In Lancre, the barrier between worlds thins during the transition from summer to autumn. High priestess Granny Weatherwax and her coven must defend the mountain kingdom against an invasion of elves. These are not the benevolent creatures of modern myth, but cruel, glamorous predators who use psychic influence to enslave the human population. While Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully leads a wizarding delegation to a royal wedding, the witches rely on cold iron and stubborn willpower to repel the returning aristocratic monsters and maintain the village's sovereignty.
Readers who enjoy deconstructions of folklore and traditional fantasy archetypes will find this narrative useful. It appeals to those interested in the psychological mechanisms of charisma and the physical properties of legendary metals. The story provides a stark contrast between romanticized versions of magic and the harsh reality of rural survival. Someone finishing this book understands the danger of nostalgia and the necessity of keeping ancient, predatory forces confined behind their earthen circles.
Escapist; a moderate read.
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- Published
- 1992
- Language
- EN
