The Wheel of Time Books In Chronological Order – Complete Reading Guide

When fantasy readers talk about epic scope, intricate worldbuilding, and a truly massive cast of characters, The Wheel of Time often tops the list. Spanning fourteen main novels and a prequel, the series by Robert Jordan — later completed by Brandon Sanderson — has sold millions of copies worldwide and inspired a major streaming adaptation.

If you’re ready to begin, knowing The Wheel of Time books in chronological order will help you navigate the vast story without confusion. This guide lays out the series by in-universe events and publication dates, explains companion works, and gives you all the context you need before embarking on your journey through the Third Age.

Quick Facts

• Number of main books: 14 (+ 1 prequel)
• Average page count per novel: 700–1,000 pages
• Estimated total word count: ~4.4 million words
• Approximate reading time: 400–450 hours (at 250 WPM)
• Genre: Epic fantasy, high fantasy, adventure
• Reading difficulty: Moderate to advanced (complex plotlines, multiple POVs)
• Content warnings: War themes, violence, political intrigue, some mature situations
• Ideal age range: 15+
• Media adaptations: Amazon Prime Video series (2021–present)

About the Book Series

The Wheel of Time is set in a sprawling, fully realized fantasy world where history is cyclical — Ages repeat, legends fade into myth, and heroes are reborn. At the center is Rand al’Thor, a young man from a remote village whose life changes when mysterious forces attack, setting him on a path tied to prophecy, magic, and the fate of the world.

The series stands out for:

• Deep political intrigue among nations and factions.
• A detailed magic system centered on the One Power.
• Dozens of intertwined character arcs.
• Themes of destiny, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity.

Robert Jordan began the series in 1990 with The Eye of the World. He passed away in 2007 before completing the final volume; fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, working from Jordan’s notes, finished the last three books.

The Wheel of Time Books at a Glance

Title	Year	Amazon Link
New Spring (Prequel)	2004	Buy on Amazon
The Eye of the World	1990	Buy on Amazon
The Great Hunt	1990	Buy on Amazon
The Dragon Reborn	1991	Buy on Amazon
The Shadow Rising	1992	Buy on Amazon
The Fires of Heaven	1993	Buy on Amazon
Lord of Chaos	1994	Buy on Amazon
A Crown of Swords	1996	Buy on Amazon
The Path of Daggers	1998	Buy on Amazon
Winter’s Heart	2000	Buy on Amazon
Crossroads of Twilight	2003	Buy on Amazon
Knife of Dreams	2005	Buy on Amazon
The Gathering Storm	2009	Buy on Amazon
Towers of Midnight	2010	Buy on Amazon
A Memory of Light	2013	Buy on Amazon

