Witches Abroad was an absolute riot and yet another outstanding addition to the Discworld series.

We tag along with Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick as they embark on a journey abroad. Their adventures are filled to the brim with all sorts of shenanigans as the three witches engage with different cultures. The plot of this particular installment巧妙地 plays on well-known fairytales such as Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and The Wizard of Oz, just to name a few.

It showcases Pratchett's trademark humor and unique twists that make it a truly brilliant read. His ability to take familiar stories and turn them on their heads in the most entertaining way is simply remarkable. The characters are vividly brought to life, and their interactions are both hilarious and heartwarming.

Overall, Witches Abroad is a must-read for any fan of the Discworld series or anyone who enjoys a good dose of humorous and imaginative storytelling.

Oh, I completely forgot how incredibly much fun this book was.

As I journeyed along with the witches, it had me laughing continuously without a break.

Simultaneously, it made me deeply reflect on how travelers conduct themselves and how they seem to others.

Moreover, all those aspects regarding stories, their longing to occur and reach their conclusions, were truly fascinating.

This book is simply so good! It engages the reader on multiple levels, combining humor with thought-provoking insights about human behavior and the nature of stories.

It's a captivating read that keeps you entertained while also making you think.

I'm so glad I rediscovered this wonderful book and had the opportunity to experience its charm all over again.

Third read! 6/27/24:

There is something extremely perilous about stories. And then there is the danger that lurks within stories within stories. And beneath that, are the tropes within stories within stories.

*gasp*

It's truly scary. And let's not forget about the pumpkins.

Original Review:

Re-read 5/24/18:

Second read! And there are MORE WITCHES. Well, voodoo is also involved!

What occurs when stories simply demand that witches cross over to the other side? With all the wolves misunderstanding that they're not men and dwarves attempting to steal Nanny Og's shoes and ALL THOSE MAGIC MIRRORS!

And in the end, it's just a family rivalry. :)

Weatherwax truly stole the show.

Yeah. Even more than that darn cat Greebo! :)

The novel is a great hodgepodge of fairy tales with the proper Discworld attitude. :) In my humble opinion, it's better than most of the Witches novels, but I'm just waiting patiently until Aching comes along. :)

Well, that was truly disappointing.

I find myself in a rather rough patch these days. It seems that some of my all-time favorite authors have been churning out what can only be described as drivel. It's really quite disheartening.

There's absolutely nothing worthwhile to read here. It's as if they've completely lost their touch. I had such high expectations, but they've failed to deliver.

I would rate this current output a measly 2 out of 10 stars. It's a far cry from the amazing works they've produced in the past. I can only hope that they'll manage to turn things around and start producing the kind of quality literature that I've come to love and expect from them.

I have a deep affection for all the witches, but in this particular context, Nanny holds a special place in my heart. She is truly my favorite. :) In fact, it has now become my life's goal to reach the same level of proficiency in foreign languages as she does.

Gooden day, big-feller mine host! I would like trois beers pour favour avec us, presented on a silver plate.

It's such a wonderful day to enjoy some drinks and soak in the atmosphere. Nanny's charm and language skills are truly inspiring, and I hope to one day emulate her.

As I look forward to achieving my goal, I can't help but imagine all the possibilities that lie ahead. Maybe I'll be able to communicate with people from all over the world, just like Nanny does.

Who knows? Maybe one day, I'll be the one impressing others with my foreign language abilities. Until then, I'll keep working hard and striving to become as good as Nanny.

Terry Pratchett's Discworld series is brilliant as always.

If you have read at least one Discworld book, you are already well aware of this fact.

The vivid and imaginative worlds he creates are filled with unique characters, complex storylines, and a healthy dose of humor.

Each book in the series offers a new adventure and a chance to explore different aspects of the Discworld universe.

From the bustling city of Ankh-Morpork to the magical forests and mountains, there is always something new and exciting to discover.

Terry Pratchett's writing style is engaging and accessible, making his books enjoyable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you are a fan of fantasy, humor, or just good storytelling, the Discworld series is definitely worth checking out.

So, if you haven't already, pick up a copy of one of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books and prepare to be transported to a world like no other.

The Complete Discworld Reread

First and foremost, I have to admit that my reading comprehension has improved significantly since I began reviewing all the books I read. For example, I've read 'Witches Abroad' half a dozen times in my life, yet I never realized until now that the 'Cinderella' of the story, Emberella, was of mixed heritage. This doesn't impact the story or the review in any way, but it just struck me for the first time.

Anyway...

This is another book following Granny Weatherwax, so you know I'm all in. It continues and expands on the theme of stories taking on a life of their own, this time focusing on fairy tales rather than Shakespeare. Magrat inherits a magic wand and the duties of a fairy godmother, along with a long-standing battle with another fairy godmother. She learns that she needs to travel to Genua to prevent the serving girl from marrying the prince. The late godmother tells Magrat not to bring Nanny and Granny along, but of course, all three witches head to Genua. Off to Genua they go! And Magrat may have a chance to stop a story if she can set the wand to something other than a pumpkin.

