Is there anything Terry Pratchett can't do??? This time, he has made his own version of Macbeth. Being set on Discworld means it's madcap and fun with footnotes of course. Just like William Shakespeare, Pratchett is a wonderful wordsmith and I can't wait until my next journey into the Disc.

I'm slightly surprised that there are not more novels featuring the Witches on this list as Granny Weatherwax is one of my all-time favourite heroines in fiction as a whole not just Discworld. She made her first appearance in Equal Rites which is a fun read but does feel like Discworld Beta™. Here we see her in her more finished form at the centre of the Lancre coven, the 'most highly regarded of the leaders that they didn't have' and ready to boss around her sidekicks Nanny Ogg and the enthusiastic trainee Magrat. It has one of the most fantastic openings in the entire series:

The wind howled. Lightning stabbed at the earth erratically, like an inefficient assassin. Thunder rolled back and forth across the dark, rain-lashed hills.
The night was as black as the inside of a cat. It was the kind of night, you could believe, on which gods moved men as though they were pawns on the chessboard of fate. In the middle of this elemental storm a fire gleamed among the dripping furze bushes like the madness in a weasel's eye. It illuminated three hunched figures. As the cauldron bubbled an eldritch voice shrieked: 'When shall we three meet again?'
There was a pause.
Finally another voice said, in far more ordinary tones: 'Well, I can do next Tuesday.'

It is therefore clear from the outset that Pratchett is taking on Shakespeare here, specifically The Scottish Play and Hamlet. But indeed much of the Bard canon comes under fire here with various others also sent up along with various notions on royalty and destiny and the rights of kings. The King of Lancre has been deposed and murdered by his brother Duke Verence and it is the witches who get both the royal crown and the baby true royal heir out to safety and hidden away with a passing troupe of actors. There are a number of characters introduced here who go on to be long-term stalwarts, particularly the fabulously bawdy Nanny Ogg - thrice married, mother, grandmother and chanteuse of the Hedgehog Song. Then there is poor Magrat, trying to modernise witchcraft with her bangles and jewellery and not quite sure what she thinks of the royal fool who keeps hanging round her.

This is one of the first books in this series where the reader really can see that Pratchett is striking gold. Looking back on Wyrd Sisters now the series has ended, you can see how he had captured the interplay between the characters right from the very beginning. Long-standing friends Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg have each other down to a tee and this pastiche on the Shakespearean three witch trio is inspired. This is a particularly good book for novice fans to start off with as the cast is relatively simple, no prior knowledge is required and it sets up much of the rules around the Lancre witches for subsequent volumes.

Like Sam Vimes, Granny Weatherwax is one of the key conduits via which Pratchett conveys his moral lessons. And make no mistake, Discworld's over-arching message is about how to make the world a better place. Wyrd Sisters is the novel that really introduces Granny Weatherwax as the Grand Dame of Discworld, doing her own thing and stepping out into the road without looking because she knows that the traffic will stop for her. All hail!

Despite it being obvious that Pratchett is an icon of fantasy writing, his Discworld work is too removed from real world for me and I found this frankly harder than Shakespeare to read, like the other books I idiotically requested in a spree after they came highly recommended by someone who knows my taste (not as fantasy as this), and whom I highly trusted. These were a real miss for me and has totally put me off reading any other Pratchett. I will recommend them to anyone who really loves high fantasy and just hope that these are their cup of tea instead.

Similarities to Macbeth are evident in book six of the discworld series. Three witches round a cauldron, a king is murdered…Need I go on. A highly amusing and compelling novel as are most of them. Fantasy at its best and an absolute joy to read.

Ever wondered what you would get if a repertory company were rehearsing Macbeth and Hamlet at the same time and the pages got muddled up.

Terry Pratchett obviously did and came up with the quite brilliant Wyrd Sisters. Turning convention on its head in his usual style it is the 3 witches who are the hero's of this story, the Kings and Queens just bit players.

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett is one of my Favourite books. and is the sixth book in the fantastic Discworld Novels. These Books are a superb read and a must read for every Young teenaged child up to an adult. I remember reading the Discworld books in order, when I was teenagers (many, many moons ago) lying under my quilt at night time with a ever ready battery powered torch (Now I am showing my age) I could not wait to go to bed to open my Terry Pratchett book's and read what happens next in the Discworld adventures with the great Turtle and its adventures.

