Alright, let's talk about the Wheel of Time. You've probably heard the buzz – maybe from the Amazon show, maybe from fantasy-loving friends going on about Aes Sedai and the Dragon Reborn. It's huge. Like, 14 massive main books, a prequel, companion guides, and a TV adaptation huge. But figuring out where to start? Or what comes next? That's where everyone gets stuck. Trust me, I know. The first time I tried tackling this series, I spent more time searching "wheel of time series order" online than actually reading. It was frustrating. Let's fix that right now.

This isn't just another list. I've read this whole thing – yes, all 4.4 million words – more than once. I've seen the confusion firsthand, both in online forums and talking to other readers. My goal? Cut through the noise and give you the clearest, most practical roadmap for navigating Robert Jordan's (and later Brandon Sanderson's) epic masterpiece. No fluff, just the info you actually need to dive in or pick up where you left off, confidently. Getting the wheel of time series order right makes a massive difference to your enjoyment.

The Core Wheel of Time Book Series Order (The Essential Path)

Forget fancy alternatives for a minute. Most readers, especially first-timers, should stick to the Publication Order. That's how Jordan released them, and it's how the story unfolds most coherently. The prequel? Save it for later. Here’s the absolute core lineup, the books you *must* read in this sequence:

Bottom Line: Start with The Eye of the World and read straight through to A Memory of Light numerically. This is the undisputed backbone of the wheel of time series order.

Okay, so that's the main path. But what about that prequel everyone mentions? And those companion books? Hold on, we'll get to those. But first, let's talk about why sticking to publication order matters, especially early on.

Where Does the Prequel (New Spring) Fit In?

New Spring tells the story of Moiraine and Lan meeting, roughly 20 years before The Eye of the World. It sounds tempting to start there, right? Chronological order? I get the appeal. But don't do it for your first read. Here's why:

My personal take? I read it after book 5 on my first read. It felt natural. On rereads, I sometimes slot it earlier or later just for fun. But starting with it? Nah. That mystery in Emond's Field is gold. Don't ruin it.

What About Companion Books and Short Stories?

Beyond the main novels, there are a few extra bits. They're interesting, but definitely optional extras, not core parts of the wheel of time chronological order.

The Wheel of Time Companion

This is a massive reference book. Think glossary on steroids. Contains entries on characters, places, concepts, and more.

• When to Use It: Strictly as a reference while reading or after finishing. DO NOT read it cover-to-cover before finishing the series – it's overflowing with massive, end-of-series spoilers. Keep it handy if you forget who a minor Aes Sedai is or what a particular term means.
• Content: Character bios (HUGE SPOILERS!), dictionary of terms, maps.
• Is it necessary? No. Useful for superfans or for settling lore arguments, but not required reading at all for the main story.

"River of Souls" & "A Fire Within the Ways"

These are short story chapters originally written by Brandon Sanderson during his work on the final three books. They were cut for pacing reasons and later published in the anthology Unfettered.

• Content: "River of Souls" follows Demandred's activities in Shara. "A Fire Within the Ways" involves Perrin and involves fixing the Waygates.
• Where They Fit: Chronologically, their events happen during the timeline of A Memory of Light (AMoL).
• Should You Read Them? If you absolutely crave every scrap of WoT content after finishing AMoL, go for it. They add minor context but aren't essential to understanding the main plot climax. Think of them as deleted scenes. You won't miss critical plot points by skipping them. I read them later out of curiosity.

Beyond Publication Order: Alternative Reading Paths (For Rereaders or the Brave)

Okay, so you've done your first read. Or maybe you're feeling adventurous and publication order just doesn't appeal. Here are some other ways people approach the wheel of time order, though I mostly recommend these for rereads.

Chronological Order (The Purist's Path... Sort Of)

This means starting with New Spring (set ~20 years before EotW) and then reading books 1-14. Sounds logical? It *is*, strictly speaking, chronological. But remember the spoiler issue I mentioned earlier? It's even worse for the main series flow. Also, the timeline within the main books isn't perfectly linear – events overlap. Trying to splice everything perfectly is a headache and disrupts the narrative structure Jordan built. Honestly, it's more trouble than it's worth for most readers. Save this for a dedicated, super-analytical reread project.

The Hybrid Approach (Tackling the "Slog")

Books 7-10 are often called "the slog." Pacing slows down, plots sprawl, and some characters... well, let's just say certain Aes Sedai politicking and Perrin's specific arc in one of them can feel tedious. It's where many readers stall. I struggled with CoT myself – felt like wading through molasses. Why does this happen? Jordan was laying immense groundwork for the finale, but the execution dragged.

Some readers combine books during rereads to power through. For example: * Read Books 7 & 8 (A Crown of Swords + The Path of Daggers) focusing mainly on specific character arcs (e.g., Rand/Egwene/Nynaeve in Book 7, then Rand/Mat in Book 8), potentially skipping/skimming slower subplots they dislike (like the infamous Bowl of the Winds chapters in Book 7 or Perrin's Faile rescue setup in Book 8/9/10).

Important: This is NOT recommended for first-timers. You miss crucial details and character moments. But on a reread? If you know you hate Elayne's succession plotline in Books 9 & 10 (like many do), skimming is a common survival tactic. Totally understandable.

Reading Order Focused on Specific Characters

Want to follow just Mat's journey? Or Rand's? Or Egwene's? This is purely a reread strategy.

• How it Works: You need a detailed chapter guide (like the one at Encyclopaedia-WoT.org) that breaks down POVs per chapter. You then read only the chapters featuring your chosen character(s).
• Pros: Deep dive into one arc, potentially faster if skipping others you find less compelling.
• Cons: You lose the tapestry. The brilliance of WoT is how the threads weave together. You'll miss context, foreshadowing for other plotlines, and the overall epic scale. It's a fragmented experience.

I tried this once focusing on Mat. It was fun, but it felt like watching a highlight reel without the full game. You appreciate his awesomeness, but lose the context that makes his moments shine.

The Wheel of Time TV Show Order: How Does It Fit?

Amazon's The Wheel of Time TV series (Season 1 premiered 2021) is an adaptation, not a direct translation. This means:

• It's Loosely Based: The show takes characters, settings, and major plot points but condenses, combines, changes, and sometimes invents storylines. Season 1 covers elements primarily from Book 1 (The Eye of the World), but heavily incorporates plot threads, characters, and lore introduced much later in the books (like Logain's gentling arc, aspects of the White Tower politics, Moiraine's quest focus). Season 2 pulls heavily from Book 2 (The Great Hunt) but also integrates major elements from Book 3 (The Dragon Reborn), and significant original content.
• Don't Expect 1:1 Alignment: Trying to match TV episodes directly to book chapters is frustrating and mostly impossible.
• Reading Order is Separate: Your wheel of time series order for the BOOKS should remain independent (Publication Order!). Watch the show as its own entity. If you read the books expecting the show to be identical, you'll be annoyed. If you watch the show expecting it to match the book order perfectly, you'll be confused.
• Potential Spoilers: Because the show pulls in later book elements early (like certain character identities, Tower dynamics, Forsaken knowledge), watching the show first *will* spoil significant book reveals that Jordan carefully built up over multiple novels. Book readers watching the show often get spoiled for things that happen much later too!

Common Ways People Get Lost & How to Stay on Track

With 14 doorstoppers, it's easy to lose the thread. Here are the main pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Forgetting Who Minor Characters Are: Jordan introduces hundreds of named characters (seriously, over 2700!). Many Aes Sedai, Wise Ones, Forsaken, and nobles blend together. Solution: Use chapter summaries on sites like TarValon.net or Encyclopaedia-WoT.org AFTER you finish a chapter to recap. Avoid wikis – they are spoiler minefields! Jotting down brief notes ("Aes Sedai Red, hates Rand, named Elaida") helps too.
• Getting Bogged Down in the "Slog" (Books 7-10): The pacing dips. Plots meander. Solution: Remind yourself it *does* get better. Knife of Dreams (Book 11) is a return to form. Focus on the characters you love most during these books. Maybe skim descriptions of dresses if you must! Join online discussions (carefully avoiding spoilers) for support. Knowing others feel the pain helps.
• Confusion About the Magic System: Saidin (male half) vs. Saidar (female half), flows (Air, Water, Earth, Fire, Spirit), weaves, angreal/sa'angreal, the True Source, the taint. It's complex. Solution: Don't stress about understanding every nuance immediately. Pay attention to the context – what the weave *does* is usually more important than exactly how it's made. Reference the glossary in the back of each book.
• Switching to Sanderson (Books 12-14): The writing style changes. Sanderson's prose is generally faster-paced and more direct than Jordan's richly detailed style. Some character voices feel slightly different (Mat's humor notably changes in Book 12, though Sanderson adjusts better in 13 & 14). Solution: Embrace the shift. Sanderson was chosen by Jordan's widow and editor for a reason. He delivers an epic, satisfying conclusion true to the core characters and plot. The faster pace is a breath of fresh air after the slog.

Essential FAQs About the Wheel of Time Series Order

Let's tackle those burning questions people always ask about the wheel of time reading order:

Q: I saw the TV show first. What book should I start with?

A: Still start with The Eye of the World (Book 1). The show mixes elements from multiple books and makes significant changes. Starting at Book 1 gives you the original story as Jordan intended. Jumping ahead to where the show "finished" Season 1 or 2 will leave you utterly lost and spoil massive book-only reveals.

Q: Can I skip any books?

A: I strongly advise against skipping any main sequence books (1-14) on your first read. Yes, even the slow ones (looking at you, Crossroads of Twilight). While some subplots within books might feel skimmable on rereads (*cough* Elayne's bath scenes *cough*), each book contains vital character development, plot progression, and world-building that builds the foundation for the finale. Skipping risks missing crucial moments that pay off much later.

Q: How long will it take me to read the whole Wheel of Time series?

A: Be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. The series totals roughly 4.4 million words. To put that in perspective: * That's longer than the entire Harry Potter series combined... three times over. * Longer than all of Tolkien's Middle-earth writings published in his lifetime combined. How fast *you* read it depends on:

• Your reading speed (obviously!).
• How much time you dedicate daily/weekly (an hour a day vs. binge weekends).
• How deeply you immerse yourself (do you savor descriptions or speed-read action?).
• Whether you hit "the slog" wall.

A realistic estimate for many readers is 6 months to a year+, sometimes longer. Don't rush it. Savor the journey.

Q: Should I read the prequel New Spring first?

A: As discussed earlier, No, don't start with it. Read it after Book 5 (The Fires of Heaven), after Book 10 (Crossroads of Twilight), or after the entire series.

Q: What's the best way to buy all the books?

A: Options abound:

• Mass Market Paperbacks: Cheapest physical option. Beware: The spines are notorious for creasing/cracking easily with heavy reading. My copies look like they survived a Trolloc raid.
• Trade Paperbacks: Larger, more durable, nicer paper. More expensive.
• Hardcovers: Most durable and collectible, but pricey, especially the earlier ones which are out of print. Finding a full matching set can be costly.
• E-books: Often cheapest and most convenient. Easy to carry all 14+ books. No spine damage! Popular platforms: Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books, Apple Books.
• Audiobooks: Narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading. Widely praised. Excellent for commutes or multitasking. Available on Audible, Libro.fm, libraries (via Libby/Overdrive). Price varies – Audible credits are often the best deal. Lengths range from 20 to over 40 hours per book!

Mixing formats is common. I started with paperbacks, switched to e-books mid-series for convenience, and now listen via Audible on rereads.

Q: Does Wheel of Time get better after book X? Should I keep reading?

A: This is highly subjective and depends on what you're struggling with. Generally:

• If you dislike the core writing style or characters by the end of Book 1 or 2, it might not be for you.
• If you loved Books 1-4 but find the pacing slowing in 5-7, know that Book 6 (Lord of Chaos) has a legendary climax many consider a high point. Push through!
• If you're stuck in the "slog" (7-10), know that Book 11 (Knife of Dreams) marks a significant return to faster pacing and major plot resolutions.
• The Sanderson books (12-14) are generally considered much faster-paced and action-packed, bringing the series to a satisfying close.

My advice: If you made it to Book 4 and liked it, you're invested enough to see it through. The payoff is worth it.

Why Getting the Order Right Matters More Than You Think

You might think, "It's just the order, how much difference can it make?" With a series this intricate, it makes a huge difference.

Jordan was a master of foreshadowing. Tiny details in Book 1 pay off in Book 14. Character motivations revealed subtly early on become crucial later. Reading New Spring first rips away the carefully constructed mystery around Moiraine. Reading companion books early drowns you in spoilers.

The publication order wheel of time series order is designed to maximize intrigue, character development, and the slow, epic unfolding of the world and its magic. Deviating from it, especially on a first read, fundamentally alters that experience, often for the worse.

It also ensures you experience the characters' journeys as they were meant to be experienced – discovering the world alongside Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene, feeling their confusion, fear, and wonder.

Looking back, stumbling through those early books in publication order, piecing together the Aes Sedai Ajahs, the Forsaken names, the geopolitics of nations I hadn't even visited yet – that was part of the magic. Getting the wheel of time chronological order wrong would have stolen some of that magic.

Final Advice: Take the Plunge

Figuring out the correct wheel of time series order is the first step on an incredible journey. Commit to the publication order for the main books (1-14). Slot New Spring in later if you want. Ignore the companion stuff until the end. Accept that there will be slower sections – push through them; the climax is phenomenal.

Be patient with the characters – they grow tremendously. Be awed by the world-building – it's unparalleled in its depth. And prepare for an ending that genuinely feels earned after millions of words.

The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, but your reading order? That's firmly in your hands. Make it count. Start with The Eye of the World.