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Discworld - Death Reading Order.

Quick Answer

Start Discworld - Death by Terry Pratchett with "Mort [Graphic Novel]", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

These novels feature the anthropomorphic personification of Death and his apprentice, Mort.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 4 main titles released between 1994 and 2006. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

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Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Mort [Graphic Novel]"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

Community Consensus

Not Applicable (The specific topic of Discworld Death reading order is absent from the comments.) Debate

"The provided Reddit comments are primarily focused on an AMA for Wraithmarked Press, progression fantasy (Cradle, Warforged), and detailed critiques of popular/long series (Wandering Inn, Sanderson, WoT, Malazan). There is only one tangential mention of being a 'diehard Pratchett fan,' but absolutely no discussion or advice regarding the recommended reading order for the Discworld 'Death' subset of novels."

Key Reddit Advice

No reading order advice for Discworld - Death can be derived from these comments.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Discworld - Death conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Discworld - Death. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Mort [Graphic Novel]" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Discworld - Death" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order4 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Mort [Graphic Novel]

Pub: 1994Optional3

Death's apprentice, Mort, messes with the fabric of reality when he decides to save a princess, leading to existential chaos in graphic form.

2

Reaper Man

Pub: 20254.36

Plot details hidden until you finish "Mort [Graphic Novel]".

They say there are only two things you can count on ...But that was before DEATH started pondering the existential. Of course, the last thing anyone needs is a squeamish Grim Reaper and soon his Discworld bosses have sent him off with best wishes and a well-earned gold watch. Now DEATH is having the time of his life, finding greener pastures where he can put his scythe to a whole new use.But like every cutback in an important public service, DEATH's demise soon leads to chaos and unrest -- literally, for those whose time was supposed to be up, like Windle Poons. The oldest geezer in the entire faculty of Unseen University -- home of magic, wizardry, and big dinners -- Windle was looking forward to a wonderful afterlife, not this boring been-there-done-that routine. To get the fresh start he deserves, Windle and the rest of Ankh-Morpork's undead and underemployed set off to find DEATH and save the world for the living (and everybody else, of course).

3

Soul Music

Pub: 2005

Plot details hidden until you finish "Reaper Man".

Death goes walk-about and tries everything, including joining the French Foreign Legion, to forget a tragic carriage accident at dead man's curve. His independent-minded teen granddaughter has to surreptitiously take over the reaping biz. Three guys invent music with rocks in it or did the magick in this music invent them? Is time changing or - déjà vu all over again- is it rushing to a new tragedy on Dead Man's Curve?

4

Hogfather

Pub: 2006

Plot details hidden until you finish "Soul Music".

Who would want to harm Discworld's most beloved icon? Very few things are held sacred in this twisted, corrupt, heartless -- and oddly familiar -- universe, but the Hogfather is one of them. Yet here it is, Hogswatchnight, that most joyous and acquisitive of times, and the jolly old, red-suited gift-giver has vanished without a trace. And there's something shady going on involving an uncommonly psychotic member of the Assassins' Guild and certain representatives of Ankh-Morpork's rather extensive criminal element. Suddenly Discworld's entire myth system is unraveling at an alarming rate. Drastic measures must be taken, which is why Death himself is taking up the reins of the fat man's vacated sleigh . . . which, in turn, has Death's level-headed granddaughter, Susan, racing to unravel the nasty, humbuggian mess before the holiday season goes straight to hell and takes everyone along with it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Discworld - Death series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Discworld - Death?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Mort [Graphic Novel]" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Terry Pratchett intended.

Can I read Discworld - Death books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Discworld - Death universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.