City Watch Series - Discworld Reading Order Guide
Follows the Ankh-Morpork City Watch under the leadership of Sam Vimes as they solve crimes, navigate politics, and bring law to the chaotic city-state, while growing from a dysfunctional night watch to a diverse and effective police force.
8 books in this series
Recommended Reading Order for City Watch Series Books
- #18
Guards! Guards!
The cynical, downtrodden City Watch of Ankh-Morpork faces off against a dragon summoned by power-hungry conspirators. Led by Captain Vimes, they must overcome incompetence to protect their city.
Examines authority, justice, and civic responsibility, satirizing the complacency of institutions and the public's desire for simplistic solutions.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, sybil ramkin, nobby nobbs, fred colon, lord vetinari and lupine wonse
- #215
Men at Arms
Captain Vimes and the expanding City Watch investigate a mysterious new invention a lethal "gonne" which threatens stability in Ankh-Morpork. Issues of race, integration, and justice loom large.
Discusses prejudice, integration, and social reform, emphasizing the value of diversity and challenging entrenched biases.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, detritus, cuddy, edward d eath, sybil ramkin and lord vetinari
- #319
Feet of Clay
Vimes investigates an assassination attempt on Lord Vetinari involving golems, the city's clay workers. The mystery reveals deep societal tensions in the city's hierarchy.
Explores free will, class struggle, and the ethics of artificial intelligence, raising questions about what it truly means to be "alive."
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, cheery littlebottom, dorfl, lord vetinari and detritus
- #421
Jingo
War threatens between Ankh-Morpork and Klatch over a newly risen island. Commander Vimes must navigate diplomacy, espionage, and prejudice to avert a senseless conflict.
A sharp critique of nationalism, xenophobia, and the absurdity of war, highlighting how easily prejudice is exploited politically.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, fred colon, nobby nobbs, lord vetinari, leonard of quirm and seventyone hour ahmed
- #524
The Fifth Elephant
Commander Vimes travels to Uberwald for diplomatic negotiations, uncovering plots involving dwarven politics and werewolves. Tensions mount as intrigue threatens war.
Addresses international diplomacy, cultural misunderstandings, and the delicate balance of political power and integrity.
Main characters: sam vimes, sybil ramkin, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, wolfgang von uberwald, gaspode and sally von humpeding
- #629
Night Watch
Commander Vimes is sent back in time during a rebellion in Ankh-Morpork. He must mentor his younger self and maintain history without disrupting his personal future.
An introspective look at morality, justice, personal integrity, and the inevitability of history repeating itself.
Main characters: sam vimes, carcer dun, reg shoe, rosie palm and lord snapcase
- #734
Thud!
Vimes investigates a murder amidst escalating tensions between trolls and dwarves. Ancient animosity threatens to plunge the city into chaos.
Addresses racial and ethnic tensions, prejudice, and the importance of empathy, communication, and historical reconciliation.
Main characters: sam vimes, carrot ironfoundersson, angua, cheery littlebottom, detritus, sybil ramkin, lord vetinari, grag hamcrusher and mr shine
- #839
Snuff
Vimes investigates crimes against goblins in the countryside, confronting entrenched prejudice and fighting for justice.
Tackles systemic prejudice, colonial attitudes, and the fight for civil rights and dignity, underscoring justice as an active, persistent choice.
Main characters: sam vimes, sybil ramkin, willikins, chief constable feeney upshot, stratford and tears of the mushroom