So, when I go a chance to read this book again........I didn't need my ever ready battery torch - I had a kindle to read it from. OMG I was transported back in time to by small bedroom hiding under my quilt reading it. This book was still magical from the first time I had read it.

Wyrd Sisters are three witches that meddle in royal politics and .battle against frightful odds to put the rightful king on the throne.I just loved. Excellent book from start to finish.

If you have not read any of his books?! where have you been.......I highly recommend all of his books.

Biggest Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Corgi for my copy of Sir Terry Pratchett's Small God's Book for a review.

I'm going to be honest: this wasn't the book for me. I really enjoyed Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax so I am going to try again with these two characters. I think I have Equal Rites (the first Witches book where Granny Weatherwax makes her debut) and a later Witches novel, Maskerade. But I'm, not exactly certain if the Witches collection is the best collection for me to read...

There were times, where it felt bogged down and I didn't feel the need to rush back to this book and these characters. Maybe it's because this month was a really bad month for my mental health and that's affected my reading (I have quit a ton of books the past few weeks and did a huge book cull on my kindle), but you can tell this is an early Discworld. I know from chatting to some fans that the early Discworld books aren't exactly the best and struggle to find its feet, but after a few titles, the series finds itself and goes full throttle.

Plus, if there's a book that takes the mick out of Shakespeare (mainly Hamlet and Macbeth), so that's always a plus.

I'm not giving up on Discworld. I have several on my TBR and I know once I have found the collection I like, I will devour them. But Wyrd Sisters didn't really work for me. It's ok, but didn't hit that sweet spot.

It was only toward the very end of this book that I realised that I had read it before. For those who have read this and others who might in the future, it was the reveal that did it. It was so odd and clever that it must have stuck in my head from a time long ago.
I read this book as part of the ARCs I requested, thanks to NetGalley and the publishers who are reprinting them all (or did quite recently). One main thing that made a strong impression on my mind, and it seems to be an iteration of what I have realised in my last few (re)reads of his books, is the extent to which my naivety (since I read them in high school) protected me from the double entendres. I do not enjoy all of them, but some are quite hilarious.
This is a stand-alone story with a few faint tie-ins but can be read without knowing anything about Discworld's background. We have a death of a monarch who was not good but was just right for his role and, consequently, keeping the balance amongst his subjects. He is not happy(note the present tense) about his death or the following attempted killing of his son. This is when the three witches enter the scene (they were already shown to us, but they line up with the narrative at that point). They start to interfere in things they originally claimed were none of their business.
As with most of his books, this is all about the dialogues between the few central characters and the formation of the sentences adding that extra zing to the read. I chuckled a lot initially, but I think this particular instalment would not be amongst my favourites.
It is always a pleasure to read a book that is almost exactly as old as I am and know that even with the political incorrectness (which is almost always on purpose- so I guess I should be saying especially with instead), it has the power to charm and entertain. Fans of Macbeth might find an extra layer of humour in this particular story.
My only bias in writing this review would be the fact that I have read quite a few of Terry Pratchett's works, some remembered well and others not as clearly. I have liked a huge chunk of them, and the slower I peruse them, the more hidden gems of dialogues and punchlines I find. This latter part is how things usually work, but I felt it was worth mentioning.

Love the disc world series. The witch books in the series are by far my favourite. Brilliant classic.

“In the middle of this elemental storm a fire gleamed … It illuminated three hunched figures. As the cauldron bubbled an eldritch voice shrieked: ‘When shall we three meet again?’

There was a pause. Finally another voice said, in far more ordinary tones: ‘Well, I can do next Tuesday.’”

My thanks to Random House U.K. Transworld for a digital review copy via NetGalley of ‘Wyrd Sisters’ by Terry Pratchett in exchange for an honest review.

‘Wyrd Sisters’ was originally published in 1988 and is Book 6 in The Discworld series and the Witches Book 2. I did a dual read/listen with its unabridged audiobook narrated by Celia Imrie.

One stormy night Granny Weatherwax, who was introduced in ‘Equal Rites’, Nanny Ogg, the earthy matriarch of the Ogg clan, and enthusiastic junior witch, Magrat Garlick, gather on a lonely heath.

