The Ultimate Wheel of Time Book Order Guide

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As any fan of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series can tell you, the sheer number of books can be daunting to tackle. With 14 main novels and several companion works, figuring out the best order to read them in is no easy task. But fear not, fellow Wheel of Time enthusiasts! We have compiled the ultimate guide to help you navigate this epic fantasy world.

Do you want to experience the story as it unfolds chronologically? Or perhaps you prefer to read the books in publication order, to track how Jordan's writing and the series evolved over time? Our guide has both options outlined, along with a brief explanation of the pros and cons of each approach.

But that's not all! We also break down the various companion works, such as prequel novel New Spring and encyclopedia-style guidebook The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time. We provide insight into where these volumes fit into the overall narrative arc, and whether or not they're essential reading for understanding the series as a whole.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you're a longtime fan of The Wheel of Time or a newcomer looking to dive into this sprawling world, our book order guide is an indispensable resource. Read on to discover the ultimate way to experience Robert Jordan's epic tale!


The Ultimate Guide to Reading The Wheel of Time Series

Are you a fan of the epic fantasy world created by Robert Jordan in his series, The Wheel of Time? Are you new to the series, but interested in diving into this sprawling world? Fear not, for we have compiled the ultimate guide to help you navigate through the books and companion works!

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

The Wheel of Time series consists of 14 main novels and several companion works, making it daunting to figure out the best order to read them in. But don't worry, our guide has you covered! We present both options – chronological order and publication order – and explain the pros and cons of each approach.

Chronological Order Publication Order
1. New Spring 1. The Eye of the World
2. The Eye of the World 2. The Great Hunt
3. The Great Hunt 3. The Dragon Reborn
4. The Dragon Reborn 4. The Shadow Rising
5. The Shadow Rising 5. The Fires of Heaven
6. The Fires of Heaven 6. Lord of Chaos
7. Lord of Chaos 7. A Crown of Swords
8. A Crown of Swords 8. The Path of Daggers
9. The Path of Daggers 9. Winter's Heart
10. Winter's Heart 10. Crossroads of Twilight
11. Crossroads of Twilight 11. Knife of Dreams
12. Knife of Dreams 12. The Gathering Storm
13. The Gathering Storm 13. Towers of Midnight
14. Towers of Midnight 14. A Memory of Light

Chronological Order

If you want to experience the story as it unfolds chronologically, then reading the books in chronological order is the way to go. This means starting with the prequel novel, New Spring, which tells the story of how Lan and Moiraine first met, and ending with A Memory of Light, the final book in the series. One advantage of reading in this order is that you get to see the characters evolve and grow, as well as experience the full scope of the story without any spoilers.

Publication Order

If you prefer to read the books in publication order, then you will start with The Eye of the World and end with A Memory of Light. One benefit of reading in this order is that you get to see how Jordan's writing and the series evolved over time. However, there is a risk of encountering spoilers or missing out on important details, as some companion works are essential to understanding the series.

The Companion Works

In addition to the main novels, there are several companion works that expand upon the world of The Wheel of Time. These include the prequel novel, New Spring, and the encyclopedia-style guidebook, The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time. Here, we will break down these companion works and provide insight into where they fit into the overall narrative arc.

New Spring

New Spring is a prequel novel that tells the story of how Lan and Moiraine first met and became Aes Sedai. It takes place roughly 20 years before the events of The Eye of the World and is best read before the main series, as it provides important backstory for these characters. It can be read either before or after The Great Hunt, depending on your preference.

The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time is an encyclopedia-style guidebook that provides additional information about the world, characters, and lore of the series. It is not essential to understanding the main plot, but it can deepen your appreciation for the series and provide context for some of the more complex aspects of the story. It is best read after completing the main series, as it may contain spoilers.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to read The Wheel of Time series in chronological or publication order, and whether you decide to read the companion works, our ultimate guide will help you navigate this epic fantasy world. Each order has its own advantages and disadvantages, so ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Whichever path you choose, we hope you enjoy experiencing Robert Jordan's incredible tale!


Thank you for visiting The Ultimate Wheel of Time Book Order Guide. We hope that our guide provided you with valuable insights into the proper order in which to read the series. Our team is dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information on all things related to the Wheel of Time series. We understand that the series can be daunting, but we believe that with our help, you can navigate through it seamlessly.

If you have any questions or concerns about the order in which to read the series, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are more than happy to provide additional guidance and answer any questions you may have. We want to ensure that you have an enjoyable reading experience and that you get the most out of this incredible series.

Thank you again for visiting The Ultimate Wheel of Time Book Order Guide. We hope that with our help, you can fully immerse yourself in the world created by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. Happy reading!


People Also Ask about The Ultimate Wheel of Time Book Order Guide:

  1. What is the recommended reading order for The Wheel of Time series?
  2. The recommended reading order for The Wheel of Time series is as follows:

    • The Eye of the World
    • The Great Hunt
    • The Dragon Reborn
    • The Shadow Rising
    • The Fires of Heaven
    • Lord of Chaos
    • A Crown of Swords
    • The Path of Daggers
    • Winter's Heart
    • Crossroads of Twilight
    • Knife of Dreams
    • The Gathering Storm
    • Towers of Midnight
    • A Memory of Light
  3. Should I read the prequel, New Spring, before or after the main series?
  4. It is recommended to read New Spring after finishing the main series, as it provides additional backstory and information about certain characters that may be more meaningful after having read the entire series.

  5. What are the advantages of reading The Wheel of Time series in chronological order?
  6. Reading The Wheel of Time series in chronological order can provide a more complete understanding of the world and its history, as some events in the prequel book, New Spring, take place before the main series. Additionally, reading in chronological order can help to fill in any gaps in the story and provide a more seamless reading experience.

  7. Are there any spin-off books or companion novels related to The Wheel of Time series?
  8. Yes, there are several spin-off books and companion novels related to The Wheel of Time series, including:

    • The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time
    • The Wheel of Time Companion
    • The Strike at Shayol Ghul (a novella included in Unfettered III)
  9. What should I do if I want to re-read The Wheel of Time series?
  10. If you want to re-read The Wheel of Time series, you can choose to read in the same order as before or try a different reading order, such as chronological or publication order, to gain a new perspective on the story. You could also consider listening to the audiobooks for a different experience.