Wheel of Time Books in Order

by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. In a world where only women can safely channel the One Power, three young men from a remote village discover they're being hunted by the forces of the Dark One, an ancient evil breaking free from his prison. Rand al'Thor must accept his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, prophesied to save the world but doomed to madness by the tainted male half of the Power he must wield. Across fourteen epic volumes, Robert Jordan (and later Brandon Sanderson) weaves a tapestry of incredible scope, following dozens of richly developed characters through political intrigue, massive battles, and personal transformations as they prepare for Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle. From the pastoral Two Rivers to the Aiel Waste, from the White Tower of Tar Valon to the Blight surrounding Shayol Ghul, this masterwork of worldbuilding explores themes of destiny versus choice, the price of power, and the patterns that bind all human experience. With its intricate magic system, complex cultures, and character arcs spanning thousands of pages, The Wheel of Time stands as one of fantasy literature's greatest achievements, proving that epic fantasy can be both monumentally ambitious and intimately human. Find all Wheel of Time books in order on this page.

Wheel of Time Books in Order

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. In a world where only women can safely channel the One Power, three young men from a remote village discover they're being hunted by the forces of the Dark One, an ancient evil breaking free from his prison. Rand al'Thor must accept his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, prophesied to save the world but doomed to madness by the tainted male half of the Power he must wield.

Across fourteen epic volumes, Robert Jordan (and later Brandon Sanderson) weaves a tapestry of incredible scope, following dozens of richly developed characters through political intrigue, massive battles, and personal transformations as they prepare for Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle. From the pastoral Two Rivers to the Aiel Waste, from the White Tower of Tar Valon to the Blight surrounding Shayol Ghul, this masterwork of worldbuilding explores themes of destiny versus choice, the price of power, and the patterns that bind all human experience.

With its intricate magic system, complex cultures, and character arcs spanning thousands of pages, The Wheel of Time stands as one of fantasy literature's greatest achievements, proving that epic fantasy can be both monumentally ambitious and intimately human.

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The Eye of the World

By Robert Jordan

The peaceful village of Emond's Field has never seen a winter that lasted so long or felt so wrong. When monstrous Trollocs attack during the spring festival, three young men discover they're the targets, hunted by forces of the Dark One for reasons they can't comprehend. Rand al'Thor, a shepherd's son, flees with his friends Mat and Perrin, guided by Moiraine, a mysterious woman who wields the One Power and speaks of prophecies, fate, and a Dragon Reborn who will either save or destroy the world. Their flight becomes an epic journey across a landscape filled with ancient ruins, corrupted cities, and signs that the Dark One's prison weakens with each passing day. This opening volume masterfully balances familiar fantasy elements with unique worldbuilding, introducing a magic system where male channelers are doomed to madness, a rich tapestry of cultures, and mysteries that will take fourteen books to fully unravel. By the time you reach the climactic battle at the Eye of the World, you'll understand why millions of readers couldn't stop here.

Published: 2020

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The Great Hunt

By Robert Jordan

The Horn of Valere has been stolen, a legendary artifact that summons dead heroes to fight in humanity's darkest hour, and Rand al'Thor finds himself reluctantly leading the hunt to retrieve it. As he grapples with evidence that he can channel the One Power, marking him for madness and death, his friends face their own transformations: Mat carries a cursed dagger that's slowly killing him, Perrin discovers he can speak with wolves but fears losing his humanity, and Egwene begins training to become Aes Sedai while navigating the deadly politics of those who wield power. The hunt becomes a race across continents when mysterious invaders called the Seanchan arrive from across the ocean with exotic beasts and a terrifying new way to control those who can channel. Jordan expands his world dramatically in this second volume, introducing portal stones that show alternate realities, the addictive game of stones, and a villain so memorable he'll haunt the series until its end. The book builds to a literally sky-shattering climax that forces Rand to make a choice that will echo throughout the remaining books.

Published: 2021

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The Dragon Reborn

By Robert Jordan

Rand al'Thor has fled alone into the wilderness, driven by dreams and prophecy toward the fortress city of Tear, where Callandor, the Sword That Is Not a Sword, waits for the true Dragon Reborn to claim it. His friends pursue him for their own reasons: Mat, finally healed of the dagger's curse, discovers his supernatural luck comes with a price; Perrin follows wolf dreams while struggling to accept his destiny; and Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne hunt Black Ajah sisters who've stolen powerful objects from the White Tower. The genius of this third volume lies in keeping Rand offscreen for most of it, showing his impact through others' eyes as his very presence warps reality and draws both followers and enemies like moths to flame. Each storyline builds independently before converging in Tear for a climax that fulfills prophecy while opening doors to even greater mysteries. This is where Jordan fully finds his voice, juggling multiple viewpoints with masterful pacing while deepening the mythology and raising questions that won't be answered for books to come.

Published: 2021

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The Shadow Rising

By Robert Jordan

The longest and many say best book in the series splits the action across continents as characters face challenges that will define them forever. Rand ventures into the Aiel Waste, the deadly desert home of the warrior societies, where the glass columns of Rhuidean reveal the devastating truth about his heritage and the history of the Aiel people. Perrin returns to defend Emond's Field from an overwhelming Trolloc invasion, becoming the leader he never wanted to be while navigating his complex relationship with Faile. Mat's journey to Rhuidean gifts him with ancient memories of generals and battles, transforming a gambler and rogue into one of history's greatest military commanders. Meanwhile, intrigue in the White Tower explodes as Nynaeve and Elayne hunt Black Ajah in the maritime city of Tanchico. At over 1,000 pages, this fourth volume never drags, delivering series-defining moments of triumph and tragedy while expanding the world's scope to truly epic proportions. The revelations in Rhuidean alone would make this essential reading, but combined with Perrin's heroic defense and Mat's transformation, it becomes the series' cornerstone.

Published: 2021

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The Fires of Heaven

By Robert Jordan

Prophecy becomes reality as Rand al'Thor leads the Aiel clans out of the Waste, beginning his conquest of nations while the Forsaken, the Dark One's most powerful servants, scheme to destroy him through manipulation rather than direct confrontation. Mat discovers that his newfound memories come with the instincts of history's greatest generals, forming the Band of the Red Hand and winning impossible battles through tactical genius and supernatural luck. Nynaeve achieves a feat of channeling that hasn't been accomplished in three thousand years, while navigating her contentious relationship with Elayne and their circus disguise. The book builds steadily toward multiple climaxes: a devastating betrayal that changes everything, a battle in the sky above Cairhien that showcases the terrible beauty of channeling warfare, and confrontations with the Forsaken that prove immortal doesn't mean invincible. Jordan demonstrates his mastery of epic scope here, showing how Rand's presence transforms entire cultures while never losing sight of the personal costs, as characters we've grown to love make choices that will haunt them forever.

Published: 2021

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Lord of Chaos

By Robert Jordan

The title says it all as the world fractures into competing factions, each trying to control or eliminate the Dragon Reborn while the Dark One's influence grows stronger. Rand attempts to build alliances and establish schools while multiple groups of Aes Sedai maneuver around him, some seeking to guide him, others to cage him, creating a political minefield where trust becomes the deadliest luxury. Egwene receives a summons that will change her life, Nynaeve discovers a breakthrough that could transform the world, and Mat continues trying to escape his destiny while the Pattern keeps pulling him back. New threats emerge as the mysterious gholam hunts channelers and Padan Fain becomes something even the Forsaken fear. The book's slower pace builds inexorably toward Dumai's Wells, one of fantasy literature's most brutal and game-changing battles, where Rand's response to betrayal coins the chilling phrase "Kneel and swear to the Lord Dragon, or you will be knelt." This sixth volume proves Jordan can write political intrigue as masterfully as action, creating a web of schemes within schemes that will take books to fully unravel.

Published: 2021

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A Crown of Swords

By Robert Jordan

In the aftermath of Dumai's Wells, Rand hardens like iron in the forge, trusting fewer people while the list of those who would use him grows longer. His pursuit of Sammael through the deadly ruins of Shadar Logoth becomes a metaphor for how fighting evil risks becoming evil, while Mat finds himself in Ebou Dar dealing with Queen Tylin's aggressive attention in a storyline that cleverly reverses typical fantasy tropes. Nynaeve and Elayne search for the Bowl of the Winds to break the Dark One's unnatural summer, leading to discoveries about ter'angreal and themselves. The Seanchan return in force, bringing their brutal order and alien customs, while Cadsuane Melaidhrin arrives like a force of nature, the one Aes Sedai who might teach Rand what he needs to learn if her methods don't break him first. This seventh book begins what fans call "the slog," focusing more on character development and political maneuvering than action, but it contains crucial developments that set up future payoffs, including one of the series' most shocking endings.

Published: 2021

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The Path of Daggers

By Robert Jordan

The shortest book in the series packs emotional intensity into every page as the Bowl of the Winds is used with devastating consequences, proving that even saving the world can go catastrophically wrong. Rand's campaign against the Seanchan showcases both his growing military genius and his increasing instability, as the taint on saidin and the pressure of prophecy push him toward a hardness that frightens even his allies. Egwene maneuvers through the treacherous politics of the rebel Aes Sedai, slowly transforming from puppet Amyrlin to true leader through sheer force of will and clever manipulation. Perrin's hunt for his kidnapped wife Faile begins, introducing the Prophet's rabid followers and the complex Shaido Aiel culture. Though the plot moves slowly by Jordan's standards, the character work runs deep, showing how power corrupts, how good intentions pave roads to disaster, and how the Dragon Reborn's victory might be indistinguishable from his defeat if he loses his humanity along the way.

Published: 2021

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Winter's Heart

By Robert Jordan

Rand al'Thor undertakes the impossible: cleansing saidin of the Dark One's three-thousand-year-old taint, an act that will transform the world if it doesn't kill him first. The buildup to this monumental event weaves through multiple storylines as Mat courts Tuon, the Daughter of the Nine Moons, in one of fantasy's strangest and most compelling romances. Perrin's methodical pursuit of the Shaido who hold Faile leads him to consider deals with devils, while Elayne navigates pregnancy and the deadly politics of claiming Andor's throne. The book's pace remains deliberate until its climactic finale, where Rand and Nynaeve's use of the Choedan Kal creates a beacon of power visible to every channeler in the world, drawing Forsaken like sharks to blood. Despite being part of "the slog," this ninth volume contains one of the series' most significant events, fundamentally changing the rules of the world while setting up conflicts that will define the remaining books.

Published: 2021

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Crossroads of Twilight

By Robert Jordan

The most controversial book in the series takes an unusual approach, showing what every major character was doing during the climactic events of Winter's Heart's ending. Mat continues his complex courtship dance with Tuon while maneuvering through Seanchan culture, Perrin negotiates with the Seanchan for help rescuing Faile, and Egwene springs her trap on the White Tower in a shocking cliffhanger. The pace slows to a crawl as Jordan meticulously positions every piece for the coming avalanche, testing reader patience with a book where very little happens despite running over 700 pages. However, the deep character work and political maneuvering prove essential for understanding later developments, showing how the cleansing of saidin ripples through every level of society. This is the slog's deepest point, but those who persevere are rewarded when Knife of Dreams begins the sprint toward the Last Battle.

Published: 2021

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Knife of Dreams

By Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan's final completed volume unleashes the avalanche of resolutions fans waited for through the slog. Mat's romance with Tuon reaches its surprising conclusion while showcasing his growth from rogue to general to prince, Perrin finally strikes against the Shaido in a battle that's been building for four books, and Rand suffers losses that push him to the very edge of darkness. Egwene's captivity in the White Tower becomes a masterclass in undermining authority from within, while Elayne finally secures her throne through politics and bravery. The pace accelerates dramatically as Jordan, aware of his declining health, pushed to resolve as many plotlines as possible, resulting in a book packed with payoffs, revelations, and emotional moments that remind readers why they fell in love with these characters. This eleventh volume proves the slog was worth it, delivering satisfaction while setting up the final act with renewed energy and purpose.

Published: 2021

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The Gathering Storm

By Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson takes the helm following Jordan's death, focusing primarily on two storylines that define the book: Rand's descent into his darkest hour and Egwene's triumph in the White Tower. Rand becomes so hard he considers destroying the Pattern itself to end all suffering, leading to moments of cruelty that shock even readers who've watched his gradual transformation. His confrontation with Semirhage produces one of the series' most disturbing scenes, while his treatment of those who love him shows how far the shepherd from Emond's Field has fallen. Meanwhile, Egwene's campaign to undermine Elaida from within reaches its climax in a sequence that stands among the series' finest moments, as the Seanchan attack on the Tower allows her to demonstrate everything she's learned. Sanderson honors Jordan's vision while bringing his own strengths to the narrative, particularly in showing Rand's psychological state and delivering the emotional catharsis fans craved.

