A review by theaceofpages
Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett

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

4.25

''Genua had once controlled the river mouth and taxed its traffic in a way that couldn't be called piracy because it was done by the city government.''

Ah yes, the witches. Always an interesting experience. In this book, Magrat inherits a fairy godmother's wand is has to head off to "foreign parts" to prevent a girl from marrying a prince. And of course Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg decide that they have to go with her. And get mad about how different everything is and that witches don't get the same kind of respect and therefore can't get away with the same kind of bullying they do back home. 

I loved all the warped fairy tale references in this book. I didn't, however, like  Granny Weatherwax. Her sense of entitlement and inflated self-worth are really rather irritating. I felt sorry for Magrat, who was just desperately trying to do her best and figure out how her wand works, but the older witches (especially  Granny Weatherwax ) were so unkind to her about it.

I definitely think that this was a book where I preferred the ideas and the plot to the characters for the most part. I know that Pratchett probably didn't go in with any bad intentions, but parts have just aged poorly. Still a fun read though.

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