oddly mismatched with the Discworld vibe. So every hour or so, a cleverly ridiculous story about a young witch is interrupted by frothy piano tinkles.

Otherwise, the narrator is fabulous, as is Tiffany Aching. The story begins with Tiffany getting swept into a dance with the elemental Wintersmith, who then thinks it's in love with her and pursues her as a wife instead of continuing his dance with the fellow elemental Summer Lady. Recurring characters provide a solid foundation for Tiffany's blend of practical common sense and youthful innocence. Included: just a bit of romance, with the help of the Nac Mac Feegles and the traveling librarians.

One of my favorite series.

Listening to this again, it seems as though Tiffany pays an awfully steep price for just a little bit of fun. As always, though, she solves her own problems with some help from the older witches, and only a little bit of complaining. I need to find out if the traveling librarians appear in other Discworld novels.

The tinkly piano is still ridiculous.

Reread 2021: The theme of personal responsibility gets hammered hard in the Tiffany Aching series, and it's one of those themes that really can't be overworked. In the midst of continuing and rising pandemic irresponsibility, this is both a comforting and thoroughly irritating read. Tiffany makes an impulsive and thoughtless choice to join in a dance, and much like those who choose to flout pandemic guidelines, she began a cascade of rippling consequences. Tiffany has both confused and inspired the Wintersmith, an elemental who doesn't fully grasp human weirdness. The Wintersmith becomes besotted with Tiffany, and she must put the cycle of the seasons back to rights. At the same time, Tiffany assists Miss Treason with her funeral and death, and helps Annagramma get established in her own witchy steading. Unfortunately in our current reality, it's not enough for just one person or even a few to take responsibility. Without a communal effort we are going to be locked in this cycle for a long time. Sigh.

And yes, the fairy music continues incongruous.

steamypmcgee's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

_ami_'s review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rustagh's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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