The Wheel of Time Books In Chronological Order

1. New Spring (2004)
   This prequel follows Moiraine Damodred’s early days as an Aes Sedai and the events leading up to the main series. It provides essential background on the political and magical forces at play.
2. The Eye of the World (1990)
   Rand al’Thor and his friends from Emond’s Field flee their village as dark forces seek the Dragon Reborn. Guided by Moiraine and her Warder Lan, they embark on a perilous journey that sets the stage for the battle between Light and Shadow.
3. The Great Hunt (1990)
   Rand pursues the powerful Horn of Valere while grappling with his emerging destiny. The story deepens the world-building and political intrigue as new allies and enemies appear.
4. The Dragon Reborn (1991)
   Rand faces the challenges of accepting his prophesied role while his friends face their own trials. The story highlights internal struggles and the intensifying threat of the Dark One.
5. The Shadow Rising (1992)
   As the forces of darkness strengthen, Rand and his companions journey to different regions, uncovering secrets and preparing for the Last Battle. Alliances are tested, and power shifts.
6. The Fires of Heaven (1993)
   Battles rage across the continent, and Rand’s power grows. The book explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the heavy cost of war.
7. Lord of Chaos (1994)
   Political chaos and assassination attempts mark Rand’s reign as he consolidates power. Tensions rise between the forces of Light and Shadow.
8. A Crown of Swords (1996)
   Rand faces betrayals and dark plots while seeking to unite the fractured nations. The stakes continue to rise in his struggle against the Shadow.
9. The Path of Daggers (1998)
   War spreads across the lands, forcing Rand to make difficult choices as his enemies close in from all sides.
10. Winter’s Heart (2000)
    Rand undertakes a dangerous quest to cleanse the male half of the One Power, risking everything to rid the world of its taint.
11. Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
    The world holds its breath amid political machinations and shifting alliances. The pace slows to reveal intricate character developments.
12. Knife of Dreams (2005)
    The last volume completed by Robert Jordan, it sets the stage for the final confrontation, resolving many subplots and building anticipation.
13. The Gathering Storm (2009)
    Brandon Sanderson continues the saga, focusing on the reunification of the forces of Light and the preparation for the Last Battle.
14. Towers of Midnight (2010)
    Key battles and revelations come to the forefront as the story hurtles toward its epic conclusion.
15. A Memory of Light (2013)
    The climactic final volume depicts the decisive battle against the Dark One, with sacrifices, triumphs, and the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

Companion Works

To enrich your experience of The Wheel of Time, several companion works provide deeper insights into Middle-earth’s lore:

• The World of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time — A guidebook with maps and histories.
• The Wheel of Time Companion — A comprehensive glossary and encyclopedic reference.
• Origins of The Wheel of Time — A deep dive into the series’ creation and influences.
• Short stories like The Strike at Shayol Ghul and River of Souls add background to the main narrative.

Series Timeline & Character Development

Over the course of the series, readers witness:

• Rand’s transformation from farm boy to world-saving leader.
• Egwene’s evolution into one of the most formidable political figures.
• Mat and Perrin’s growth from village youths to leaders in their own right.
• Expanding perspectives from dozens of secondary characters.

The series is structured so that time passes steadily, with overlapping events told from multiple viewpoints.

Novels Sorted by In-Universe Events

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
14. Towers of Midnight
15. A Memory of Light

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Novels Sorted by Publication Order

Identical to the in-universe order, with New Spring published later but set earlier.

Editions & Formats

The series is available in multiple formats:

• Hardcover and paperback editions with stunning cover art.
• Collector’s boxed sets for fans and collectors.
• Audiobooks narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, praised for bringing the saga to life.

Why Read The Wheel of Time Books In Chronological Order?

Reading The Wheel of Time books in chronological order offers the clearest narrative experience, allowing readers to follow character arcs, world events, and plot twists without confusion. The order also respects prequel material that adds context to the main storyline.

Author Spotlight : Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

Robert Jordan (1948–2007) was an American author and Vietnam War veteran whose military and historical knowledge shaped the authenticity of his worldbuilding. He wrote The Wheel of Time over two decades.

Brandon Sanderson, a bestselling fantasy author known for Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, was chosen to finish the series after Jordan’s death. His work on the final three books received critical and fan acclaim for honoring Jordan’s vision.

Media Adaptations

The Wheel of Time has been adapted into a highly anticipated Amazon Prime Video television series, which aired its first season in 2021 and ran through 2025. The show brought the sprawling fantasy world and its characters to the screen, introducing the epic story to new audiences.

Earlier adaptation attempts included a 2015 low-budget pilot and ongoing interest from film studios. The series also inspired comic book adaptations and multiple games, ranging from collectible card games to RPGs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Wheel of Time books in chronological order form one of the most ambitious works in modern fantasy, blending deep lore, complex characters, and a sweeping narrative that rewards patient readers. Whether you’re here for political intrigue, large-scale battles, or the philosophical underpinnings of the Pattern, this series offers a reading journey unlike any other.

Have you read The Wheel of Time? Share your favorite book or moment in the comments, and let’s compare notes on this epic adventure.