Discworld Books in Publication Order
Below is the complete list of all 41 Discworld books in chronological publication order. New readers can start with any book, but many fans recommend starting with "Guards! Guards!" or "Mort" rather than the earliest books.
Discworld Books
Discover the magical books of Terry Pratchett's beloved Discworld series.
- 1
The Colour of Magic
Follow Rincewind, the inept wizard, as he unwittingly becomes a tour guide to Twoflower, Discworld's first tourist. Together, they stumble from one absurd danger to another across the strange flat world balanced atop four elephants riding a giant turtle.
Satirizes tourism and cultural misunderstandings, exploring how fear and ignorance shape human interactions.
Main characters: rincewind, twoflower, the luggage, hrun the barbarian, the patrician and liessa wyrmbidder
- 2
The Light Fantastic
Continuing their chaotic journey, Rincewind and Twoflower must save Discworld from imminent doom. A mysterious red star threatens to collide with the planet, and their misadventures might be the key to survival if they can stay alive long enough.
Examines fatalism, destiny, and humanity's impulse to face impending disaster with denial or absurdity.
Main characters: rincewind, twoflower, the luggage, cohen the barbarian, trymon and galder weatherwax
- 3
Equal Rites
A girl named Eskarina Smith inherits wizardly magic, defying the Discworld tradition that only men become wizards. Granny Weatherwax, the formidable witch, must guide her through a magical education and societal upheaval.
Challenges gender norms and discrimination, advocating equal opportunity and questioning rigid traditions.
Main characters: eskarina smith, granny weatherwax, archchancellor cutangle, simon and drum billet
- 4
Mort
When Death hires an apprentice named Mort, chaos ensues after Mort falls for a princess destined to die. Mort's meddling with fate threatens the fabric of reality, forcing Death himself to intervene.
Explores mortality, duty, and individual agency highlighting how love and compassion often disrupt orderly systems.
Main characters: mort, death, albert, ysabell, princess keli and igneous cutwell
- 5
Sourcery
A powerful sourcerer, a wizard who channels raw magical force, returns to Discworld, sparking conflict and risking apocalyptic destruction. Once again, reluctant hero Rincewind is dragged into saving the world.
Warns against unchecked power and ambition, illustrating how absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Main characters: rincewind, coin, conina, nijel the destroyer, archchancellors hat, spelter and carding
- 6
Wyrd Sisters
Three witches Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick become entangled in royal intrigue. They must restore order in Lancre after the king is murdered, drawing heavily from Shakespearean elements of magic and mischief.
A humorous yet insightful commentary on politics, manipulation, and the power of stories to shape reality.
Main characters: granny weatherwax, nanny ogg, magrat garlick, duke felmet, duchess felmet and tomjon
- 7
Pyramids
Teppic, trained as an assassin, inherits his father's kingdom complete with ancient pyramids whose magic begins to warp reality itself. He must untangle myth from reality to save his kingdom from oblivion.
Questions tradition and blind faith, emphasizing the struggle between progress and cultural stagnation.
Main characters: teppic, dios, ptraci, you bastard and dil the embalmer
- 8
Guards! Guards!
The cynical, downtrodden City Watch of Ankh-Morpork faces off against a dragon summoned by power-hungry conspirators. Led by Captain Vimes, they must overcome incompetence to protect their city.
Examines authority, justice, and civic responsibility, satirizing the complacency of institutions and the public's desire for simplistic solutions.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, sybil ramkin, nobby nobbs, fred colon, lord vetinari and lupine wonse
- 9
Faust Eric
Rincewind accidentally becomes bound to Eric, a teenage demonologist. Eric wishes for ultimate power, eternal life, and the love of a legendary beauty requests that cause predictably comedic disaster.
Parodies the dangers of wish fulfillment, greed, and ambition showing that instant gratification rarely satisfies.
Main characters: rincewind, eric thursley, the demon king astfgl, the luggage and death
- 10
Moving Pictures
When cinema (or "moving pictures") arrives in Ankh-Morpork, it awakens mysterious forces from ancient times. Victor Tugelbend and aspiring star Ginger must confront the power behind their newfound fame.
Critiques mass media, celebrity culture, and the influence of entertainment on society.
Main characters: victor tugelbend, theda ginger witt, gaspode, cmot dibbler, detritus and archchancellor ridcully
- 11
Reaper Man
Death is fired by cosmic bureaucracy and forced into retirement, causing the dead to linger awkwardly among the living. Meanwhile, Death learns what it truly means to live.
