The Wee Free Men

First published on 1 May 2003 by Doubleday. It is the thirtieth Discworld novel and the first Tiffany Aching book.

The Nac Mac Feegle (also called the Wee Free Men, or pictsies) are tiny blue men about six inches tall who are extremely strong, completely fearless, and entirely mad. They were kicked out of Fairyland for being drunk and disorderly, which they consider a point of pride. They are among the most beloved comic creations in the Discworld series.

Yes — it is one of the most frequently recommended entry points to the Discworld for new readers regardless of age. Tiffany is one of Pratchett's finest protagonists, and the Nac Mac Feegle are irresistible.

Tiffany's connection to the chalk downland — the landscape she lives on — is the foundation of her witchcraft. Pratchett develops the idea that a witch's power comes from belonging to a specific piece of land and taking responsibility for it. This thread runs through all five Tiffany Aching books.

No. The Wee Free Men is an excellent standalone entry to the Discworld. It assumes no prior knowledge and can be read as a complete fantasy novel in its own right.