What if the world was actually flat, carried on the backs of humongous elephants that are riding an even more gigantic turtle? This is the world that fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld know and love.
No other fantasy writer has created such a detailed world as the celebrated Terry Pratchett, with the 40 books he wrote set in the “Discworld” universe, with a total of about 70 books throughout his entire writing career.
11 Best Terry Pratchett Books to Read Right Now
If you haven’t tried reading Terry Pratchett books, or if you’re looking for more of his books to add to your collection, check out our list below:
1. Going Postal
This book features a con man attempting to re-energize the post office in Ankh-Morpork, the primary city in Discworld. This book displays Pratchett’s ability to inject humor, making it a good place to start if you’re just getting to know his writings.
2. The Color of Magic
This is one of the first Discworld novels, and is undoubtedly one of the best. It tells the story of an incompetent wizard named Rincewind and his adventures with a tourist named Twoflower. This book has also inspired a TV movie that stars Tim Curry.
3. Good Omens
This collaboration with another expert storyteller, Neil Gaiman, is a comedy about the events surrounding the apocalypse. Imagining e a comic version of the coming of the Antichrist!
4. The Wee Free Men
This is one of several Pratchett novels intended for children. It follows the story of Tiffany Aching, a 9-year-old witch, who must defend her home against enemy attack from the monsters of Fairyland. Thankfully, she has help from some little blue men who are fierce and known for stealing sheep.
5. Mort
This novel features Death as a character, one who keeps coming up in several of the Discworld books. If you’ve observed him showing up, you may notice that his voice is designed to be ominous by displaying words he says in all caps.
6. Monstrous Regiment
In this novel, the main character is a girl going off to war disguised as a man. Pratchett effectively blends the frightening parts of the story with the humorous. Through this story, he tackles issues like the value and consequences of patriotism. Because the characters in this novel do not show up in any of his other books, you can consider this a great stand-alone read.
7. Equal Rites
This book is part of the Discworld series and is a good place to start. This is the book that introduces us to the character of a witch named Granny Weatherwax, and it also includes a social commentary on the issue of sexism, making it both an entertaining and enlightening read.
8. Night Watch
This book, which won second place for best fantasy novel in the annual Locus Poll, also inspired a 5-part radio adaptation. It features Commander Sam Vimes, and Pratchett himself describes this book as marking a shift in the Discworld series.
9. Small Gods
This witty satire of religious practices and institutions, with a special emphasis on its role in politics, follows Om, god of Discworld, and his quest to show himself to the world. Although it deals with heavy topics, it remains easy to read and comes with a tinge of compassion.
10. Reaper Man
What happens when Death becomes too attached to humans and causes all sorts of chaos? In this book, Death is retired, and the story follows the development of Miss Flitworth and Bill Door’s relationship.
11. Hogfather
Discworld has its own version of Santa Claus, called the Hogfather, who also puts on a red suit and rides a sleigh—except that the sleigh is pulled by eight hogs—and delivers gifts all around the world to keep the sun shining. But what happens when the fat man disappears, and Death takes over the responsibility?
Are Terry Pratchett Books for Adults?
Except for the Tiffany Aching books, Terry Pratchett’s books are mainly adult fiction. Although children can read these books, many of those who loved the books back when they were preteens or teenagers find many more layers upon rereading the books when they were 10-15 years older.
Do You Need to Read Terry Pratchett Books in Order?
No, you can start wherever you like when reading Terry Pratchett’s books, because he intentionally wrote each one independent from the others. That’s not to say that his books weren’t interconnected, because they do feature the same characters in a series.
Reading Books by Terry Pratchett
As one of the most beloved fantasy writers of all time, Terry Pratchett’s books are sure to keep you entertained while making you think about important issues hidden within the books.
If you’ve never tried any of his books, check out some of these in this list, and laugh your way into thinking some deep thoughts under the surface!
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Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
