The Wheel of Time Books In Chronological Order – Complete Guide

If you’re looking to read The Wheel of Time in chronological order, you’ve come to the right place. This epic fantasy series, created by Robert Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson, has captivated millions with its sprawling world, rich magic system, and complex characters. Spanning 14 main volumes, a prequel, and several companion works, the series can seem overwhelming to new readers. Knowing the best reading order helps you fully appreciate the evolving storylines, character arcs, and intricate world-building.

Many fans wonder whether to start with the prequel New Spring or jump straight into The Eye of the World. This guide will clarify the chronological sequence of the books and explain the best approach to experiencing the saga. Whether you’re a first-time reader or returning to Rand al’Thor’s journey, this comprehensive order will help you navigate the vast tapestry of The Wheel of Time with ease.

The Wheel of Time Books at a Glance

#	Title	Year	Amazon Link
1	New Spring (Prequel)	2004	Buy on Amazon
2	The Eye of the World	1990	Buy on Amazon
3	The Great Hunt	1990	Buy on Amazon
4	The Dragon Reborn	1991	Buy on Amazon
5	The Shadow Rising	1992	Buy on Amazon
6	The Fires of Heaven	1993	Buy on Amazon
7	Lord of Chaos	1994	Buy on Amazon
8	A Crown of Swords	1996	Buy on Amazon
9	The Path of Daggers	1998	Buy on Amazon
10	Winter’s Heart	2000	Buy on Amazon
11	Crossroads of Twilight	2003	Buy on Amazon
12	Knife of Dreams	2005	Buy on Amazon
13	The Gathering Storm	2009	Buy on Amazon
14	Towers of Midnight	2010	Buy on Amazon
15	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.

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 in This 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 (1948–2007) created one of the most beloved epic fantasy series of all time. Known for his intricate world-building and large cast of characters, Jordan’s work was completed posthumously by Brandon Sanderson using detailed notes and outlines. Together, they brought the saga to a powerful conclusion that has sold over 90 million copies worldwide.

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