The Illustrated Wee Free Men: A Story of Discworld (Discworld Novels) [Hardcover]

Young Tiffany Aching has lived her young life in the Chalk, where raising sheep is the normal form of living. But, when creatures out of fairy tales begin to appear, she realizes that something is very wrong. A group of tiny blue men, with bright red hair and kilts (the Nac Mac Feegle, the Wee Free Men) begin to take an interest in her, and Tiffany quickly learns that her very world is under attack by the Queen of the Elves. The Wee Free Men think that she is a witch, like her grandmother, and just maybe she will be one day, but she's not now. But, armed with her native intellect, her determination, and a wealth of memories of how her grandmother did things, Tiffany might just be enough.

This is another *great* Terry Pratchett book! I have been a fan of this author for a long time, and this book does not let you down. As is often the case in Discworld books, a couple of "regulars" put in an appearance (Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg), but the show is definitely stolen by the Nac Mac Feegle - they are great! (Rob Anybody, Not-as-big-as-Medium-Sized-Jock-but-bigger-than-Wee-Jock-Jock, he he!) But, even beyond that, the story is enthralling and the characters are quite interesting. If you are a fan of humorous fantasy, then you must read this novel by the king of them all, Terry Pratchett!

The Wee Free Men is based around Tiffany Aching, a brown haired, brown eyed nine year old who is too sensible for her own good; Rob Anybody, No’-as-big-as-Medium-Sized-Jock-but-bigger-than-Wee-Jock-Jock, Hamish and the rest of the blue and red kilted Nac Mac Feegle; Miss Perspicacia Tick, a witch who has learnt that her elbows are generally very reliable; the rather mean Queen of the Fairies (who also starred in ‘Lords and Ladies’, also by Terry Pratchett); and Wentworth, the eternally sticky, sweet-loving toddler who is in agony when he has too many sweets – he can never decide which to eat first.

This book is set in a part of the Discworld previously unknown. It is set partly on the Chalk, low-lying hills that I assume are quite near the Ramtops, but mainly in Fairyland. The atmosphere of the novel is quite mixed; those parts set in Fairyland quite sinister and forbidding (but not really scary) while other parts are rather humorous.

As this is a children’s book, Terry Pratchett does not go into the deeply philosophical theories that he usually explores (and makes fun of). Instead he dips into the idea of stereotypes (particularly that of the witch and shepherd/ess), dreaming, and a little religion (the Nac Mac Feegle, for example, believe that this is the afterlife and when they die now they will return to the World of the Living).

Personally I adore this book. After eagerly waiting for it for many months I was full of high expectations when I finally got my hands on a copy. I was not let down. The Wee Free Men is a light book for an adult or teenager, but would be perfectly suitable for the more thoughtful child. It contains plenty of suspense and drama, brilliant description and typically amusing characters. It is a must for any fan of Terry Pratchett, whatever your age, but you don’t have to have read other stories by him to enjoy it. Over all, I consider it a great read and a good laugh.

Seriously, this is a funny book and everyone should read it. It contains Pratchett's traditional blend of wit and humour, with an assortment of values and issues such as bravery, loyalty, and a desire to steal, fight, and steal.

So grab a packetof Jolly Sailor, pour yourself a glass of special sheep linament, and read this book! *****