The Shepherd's Crown

       Our granddaughter is reading one of Terry Pratchett's books from this series and loveing every minute of it.  I wanted to talk with her about the book she was reading and looked in our local library.  Unfortunately they didn't have that book, but they did have The Shepherd's Crown.  I read it from cover to cover and found it an amazing read.
        Upon the death of the head witch, Teffany, a good witch, must take on the leadership of the entire witch's band. She is charged with protecting her community, and healing the sick, setting bones, and helping with childbirth. As her responsibilites grow, she must make decisions that affect her entire community as well as neighboring communities.
       Fear of failure, lack of time and sleep, the need to be in two or more places at once, the threat of invashion from the fairie raiders, are stressful. Will the other, older witches, back her as she takes the lead and wants to make changes in the way things are done?  Will they accept a man into their group?

Terry Pratchett has woven a delightful story with many different characters, each with their own personality, problems, and prejudices. Neil Gaiman says, "A Terry Pratchett book is a small miracle." I say Neil is right on.