Terry Pratchett
Sir Terence David John Pratchett, known as Terry Pratchett, was an English author of fantasy novels, especially comical works. He is best known for his Discworld series of 41 novels.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Colour of Magic
A Discworld Novel
This book introduces readers to a flat, disc-shaped world balanced on the back of four elephants who stand on a giant turtle. The story follows an inept and cowardly wizard named Rincewind who is tasked with guiding a naive tourist through this chaotic and fantastical world filled with dragons, trolls, and magic. The narrative is a satirical take on fantasy genre clichés, with humorous and witty commentary throughout.
The 1626th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Good Omens
The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
"Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.
The 2223rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Light Fantastic
A Novel of Discworld
In this whimsical fantasy novel, the bumbling wizard Rincewind finds himself caught up in a cosmic adventure alongside the naive tourist Twoflower and his sentient Luggage. As the Discworld faces an impending collision with a red star, Rincewind must navigate a series of humorous and perilous encounters, including trolls, druids, and the formidable sorceress, the Lady. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Rincewind's reluctant heroism and the power of the Great A'Tuin, the giant turtle carrying the Discworld, play a crucial role in averting disaster and restoring balance to their eccentric universe.
The 6758th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Small Gods
In a satirical fantasy world, a once-powerful god finds himself nearly forgotten, his power diminished to almost nothing as he's left with a single believer, a novice monk. This unlikely duo embarks on a journey to confront the corrupt religious institution that has lost sight of true faith, challenging dogma and hypocrisy. Along the way, they encounter a host of quirky characters and navigate philosophical quandaries, ultimately seeking to restore genuine belief and the god's rightful place in the hearts of the people. The narrative cleverly explores themes of religion, belief, and the nature of power through a humorous and thought-provoking lens.
The 7093rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. The Wee Free Men
A Story of Discworld
In this humorous fantasy novel, a young witch named Tiffany Aching embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped brother, armed only with a frying pan and the assistance of the Nac Mac Feegle—a clan of rowdy, blue-skinned, six-inch-tall pictsies. As Tiffany ventures into the realm of Fairyland, she must rely on her wits, courage, and newfound magical abilities to navigate a world filled with dreams and nightmares, where nothing is as it seems. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about responsibility, the power of knowledge, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.
The 7628th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. Mort
A Discworld Novel
In this comedic fantasy novel, a young, clumsy boy named Mort is taken on as an apprentice by Death, the grim reaper himself. As Mort learns the ropes of the family business, he struggles with the responsibilities of ushering souls into the afterlife. His compassion leads him to interfere with fate, causing a rift in reality that he must repair. Along the way, Mort encounters a colorful cast of characters, explores the peculiarities of the Discworld, and ultimately discovers his own place within it. The book combines wit, satire, and a deep exploration of the nature of humanity and destiny.
The 8141st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. The Truth
A Novel of Discworld
In this satirical fantasy novel, the story revolves around the accidental establishment of the city's first newspaper by a young entrepreneur and his talking dog. As the newspaper begins to uncover and report the truth, it finds itself entangled in a plot involving political intrigue, murder, and the machinations of the city's elite. The protagonist must navigate the treacherous waters of news and information, dealing with the moral dilemmas of journalism and the power of the written word, all while the very fabric of the city's society is threatened by the stories his paper brings to light. The novel humorously explores themes of media power, truth, and the responsibility of those who control the flow of information.
The 8320th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. Guards! Guards!
A Novel of Discworld
In a satirical twist on the fantasy genre, the story unfolds in a chaotic city where the inept and often ignored Night Watch finds itself facing an unexpected challenge when a secret society summons a dragon to achieve their political ambitions. The motley crew of guards, including a naive new recruit, a cynical captain, and a nobleman in disguise, must navigate through absurdity, corruption, and incompetence to save the city from fiery destruction. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a formidable lady librarian and a magical swamp dragon, all while poking fun at the tropes of fantasy novels and exploring themes of duty, heroism, and the nature of power.
