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Terry Pratchett was a British author and humorist, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential modern fantasy writers.
He was best known for his “Discworld” series of more than 40 books, set in a flat, disc-shaped world balanced on the backs of four elephants, which parodied and satirized various aspects of human society, culture, and politics. Pratchett’s writing style was characterized by its wit, humor, and clever wordplay, and his books have been widely loved by readers of all ages.
In this article, Penn Book will give you the list of the best Terry Pratchett books.
Top Rated Best Terry Pratchett Novels To Read
Here is a list of the best Terry Pratchett books in order that Penn Book recommended reading:
Small Gods
This best Discworld book Small Gods that we recommend to folks is their initial foray into the Discworld. It is a meditation on faith, private morality, the risks and prospects of progress, religion, and good deeds. Also, it is quite funny.
Terry Pratchett’s anticlericalism is a running motif in the Discworld series, but this book manages to become humane towards faith and downright scathing at precisely the same moment. It’s also amazingly complete to not rely on some of those figures Terry Pratchett had spent the previous 12 books set up.
Guards! Guards!
In Guards! Guards! We fulfill the Ankh Morpork City Watch and precisely what a country it’s in. Sam Vimes is an alcoholic, Nobby is a criminal, and Colon is counting down to retirement.
And Corporal Carrot is 6 ft. It lacks the developed dynamics of this watch and town, but it’s so well paced, the activity is again and brilliant, it’s really, very humorous. Dragons farting, I mean, come forth! This is excellent stuff.
Carpe Jugulum
For some reason, I have always adored Carpe Jugulum. It’s the final Witches book until Tiffany Aching reaches the focus on the sequence.
Granny Weatherwax faces her most formidable challenge yet and overcomes it via the medium of tea. For me, it surpasses Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, and Maskerade since the villains are much more intriguing.
This Magpyr Vampire family members’ social dynamic and his confrontation with modernity are a beautiful theme continued after Discworld novels.
If you are looking for the best order for Discworld reading, reading more about Best Suggested Terry Pratchett Discworld Reading Order [Best Update 2024].
Current read: I’m currently really enjoying Best Vampire Books of All Time Review 2024
Lords and Ladies
Elves are the only species that look nearly irredeemable about the Discworld series, even Orcs get a fair crack of the whip, but Elves are vindictive bastards.
I believe that is Sir Terry’s day up the dream score, he adored an underdog, and that I think he correctly surmises that anybody magical, memorable, immortal is sure to be a dickhead.
Magret shoots one from the eye through a keyhole, and it is a great slice of character growth exposition I have ever read. Along with also, the Ogg clan has a fantastic showing with Morris Dancers and Shawn Ogg equally playing crucial roles for the narrative and the humor.
Sourcery
Sourcery is your bridge between the old world construction age of dream parodies (The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Equal Rites, Mort, and Sorcery), along with the golden era of later novels (Wyrd Sisters before Men at Arms).
Everything remains in flux, but you can see the beginnings of this contemporary Discworld developing. Rincewind’s third experience is just one where he has some good character development rather than being an itinerant coward.
Similarly, magic and Ankh-Morpork take firmer shapes as a tool that may inspire additional Terry Pratchett Books. For many of these reasons, I believe Sorcery holds up much better than many men and women give it credit for.
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
Pratchett was a prolific writer of Discworld novels. However, he also managed several Discworld books that were not on the flat disc. This includes this one with Neil Gaiman.
People have been predicting the end of the world almost from its very beginning, so it’s only natural to be skeptical when a new date is set for Judgement Day. But what if, for once, the predictions are right, and the apocalypse really is due to arrive next Saturday, just after tea?
You could spend the time left drowning your sorrows, giving away all your possessions in preparation for the rapture, or laughing it off as (hopefully) just another hoax with Good Omens. Or you could just try to do something about it.
It’s a predicament that Aziraphale, a somewhat fussy angel, and Crowley, a fast living demon now finds themselves in. They’ve been living amongst Earth’s mortals since The Beginning and, truth be told, have grown rather fond of the lifestyle and, in all honesty, are not actually looking forward to the coming Apocalypse.
And then there’s the small matter that someone appears to have misplaced the Antichrist.
Making Money
The next Moist von Lipwig book. Ankh-Morpork’s continuing growth gathers pace with the coming of contemporary banking. Unlike Moving Postal, the storyline does not drive forward in precisely the same manner.
It’s novel as the world market fell more than makes it quite timely, and really, there’s something magical about cash: Fiat money, it’s bizarre. However, the figures are somewhat less three dimensional, and the dialogue is not as snappy. It’s a portion of the decrease of the Discworld, but it’s still impressive.
Snuff
Now Terry Pratchett’s Alzheimer’s was diagnosed and was impacting his ability to compose independently. This is evident since the book is a lot more than other Discworld novels.
As every author knows, it’s much more challenging to write something brief, than long. There are lots to enjoy in the book; in the introduction of Constable Sweeney into the Goblins themselves.
