The Best Order to Read The Wheel of Time

The The Wheel of Time is a sprawling epic fantasy series with intricate plotlines and characters that span over fifteen years in its publication timeline. When embarking on this journey, the question arises: in what order should one read the books?

Recommended Reading Order

Most fans and experts agree that reading the series in the order of publication is the best approach. This ensures a chronological experience that captures the subtle developments in both the plot and the characters, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Robert Jordan's world. Here's a suggested order:

Eye of the World The Great Hunt The Dragon Reborn The Whisperer in Shadows The_GCW1998/tarmond/123 IGN Returns to Gaming The Fires of Heaven - This prequel should be read after around the 5th book for the main series to avoid spoilers. The Shadow Rising The Towers of Midnight A Shield of Words The Gathering Storm The Fellowship of the Ring The Path of Daggers The Crossroads of Twilight The Foretelling The River of Time The Fires of Heaven The Gathering Storm The Gathering Storm The Fires of Heaven Lord of Chaos Selincourt Selected Scenes from The Dragon Reborn The Gathering Storm

Benefits of Reading the Books in Publication Order

Reading the Wheel of Time in publication order offers several advantages:

Past Events and Placeholders: Certain significant events happen after a series of smaller plot points. These placeholders become more meaningful as the story unfolds. Character Development: The characters, particularly the main ones, evolve throughout the series. Their earlier appearances in the earlier books provide a richer understanding of their backgrounds and motivations. Reading Order Non-issues: While prequels like New Spring can be tempting, reading it after completing the main series ensures a more immersive and satisfying experience. Clear Narrative Flow: The narrative thread connects each book logically, making the plot easier to follow and appreciate.

Multiple Readings for Full Appreciation

While the order of publication is the recommended approach, it's also crucial to recognize that the series is meant to be read and revisited multiple times. Each re-reading offers new insights and discoveries. Some reasons for this repeated reading include:

Cultural References: Some details and references might be missed on the first read and become more meaningful and evident in subsequent readings. Character Re-evaluation: Perspectives on characters can evolve with each reading, offering deeper insights into their motivations and actions. Subtlety and Sabotage: Certain plot elements and character developments can be very subtle, and re-watching these parts can uncover new layers of the story.

Personal Experience: A Journey of Discovery

Personal journeys in reading The Wheel of Time can be illuminating. One anecdote comes from my own experience. I first stumbled upon The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time through a library, attracted by the maps and history. It wasn't until some digging that I realized there was an author who had painstakingly crafted this world for a full series. From there, I jumped into Crossroads of Twilight, only to find myself completely lost.

Realizing the correct starting point, I dived into Eye of the World and immersed myself fully. The subsequent readings affirmed the importance of the initial reading order. Each detail I initially missed, each character's backstory, and each plot point revealed itself with greater clarity and depth with each re-read. It was a process of discovery, a journey that started in my teenage years and continues to this day, solidifying The Wheel of Time as my favorite series of all time.

For an author who can warp your time and imagination, Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time is a must-read series. Embrace the tradition, read it in order, and let it captivate your imagination and time.