The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

This book is 14 years old, I am, as ever, late to the party. I am also a latecomer to Terry Pratchett (still haven’t read any of the big series, but I’ve read a few others and they’re great), but I’m learning. The combination of Pratchett and Gaiman is brilliant, and it’s a shame they haven’t done more together.

So, anyway, satan’s son is born in Oxfordshire. There’s a mix up at the hospital, and the little anti-christ goes home with the wrong family. He’s raised like a regular kid in a regular house, with no idea of what’s to come. He does have powers, though – his life, friends, town are idyllic, because the world responds to his desires. (Pretty sweet). All the baddies are looking for him, including the horsemen (well, horse people) and a few others.

Meanwhile, the descendant of a witch who predicted all of this and the descendant of the man who had her burned at the stake (the story of her burning is excellent) are following the prophecies and trying to prevent the end of the world.

The concept is brilliant, the writing is brilliant, the whole thing is brilliant. I’ll read it again, if I ever have time.