ReadEdenDiscworld has 41 novels. Which one should you read first?
You are choosing an entrance, not signing a contract
Discworld novels share a world but form several character strands and stand-alone stories. Many readers begin somewhere other than book one. The right start is the corner of the world that interests you.
The Colour of Magic for publication order
Start here if you want to watch Terry Pratchett discover the world alongside his readers. The earliest books lean more directly on parody and differ from the later balance of plot, character and social satire.
Guards! Guards! for the City Watch
Sam Vimes and the Ankh-Morpork Watch offer one of the most popular routes. The strand grows into questions about institutions, law and who a city is designed to protect, while keeping room for dragons and bad policing.
Mort or Small Gods for a focused beginning
Mort begins the Death strand with an apprenticeship that goes wrong. Small Gods is largely stand-alone and examines belief, power and institutions. Choose either when you want one complete book before deciding whether the wider shelf is for you.