This book is a bit different from the last few Discworld books in that it doesn't have competing stories vying for space. Instead, it is firmly centered on the witches' journey and Emberella's fate. This should make it one of the more focused books in the series, but I initially found it a bit uneven. The traveling, in particular, was hit and miss. It provided some of the funniest parts of the story but dragged on after a while. Granny remains my hero when she takes on the card sharks in riverboat gambling, humming off-key and itching the inside of her ear the whole time. Along the way, they witness the results of a godmother giving happy endings, with horrifying consequences (think Shrek 2).

Once in Genua, the story tightens up. A perfect town is maintained with an iron fist (think Shrek 1. Wow, they must have read Pratchett before writing those movies). A practitioner of Voodoo has been keeping the Fairy Godmother at bay but will need the Lancre witches to tip the balance. Because if the resident fairy godmother has her way, Emberella WILL marry the prince and there WILL be a happily ever after, whether anyone wants it or not. Both sides know they must now play within the story and each must figure out the best way to cheat within the framework. Who is good and who is bad? Is forced happiness real happiness? Is Granny always the good one, and if so, does she really want to be?

Oh yes, here are some of my favorite parts for others to compare with their own: A small town decides to stop the running of the bulls after the witches visit, Granny shows that a voodoo doll can work both ways, and Magrat proves to be more mongoose than mouse.

I can't be objective because the Lancre witches have been my favorite for years. I also like this book because it had one of Pratchett's strongest endings, especially considering the sometimes inconsistent early books. The only downside I see is that the traveling, while funny, dragged on a bit too long for my taste.

One last interesting fact, pointed out to me by another fan before I started rereading this book: all five major characters in this book are women, and the only male who really matters to the story is actually a cat. Who else but Pratchett could do this so subtly that most people wouldn't even notice?

4 stars

The Complete Discworld Reread

Terry Pratchett's twelfth written work is also the twelfth joy that I have received.

In this book, we return to the saga of the witches, with Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Magrat Garlick, and the amazing Granny Aching, and we get very close to the world of fairy tales. Is it like this in general? Well, yes, because I don't know how many references to fairy tales I have identified and how many more I have missed. Because every time I read a book by Terry Pratchett, I realize the deep and extensive knowledge he had about a topic whenever one of his novels revolved around it. I even found a reference to The Lord of the Rings, and not a particularly well-known scene!

Regarding the plot, I can say little, as basically the book is about a rather particular journey that the three witches will take to the "foreign land," which is basically everything beyond Lancre.

In this novel, Pratchett's writing maturity is much more evident, with a more specific and limited plot and not as apocalyptic as in the previous ones. There is not a multitude of characters, but all those who are there do very well. Of course, Death couldn't be missing. I love that character. How is it possible that with three words in capital letters he can make me smile so much?

Very, very highly recommended. Let's go for the minor gods!

4 Stars.

This is the third installment in Pratchett's remarkable Discworld series. It offers all the elements one would anticipate from a Discworld narrative. There's adventure aplenty, with countless malapropisms that bring a smile to your face, double entendres that add a touch of cheekiness, and an overall atmosphere of lighthearted silliness. However, beneath the surface lies a profound lesson about the nature of life.

Granny Weatherwax has long been my favorite character in the Discworld. Her no-nonsense attitude and powerful magic make her a force to be reckoned with. But Nanny Ogg has now become a very close second. Her ribald jokes and songs, along with her impressive ability to hold her liquor, make her a truly entertaining character. I've also developed a certain fondness for Magrat, despite her rather wet hen-like qualities. If you haven't had the pleasure of spending time with these wonderful ladies, I highly recommend you do so at least once. They serve as the perfect antidote to the often soul-sucking banality of real life, transporting you to a world full of magic, humor, and heart.

Świetne!

This humor is something that suits me perfectly. I have never laughed so loudly at any book before.

I am very curious whether other characters from the disc world will maintain the same level as Grandma, Nanny, and Magrat ❤️

Surely I will systematically read the next parts.

It's really amazing how Terry Pratchett can create such a vivid and humorous world.

The characters are so well-developed and the stories are full of unexpected twists and turns.

Each time I pick up one of his books, I know I'm in for a treat.

I can't wait to see what adventures await in the next installments of the disc world series.

Whether it's the antics of the witches or the misadventures of the wizards, I'm sure it will be another hilarious and entertaining read.

Terry Pratchett is truly a master of humor and fantasy.

Another great Discworld book!

I had really been missing this remarkable series. The Discworld novels have always held a special place in my heart. They are filled with unique characters, witty humor, and imaginative storylines that transport readers to a completely different world. Each book in the series offers a new adventure and a chance to explore the strange and wonderful landscapes of Discworld. Whether it's the antics of the wizards at Unseen University or the misadventures of the city watch, there is always something to enjoy. I am so glad to have picked up another book in this series and I can't wait to see what new surprises it has in store for me.

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