'My granny used to say if you're too sharp you'll cut yourself,'
Another visit to the Disc and the Discworld Project this week! This is the last of the 2022 catch up. From here it will be all 2023 Pratchett reads. Today, we are back in Lancre with my favourite witches and another favourite creature. Vampires!
Mightily Oats has not picked a good time to be priest. He thought he was there for a simple little religious ceremony. Now he's caught up in a war between vampires and witches, and he's not sure there is a right side. There's the witches — Agnes, Magrat, Nanny Ogg, and the formidable Granny Weatherwax… And the vampires: the stakes are high but they're intelligent — not easily got rid of with a garlic enema or going to the window and saying "I don't know about you, but isn't it a bit stuffy in here?" They've got style and fancy waistcoats. They're out of the casket and want a bite of the future
Last time it was Phantom of the Opera and the witches, two things I love. This one is even more up my alley. It's the witches handling the sudden appearance of vampires in the Lancre kingdom! Same as The Last Continent and Maskerade, I chose to do this on audio as well. Honestly a great decision because the new audio books continue to be excellent.
We start off with the arrival of said vampires, alongside some guests previously only appearing in another Discworld story. All the while, the Lancre residents prepare for the royal baptism. Magrat and Verence's baby is due to be christened and named on front of the kingdom. And the witches are expected to do duty. Granny Weatherwax however seems to not be here? And as Nanny Ogg and Agnes Nitt grow concerned, something not right becomes apparent. This was great for the fact it through Magrat back in with the witches and especially gave many moments between her Agnes. Granted Agnes has a bit more worldly knowledge than Magrat did when she took on the 'maiden' aspect of the Lancre coven. And Agnes that occasional help from Magrat to just kind of rant about her role. As well as that, you see how much Magrat has grown into her role as Queen and just how much motherhood suits her.
Granny in this one is really challenged and I love how Pratchett wrote that. She has taken a bit of a kicking on meeting Count Magpyr and his family. Not only does her lack of attendance link back to him somehow but her true power, the one she only calls on when needed, is challenged with a fairly level opponent. She is matched. It really does give you a moment of concern for her well being. THe thing that struck me as well was how easily the Magpyr came in and just did their thing. Which is of course their plan in the first place but like it's honestly just done. And they came prepared. What was fun as well was how Mightily Oats, Omnian Priest and very unpopular with Nanny, does resist the Count and family.
I liked Agnes having a lot more time on the page as well in this one. Her Perdita side comes out a lot more in this, mostly for protection. Aside from her powerful singing voice, I really saw that as her power. An alter that she is constantly aware of but at times where the situation is dire, she will jump in to help. I really loved the appearance of some characters I've not seen in any other series as well, always a treat to see. That and getting a better idea of Überwald as a place. Angua's reluctance makes a bit more sense now.
And of course this book ties up perfectly with the most satisfying punch back at the vampires. I always love how a witches book ends and manages to still catch me unawares. Indira Varma narrates all four in this case with expert acting and gives each a distinct voice. It's honestly mind boggling how she does it.
This is a bit of a somber note but this is the last of the witches books. Aside from further Tiffany Aching, this book was my last encounter with the best coven. And I feel so sad for that. I honestly have loved every single one and none have been anything other than excellent. So I suppose we'll just leave it on a Granny classic; 'I Still Ate'nt Dead.' Thanks for checking in guys! Happy reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment