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Discworld Novels Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Terry Pratchett
2 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Discworld Novels by Terry Pratchett with "Wyrd Sisters", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The primary series set on the Flat Earth, featuring multiple intersecting sub-series threads (Rincewind, Witches, Death, City Watch, Moist von Lipwig, Tiffany Aching).

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Wyrd Sisters"

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.

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Community Consensus

Medium Debate

"There is no definitive 'wrong' order, as most Discworld novels are standalone. However, the overwhelming consensus is to avoid starting with the first two published books, *The Colour of Magic* and *The Light Fantastic*, as they are not representative of the later series quality. Most readers recommend either starting with a highly praised standalone novel or committing to publication order after an initial taste. It is strongly advised to follow the internal chronological order for character sub-series (like City Watch or Tiffany Aching) once they are begun, due to character development and 'payoff' in later books."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with a highly-rated, standalone novel, such as *Small Gods* or *Guards! Guards!*. Once hooked, either follow the overall publication order (skipping the first two books until later) or follow a character-specific reading path, ensuring you read novels involving the same main characters (like Vimes or the Witches) sequentially.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Discworld Novels 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 Novels. 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 "Wyrd Sisters" 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 Novels" 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.

Start with "Wyrd Sisters"Explore all by Terry Pratchett

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order2 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.
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1

Wyrd Sisters

Pub: 2009

In Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters, Granny Weatherwax teams with two other witches—Nanny Ogg and Margat Garlick—as an unlikely alliance to save a prince and restore him to the throne of Lancre, in a tale that borrows—or is it parodies—some of William Shakespeare's best-loved works. Meet Granny Weatherwax, the most highly regarded non-leader a coven of non-social witches could ever have. Generally, these loners don't get involved in anything, must less royal intrigue. But then there are those times they can't help it. As Granny Weatherwax is about to discover, it's a lot harder to stir up trouble in the castle than some theatrical types would have you think. Even when you've got a few unexpected spells up your sleeve. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Wyrd Sisters is the sixth Discworld book and the second in the Witches collection. The Witches collection includes: Equal Rites Wyrd Sisters Witches Abroad Lords and Ladies Maskerade Carpe Jugulum

2

The First Discworld Novels

Pub: 1999

Plot details hidden until you finish "Wyrd Sisters".

This is how the Discworld began. Here is the sapient pearwood Luggage, a mobile trunk which launders any clothes put in it and incidentally homicidally defends its owner. Here is Twoflower, an innocent tourist in a world of nightmares and fairy tales gon

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Discworld Novels 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 Novels?

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

Can I read Discworld Novels 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 Novels 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.