The 8347th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. Wyrd Sisters
In a fantastical realm where witches hold sway over the common folk's superstitions and destinies, three eccentric crones find themselves entangled in royal intrigue after a throne is usurped by a power-hungry duke. The trio, guided by their own peculiar brand of wisdom and the manipulative hands of fate, must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and prophecy to restore the rightful heir to the crown. With a cauldron bubbling with satire and wit, the story cleverly subverts the tropes of Shakespearean drama, fairy tales, and fantasy conventions, all while exploring themes of power, destiny, and the nature of storytelling itself.
The 8402nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. Reaper Man
A Novel of Discworld
In this satirical fantasy novel, Death finds himself unexpectedly unemployed when the universe decides that even the Grim Reaper needs a replacement. As he explores the meaning of life from a mortal perspective, taking on the guise of a farmhand named Bill Door, the world struggles with the consequences of a reality where the dead are no longer being collected. Meanwhile, a surplus of life force leads to a series of bizarre and comedic events, including the rise of a sentient mall and the mischief of poltergeists. As the fabric of reality begins to unravel, it's up to Death, with his newfound humanity, to confront his replacement and restore the natural order.
The 8745th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. Soul Music
A Novel of Discworld
In this satirical fantasy novel, the world of Discworld is introduced to rock and roll—or "Music with Rocks In"—when a young harpist's life is forever changed after his guitar is imbued with a soul of its own. As the music feverishly spreads across the land, it brings with it a wave of rebellious youth culture, shaking the foundations of society. Meanwhile, Death, one of the book's central characters, goes through an existential crisis, leading to his temporary abdication of duties and the subsequent chaos in the natural order. The story humorously explores themes of fame, destiny, and the transformative power of music, all while parodying the real-world music industry and its icons.
The 9237th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
12. Night Watch
"Night Watch" is a satirical fantasy novel that follows the story of Sam Vimes, a city watch commander who is transported back in time. He must navigate the complexities of the past, assume the identity of his old mentor, and prevent a violent revolution, all while trying to find a way back to his own time. The book is filled with humor, social commentary, and a detailed fantasy world.
The 9360th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
13. Hogfather
A Novel of Discworld
In a fantastical satire of holiday traditions, the very existence of the Discworld's version of Santa Claus, known as the Hogfather, is threatened when a sinister plot is hatched to eliminate him. As belief in the Hogfather wanes, the personification of Death steps in to fill his boots, delivering presents to the children of the Discworld in an attempt to keep the spirit of the holiday alive. Meanwhile, Death's granddaughter, a plucky and resourceful young woman, works to unravel the conspiracy and restore the natural order. The story humorously explores themes of belief, tradition, and the nature of reality through a quirky and whimsical narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The 9600th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
14. The Fifth Elephant
In this satirical fantasy novel, a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch is sent as an ambassador to the politically unstable region of Überwald, where he must navigate the complex social dynamics of werewolves, dwarves, and vampires. The mission is to secure peace and trade agreements, but the situation quickly escalates when a sacred artifact goes missing, threatening to ignite a civil war. With his unique blend of diplomacy and detective skills, the protagonist must solve the mystery, recover the artifact, and prevent chaos in a land where tradition clashes with progress and dark secrets lurk beneath the surface.
The 10102nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
15. Witches Abroad
A Discworld Novel
In this satirical fantasy novel, three witches embark on a journey to a distant land to prevent a fairy godmother from forcibly creating a "happy ending," regardless of the consequences. The witches, each with their own distinct personality and approach to magic, navigate through a world filled with twisted fairy tale tropes, encountering talking animals, voodoo, and the power of stories along the way. As they travel, they grapple with the nature of destiny and the importance of free will, ultimately aiming to subvert the godmother's manipulative narrative and allow the people to shape their own lives. The novel humorously explores themes of fate, storytelling, and the subversion of traditional fairy tale conventions.
The 10359th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
16. Thief Of Time
A Novel of Discworld
In this satirical fantasy novel, the concept of time is personified and at risk as a young clockmaker is tricked into creating a time-stopping clock, which could bring about the end of the world. Meanwhile, the history monks, guardians of time, along with the anthropomorphic personification of Death and his granddaughter, work to prevent this temporal catastrophe. The narrative weaves through multiple storylines filled with quirky characters, including a martial arts monk with a talent for baking, as they confront the nature of time, the importance of living in the moment, and the challenge of managing an increasingly unstable reality. The book combines humor, philosophy, and a richly detailed world to explore the complexities of time and human existence.
The 10557th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
17. Men At Arms
A Novel of Discworld
In this satirical fantasy novel, the city of Ankh-Morpork's Night Watch faces a period of change and expansion, as it is forced to open its ranks to a diverse group of new recruits, including a troll, a dwarf, and a werewolf, due to a new affirmative action policy. The motley crew of guardsmen must navigate the intricacies of their own interpersonal dynamics while simultaneously unraveling a plot that threatens the city's very existence. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a lethal weapon with a mind of its own, and the group must overcome prejudice and personal shortcomings to prevent chaos from consuming the city they are sworn to protect.
The 10657th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
18. Unseen Academicals
In a world where magic and football collide, a group of unlikely heroes from the Unseen University are thrust into the spotlight as they attempt to save their institution by forming a football team. Amidst the chaos of the game, the story delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the power of unity, all while maintaining a humorous and satirical tone. As the wizards, led by the eccentric Archchancellor, navigate the complexities of the sport, they discover that teamwork and understanding can bridge even the widest of divides, offering a fresh perspective on the importance of embracing differences.
The 13885th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
19. Going Postal
A Novel of Discworld
In this satirical fantasy novel, a notorious con artist is given a second chance at life by being forced to revive the defunct Ankh-Morpork Post Office. As the new Postmaster, he must contend with outdated mail systems, a haunted post office, and the competition from a powerful, unscrupulous clacks communication company. Using his wits and a motley crew of postal employees, he embarks on a madcap journey to restore the postal service, outmaneuver the corporate villains, and ultimately redefine the meaning of communication in a city teeming with magic and mayhem.
The 14166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
20. Making Money
A Novel of Discworld
This novel is a humorous fantasy that follows the adventures of Moist von Lipwig, a reformed con artist who is now in charge of the Royal Mint and the bank of Ankh-Morpork. Tasked with revitalizing the city's economy, Moist must navigate a world of golems, werewolves, and other fantastical elements, all while dealing with the bank's peculiar staff and the Machiavellian machinations of the city's patrician. As he attempts to introduce paper money to a society accustomed to gold, his past as a swindler catches up with him, leading to a series of comedic and thrilling challenges. The book combines satire, wit, and a deep understanding of human nature, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy a mix of fantasy and humor.
The 14452nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
21. A Hat Full of Sky
A Story of Discworld
"A Hat Full of Sky" is a young adult fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett. The story follows Tiffany Aching, a young witch who leaves her home in the Chalk to become an apprentice to Miss Level in the big city. Tiffany quickly learns that being a witch is not just about casting spells, but also about understanding people and the world around her. She must also confront a dangerous creature known as a hiver, which seeks to take over her mind and use her powers for its own purposes. With the help of her friends and fellow witches, Tiffany must learn to control her magic and defeat the hiver before it's too late.
The 14983rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
22. The Long Earth
This novel explores the concept of an infinite series of parallel worlds, each differing slightly from our own Earth, which become accessible to humanity through a simple, homemade device. The story follows the adventures of Joshua Valienté, who is naturally able to step between these worlds without the need for technology, and Lobsang, an artificial intelligence claiming to be the reincarnation of a Tibetan motorcycle repairman. Together, they embark on an epic journey to explore the far reaches of the Long Earth, discovering new forms of life, human settlements that have adapted to these unique environments, and the profound implications of this endless frontier on human society and its future.
The 14983rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
23. I Shall Wear Midnight
This novel is a captivating fantasy tale centered around Tiffany Aching, a young witch who stands on the cusp of adulthood, grappling with the weighty responsibilities of her role in her community. As she navigates the complexities of her position, she faces a malevolent entity that feeds on fear and prejudice, threatening the very fabric of her world. With the help of her loyal friends, including a clan of small, fierce blue men known as the Nac Mac Feegle, Tiffany must confront this darkness and protect those who cannot defend themselves. Set in a richly imagined world that blends humor with wisdom, the story explores themes of duty, compassion, and the importance of standing up against injustice.
The 14983rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
24. Pyramids
The Book of Going Forth
This novel is a comedic fantasy that takes place in the Discworld universe, focusing on the story of Teppic, a young prince of the tiny kingdom of Djelibeybi, the Discworld's equivalent of ancient Egypt. After receiving an education at the Assassins' Guild in Ankh-Morpork, Teppic returns home upon his father's death to assume the throne. He finds himself caught between traditional expectations and his own more modern ideas, especially when it comes to the monumental task of building a pyramid for his late father. The construction of this pyramid unleashes chaotic forces, leading to a series of humorous and fantastical events that challenge the fabric of time and reality in his kingdom. Through satire and wit, the novel explores themes of tradition versus progress, the absurdities of power, and the complexities of leadership.
The 14983rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
25. A Stroke Of The Pen
In a time when dragons roamed and the only arcade game was a simple ping-pong, a wizard steps into a smoky tavern in the ancient city of Morpork. This collection brings together twenty early short stories by Terry Pratchett, each accompanied by unique woodcut illustrations. These tales, originally written under a pseudonym for newspapers in the 1970s and 1980s, showcase Pratchett's signature humor and imaginative storytelling. Meet Og, the caveman who first harnessed fire, and explore the consequences of his discovery. Join the ghosts of Pilgarlic Towers as they haunt the Ministry of Nuisances. Visit the peculiar town of Blackbury, where strange weather and an otherworldly visitor stir things up. Embark on a thrilling journey through time and space with the hero Kron, starting in the foggy streets of Morpork. Each story offers a glimpse into the creative mind of Pratchett, hinting at the worlds he would later bring to life.
The 14983rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
26. Thud!
A Novel of Discworld
In a city teetering on the brink of chaos, tensions between dwarfs and trolls reach a boiling point following a mysterious murder that threatens to ignite an ancient feud. The ever-vigilant Commander Sam Vimes of the City Watch must navigate the labyrinthine streets of Ankh-Morpork, unraveling a web of deceit and prejudice to prevent an all-out war. As he delves deeper into the case, Vimes confronts his own inner demons while striving to uphold justice and maintain the fragile peace in a city where the line between order and anarchy is as thin as a blade.
The 17114th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
27. Carpe Jugulum
In this witty and satirical tale set in the fantastical Discworld, the kingdom of Lancre faces an unusual threat when a family of modern, sophisticated vampires arrives, intent on taking over. These vampires, immune to traditional deterrents like garlic and sunlight, challenge the kingdom's stability and the witches' patience. As the vampires' influence grows, the witches, led by the formidable Granny Weatherwax, must employ their cunning and magical prowess to protect their home. The story explores themes of tradition versus modernity, the power of belief, and the importance of community, all wrapped in Pratchett's signature humor and insightful social commentary.
The 17114th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
28. The Last Continent
A Discworld Novel
In this whimsical and satirical tale set on the Discworld, the bumbling wizard Rincewind finds himself on a mysterious continent reminiscent of Australia, where he must navigate a series of absurd challenges and peculiar creatures. As he inadvertently becomes embroiled in a quest to restore the balance of magic, Rincewind encounters a host of eccentric characters, including talking kangaroos and a god with a penchant for beer. Through a blend of humor and clever commentary, the story explores themes of identity, destiny, and the power of storytelling, all while poking fun at cultural stereotypes and the quirks of academia.
The 17114th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
29. Monstrous Regiment
In a satirical twist on the classic war story, a young woman named Polly Perks disguises herself as a man to join the army of Borogravia, a nation perpetually at war. As she navigates the absurdities of military life, Polly discovers that her fellow soldiers are not who they seem, each harboring their own secrets and reasons for enlisting. With a blend of humor and sharp social commentary, the narrative explores themes of identity, gender roles, and the absurdity of war, all set against the backdrop of a fantastical world where nothing is quite as it appears.
The 17114th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
30. Wintersmith
In this enchanting tale, a young witch-in-training named Tiffany Aching inadvertently attracts the attention of the Wintersmith, the elemental spirit of winter, during a dance meant only for the gods. As the Wintersmith becomes infatuated with Tiffany, the balance of the seasons is thrown into chaos, threatening the very fabric of the world. With the help of her fellow witches and the mischievous Nac Mac Feegle, Tiffany must navigate the complexities of magic, identity, and responsibility to restore order and find her place in the world.
The 17114th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
