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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
Spoiler
Granny Weatherwax's death is unexpected, but is described with gentleness and feels necessary. She has been so central to these stories, she is their soul, and her loss does seem to mirror our own loss of the author. Yet her death is written in an affirming way: not that death is described as desirable but as a natural and central part of life, not something to be feared or abhorred. We witness how her life's energy radiates outwards, positively affecting everyone around her.The narrative of this book is not incomplete, but some parts of the story feel incomplete. The central emotional moments -- the loss of Esme Weatherwax, Tiffany's acceptance of the cottage, Tiffany's bonding with the magical dogs, Thunder and Lightning -- are nuanced and complete, but parts of the plot feel sketchy and unfinished. I love the idea of Geoffrey the male witch, but I feel that had Pratchett had the time, he would have been more finally drawn.
This is a worthwhile, moving book. The plot usually holds Pratchett's books together, but in this case, it is the central emotional journey, and the study of loss. I don't think it is as strong as the other Tiffany books, but it is very valuable and I am glad we get to witness it, even in its unfinished form.
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Raw and unfinished at times, Shepherd's Crown is a worthwhile read.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel harsh rating this book 3.25 stars as I know that it was the last thing Pratchett wrote and it wasnt finished-- but i also cant rate it any higher.
I was sooo eager to get to this. And at first, the themes and events of the novel felt like a good end to the Tiffany Aching series and the disc world overall.
Dealing with a major characters death, introducing the first male witch, looking at the changes in the world as the rail road systeme is expanding AND a return of the faeries from "Lords and Ladies" and "The wee free men"? Sign me up please!!
But the execution was so lack-luster and convoluted.
There were too many things happening and all of these plot strings werent put together very well.
I felt myself not caring about the characters at all (even Tiffany!!) and my investment in the story was practically non-existent at one point.
I thought Id walk away from this novel feeling absolutely soul crushed, but overall I was just a bit disappointed.
I was sooo eager to get to this. And at first, the themes and events of the novel felt like a good end to the Tiffany Aching series and the disc world overall.
Dealing with a major characters death, introducing the first male witch, looking at the changes in the world as the rail road systeme is expanding AND a return of the faeries from "Lords and Ladies" and "The wee free men"? Sign me up please!!
But the execution was so lack-luster and convoluted.
There were too many things happening and all of these plot strings werent put together very well.
I felt myself not caring about the characters at all (even Tiffany!!) and my investment in the story was practically non-existent at one point.
I thought Id walk away from this novel feeling absolutely soul crushed, but overall I was just a bit disappointed.
I read this book for the "book published posthumously" challenge. It was one of the few Terry Pratchett books I hadn't read yet and I was saving it. I love Tiffany and the witches. This book had great moments, but it was unfinished. It's understandable... it was his last (one of his last?) books and the epilogue notes that it wasn't complete. I still enjoyed it immensely. Any Pratchett book is a gift and it's nice to read one for the first time. The epilogue made me teary. I'm sad we'll never see what happens to Tiffany as she takes on more responsibilities, but other characters got a wonderful send off.
GNU Terry Pratchett ;_;
Even Pratchetts that are not the best are still miles better than your typical YA fantasy. I really liked some of the ideas of this novel (Tiffany taking on Granny's mantle, Geoffrey the male witch who is very much invested in peace & calming & caretaking, a fae coming into contact with human thoughts and ideas) but the execution didn't have the usual Pratchetty inventiveness and flair. In essence, this book is more of a Pyramids than a Lords and Ladies.
Even Pratchetts that are not the best are still miles better than your typical YA fantasy. I really liked some of the ideas of this novel (Tiffany taking on Granny's mantle, Geoffrey the male witch who is very much invested in peace & calming & caretaking, a fae coming into contact with human thoughts and ideas) but the execution didn't have the usual Pratchetty inventiveness and flair. In essence, this book is more of a Pyramids than a Lords and Ladies.
Spoiler
I did really like that Granny Weatherwax got a sendoff. It felt almost appropriate, to have her go as Pterry himself has gone. And even though the climax felt a bit standard middle grade with the big war and the faerie queen's redemption felt too easy and gung-ho human reality, it was still quite enjoyable nevertheless.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced