Read Robert Jordan Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

Robert Jordan, the author of The Wheel of Time, is regarded as one of the most influential fantasy writers of the 20th century. His extensive world-building, intricate plotlines, and complex characters have left an indelible mark on the genre. With The Wheel of Time spanning 14 novels (plus a prequel), Jordan’s series is an immersive journey into a world filled with prophecies, political intrigue, epic battles, and deeply personal quests. But with such a vast and intricate saga, one of the most common questions posed by new readers is: Should you read Robert Jordan’s books in order? The answer, while seemingly simple, is far more layered and can offer deeper insight into the experience of reading his work.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of reading his books in a specific sequence, break down the significance of each novel in The Wheel of Time series, and discuss the reasons why a particular reading order can enhance your understanding of the world Jordan has crafted. By the end, you will be equipped with everything you need to embark on this epic literary journey.

List Of Robert Jordan Books In Order

The Eye of the World (1990)	Details
The Great Hunt (1993)	Details
The Dragon Reborn (1996)	Details
The Shadow Rising (1997)	Details
The Fires of Heaven (1998)	Details
Lord of Chaos (2000)	Details
A Crown of Swords (2000)	Details
The Path of Daggers (2003)	Details
Winter’s Heart (2005)	Details
Crossroads of Twilight (2003)	Details
Knife of Dreams (2005)	Details
The Gathering Storm (2009)	Details
Towers of Midnight (2010)	Details
A Memory of Light (2013)	Details

More On Robert Jordan Books In Chronological Order

1. The Eye of the World (1990)

Ah, where it all begins! ’The Eye of the World’ is the first book in the *Wheel of Time* series. You’re introduced to Rand al’Thor, a young farmer from the quiet town of Emond’s Field, whose life is about to get flipped upside down when mysterious strangers arrive in town. In this epic opener, Rand and his friends embark on an adventure that leads them to a dark, dangerous world, all while trying to escape a shadowy force that’s hunting them down. Expect loads of world-building, complex characters, and a slow-burn plot full of magic and prophecies.

2. The Great Hunt (1993)

The second book in the series, *The Great Hunt*, cranks up the tension. Rand has accepted that he’s no ordinary farm boy-he’s the Dragon Reborn, destined to save (or destroy) the world. Now he’s thrown into the heart of a massive political struggle as he trains with the Aes Sedai (powerful magic users) and takes part in the Great Hunt for the legendary Horn of Valere. On top of that, the forces of the Dark One are closer than ever, and the stakes are only getting higher.

3. The Dragon Reborn (1996)

In *The Dragon Reborn*, Rand is out there trying to come to terms with his role as the Dragon Reborn, while struggling with the power and responsibility that come with it. His journey is tough, not only because of the enemies chasing him but because of the growing power inside him. Meanwhile, his friends, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene, each have their own personal battles to fight. The book gives you more action, magic, and a lot more tension between characters-especially as Rand’s powers threaten to overwhelm him.

4. The Shadow Rising (1997)

*The Shadow Rising* takes everything to the next level. Rand starts learning more about his past, his heritage, and the mysterious Aiel people. He has to face some serious internal and external battles-his power is growing, but so are the forces working to take him down. There’s a whole lot of world-building in this one, especially as we dive deeper into the culture of the Aiel and their role in the bigger picture. All the while, political intrigue is building up in various parts of the world.

5. The Fires of Heaven (1998)

This book is a rollercoaster of intrigue, betrayal, and rapid changes. *The Fires of Heaven* is where Rand starts to feel the weight of his destiny more than ever, and the line between hero and tyrant begins to blur. There are epic battles, shocking betrayals, and some serious growth for characters like Mat and Egwene, who get their own crucial moments in the spotlight. But at the heart of it all, Rand is struggling with the burden of being the Dragon Reborn and what that means for his future.

6. Lord of Chaos (2000)

Ah, *Lord of Chaos*-things really start to get messy here. Rand is trying to hold everything together, but he’s becoming more and more of a force to be reckoned with. There’s a lot of political maneuvering as the different factions start to line up on either side of Rand’s growing power, and the world feels more divided than ever. And let’s not forget about the infamous scene with Rand and his ’Asha’man’ (magically-empowered soldiers). This book is a game-changer.

7. A Crown of Swords (2000)

In *A Crown of Swords*, things are heating up. Rand has reclaimed part of the world, but there’s always someone gunning for him, and his enemies are getting craftier. Meanwhile, political intrigue and manipulations are growing. You also get a better sense of the power struggles between the various factions-this book dives more into the political side of the world, especially with the Seanchan. The action and magic are still very present, but now there’s more focus on Rand trying to hold the fragile peace he’s created.

8. The Path of Daggers (2003)

By the time we hit *The Path of Daggers*, it’s clear that the world is not just on the brink of chaos-it’s already slipping into it. Rand’s hold on the world starts to waver, and with his enemies closing in, things are beginning to spiral. This book is heavy on the military tactics and alliances, and you get a deep dive into the various ways people are trying to manipulate the power Rand holds. It’s a bit darker, with some serious sacrifices along the way.

9. Winter’s Heart (2005)

Now we’re in the thick of it. *Winter’s Heart* is a turning point, with Rand struggling to stay sane as his powers-and responsibilities-mount. This book focuses heavily on Rand’s internal battle as well as the external war he’s waging. It’s a pivotal moment in the series where the pieces on the board start to really move. There are some major reveals and plot twists, especially involving the White Tower and some key characters, plus the next step in Rand’s quest to cleanse the taint on the One Power.

10. Crossroads of Twilight (2003)

Things slow down a bit in *Crossroads of Twilight*, but don’t let that fool you-there’s still plenty of intrigue and plotting. The aftermath of Rand’s decisions in the previous book is still playing out, and various characters are moving in their own directions. While not the most action-packed book, this one is full of strategy and subtle changes, with characters plotting, scheming, and dealing with the fallout of their actions. A lot of pieces move into place for what’s coming next.

11. Knife of Dreams (2005)

Now, *Knife of Dreams* is a bit of a breather after the intense build-up. Here, we start seeing more action and some very important resolutions. The focus is on some of the storylines that had been building for a while, especially with Perrin and Mat, and the final confrontation with the forces of darkness starts coming into sharper focus. It’s a bit like the calm before the storm, but in true *Wheel of Time* fashion, it’s far from boring-there are twists and turns and moments that will leave you gasping.

12. The Gathering Storm (2009)

By *The Gathering Storm*, things are really coming to a head. Rand is on the verge of losing control, and his descent into darkness is something fans had feared for books. But there’s also hope. This book shifts focus between Rand’s journey to reclaim his sanity and the political upheavals going on around him. Major changes are happening, and while the tension is high, it’s clear we’re heading for the final, explosive confrontation. And of course, it’s one of those books where you can’t stop reading once you start!

13. Towers of Midnight (2010)

This one is all about preparations and resolutions. *Towers of Midnight* brings some much-needed answers, especially for characters like Perrin and Mat, whose arcs are really coming to fruition here. The forces of good are finally uniting, and there’s a palpable sense of urgency as they prepare for the Last Battle. There’s also a lot of moving parts in terms of alliances and confrontations with the Dark One’s forces. It’s action-packed, emotional, and very satisfying in terms of plot developments.

14. A Memory of Light (2013)

And finally, *A Memory of Light*, the epic conclusion to the series. The Last Battle is here, and it’s everything fans hoped for-and more. The final book ties up all the loose ends, resolves character arcs, and delivers a conclusion to the ultimate showdown between Light and Shadow. It’s a rollercoaster ride of action, emotion, and epic moments. Fans of the series will find it a fitting end to one of the most detailed and beloved fantasy series of all time.

Background On Robert Jordan Books

Before we dive into the reading order, it’s crucial to understand the world Jordan created. The Wheel of Time is a high fantasy series set in a world where time itself is cyclical. The story revolves around the struggle between the forces of Light and Shadow, where an individual called the Dragon Reborn must confront the Dark One in a battle that will determine the fate of the world. The world-building in this series is massive and detailed, with cultures, histories, religions, and languages all meticulously crafted.

Robert Jordan, whose real name was James Oliver Rigney Jr., began his literary career in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until the early 1990s that The Eye of the World-the first book in The Wheel of Time-was published. Drawing on influences from classic works of fantasy like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Jordan created a series that appealed not just to fans of traditional epic fantasy, but also to those who appreciate character-driven narratives and philosophical musings on power, leadership, and human nature.

The series begins with the aforementioned The Eye of the World and continues through 14 books, culminating in A Memory of Light. After Jordan’s death in 2007, author Brandon Sanderson was chosen to complete the series based on Jordan’s extensive notes, which created a unique collaboration and led to a conclusion that is both faithful to Jordan’s vision and satisfying to the fans who had eagerly awaited the end.

Reading Order Explained

One of the most common questions for new readers of The Wheel of Time is whether they should read the series in publication order or some other arrangement. Let’s explore the two main options for reading the books, beginning with the most straightforward approach: reading them in the order they were published.

Publication Order

The standard approach for reading the series is in its publication order, which starts with The Eye of the World and progresses through the following 13 books, concluding with A Memory of Light. The publication order is as follows:

1. The Eye of the World (1990)
2. The Great Hunt (1991)
3. The Dragon Reborn (1992)
4. The Shadow Rising (1992)
5. The Fires of Heaven (1993)
6. Lord of Chaos (1994)
7. A Crown of Swords (1996)
8. The Path of Daggers (1998)
9. Winter’s Heart (2000)
10. Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
11. Knife of Dreams (2005)
12. The Gathering Storm (2009) – Written by Brandon Sanderson
13. Towers of Midnight (2010) – Written by Brandon Sanderson
14. A Memory of Light (2013) – Written by Brandon Sanderson

While the books in The Wheel of Time series are interconnected, each one often has its own central plotline, leading to natural breaks in the narrative. As such, many readers have argued that the experience of reading the series in publication order allows for a gradual buildup of complexity and provides the necessary pacing for understanding its grand scope.

Chronological Order

In addition to the main series, there is a prequel novel, New Spring (2004), which explores the backstory of key characters and events. New Spring is technically set before the first book in the series but was published much later. While many readers prefer to read New Spring after finishing the first few books to avoid potential spoilers, some may choose to read it as a prequel to better understand the world before diving into the main story.

Chronological order would look like this:

1. New Spring (prequel)
2. The Eye of the World
3. The Great Hunt
4. And so on…

The prequel provides extra context to characters such as Moiraine Sedai and Lan Mandragoran, giving insight into their motivations and pasts. Whether or not to read New Spring before or after the main series is largely a matter of personal preference, but it’s generally recommended to dive into the core books first for the full experience of the main storyline.

What I Like About The Series?

As a reader, there is a lot to appreciate about The Wheel of Time. Here are some key reasons why it remains one of the most beloved fantasy series:

Depth Of World-Building

Jordan’s world-building is nothing short of extraordinary. The series spans multiple continents, with a host of different cultures, languages, religions, and systems of magic. There’s a sense of history and realism in his settings that make every location feel lived in. The intricate details of each culture, from the Aiel to the Tuatha’an, are richly woven into the narrative and give the series a sense of vastness that few other works of fantasy can match.

Complex Characters

One of the most striking features of the series is its large and diverse cast of characters. From the main protagonist, Rand al’Thor, to supporting characters like Perrin Aybara, Mat Cauthon, and Egwene al’Vere, Jordan crafts deep, multi-dimensional characters that grow and evolve throughout the series. The emotional complexity of these characters is one of the reasons why readers form such a strong attachment to the series. The relationships, personal struggles, and growth arcs are what make The Wheel of Time more than just a typical adventure story.

Philosophical Themes

At its core, The Wheel of Time is not just about epic battles or fantastical creatures; it also explores deep philosophical themes about the nature of power, the cycle of history, and the personal cost of war. The series frequently asks questions about leadership, fate, and identity, making it a thoughtful read for those who enjoy stories that delve into moral and existential dilemmas.

Epic Scale

If you enjoy high-stakes fantasy with a sprawling narrative that ties together multiple threads, this is your series. The scope of the conflict in The Wheel of Time is unprecedented in its ambition. The fate of the world is constantly on the line, with every decision made by the characters carrying immense weight. Jordan masterfully builds tension and suspense, with each book intensifying the stakes.

Should You Read Robert Jordan Books In Order?

Reading The Wheel of Time books in order is highly recommended, particularly if you’re new to the series. The gradual unfolding of the world, character arcs, and political developments create a richer experience when consumed in the order of publication. Each book builds on the previous one, introducing new elements of the plot while expanding on earlier events and character developments.

Skipping or reading the books out of order can disrupt the flow of the narrative and obscure key moments that are essential to understanding the overarching plot. For example, early character developments and plot setups play off each other across books, and reading out of order might lead to confusion or spoil key plot twists. If you’re looking for a more cohesive and satisfying reading experience, sticking to the publication order is your best bet.