A meditation on death, loss, and the preciousness of life, emphasizing what it means to truly live.
Main characters: death, miss flitworth, windle poons, archchancellor ridcully and reg shoe
- 12
Witches Abroad
The witches Granny, Nanny, and Magrat travel abroad to prevent a twisted fairy tale from coming true. They soon discover that stopping happily-ever-afters is harder than it seems.
Critiques storytelling cliches and the power of narrative, exploring how imposed narratives limit individual freedom.
Main characters: granny weatherwax, nanny ogg, magrat garlick, lilith de tempscire and greebo
- 13
Small Gods
In Omnia, the Great God Om returns in the form of a powerless turtle, visible only to the simple-minded novice Brutha. Together, they challenge dogmatic belief and restore faith's true meaning.
A powerful exploration of religion, belief, fanaticism, and morality showing how institutions often overshadow genuine faith.
Main characters: brutha, the great god om, vorbis, didactylos and general simony
- 14
Lords and Ladies
Granny Weatherwax and her coven confront malevolent elves threatening their homeland during midsummer. Their battle pits witchcraft against fairy glamour in a tale of enchantment and danger.
Deconstructs romanticized myths, illustrating the harsh reality beneath seemingly charming legends and the importance of resisting glamorized oppression.
Main characters: granny weatherwax, nanny ogg, magrat garlick, king verence ii, elven queen and casanunda
- 15
Men at Arms
Captain Vimes and the expanding City Watch investigate a mysterious new invention a lethal "gonne" which threatens stability in Ankh-Morpork. Issues of race, integration, and justice loom large.
Discusses prejudice, integration, and social reform, emphasizing the value of diversity and challenging entrenched biases.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, detritus, cuddy, edward d eath, sybil ramkin and lord vetinari
- 16
Soul Music
Death disappears again, and his granddaughter Susan Sto Helit reluctantly takes his place. Meanwhile, Discworld discovers the addictive power of "Music with Rocks In," a magical form of rock 'n' roll.
Explores fame, identity, and generational conflict, critiquing the fleeting nature of pop culture.
Main characters: susan sto helit, death, imp y celyn, glod glodsson, cliff and the band with rocks in
- 17
Interesting Times
Rincewind is reluctantly summoned to the distant Counterweight Continent embroiled in revolution, prophecy, and chaos. He must survive politics, warfare, and assassination attempts usually by accident.
Satirizes revolution, political manipulation, and propaganda, revealing the absurdity and dangers of ideological extremism.
Main characters: rincewind, twoflower, cohen the barbarian, the silver horde and lord hong
- 18
Maskerade
Granny and Nanny investigate an operatic ghost haunting the Ankh-Morpork Opera House, parodying the classic Phantom tale. Murder, mystery, and music intertwine with comedic results.
Critiques superficiality, obsession with appearance, and the masks people wear in society and relationships.
Main characters: granny weatherwax, nanny ogg, agnes nitt, christine, mr salzella and walter plinge
- 19
Feet of Clay
Vimes investigates an assassination attempt on Lord Vetinari involving golems, the city's clay workers. The mystery reveals deep societal tensions in the city's hierarchy.
Explores free will, class struggle, and the ethics of artificial intelligence, raising questions about what it truly means to be "alive."
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, cheery littlebottom, dorfl, lord vetinari and detritus
- 20
Hogfather
When the Hogfather (Discworld's Santa) vanishes, Death fills in for him to maintain belief and save humanity. His granddaughter Susan races to discover who kidnapped the Hogfather and why.
Examines belief, tradition, and the fundamental human need for myths and rituals to define meaning.
Main characters: death, susan sto helit, jonathan teatime, archchancellor ridcully, auditors of reality and bilious
- 21
Jingo
War threatens between Ankh-Morpork and Klatch over a newly risen island. Commander Vimes must navigate diplomacy, espionage, and prejudice to avert a senseless conflict.
A sharp critique of nationalism, xenophobia, and the absurdity of war, highlighting how easily prejudice is exploited politically.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, fred colon, nobby nobbs, lord vetinari, leonard of quirm and seventyone hour ahmed
- 22
The Last Continent
Rincewind finds himself on the mysterious continent XXXX (resembling Australia), forced to fix local weather and reality itself, while Unseen University's wizards get hopelessly lost in time.
Satirizes stereotypes, cultural identity, and ecological irresponsibility, especially human arrogance toward nature.