But there is also plenty to dislike; the regional magistrates appear materialistic, Wilkins is unrecognizable from Jingo and only a bit too unbelievable. However, I am grateful Terry and Sam must have one final vacation together.
The Last Hero
Is that a book? A picture book? An illustrated book? Who cares? It is the culmination of all Rincewind’s story, and He’s connected by Leonard of Quirm, Captain Carrot, and the Librarian in attempting to prevent the destruction of Earth.
The examples are great; however, the narrative is relatively linear in comparison to other Discworld novels. Cohen and the Silver Horde’s strategy to return fire to the gods is a fantastic conceit to get a book, but it lacks a specific something.
A Hat Full of Sky
Similar problems for me personally as above and the Hiver is the only silly antagonist. The witch trials have been fun, however, as would be the Nac Mac Feegle, who is another masterful creation of overdue age Terry Pratchett, which is too easy to overlook if you dismiss his work.
The Color of Magic
The Color of Magic is a Discworld novel that began in the early 1900s and continues the story of Rincewind, an incompetent wizard, and Twoflower, a tourist. It was also made into a TV movie with Tim Curry.
Men at Arms
You will observe that I have a good deal of time for your Ankh-Morpork City Watch, Men At Arms is where they attain their summit.
This is the book that sees Sam Vimes evolve as a character, providing us the Boots concept of socio-economic unfairness in addition to confronting a superbly angry and devious antagonist. It’s also about the entire watch, unlike only Sam Vimes, as the subsequent books tended towards.
There are too many highlights, but they comprise: the book also features the socio-economic concept of unfairness. Gaspode, the wonder dog if you desire to have an evil guy or the right person to stage a gonne in and Vetinari manipulating the town’s inhabitants and guilds to maintain the entire thing ticking.
Reaper Man
Death is retired later getting attached to the people, and things go awry. Though it is based on a similar conceit Mort, this one is better. The growth of Bill Door and Miss Flitworth’s connection is touching, as is his Departure’s entire relationship with the villagers.
In addition to a fantastic, if instead of a parochial narrative for Death, there are also Wizards running about Ankh-Morpork combating and fooling around trying to ruin consumerism’s embodiment. Plus, we receive the Death of Rats.
Mort
Besides Sam Vimes and Esme Weatherwax, Death is a critical character; he seems in basically each book. Mort is due to Death’s helper and fucks up everything, such as falling in love with a princess and Departure’s kid and altering their background.
Departure’s humanization is one of Terry Pratchett’s most incredible thoughts; death does not always get it right, and in this lies the humor.
Night Watch
The first few Terry Pratchett Books are Whodunnits put in Ankh-Morpork along with also the subsequent two accept the City Watch out of the town; Night Watch will work both. I was traveling back in time to when Sam Vimes first joined the drive.
Here is the first of 3 novels (Night Watch, Thud!, Snuff) that are far more Sam Vimes Books than City Watch Books, it signifies the next peaking of this collection.
Grandfather paradoxes and source stories galore, meaning that is a fantastic book to get a Discworld fan. And Carcer makes for a very well drawn and dreadful villain.
Going Postal
Going Postal is another book in the mold of Ankh-Morpork’s slow ooze to the contemporary era sees the diversion of this post office and the debut of a new personality. Moist von Lipwig is a loveable chancer who, like most Terry Pratchett personalities, comes to heroism reluctantly.
Going Postal reminded me of the Neil Gaiman quote about Terry Pratchett: “He’s not jolly.” This book shows that he is angry. While it is not the only example of righteous anger, it’s one of the best.
Moving Pictures
The very first of the industrial revolution novels look in the film market. Or Holywood is a clear goal for a satire, but not for a dream writer.
But which makes the magic of Hollywood magical. Detritus, Gaspode, along with a guy so lazy he keeps himself incredibly good shape are comic masterstrokes, but the book’s climax is somewhat anticlimactic.
The Colour of Magic
Technically among the more flawed Discworld books and the matrix and font of all that came after. Plotting on this book is feeble since Rincewind, Twoflower, and the Luggage all go from 1 dream trope into the other, running away from each in turn.
But there is still so much pleasure in reading this first book I can not rate it any lower. Though the Discworld developed hugely from this humble start, lots of it was in place from this very first book.
Equal Rites
The first post Rincewind book introduces an excellent female character, something sorely missing from the first two novels. As from the Colour of Magic, much of the planet’s construction is out of kilter with later Terry Pratchett books, the last struggle between Esme and the Archchancellor particularly. However, the interaction between a witch and a precocious kid is fantastic.
Monstrous Regiment
The unsubtle of Terry Pratchett’s parodies, and because of this, I like it. SPOILER ALERT Everybody is a girl. Everyone. It is like being hit in the face with a wet fish while somebody yells, is not sexism silly?!
Terry Pratchett does some fantastic female characters and gender dynamics in different books, but that one puts it on thick. It’s thus hilarious, in a Dom Joly/Stewart Lee insistent way I enjoy, but that others find that a little much.
