I Shall Wear Midnight
by Terry Pratchett
Tiffany Aching never really wanted to be a witch, but had witchood thrust upon her when she was scouted by the 'witch finder' Miss Tick. It sort of ran in the family, the being a witch that is, although no one spoke of it, as it wasn't the done thing on the Chalk where they live.
Now, seven years later (and three books later), Tiffany is truly a witch and practising openly much to the consternation of many of the villagers, who don't want to think about it too closely, even though Tiffany is the first person they turn to if they need help of any kind.
Tiffany and her wee (when I say wee I mean it, they are little folk or fairy folk as they are sometimes known) tribe of faithful Scottish warriors - the Nac Mac Feegles have there work cut out for them this time around. As rumour, suspicion and prejudice swirl around the Chalk after the Baron dies while being tended to by Tiffany.
As if that isn't enough she is also pursued by the mythical Cunning Man a demonic creature filled with hatred and has to cope with the suspicions of her ex-beau Roland, the Baron's Son and his silly wife-to-be Letitia.
It is hard enough being a teenager, but being a witch too is a real trial!
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If you want to read Tiffany's story from the beginning, start with Wee Free Men, the story in which nine year old Tiffany is initiated into the witchood by Miss Tick when the Queen of the Elves makes an attempt to enter the Discworld, by stealing children and infesting dreams. Tiffany's baby brother is one of the stolen children and with the help of the 'Wee Free Men' - The Nac Mac Feegles, she attempts to rescue him and save the Discworld.
In book two, A Hat Full of Sky, Tiffany is preparing to leave home and take up witchcraft properly. Tiffany goes to live with Miss Level to learn herb lore from her, but while she is with her a strange presence called 'the Hiver' inhabits Tiffany, making her do all sorts of things she wouldn't do and abusing her new powers. The Nac Mac Feegles and Mistress Weatherwax, a legendary witch arrives in the nick of time to help.
In the third story, Wintersmith, Tiffany is continuing her training with a witch called Miss Treason. When Miss Treason takes Tiffany to witness the Dark Morris - a morris dance which is performed wearing black clothes and octiron bells and is danced in the winter. Tiffany joins the dance and finds herself face to face with the Wintersmith. The Wintersmith is very taken with Tiffany and starts to give her gifts and powers which get her into all sorts of trouble, but as ever the Nac Mac Feegles and Mistress Weatherwax are there to help.Enjoy!