Elsewhere King Verence, the monarch of Lancre has been murdered and his throne usurped by Duke Felmet and his ambitious wife. There is an infant heir and the crown of the kingdom, yet both are missing . . . or are they?

I adore ‘Wyrd Sisters’ and especially the witches. All three are such brilliant characters and the delightfully flaky Magrat has a special place in my heart. As Granny Weatherwax observes: “That was Magrat for you. Head full of pumpkins. Everyone’s fairy godmother, for two pins. But a good soul, underneath it all. Kind to small furry animals. The sort of person who worried about baby birds falling out of nests.”

There is a great deal in ‘Wyrd Sisters’ inspired by the life and works of Shakespeare: including elements from the Scottish play, a ghostly king, and a play within a play from ‘Hamlet’ and a travelling troupe of actors with a playwright named Hwel (Will). Lots and lots of fun.

I love everything about ‘Wyrd Sisters’ and was extremely happy to revisit it after all these years. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it. It’s comedy fantasy at its very best.

Wyrd Sisters is one of my all time
favourite Discworld books. The characters are great fun, and it's a retelling of Macbeth, which is also great fun as a fan of the play.

This is the 6th book in the Author's Discworld series and as per usual it does not disappoint

Following the 'accidental' death of the King , his baby son has been smuggled out of the castle and has ended up in the hands of Granny Weatherwax ............. the worst possible person to raise an infant you (and she) might think
Getting into and out of scrapes with her fellow witches , Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick the three set out to bring order out of chaos ............... an impossible task -or is it ?

What a fabulous read , full of confusion , will they won't they moments , the humour rises throughout
This Author can do no wrong in my opinion - his writing draws a reader into a world without rhyme or reason , full of snarky humour , accidents galore - but it all works in the end ( or does it ?)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Being familiar with Macbeth isn't vital but it sure helps!

The 6th book in the Discworld series, and 2nd in the mini Witches series does not disappoint. In my opinion, it is a great introduction to the world - some of the most iconic characters and Pratchett's concept of Discworld is portrayed well in this novel. The language and references are easy to read, and you won't feel out of place diving in here.

Classic Pratchett humor and a fantastic read

Three witches - Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick - have gathered on a lonely heath. A king has been cruelly murdered, his throne usurped by his ambitious cousin. An infant heir and the crown of the kingdom, both missing . . .

Witches don't have these kind of dynastic problems themselves – in fact, they don’t have leaders.

Granny Weatherwax was the most highly-regarded of the leaders the witches don't have. But even she found that meddling in royal politics was a lot more complicated than certain playwrights would have you believe . . .

Another fabulous read by this amazing author!

The kingdom is in a state of flux following the death of the king. Having been accidentally stabbed to death and died falling down stairs, his baby son is smuggled out of the castle and ends up in the worst possible place - with Granny Weatherwax. Granny is a good person but with all the parenting skills of a wardrobe. Between the three members of the "coven" they find a home for the child until it's time to restore the throne to the true line. Or something like that.

Here we meet Nanny Ogg, the second of the much loved witches but one who goes through life with a lower moral standard than Granny. Nanny loves her bawdy songs and has an extended family of which she is head.

Then there's Magrat Garlick, the youngster who's read too many books and believes that the rituals and potions are all necessary. Granny can't be doing with all that.

Getting into scrapes then out again, getting others into scrapes and leaving them there, getting it wrong more than they get it right - the three set about bring their order to chaos. Or is it the other way around?

Of course Granny and crew will save the day - Pratchett wouldn't be Pratchett if they didn't. And it's not about the how either - it's all about enjoying the confusion of the journey.

Another fabulous Discworld story that has been enjoyed for years and will continue to be enjoyed for many years more

It goes without saying that if you like Terry Pratchett, you’ve likely already read this or, at least, are considering reading it, no matter what I say. It’s definitely worth reading, but if you haven’t read Pratchett before for some reason, let me convince you why you should.

Firstly, you can pick up the Discworld at any point. Until now I’ve read them in order, with this being the sixth entry – the second in the sort of subseries ‘Witches’ – but I have some on my TBR now that are past the seventh, so I’ll likely read them first. (As a sidenote, the first Discworld book I actually ever read was Small Gods, which is number 13.) As a whole so far, the series is full of Pratchett’s warm wit, references across literature, and moments where the reader is in on a joke the characters aren’t. In Wyrd Sisters, we have Death making his usual appearance, and by this point the world itself feels familiar, it’s like visiting a favourite destination.

