Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett

Quite entertaining!

Pratchett’s characters are the highlight of the story-various and wonderful. The focus is on 3 of the witches in the Discworld series: Granny Weatherwax (the one who controls the whole show), Nanny Ogg (the no-nonsense matriarch to so much of the community, think mafia queen), Agnes (the large and insecure maiden with a skinnier girl inside who has a mind of her own). Though the vampire family lends the book an odd setting (taking over the country when King Verence invites them into the country for a naming party for his daughter), a couple of them are not what you would expect. Their servant Igor takes issue with the newer count’s directives and throws in his own surprises. The traveling minister (the natural enemy of the witches) turns out to have 2 minds as does Agnes. The castle’s falconer single-mindedly searches for phoenix eggs despite the contrary folklore. The Nac Mac Feegle/Wee Free Men put in an appearance, but it is an early version, and their distinctive traits are not developed.

Pratchett throws in his usual social commentary for fun and/or contemplation. Not my favorite of the books, but there are some great details. I haven’t read anywhere near the whole series; it may be a must read for understanding the books involving the witches.

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