How to Read The Wheel of Time Books in Order

Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time (WoT) series (completed by Brandon Sanderson) is a massive fantasy epic spanning 14 books and a prequel. With its dense world-building and interconnected storylines, understanding the reading order is crucial for the ultimate experience.

Hands-down my favorite epic fantasy series, WoT is a masterclass in worldbuilding and character depth, with its intricate magic system, sprawling narrative, and unforgettable cast of heroes and villains shaping modern fantasy literature. Its enduring popularity—boosted by Amazon’s TV adaptation(divisive it may be)—proves its timeless appeal, blending Tolkien-esque scope with Jordan’s unique lore. Speaking of Tolkien…did you know that RJ was dubbed The American Tolkien by The Reactor Magazine back in 2016? Give that article a read if you haven’t already.

The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.

Robert Jordan, The Path of Daggers

The Wheel of Time in a Nutshell

The Wheel of Time is a high-fantasy epic set in a world where time is cyclical, governed by the Wheel of Time—a cosmic force that weaves the lives of all beings into a tapestry called the Pattern of the Ages. Each soul reincarnates across infinite cycles, with key individuals (ta’veren) influencing the course of history during pivotal eras.

Get the entire series in book format here.

If you prefer audiobooks, get them here.

Magic and the One Power

Magic in this universe is fueled by the One Power, a dual-gendered force (saidar for women, saidin for men). Only women can safely channel it, as saidin was tainted by the Dark One, driving male channelers to madness and destruction. The Aes Sedai, a matriarchal order of female channelers, wield this power to protect humanity and prepare for the Dark One’s return.

Central Conflict

The story revolves around Rand al’Thor, a young man destined to become the Dragon Reborn—the prophesied savior who must face the Dark One, a malevolent force imprisoned since the dawn of time. The Dark One’s influence corrupted saidin during the Age of Legends, triggering the Breaking of the World and a catastrophic collapse of civilization. Rand’s journey mirrors that of Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon who sealed the Dark One’s prison but succumbed to madness, foreshadowing Rand’s own struggle between fate and free will.

Themes and Worldbuilding

•  Fate vs. Free Will: The series explores whether individuals can defy the Pattern or are bound by destiny.
•  Gender Dynamics: Societies are shaped by the One Power’s gendered nature, with women holding political and magical authority.
•  Cosmic Scope: The Wheel’s cycles and the Dark One’s eternal threat create a backdrop of existential stakes, blending Tolkien-esque grandeur with Jordan’s intricate lore.

TV Adaptation

Amazon Prime Video’s Wheel of Time series reimagines (extra emphasis on the word, yes) the story, merging timelines (e.g., Season 3 adapts The Shadow Rising but incorporates elements from The Dragon Reborn) and altering character arcs for dramatic effect.

This framework underscores the series’ blend of mythic scope, moral complexity, and immersive worldbuilding, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of modern fantasy.

The wheel weaves as the wheel wills and we are only a thread of the pattern. 

-Robert Jordan, The Gathering Storm

Back to the million-dollar question…

As with many book series, the question of how to read The Wheel of Time books in order always arises. Before we go into that, let’s answer the question, “Why does it matter?” (Aside from the obvious…)

1. Narrative Flow: The series’ gradual reveal of lore and character arcs is carefully structured in publication order. Skipping New Spring (the prequel) until later preserves the intended pacing of Jordan’s original vision. (More on this later.)
2. Avoiding Spoilers: New Spring contains details about Moiraine’s past that are slowly uncovered in the main series. Reading it too early risks spoiling key revelations.
3. Authorial Intent: Jordan designed the series to unfold naturally, with later books building on earlier revelations. Deviating from publication order disrupts this progression.

So, what’s the correct Wheel of Time reading order?

Publication Order (recommended for first-time readers):

1. The Eye of the World (1990)

Rand al’Thor and his friends, Mat and Perrin, live simple lives in the secluded village of Emond’s Field until a mysterious attack forces them to flee with Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai, and her Warder, Lan. Pursued by terrifying creatures of the Shadow, they embark on a journey across a vast and dangerous world. Along the way, they discover hidden powers, dark prophecies, and a destiny that ties them to an ancient battle of good versus evil. Their path leads them to the Eye of the World, where they must face a powerful foe and learn the truth about Rand’s fate.

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2. The Great Hunt (1990)

As Rand grapples with the shocking revelation that he may be bleep-bleep-bleep, he is thrust into a desperate quest to recover the stolen Horn of Valere, a legendary artifact capable of summoning ancient heroes. Accompanied by his friends and allies, he travels across the continent, pursued by dark forces determined to claim the Horn for their own sinister purposes. Meanwhile, Egwene and Nynaeve begin their training in the White Tower, uncovering dangerous secrets within the Aes Sedai. As the hunt reaches its climax, Rand is forced to wield his growing power, forever altering the course of history.

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3. The Dragon Reborn (1991)

Haunted by prophecy and determined to take control of his destiny, Rand sets out alone on a perilous journey to claim the sword Callandor, hidden within the fortress of the Stone of Tear. Meanwhile, Mat struggles with his newfound luck and a dangerous connection to the Shadow, while Perrin faces his own battle with his wolf-gift. Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne uncover a dark conspiracy within the White Tower and set out to confront a powerful enemy. As Rand reaches Tear, his fate is sealed…

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4. The Shadow Rising (1992)

With the Stone of Tear fallen and Callandor in his grasp, Rand embarks on a journey to the Aiel Waste, seeking answers about his past and the destiny that awaits him. Perrin rushes back to the Two Rivers to protect his people from a brutal invasion, discovering the price of leadership along the way. Mat finds himself ensnared in an ancient web of fate as he continues his struggle to escape prophecy. Meanwhile, tensions in the White Tower boil over, leading to a split that will have far-reaching consequences for the Aes Sedai and the world.

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5. The Fires of Heaven (1993)

As Rand leads the Aiel across the land, he faces his most dangerous opponent yet. Mat is drawn further into prophecy, becoming a reluctant general in a war he never wanted. Egwene and Nynaeve uncover secrets of the One Power while navigating political intrigue and deadly threats. Meanwhile, Moiraine’s influence over Rand begins to wane, leading to a shocking moment that changes their relationship forever.

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6. Lord of Chaos (1994)

Rand struggles to unite the world under his banner as he prepares for the prophesied Last Battle, but enemies lurk everywhere, including within the Aes Sedai. Perrin is drawn back into Rand’s orbit, forced to balance his loyalty with his desire for peace. Egwene rises to power as an alternative to the fractured White Tower, proving herself a formidable leader. As Rand’s grip on sanity weakens, the Forsaken set a deadly trap, leading to an earth-shattering confrontation at Dumai’s Wells.

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7. A Crown of Swords (1996)

Determined to cleanse the world of the Dark One’s influence, Rand sets his sights on the Seanchan invaders while struggling to maintain control over the fractured nations under his rule. Mat’s fate intertwines with the court of Ebou Dar, where he becomes entangled in deadly politics and prophecy. Meanwhile, Rand faces betrayal from those he once trusted, forcing him to embrace his growing power in increasingly ruthless ways.

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8. The Path of Daggers (1998)

As Rand marches against the Seanchan, his battle for control of the world grows even more desperate, leading to a costly and uncertain victory. Elayne fights to secure her claim to the throne of Andor, facing betrayal from within her own allies. Perrin embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue his kidnapped wife, Faile, pushing his leadership and loyalty to the limit. With tensions rising, the forces of the Shadow move unseen, preparing for the final confrontation.

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9. Winter’s Heart (2000)

Rand takes on one of his most daring and dangerous missions—cleansing the Dark One’s taint from the male half of the One Power before it drives him to madness. Mat, having barely survived the Seanchan, finds himself entangled with the Daughter of the Nine Moons, a woman who will change his fate forever. Perrin’s hunt for Faile grows darker, as he must decide how far he is willing to go to rescue her. In a climactic moment, Rand and Nynaeve channel immense power to accomplish the impossible, shaking the world to its core.

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10. Crossroads of Twilight (2003)

As the world reels from Rand’s bold move, rulers and enemies alike struggle to understand the implications of his actions. Egwene’s siege of Tar Valon continues, bringing her closer to uniting the White Tower under her leadership. Perrin’s pursuit of Faile leads him deeper into a dangerous web of captivity and warfare. Meanwhile, Mat’s journey with Tuon takes unexpected turns, setting him on a collision course with destiny.

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11. New Spring (2004) prequel

Years before the events of The Eye of the World, Moiraine and Siuan discover a secret prophecy foretelling the rebirth of the Dragon. Determined to find and protect him, Moiraine and her Warder, Lan, set out on a perilous mission that will shape their futures. Along the way, they uncover deadly plots, dangerous foes, and the true cost of duty. This glimpse into the past reveals the origins of two of the series’ most pivotal characters.

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12. Knife of Dreams (2005)

As the Last Battle looms, Rand, Mat, and Perrin must each face their own critical struggles. Rand fights to hold his crumbling alliances together while battling his inner darkness. Perrin launches a daring rescue to save Faile, but the cost may be higher than he expects. Mat, caught in a game of politics and prophecy, prepares for a confrontation with the Seanchan that will determine the fate of nations.

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13. The Gathering Storm (2009)

With time running out, Rand struggles with his mounting despair, knowing that his every decision could doom or save the world. Egwene fights to restore the Aes Sedai and unify the White Tower before the Last Battle begins. Mat and Perrin continue their own battles, each playing a key role in the war to come. As Rand reaches his breaking point, a moment of revelation changes everything, giving him a renewed purpose for the fight ahead.

