![The Shepherd's Crown (Discworld, #41; Tiffany Aching, #5)](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1433600285l/22886868._SX98_.jpg)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
How could I give anything less than five stars to Sir Terry's final Discworld novel? Over the last couple of years I have read or listened to all 41 books in this wonderful series. I've laughed and cried (but mostly laughed), been moved in unexpected ways, and fallen in love with a range of memorable characters. Moist von Lipwig and Adora Belle Dearheart; Lord Vetinari; Sam Vimes and the City Watch; Rincewind, the wizards and the Librarian; Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and the witches; Tiffany Aching and the Nac Mac Feegles; and the one and only Death - an amazing cast of characters who populate the Discworld.
Although I enjoyed every one, some of the books I LOVED. The books featuring the witches and Tiffany Aching are my absolute favourites, closely followed by those with Death as the central character. I'm also a little bit in love with Sam Vimes, and, although the books with Rincewind et al are probably my least favourite, I adore the Librarian ("Ook!").
But now on to this book. This is not only the final book, but the fifth featuring Tiffany Aching. She's all grown up and a powerful witch, but still dealing with a LOT, running herself ragged looking after the people who need her. However, I hadn't read very far before I was tearing up as we say farewell to a beloved character. I was SO UPSET, even though I was half prepared for it, as the book has been out for some years so spoilers were everywhere. However, it was still an emotional wrench, so prepare yourself if you haven't read it!
This death shakes the very fabric of the Discworld, leaving it vulnerable to another attack by the elves. The elves are nasty creatures, and they bring chaos, terror and death. Tiffany and the other witches must join together to defeat them once and for all. An old enemy of Tiffany's becomes an unexpected ally, a young man with an unusual talent proves his worth, and good, naturally, triumphs over evil, but not without casualties...
The Nac Mac Feegles provide the usual giggles, but the book is a farewell, and you feel it in every page.
The book is a complete story, but, as explained in the Afterword, Sir Terry passed away before he could edit and polish it properly, and in some places, it shows. But there is so much heart in it that you can overlook any small flaws, and it's wound up so beautifully. I had to sit quietly for a few minutes when I read the last page to say my own silent goodbyes - to the characters, to the Discworld, and to Sir Terry himself. RIP Sir Terry, and thank you.
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