Published: 2021

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Towers of Midnight

By Brandon Sanderson

The penultimate volume weaves together numerous plotlines as the Last Battle approaches, delivering emotional payoffs thirteen books in the making. Mat infiltrates the Tower of Ghenjei to rescue Moiraine in a sequence that blends horror, humor, and heroism, while Perrin masters the wolf dream to face Slayer in battles that bend reality itself. Aviendha's visions of the Aiel's future provide one of the series' most devastating sequences, while Rand, transformed by his epiphany atop Dragonmount, begins healing the wounds he caused during his darkest period. The book balances intimate character moments with epic set pieces, from forging Perrin's hammer to the revelation of Demandred's location, while positioning every piece for the Last Battle. Sanderson juggles the massive cast expertly, giving nearly every significant character moments to shine while maintaining momentum toward the conclusion.

Published: 2021

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A Memory of Light

By Brandon Sanderson

The Last Battle arrives in a final volume that's essentially one enormous, multi-layered battle sequence spanning days and continents. Every remaining thread weaves together as the forces of Light make their stand at multiple fronts: Mat commands the combined armies in the most complex military engagement in fantasy literature, Perrin hunts Slayer through the wolf dream while protecting Rand, and Egwene leads the Aes Sedai against the Sharans and their channelers. Heroes fall in numbers that justify the stakes, revelations about everything from the nature of the Dark One to Rand's plan shake fundamental assumptions, and character arcs spanning millions of words reach satisfying conclusions. Sanderson, working from Jordan's detailed notes and his own written ending, delivers an emotional and action-packed finale that honors the entire journey. The book doesn't just end the series; it completes a meditation on the nature of choice, the price of salvation, and the hope that even in the darkest times, the Wheel continues to turn.

Published: 2021

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Wheel of Time Reading Order

Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time isn't just a fantasy series; it's a 14-book, 4.4-million-word epic that redefined what fantasy literature could achieve in scope and complexity.

The Wheel of Time Reading Order: Complete Guide to Robert Jordan's Epic Fantasy

Last updated: August 2025

Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time isn't just a fantasy series; it's a 14-book, 4.4-million-word epic that redefined what fantasy literature could achieve in scope and complexity. With its intricate magic system, dozens of viewpoint characters, and a story spanning continents and ages, knowing how to approach this masterwork can feel as daunting as facing the Dark One himself. Here's your complete guide to one of fantasy's greatest achievements.

Quick Answer: The Path is Clear

For first-time readers: Read in publication order. No exceptions, no shortcuts.

Main series order:

  1. The Eye of the World (1990)
  2. The Great Hunt (1990)
  3. The Dragon Reborn (1991)
  4. The Shadow Rising (1992)
  5. The Fires of Heaven (1993)
  6. Lord of Chaos (1994)
  7. A Crown of Swords (1996)
  8. The Path of Daggers (1998)
  9. Winter's Heart (2000)
  10. Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
  11. Knife of Dreams (2005)
  12. The Gathering Storm (2009)*
  13. Towers of Midnight (2010)*
  14. A Memory of Light (2013)*

*Books 12-14 completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan's passing

Additional content:

  • New Spring (prequel novel) - read after Book 5 minimum
  • The Strike at Shayol Ghul (short story) - anytime
  • River of Souls (deleted scene) - after completing series

Why Reading Order Matters

The Wheel of Time demands sequential reading because:

  • Continuous narrative with no time jumps between books
  • Hundreds of characters introduced gradually across volumes
  • Foreshadowing planted books in advance pays off later
  • Multiple plotlines weave together in increasingly complex patterns
  • Magic system reveals build systematically throughout
  • The ending was written first; everything builds toward it

Starting anywhere but The Eye of the World would be like starting a tapestry from the middle thread.

Understanding "The Slog"

Books 7-10 are often called "the slog" where pacing slows. Here's the truth:

Why it happens:

  • Jordan expanded plotlines faster than he resolved them
  • Political intrigue dominates over action
  • Beloved characters disappear for entire books
  • Timeline moves glacially (Book 10 covers just days)

Why it's worth it:

  • Essential character development occurs
  • Political complexities set up the finale
  • Knife of Dreams begins the avalanche of resolutions
  • Skipping means missing crucial plot points

Survival strategies:

  • Read multiple books quickly rather than spacing them out
  • Focus on character moments over plot progression
  • Trust that Sanderson's books reward your patience

The Main Series: Book by Book

The Eye of the World
In the village of Emond's Field, three young men discover they're targets of the Dark One's forces when Trollocs attack their peaceful community. Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara flee with Moiraine, an Aes Sedai (magic user) who believes one of them is the Dragon Reborn, prophesied to fight the Dark One but doomed to madness. This opening volume deliberately echoes Tolkien before Jordan's unique voice emerges, introducing a world where only women can safely use magic, where the Wheel of Time turns through Ages, and where prophecy is both salvation and curse. By the end, you'll understand why millions of readers couldn't stop here.