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14. Towers of Midnight (2010)

The forces of light race to prepare for the Last Battle as the Shadow’s influence spreads. Mat embarks on a desperate mission to retrieve the fabled Horn of Valere and confront the gholam stalking him. Perrin, torn between his human and wolf nature, must master himself before he can face his enemies. Meanwhile, Rand moves toward his final destiny, ready to meet the Dark One in Shayol Ghul, in the battle that will decide the fate of all existence.

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15. A Memory of Light (2013)

The Last Battle has begun, and every nation, army, and hero must stand against the overwhelming forces of the Shadow. Rand faces his ultimate confrontation with the Dark One, knowing that victory may require the ultimate sacrifice. Mat leads the forces of light in a desperate battle against overwhelming odds, while Perrin fights in both the waking world and the realm of dreams. As the Wheel of Time turns, the fate of the world hangs in the balance, leading to a climactic and unforgettable conclusion.

😭 Pro Tip: Have a box (or two) of tissue ready when you read the final book.

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“We are always more afraid than we wish to be, but we can always be braver than we expect.”

robert jordan, Lord of Chaos

Chronological Order (for lore enthusiasts):

1. New Spring

2. The Eye of the World

3. The Great Hunt

4. The Dragon Reborn

5. The Shadow Rising

6. The Fires of Heaven

7. Lord of Chaos

8. A Crown of Swords

9. The Path of Daggers

10. Winter’s Heart

11. Crossroads of Twilight

12. Knife of Dreams

13. The Gathering Storm

15. Towers of Midnight

16. A Memory of Light

Take Note

• New Spring: While canonically first, it’s recommended to read it after Crossroads of Twilight to avoid spoilers for early events.
• Posthumous Completion: Books 12–15 were co-authored by Brandon Sanderson using Jordan’s notes.
• TV Adaptation: Prime Video’s Wheel of Time series adaptation diverges from the books (from the get-go, Season One divided the fan base; Season Two maybe less), merging plotlines and altering timelines (e.g., Season 3 adapts The Shadow Rising but includes elements from The Dragon Reborn).

Related Books

What is THE Correct Order of The Wheel of Time Books?

If you’re reading this series of novels for the first time, read it in the order the books were published. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is why:

• Narrative Flow: The original release order preserves the gradual reveal of lore and character arcs.
• Avoiding Spoilers: New Spring contains details about Moiraine’s past that are slowly uncovered in the main series.
• Authorial Intent: RJ structured the series to unfold naturally, with later books building on earlier revelations.

If you’ve spent decades of your life reading the entire series, then you can read the books in any order you want and not miss out on the experience. In fact, jumping from book to book on your nth read only makes it better.

On Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

Robert Jordan’s Legacy

Robert Jordan (pen name of James Oliver Rigney Jr.) crafted The Wheel of Time, a 14-book epic fantasy series spanning decades. His work redefined the genre with its cyclical nature of time, where ages come and pass, and the One Power—a dual-gendered magic system—shapes the world. Jordan’s meticulous worldbuilding, including the Aes Sedai (women who channel the One Power) and the Stone of Tear fortress, immersed readers in a sprawling universe where prophecy and fate collide.

Jordan’s vision began with The Eye of the World (1990) and expanded into a saga of 14 novels, a prequel (New Spring), and companion works. His untimely death in 2007 left the final book unfinished, but his archived notes ensured continuity.

Brandon Sanderson’s Contribution

Brandon Sanderson, known in the fantasy genre for his bestselling series The Mistborn Saga and The Stormlight Archive (among many more), was chosen to complete Jordan’s work. Using Jordan’s outlines, Sanderson split the final volume into three books: The Gathering Storm (2009), Towers of Midnight (2010), and A Memory of Light (2013). These volumes preserved Jordan’s intent while weaving Sanderson’s signature style, blending hard magic systems with emotional depth.

Sanderson’s role was pivotal: he honored Jordan’s lore while expanding key arcs, such as Rand’s mental struggle in Winter’s Heart and Egwene’s rise to Amyrlin. His work ensured the series’ bestselling legacy endured, cementing its status as a cornerstone of modern fantasy novels.

Why This Collaboration Matters

Jordan’s world of the Wheel—where men who channel the One Power risk madness and the Dark One threatens to destroy creation—set the stage for a story that transcends generations. Sanderson’s completion of the series, guided by Jordan’s notes, ensured the Wheel of Time turns as intended, balancing publication order with narrative coherence.

Jordan’s first six books (1–6) establish the core; books 7-9 may be a bit of a slog, but Sanderson’s last three volumes close the series out perfectly. No matter what you’ve read or heard (especially after Amazon, definitely give this series a try.

Even myth is long forgotten in the age that gave it birth, but great stories endure.