Main characters: rincewind, archchancellor ridcully, ponder stibbons, the librarian, mrs whitlow and god of evolution
- 23
Carpe Jugulum
Lancre is invaded by modern, sophisticated vampires who defy traditional weaknesses. Granny Weatherwax and her coven face their toughest challenge yet, testing their magic and resolve.
Questions moral relativism, modernity's moral compromises, and the struggle between tradition and progress.
Main characters: granny weatherwax, nanny ogg, agnes nitt, magrat garlick, king verence, count magpyr family and mightily oats
- 24
The Fifth Elephant
Commander Vimes travels to Uberwald for diplomatic negotiations, uncovering plots involving dwarven politics and werewolves. Tensions mount as intrigue threatens war.
Addresses international diplomacy, cultural misunderstandings, and the delicate balance of political power and integrity.
Main characters: sam vimes, sybil ramkin, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, wolfgang von uberwald, gaspode and sally von humpeding
- 25
The Truth
Discworld gets its first newspaper, The Ankh-Morpork Times, founded by William de Worde. Journalism clashes humorously and seriously with politics, murder, and conspiracy.
Explores journalism, truth, propaganda, and the social responsibility of the media in shaping public opinion.
Main characters: william de worde, sacharissa cripslock, otto chriek, mr pin, mr tulip and lord vetinari
- 26
Thief of Time
History itself is threatened by a mysterious clockmaker and his device to stop time. Death, along with his granddaughter Susan and the Monks of History, race to save reality.
Investigates the nature of time, responsibility, and humanity's obsession with controlling or escaping mortality.
Main characters: lobsang ludd, jeremy clockson, susan sto helit, lu tze, lady lejean and ronnie soak
- 27
The Last Hero
An elderly barbarian hero seeks to return stolen fire to the gods threatening world destruction. Discworld's finest heroes must stop him in an epic parody adventure.
Reflects on heroism, aging, and the tension between mythic ideals and practical realities.
Main characters: cohen the barbarian, truckle, boy willie, caleb, old vincent, mad hamish, rincewind, carrot ironfoundersson and leonard of quirm
- 28
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
Maurice, a talking cat, teams up with intelligent rats and a human boy to scam towns with fake plague outbreaks. But when they reach Bad Blintz, they encounter real darkness.
A thoughtful fable on ethics, self-awareness, and the boundaries between animal and human morality.
Main characters: maurice, keith, malicia grim, dangerous beans, peaches, hamnpork and sardines
- 29
Night Watch
Commander Vimes is sent back in time during a rebellion in Ankh-Morpork. He must mentor his younger self and maintain history without disrupting his personal future.
An introspective look at morality, justice, personal integrity, and the inevitability of history repeating itself.
Main characters: sam vimes, carcer dun, reg shoe, rosie palm and lord snapcase
- 30
The Wee Free Men
Young witch Tiffany Aching faces off against malicious fairy creatures with the help of the tiny but fierce Nac Mac Feegle, discovering her strength and potential.
Celebrates courage, self-reliance, and critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of confronting one's fears and self-discovery.
Main characters: tiffany aching, rob anybody, daft wullie, william the gonnagle, granny aching and queen of the elves
- 31
Monstrous Regiment
A girl disguises herself as a soldier to find her brother, revealing secrets that threaten her nation's oppressive regime. War, identity, and absurdity collide powerfully.
Questions gender roles, nationalism, war, and identity, offering a critique of militarism and blind patriotism.
Main characters: polly perks, maladict, sergeant jackrum, lieutenant blouse, lofty, tanya tonker and wazzer
- 32
A Hat Full of Sky
Tiffany Aching apprentices as a witch, confronting a sinister force that steals minds. With the Feegles' help, she must reclaim her identity.
Explores identity, growing up, and coping with internal struggles, emphasizing emotional resilience and maturity.
Main characters: tiffany aching, nac mac feegle, granny weatherwax, miss level and hiver
- 33
Going Postal
Con-man Moist von Lipwig must revive Ankh-Morpork's defunct post office, becoming an unlikely hero in a battle against corporate greed and corruption.
Examines redemption, the ethics of business practices, and the impact of technological progress versus tradition.
Main characters: moist von lipwig, adora belle dearheart, lord vetinari, stanley howler, tolliver groat, mr pump and reacher gilt
- 34
Thud!
Vimes investigates a murder amidst escalating tensions between trolls and dwarves. Ancient animosity threatens to plunge the city into chaos.