This particular book riffs a fair bit from Shakespeare, dropping in quotes here and there and utilizing the plays to create the storyline for Wyrd Sisters, but of course with Pratchett’s own unique twists. Most notably, the most recognisable ones used are McBeth and Hamlet.

Wyrd Sisters focuses on Granny Weatherwax, previously introduced in Equal Rites, and two more witches: Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick. Pratchett uses these three to almost show the different strands of witches in Discworld, with Granny being as stubborn and brilliant as always, Nanny as the matriarch of a large family, with her various children and in-laws, and Magrat as the younger generation, who wants to do things a bit differently. She sees being a witch as involving jewellery, the proper instruments, a particular style of clothes, and a coven, with regular meetings.

Granny and Nanny indulge her, and it’s at one of these meetings a strange thing happens that makes them all question their “don’t meddle in politics” rule.

The book switches between the witches, the new usurper king, and the travelling trope of actors. The developing relationship between the witches leads to some truly funny moments, especially as the two older ones try to guide Magrat without actually sitting down to teach her in the way she expects. It’s a great commentary in general on the sort of divide between older and younger generations, and it’s only by coming to a compromise and combining the different ‘styles’ can they achieve what they need to do.

It wouldn’t a Pratchett book without the references, allusions and commentary, and this all comes together to make for a truly entertaining book. It’s one of the few big book series I’ve actually stuck with fully, and I have absolutely no plans for that to change anytime soon.

Thank you to the publishers for providing me a copy of this review via NetGalley – reviews remain my own.

One cannot go wrong in reading Terry Pratchett. He is a master at the craft and his use of Shakespearian characters in this new, unique way, highlights one of the many reasons he will always be celebrated.

The classic Pratchett spoof on Macbeth, looking at systems of inherited power and as usual, the ridiculousness of the human condition. Granny Weatherwax becomes a better character in later books, but all three of the main ‘witches’ are a fun crew through which to view events here.

Being familiar with Macbeth is not a necessity but it sure does help!

The 6th book in the Discworld series, and 2nd in the mini Witches series does not disappoint. In my opinion, it is a great introduction to the world - some of the most iconic characters and Pratchett's concept of Discworld is portrayed well in this novel. The language and references are easy to read, and you won't feel out of place diving in here.

Be prepared to snort with laughter if reading this in public. There's not much else to day! This is very smart and funny, and definitely is funnier and smarter once you are familiar with Shakespeare's original play. The casting of Discworld characters as their Shakespearean counterparts is gold.

When King Verence of Lancre is murdered by his cousin, Duke Felmet, the three witches Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick know that this will not mean any good. By coincidence, they happen to get the old king’s son Tomjon and his crown and take care of both until the boy is old enough to fight his uncle. However, the kingdom is angry about their new leader long before and therefore, something must be done immediately. A slight adjustment of time will help them to send an equal to the new king.

Terry Pratchett’s “Wyrd Sisters” is the sixth instalment of the Disc World Series and was first published in 1988. Due to its very own universe, the novel has not lost the slightest bit of its appeal in more than 30 years. The three witches instantly remind you of the three famous witches from Shakespeare’s Macbeth and, accordingly, they are only the beginning of a brilliant adaptation of the Bard’s great tragedy – just that it is not a tragedy but utterly funny.

Continuing to explore Disc World leads to small new feature one can detect in every new novel. I totally adore how Pratchett created this world with such a love for detail that remind you of the real world but that is just a bit different to fit into the flat planet’s peculiarities. Especially the animals – this time a cat – are intriguing and charming.

Even though each instalment has its own appeal, I was highly interested in this one due to see how the author transformed Shakespeare’s plays. Surely, I was far from disappointed. Chief playwright Hwel calls his theatre “The Dysc”, the witches meet in a stormy night and – of course just like in Macbeth – ask the famous question when they will meet again, the play within a play and the ghost of the former King quite obviously are taken from Hamlet – there is much more to uncover which is just great fun.

There is not much more one can say apart from calling the novel a masterpiece.