The Great Hunt
The legendary Horn of Valere, which summons dead heroes to fight at the Last Battle, has been stolen by Darkfriends and Trollocs. Rand struggles with channeling the male half of the Power while Mat suffers from a cursed dagger's influence and Perrin discovers he can communicate with wolves. Meanwhile, Egwene and Nynaeve train at the White Tower of the Aes Sedai, and exotic invaders called the Seanchan arrive from across the ocean with devastating new weapons. This second volume expands the world dramatically while maintaining the pace of a thrilling chase narrative, culminating in Rand's first public declaration of his identity.

The Dragon Reborn
Rand flees alone to Tear to claim Callandor, the crystal sword that only the Dragon Reborn can touch, while his friends pursue him for different reasons. Mat's luck becomes supernatural after his healing, Perrin struggles between hammer and axe, and Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne hunt Black Ajah sisters who have stolen powerful artifacts. Jordan hits his stride here, juggling multiple viewpoints smoothly while each storyline builds toward convergence at the Stone of Tear. This is where the series transforms from quest fantasy into something far more complex and original.

The Shadow Rising
The series' best book sends characters to opposite corners of the world: Rand and Mat journey to the Aiel Waste where Rand learns his true heritage in the glass columns of Rhuidean, while Perrin returns to defend Emond's Field from Trolloc invasion. Nynaeve and Elayne hunt Black Ajah in Tanchico, and political intrigue explodes in the White Tower. At 1,001 pages, it's massive but perfectly paced, featuring series-defining moments like Perrin's defense of his home and Rand's emergence as Car'a'carn, chief of chiefs of the Aiel. This is epic fantasy at its finest.

The Fires of Heaven
Rand leads the Aiel across the Spine of the World to reclaim his birthright while Mat discovers his military genius was enhanced by ancient memories. The Forsaken (immortal servants of the Dark One) scheme against each other as much as against Rand, while Nynaeve performs one of the series' most impressive feats of channeling. Tragedy strikes major characters, and the scope expands to show how Rand's presence transforms entire nations. This fifth volume maintains momentum while deepening the mythology and raising stakes for everyone.

Lord of Chaos
Politics intensifies as Rand tries to unite nations before the Last Battle while multiple factions of Aes Sedai maneuver to control him. Mat forms the Band of the Red Hand military company, Perrin deals with unexpected visitors, and Egwene receives a shocking summons. The book builds slowly to one of fantasy's greatest battle sequences at Dumai's Wells, where Rand's imprisonment and rescue changes everything about power dynamics in the world. "Kneel and swear to the Lord Dragon, or you will be knelt" becomes the series' most chilling line.

A Crown of Swords
In the aftermath of Dumai's Wells, Rand hardens emotionally while pursuing the Forsaken Sammael through the deadly fog of Shadar Logoth. Mat finds himself pursued by Queen Tylin in an uncomfortable reversal of typical fantasy tropes, while Nynaeve and Elayne search for the Bowl of the Winds to fix the Dark One's touch on weather. This seventh book begins what fans call "the slog," with increased focus on political maneuvering and character relationships over action, though it contains crucial developments for the overall story.

The Path of Daggers
The shortest book focuses on using the Bowl of the Winds while Rand campaigns against the Seanchan invaders. Egwene manipulates her way toward true power as Amyrlin Seat, while Perrin pursues his kidnapped wife Faile. The pace slows considerably as Jordan expands plotlines without resolving older ones, testing reader patience. However, important pieces move into position for later payoffs, and character development deepens even as plot progression stalls.

Winter's Heart
Rand executes a desperate plan to cleanse saidin (the male half of the One Power) of the Dark One's taint, while Mat courts Tuon, the Daughter of the Nine Moons prophesied to marry him. Perrin's pursuit of Faile continues through Amadician winter, and Elayne claims the Lion Throne of Andor. The book's climax features one of the series' most significant magical events, though getting there requires patience through extensive setup chapters.

Crossroads of Twilight
The series' most controversial book shows various characters' reactions to the cleansing of saidin, with the timeline overlapping the previous book significantly. Mat continues his complex courtship of Tuon while Perrin negotiates with the Seanchan for help rescuing Faile. Egwene's capture by the White Tower provides the book's main dramatic tension. While essential for setup, this is where many readers struggle, as very little happens despite 700+ pages.