Addresses racial and ethnic tensions, prejudice, and the importance of empathy, communication, and historical reconciliation.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, cheery littlebottom, detritus, sybil ramkin, lord vetinari, grag hamcrusher and mr shine
- 35
Wintersmith
Tiffany Aching attracts the attention of the Wintersmith, an elemental being obsessed with humanity. She must master new powers to end winter's deadly grip.
Deals with adolescence, responsibility, and accepting the consequences of one's actions, highlighting maturity and balance.
Main characters: tiffany aching, wintersmith, granny weatherwax, nanny ogg, annagramma and roland
- 36
Making Money
Moist von Lipwig tackles another challenge revitalizing Ankh-Morpork's troubled banking system while dealing with family secrets, corruption, and an over-ambitious golem.
Critiques financial systems, greed, trust, and innovation, highlighting the fragile illusion that underpins economies.
Main characters: moist von lipwig, adora belle dearheart, lord vetinari, mr bent, cosmo lavish, hubert turvy and gladys
- 37
Unseen Academicals
Discworld's first football match brings together academics, goblins, and unlikely athletes. Sports become a lens for prejudice, identity, and teamwork.
Explores sportsmanship, tribalism, social mobility, and prejudice, demonstrating how collective activities reflect deeper societal values.
Main characters: mr nutt, glenda sugarbean, juliet stollop, trev likely, archchancellor ridcully, ponder stibbons and lord vetinari
- 38
I Shall Wear Midnight
Tiffany Aching faces suspicion and hostility as witches fall under public distrust. She must confront dark forces and societal fears.
Confronts fear, bigotry, and mob mentality, emphasizing compassion, justice, and personal integrity amid widespread hysteria.
Main characters: tiffany aching, preston, roland, letitia keepsake, nac mac feegle and the cunning man
- 39
Snuff
Vimes investigates crimes against goblins in the countryside, confronting entrenched prejudice and fighting for justice.
Tackles systemic prejudice, colonial attitudes, and the fight for civil rights and dignity, underscoring justice as an active, persistent choice.
Main characters: sam vimes, sybil ramkin, willikins, chief constable feeney upshot, stratford and tears of the mushroom
- 40
Raising Steam
Moist von Lipwig champions Discworld's industrial revolution with steam-powered trains, facing sabotage, politics, and progress itself.
Highlights the impact of technological and industrial revolutions, societal progress, and the tension between innovation and tradition.
Main characters: moist von lipwig, dick simnel, harry king, low queen blodwen, lord vetinari, sam vimes, adora belle dearheart and grag ardent
- 41
The Shepherd's Crown
Tiffany Aching must defend Discworld against an invasion of elves, embracing her full potential amid great personal loss and growth.
Explores legacy, responsibility, and the transition between generations, affirming the strength required to accept change and loss.
Main characters: tiffany aching, geoffrey swivel, nac mac feegle, queen magrat, king verence and nightshade
Popular Discworld Reading Orders
Discworld books can be read in various orders. Here are the most popular character-based reading orders:
Rincewind & Wizards Series
Stories following the misadventures of Rincewind, the Disc's most inept and reluctant wizard, and his colleagues at Unseen University who frequently deal with bizarre magical phenomena.
Witches Series
Tales centered around the witches of Lancre, particularly the formidable trio of Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick, as they deal with various magical threats, fairy tale subversions, and community problems.
Tiffany Aching Series
Coming-of-age stories about a young witch from the Chalk who grows into her powers with the help of the Nac Mac Feegle (the Wee Free Men) and guidance from the older witches.
Death Series
Stories focused on Death, the anthropomorphic personification who speaks in ALL CAPITALS, his granddaughter Susan, and their encounters with the complexities of mortality and humanity.
City Watch Series
Follows the Ankh-Morpork City Watch under the leadership of Sam Vimes as they solve crimes, navigate politics, and bring law to the chaotic city-state, while growing from a dysfunctional night watch to a diverse and effective police force.
Moist von Lipwig Series
Chronicles the rehabilitation of con man Moist von Lipwig as Lord Vetinari puts him in charge of revitalizing Ankh-Morpork's failing public institutions, from the post office to the bank to the railway system.
Standalone / Independent Books
Individual stories that don't follow the major character arcs but contribute to the diverse tapestry of the Discworld, often introducing unique characters or exploring specific aspects of the setting.
About Discworld
Discworld is a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants, which in turn stand on the back of a giant space turtle, Great A'Tuin. It's a place where magic and the supernatural are as commonplace as logic and science are in our world.
"In a distant and secondhand set of dimensions, in an astral plane that was never meant to fly..."
