Equal Rites: The third Discworld novel (A Discworld Novel) (Paperback)

A new lead character also steps up to the mark in Granny Weatherwax, a lady very much at home in the mountains who certainly does not want to get herself into 'Forn Parts' but in this adventure has no choice, and deals with the world of cities and that of Wizards and men admirably, staring them down and shocking them entirely with her womanly strength of mind and will on many an occasion.

This is not the story of Granny Weatherwax though, it is the story of Eskarina Smith, the little girl chosen quite by accident by the Wizard Drum Billet and his cranky yet extremely loyal staff to take over his power when Death comes to take him, perhaps to become an ant as it happens. Destined for wizardry as a result of having the staff of power, yet being a female which is quite obviously not one of the components of being a wizard the story follows her on her journey of discovery through the Discworld, enlightening herself on the way things work and giving us a great insight into a number of new characters - but more importantly their little quirks and especially in this case the failings of wizards in general!

The story gains charm as a result of Eskarina's innocence, not just the childlike kind that endears other characters to her, but the rural kind, the sort that comes from knowing a small part of the world and not being allowed to look outside of this box. That's the wide eyed seek your fortune in the big city kind and Esk uses it well on her adventures to get herself into sticky little situations that Granny or the staff must facilitate her to escape from.

Granny helps her all the way, and I believe she must be the best character to have emerged by this point in the series. Vibrant, exciting with a depth of character that keeps you interested, yet she heralds from a life of virtual solitude where she is quite happy with her lot - so this transformation into a strong worldly wise character who can lend her hand to Eskarina's problems with ease is very interesting to watch!

By far and away the best book to this point in the series, inviting and exciting, a very fast read that you most certainly wont want to put down. An introduction to new characters, new ways and new places and certainly one not to miss!

The plot begins with the Wizard Drum Billet passing down his staff to Eskarina, a baby girl, who later shows signs of Wizard magic. Along with Granny Weatherwax, who had a big character change after this book, Eskarina travels to the Unseen University...

The book has some funny moments, although many people who have read Pratchett's later books will likely be disappointed. Unlike 'The Colour of Magic' and 'The Light Fantastic' Pratchett seems to have concentrated on the plot development rather than humour.

Also, this book introduces the reader to the concept of headology and Granny's broomstick. It is an introduction to Granny Weatherwax, and leads the way to other great books in the future such as 'Wyrd Sisters' and 'Witches Abroad'.

If you are a fan of Granny Weatherwax do not miss this book, if not, it is still a good read. I do not recommend this book as an introduction to the Discworld. 'Mort' and 'Guards! Guards!' are good introductory books.

This book is not as bad as many people say, it is just bad compared to the rest of the series, and that is not an insult!