Knife of Dreams
Jordan's final completed volume begins the avalanche of resolutions fans waited for through the slog. Mat's relationship with Tuon reaches its conclusion, Perrin finally rescues Faile, and Rand suffers losses that push him toward darkness. Egwene undermines Elaida from within the White Tower while Elayne secures her throne. The pace accelerates dramatically as Jordan, knowing his time was limited, pushed toward conclusion with renewed energy.

The Gathering Storm
Brandon Sanderson's first volume brings Rand to his darkest point as he considers destroying the Pattern itself to end the suffering. Egwene's campaign within the White Tower reaches its climax in one of the series' most satisfying sequences. The book focuses primarily on these two storylines, allowing for deeper exploration of Rand's psychological state and Egwene's political triumph. Sanderson honors Jordan's vision while bringing his own strengths to the project.

Towers of Midnight
The penultimate book resolves most remaining plotlines as Mat infiltrates the Tower of Ghenjei to rescue Moiraine, Perrin masters the wolf dream to defeat Slayer, and Aviendha sees the devastating future of the Aiel. Rand, transformed by his epiphany, begins gathering allies for the Last Battle while repairing relationships he destroyed. This volume delivers emotional payoffs for character arcs spanning thirteen books.

A Memory of Light
The Last Battle arrives in a final volume that's essentially one massive, multi-front battle sequence spanning hundreds of pages. Heroes fall, revelations explode, and every remaining thread weaves together as the forces of Light make their stand at Merrilor and Shayol Ghul. Sanderson, working from Jordan's notes and written ending, delivers an emotional and action-packed conclusion that honors the entire journey while providing satisfying closure for one of fantasy's longest epics.

The Prequel: New Spring

When to read: After Book 5 minimum, though many prefer after Book 10
Why wait: Contains spoilers for character relationships and motivations

Set 20 years before The Eye of the World, this novel shows Moiraine and Lan meeting while searching for the infant Dragon Reborn as the Aiel War ends. It provides valuable backstory but works best when you already know these characters.

Common Reading Challenges

The Gender Relations Debate

Jordan writes deliberately frustrating gender dynamics:

  • Men and women constantly misunderstand each other
  • "Men are woolheads" vs "Women are incomprehensible"
  • Some find it realistic, others tiresome
  • It's intentional commentary, not poor writing

Keeping Track of Characters

With 2,787 named characters:

  • Focus on POV characters first
  • Use the glossaries in each book
  • Online resources help (but beware spoilers)
  • Many minor names don't matter

The Description Density

Jordan loves describing clothing, architecture, and food:

  • Skim if necessary during re-reads
  • First time through, it builds the world
  • Braid-tugging and skirt-smoothing become memes

Brandon Sanderson's Completion

After Jordan's death in 2007:

  • Sanderson worked from extensive notes
  • Jordan wrote the ending himself
  • Some character voices change slightly
  • Most fans consider it a successful conclusion

Should You Read This Series?

Read Wheel of Time if you want:

  • True epic scope with dozens of viewpoints
  • Complex magic system with clear rules
  • Political intrigue alongside classic good vs evil
  • Character arcs spanning thousands of pages
  • A complete series with definitive ending

Maybe skip if you need:

  • Fast pacing throughout
  • Grimdark moral ambiguity
  • Concise storytelling
  • Modern sensibilities about gender
  • Quick payoffs for plot threads

Reading Tips for New Readers

Commit to at least Book 4
The first book is deliberately traditional. Jordan's unique voice emerges fully by The Shadow Rising. If you don't love it by then, it's not for you.

Don't Fear the Slog
Books 7-10 are slower but essential. Read them quickly rather than taking breaks. The payoff in Books 11-14 rewards patience magnificently.

Trust the Pattern
Everything connects. Throwaway lines in Book 1 matter in Book 14. Jordan planned meticulously.

Join the Community Carefully
The fandom is welcoming but spoilers are everywhere. Finish before diving into theories and discussions.

The TV Show
Amazon's adaptation makes significant changes. Books and show are separate experiences; neither replaces the other.

Why The Wheel of Time Matters

This series proved fantasy could sustain complexity across millions of words while maintaining coherent themes. It showed that readers would follow dozens of viewpoints if characters were compelling. It demonstrated that fantasy could tackle political intrigue, gender relations, and philosophical questions while delivering spectacular action.

Whether you become one who posts "The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills" or one who admits they couldn't finish, attempting this series is a rite of passage for fantasy readers.


There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it is a beginning. Ready to start your journey?

Tai'shar!