How to use this page
- Read the main sequence in publication order from book 1 to book 14.
- Insert New Spring after book 6 if you choose to read the prequel.
- The notes on the slog and the Sanderson transition are there to set expectations, not to discourage you.
Main sequence
Phase 1 · Books 1-6 · Robert Jordan
The first six books establish the world, the central cast, and the scope of the conflict. Pacing is strong throughout. Most readers find these books hard to put down. The Eye of the World has a deliberate early-Tolkien feel that gives way to something distinctly Jordan's own by book two. Books four and six are widely considered series highlights - substantial, ambitious, and deeply satisfying.
- The Eye of the World (1990) Amazon
- The Great Hunt (1990) Amazon
- The Dragon Reborn (1991) Amazon
- The Shadow Rising (1992) Amazon
- The Fires of Heaven (1993) Amazon
- Lord of Chaos (1994) Amazon
Optional: Read New Spring here. After finishing Lord of Chaos is the ideal placement for the prequel novella. See the New Spring section below for details.
Phase 2 · Books 7-11 · Robert Jordan
Books 7-10 cover a compressed story timeline and are slower in pacing. This is the section fans call "the slog." The story expands to follow many parallel threads across a large cast, and individual books can feel like they move slowly despite their length. Book 11, Knife of Dreams, is widely considered a return to form - one of Jordan's best - and it sets up the final three books with momentum. Push through.
- A Crown of Swords (1996) Amazon
- The Path of Daggers (1998) Amazon
- Winter's Heart (2000) Amazon
- Crossroads of Twilight (2003) Amazon
- Knife of Dreams (2006) Amazon
Phase 3 · Books 12-14 · Completed by Brandon Sanderson
Robert Jordan passed away in 2007. Brandon Sanderson completed the series from Jordan's notes and outlines. These three books were originally intended as one volume but grew too large. They are fast-paced and widely considered a satisfying conclusion.
New Spring - the prequel
New Spring (2004) is a prequel novella set before the events of book one. It follows two of the series' central characters during a pivotal moment early in their lives. By the time you reach book six, you know those characters well enough for the prequel to be genuinely illuminating. Reading it before book one would undercut the discoveries that make those characters compelling in the early books.
After Lord of Chaos (book 6), before A Crown of Swords (book 7). At this point you know the world well and the prequel's context will be meaningful rather than confusing. Some readers prefer to wait until after the full series - either works.
No. You can complete the main fourteen-book series without reading New Spring and miss nothing essential. It is optional enrichment - shorter than any main-series book at around 120,000 words.
The slog
Books 7-10 are widely discussed in the fan community as a pacing challenge. Here is what to expect and how to approach it.
The story expands to cover many storylines simultaneously across a large cast. Books 8-10 in particular cover a compressed period of in-story time despite their length. Progress can feel slow compared to the earlier books.
Do not skip books - context accumulates and later payoffs depend on it. Two approaches readers swear by: shorter reading sessions rather than long sits, and switching to audiobook. The Kramer/Reading narration keeps momentum when the prose feels slow. The pacing improves significantly from book 11 onward.
The overwhelming consensus among fans is yes. Book 11 Knife of Dreams is one of Jordan's strongest, and the final three Sanderson books are fast-paced and emotionally rewarding. Almost every reader who finishes the series says pushing through was worth it.
The Brandon Sanderson books
Robert Jordan passed away in September 2007 before completing the final book. His wife and editor Harriet McDougal selected Brandon Sanderson to finish the series using Jordan's extensive notes, outlines, and completed scenes. What was planned as one final volume became three books due to the amount of story remaining.
Sanderson's writing style is more direct and clean than Jordan's more elaborate prose. Most readers adjust within a few chapters. The story content, character voices, and major plot threads follow Jordan's original plans closely.
The fan community broadly accepted Sanderson's handling of the material. The final three books are widely considered a worthy conclusion. Some long-term fans note differences in how certain characters are written, but the overall response to the ending has been positive.
FAQ
Can I read the Wheel of Time out of order?
No. The series is one continuous story. Each book assumes full knowledge of everything that came before. Start with book one and read in order.
What about the Amazon Prime TV series?
Amazon has produced a TV adaptation of the Wheel of Time. It takes liberties with the source material and is not a substitute for reading the books. If you are coming to the books after watching the show, expect the books to be significantly richer and more detailed.
Is there a box set?
Yes. Box sets of various groupings are available. Given the length of the series, many readers prefer to buy a few books at a time rather than committing to a full set upfront.
What format should I read in - ebook, audiobook, or physical?
All three work well. Physical books are popular for the early high-engagement books. Audiobook is widely recommended for the slower middle stretch (books 7-10) because the Kramer/Reading narration maintains energy where the prose can drag. Many readers use a combination: physical or ebook for the fast books, audiobook for the slog, then back to physical for the Sanderson finale.