Eight years after the publication of Terry Pratchett’s final Discworld novel, Rhianna Pratchett (daughter of Sir Terry) and Gabrielle Kent bring us Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being A Witch, a brilliantly written and beautifully presented companion piece to not just the five Tiffany Aching novels but the Discworld series as a whole. Presented as an in-universe book written by Tiffany herself, it offers a wealth of advice and insight for anyone interested in the life of a witch, all based on Tiffany’s experience…along with some (mostly) useful comments from other notable witches (and Rob Anybody). Accompanying the text is a plethora of gorgeous illustrations from Paul Kidby, and the end result is a fabulous book that covers everything from what magic really is to the importance of not actually using it, and from witchy attire and abodes to some of the many and varied perils of being a witch.
‘Companion’ books to well-loved series can sometimes feel somewhat lightweight, offering little more than a collection of existing facts that don’t add much to the source material. Not so here: this might not be a new Discworld novel but it absolutely captures the tone and voice of the series, drawing on familiar characters and concepts from the novels to deliver something fresh, insightful and genuinely valuable. Writing it from Tiffany’s perspective was the perfect choice, with her typically clear-eyed observations laying out the realities of life as a witch on the Disc clearly, honestly, and occasionally self-deprecatingly, and cleverly complemented by notes from her fellow witches. Where appropriate, there’s mischievous humour from Nanny Ogg, no-nonsense Granny Weatherwax-isms, helpful facts from Miss Tick, and eye-rollingly high-minded mysticism from Mrs Lettice Earwig (pronounced ‘Ah-wij’).
It’s hard to talk about specifics without spoiling things, and it would be a terrible shame to spoil the experience of reading this warm, endearing book and discovering its gentle pleasures yourself. Suffice it to say, however well you think you know the Discworld witches and their novels, you can guarantee there will be plenty here to surprise and delight – whether that’s reminders of things you’d forgotten, interesting new angles on familiar ideas, or clever expansions upon subtle details from the books. My personal favourite parts of the book feature Horace the cheese (and honorary Feegle) and his terrifying yet delightful Kidby illustration, and Tiffany’s reminiscences on her time spent apprenticed to various older witches (cue many “oh I’d forgotten about that!” moments).
One caveat is that this is set in-universe after the events of The Shepherd’s Crown – Tiffany has put together her observations over a long period of time, but the book’s ‘publication date’ definitely places it later in the chronology. With that in mind, there is a spoiler risk for anyone who isn’t up to date with the final Discworld book – and if that’s you, I’d strongly recommend you read The Shepherd’s Crown before starting on this! Arguably there are also a few other spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read the main Witches arc of novels – nothing too major, but worth being aware of just in case.
This is, to be honest, probably aimed more at readers already very familiar with the Discworld, and Tiffany’s stories in particular, than anyone new to the series, and that’s both understandable and appropriate. It’s hard to imagine any fantasy reader picking this up and not appreciating at least some of it, but for those of us who know and love the Discworld it’s an absolute treat to see the setting and these beloved characters brought to life so beautifully, and with such obvious love and affection from the authors. Much like the novels themselves, this is a book with immense repeat value, whether that’s rereading it cover to cover, dipping in and out to revisit particular passages, or simply drinking in the incredible, evocative illustrations. All told, it’s an absolute joy – and let’s hope it’s only the first of many such volumes!
Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being A Witch is out now – check out the links below to order* your copy:
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