Wintersmith

By: Terry Pratchett

Narrated by: Stephen Briggs

Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

At nine, Tiffany Aching defeated the cruel Queen of Fairyland. At 11, she banished an ancient body-stealing evil. At 13, Tiffany faces a new challenge: a boy. And boys can be a bit of a problem when you're 13.

But the Wintersmith isn't exactly a boy. He is winter itself: snow, gales, icicles, all of it. When he has a crush on Tiffany, he may make her roses of ice, but his nature is blizzards and avalanches. And he wants Tiffany to stay in his gleaming, frozen world. Forever.

Tiffany will need all her cunning to make it to spring. She'll also need her friends, from junior witches to the legendary Granny Weatherwax. Tiffany will need the Wee Free Men, too! She'll have the help of the bravest, toughest, smelliest pixies ever to be banished from Fairyland - whether she wants it or not. It's going to be a cold, cold season, because if Tiffany doesn't survive until spring...spring won't come.

Share the fantasy: listen to more of Tiffany's adventures in The Wee Free Men (Unabridged) and A Hat Full of Sky (Unabridged).

©2006 Terry and Lyn Pratchett (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Yet another rollicking, clever, and quite charming adventure." (Booklist)
"Replete with dry and intelligent humor, this latest in the series is sure to delight" (School Library Journal)

we listen to this over and over

We love the Tiffany Aching series and are happy that the kids are finally getting old enough to enjoy it, too. It's helpful to have a heroine who faces to the silly, sad, difficult aspects of life with determination and a fine, forgiving view on humanity that encourages one to think, "How can I be a bit better?". That's it's own kind of magic.

Beautiful story

I know this is a children’s book but it is truly a delightful fairy tale for any age. This is the 3rd time I have listened and I think I enjoyed it more this time than the others. After a couple of years since my last listen I had forgotten many of the details making it truly enjoyable.

I personally really liked the short musical interludes between major sections. The style of music fit the story well, with the tinkling piano that hints arteh sound of winter but also spring.

The Pritchett/Briggs combo is perfect

Pratchett is funny, akin to Douglas Adams, in a genre in which the two stand alone, (or maybe together by themselves). While the Tiffany Aching books may not as funny as some of the other Discworld books, Wintersmith was certainly fun. Briggs is the perfect narrator for Pratchett. He gets all the nuances of the characters right. His majorly Scottish brogue for the Feagels (sp?; it was an audiobook after all) had me laughing often. Any of the books with this combo are highly recommended.

Almost perfect

The storyline was great and it was well read. The only negative was the music that was randomly placed throughout, otherwise this is a fantastic book!!

Tiffany Rocks!

My daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed all three of Terry Pratchett's books about Tiffany Aching. As a middle school teacher and parent, I love the message that everyone makes mistakes--the important thing is what you do about it--and being smart is more about listening to other people than using big words. The humor makes the message completely palatable and opens the door for great conversations with your tween. Plus, it's hard to resist Rob Anybody, Daft Wully, and Wee Billy Big-Chin.

Wonderful

It's touching and hilarious. It's sweet and sharp. It's the Discworld. It's Terry Pratchett. What more needs do be said?

music is loud and intrusive

Mr. Briggs and Sir pTerry Pratchett, 5 out of 5. That horrible Music? A score of 1. All they'd have had to do is make it half as loud and it'd be a 4, in fact the publisher should fix it.

fantastic

fantastic and I am glad that I was able to get it! fantastic job

Why is the music so bad!!!

Loved the book though and am exited to read more! Will forever love the story

AWSOME!!!!

This book is just the way to light up a rainy day. It’s music was a very good choice because it brought magic and winter to every chapter. I highly suggest reading this book any time and anywhere.