They are a parody of modern life through the lens of fantastical places, characters, and events that occur on the discworld. It’s a flat land supported by 4 elephants sitting on the back of a space turtle.

There are several mini series within the collection that feature recurring characters and different story archetypes. There are the witches, a coven of 3 witches who tend to be helpful even if they don’t want to be. The night watch features Sam Vimes and other policemen of the major city of discworld who stumble through investigations. Deaths daughter features a girl who was adopted and raised by the personification of death, tall guy, kinda skinny, TALKS LIKE THIS. And the wizards college where magic is studied and knowledge is collected but rarely used.

Aside from those mini series there are lots of stand alone stories and even the books in the mini series can be read as standalone. There is no right or wrong place to start but there are some recommended reading orders that can help you decide where you want to dive in.

I may have some stuff omitted or incorrect. It has been a while since I have read the books but they maintain their position at the front and center of my bookshelf.