Thief of Time
Death, Once More, is up against the Auditors of Truth. His granddaughter is involved. Along with the Death of Rats. All fantastic characters against an autistic clockmaker and also an auditor gradually losing her mind.
The gradual destruction of beings of pure motive by straightforward human experiences is amusing and intriguing. Along with the listening, monks receive a fair go.
However, the setup is a lot better than the end. Unfortunately, one of the problems of composing books without understanding where they are going.
Jingo
The City Watch leaves Ankh-Morpork to attempt to prevent a war. Terry Pratchett is a great liberal, and also the anti Jingoism and overall frustration at the idiocy of war excels.
The double story familiar to most Discworld novels works nicely with Vimes attempting to resolve a crime while Nobby, Colon, Vetinari, and Leonardo da Quirm sneak around in a submarine. Vimes Klatchian reverse number is a beautiful foil for his small Ankh Morpork failings.
Interesting Times
Cohen’s Silver Horde takes over the Agatean Empire through guile, cunning, and violence. I believe Terry Pratchett is on the weaker ground sending up civilizations he does not understand (or businesses, compare Moving Photographs into the Truth).
Therefore this lacks the punch of Jingo or the Monstrous Regiment as a send up of tyrannical overreach. It’s enormously enjoyable to see, and you can not help rooting for Cohen along with the Horde. Still, on rereading, I can not help noticing how reliant Rincewind’s novels are on characters aside from Rincewind.
Raising Steam
Another of those later Discworld novels. The lower writing is rescued from the brilliant thought. Imagine if Ned Simnel’s combine harvester functioned? Imagine if the Discworld had mechanical electricity in addition to magic?
Seeing the funding and construction and socio-economic effect of railways performed was brilliant by this stage that the Discworld remains in its multi novel subplot of dwarfish religious extremists opposing progress and behavioral upheaval.
This subplot can continue across many novels as a testament to the solidity of that which was once only a disk on the rear of a few elephants onto a turtle. But that usually means the political and ethical messaging is not as subtle as it was, similar to the writing.
The Wee Free Men
Tiffany Aching is a Wonderful addition to the Discworld. There’s currently a true cradle to grave support having a five part youthful adult series to communicate with people in the Discworld household. Its rankings diminished because, honestly, it’s a young adult fiction book, and I am not a young adult.
Nonetheless, the novel builds on the Witches series brightly, and Tiffany, the Nac Mac Feegle, Elves, and the Chalk all socialize brilliantly to make a compelling narrative. Like other young adult fiction, it is overly reliant on a singular hero for me, but a 30-year-old guy isn’t a young woman.
Thud!
For me, Thud! It is the beginning point of decrease for after Discworld books. Vimes becomes heroic, not only to residents of Ankh-Morpork, however to Terry Pratchett himself. Vimes that the everyman is gone from Thud! And that’s much to the detriment of this character and series.
This is the place where the City Watch books indeed become Sam Vimes books, which usually means a problem for character growth for everybody. Fixing dream conflicts like geopolitics is a fantastic invention, but religious fundamentalists’ usage to transfer things on is somewhat weak. “Mr. Shine. Him Diamond.”
It is an excellent and optimistic political motto and I think that it’s a significant bit of effort to get upon the optimism only a troll may sense for his king at this kind of straightforward troll like step.
Soul Music
This one, I must admit, is completely based on how it relates to my real life. Before I became a serious author, with a beard and all, I was the drummer for several bands that played music with rock in.
The book perfectly captures the sweaty, pubescent adrenalin rush of creating and performing music. It’s a book that I can drum on for weeks after reading. I stare off into the distance while looking out at a distance.
This book is Death’s story. Yes, I know all of the books feature Death. But only this book features him in a leather jacket. CMOT Dibbler is undoubtedly destined to play the music manager role.
FAQs
Are Terry Pratchett Books for Adults?
Most of Terry Pratchett’s works are adult fiction, except the Tiffany Aching series. Children can read these novels, but many adults who previously adored them as preteens or adolescents discover many additional depths when they revisit them when they are 10-15 years older.
Do Terry Pratchett’s books have to be read in order?
No, Terry Pratchett authored each book apart from the others on purpose, so you may start reading them at any point. That isn’t to suggest that his novels weren’t related; after all, a succession of them share certain characters.
Where can I get a list of Terry Pratchett books?
The easiest place to find a list of Terry Pratchett’s books is on his website, which has a complete list of his works.
How many Terry Pratchett books are there?
As of 2021, there are 41 novels in the Discworld series, as well as numerous other stand-alone books, short stories, and non-fiction works.
What is the first Terry Pratchett book?
The first book in the Discworld series is The Colour of Magic, published in 1983.
What is the last Terry Pratchett book?
The last Discworld novel is The Shepherd’s Crown, published posthumously in 2015.
Conclusion
Terry Pratchett’s books are sure to entertain you and also teach you a few things about the world. If you have not read his books yet, then you should do so as soon as possible. You will not regret it!
What is your favorite book in the best Terry Pratchett books to start with? Thank you for reading and welcome your thoughts in the comment.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
