Maskerade

Terry Pratchett brought to all fantasy readers a world that was one that has humour and parody of many other stories that are loved across many genres, and Maskerade is no exception.The characters are ones that are written with care and wonder, and as always, I adore the witches and the chaos they begin. I think those who love the Discworld novels will agree that as you read each book in this long and beloved series; that the characters it focuses on are your favourite whether it be DEATH, the Wizards (especially Rincewind), The Watch or The Witches and then you begin the next book. Now I'm a massive fan of DEATH in particular, but The Witches are my go-to for a giggle.Maskerade, as a parody of The Phantom of the Opera, will sweep you away into the Opera. A mystery where hard working members who work there keep dying and the Witches playing detective (kind of) in this place of culture in the city of Ankh-Morpork. The star, though, is Greebo, a witch's cat who can now become human but with the desires and thoughts of his natural self. He has me giggling throughout his arrival and interesting ways to save the day because he's badly behaved as a feline, but the devil incarnate in his human form. Trust me, if you met Greebo in a dark alley, I think you'd trust the shadows over the one-eyed man… This might well be my favourite of the stories featuring Granny Weatherwax  and Nanny Ogg because they're out of their depth but are so oblivious to the fact because no one ever tells the two ‘no’ or the truth. Prepare for lots of laughter as you read thanks to these two wonderfully written characters and the way Pratchett brings everything to life. One chapter alone of their journey by carriage from Lancore where they live to Ankh Morpork had me crying with laughter. They're both wonderful and utter chaos, and I love the two together.The fat lady will indeed sing, the story will end, and I will await who becomes my favourite of the cast of characters on my next read.