The Wheel of Time has 14 main novels, a prequel (New Spring), and a transition from one author to another mid-series — and the official reading advice about where to place the prequel is actually wrong for new readers. This guide gives you the correct order and explains exactly where Robert Jordan's writing ends and Brandon Sanderson's begins.
Quick Reference: Complete Wheel of Time Reading Order
- The Eye of the World (1990) — Start here
- The Great Hunt (1990)
- The Dragon Reborn (1991)
- The Shadow Rising (1992)
- The Fires of Heaven (1993)
- Lord of Chaos (1994)
- A Crown of Swords (1996)
- The Path of Daggers (1998)
- Winter's Heart (2000)
- Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
- New Spring (prequel novella — read here, after Book 10)
- Knife of Dreams (2005) — Last book written solely by Robert Jordan
- The Gathering Storm (2009) — Brandon Sanderson begins
- Towers of Midnight (2010) — Brandon Sanderson
- A Memory of Light (2013) — Brandon Sanderson; series conclusion
Where Does New Spring Fit?
This is the most commonly misplaced book in the series. New Spring is a prequel novella set 20 years before The Eye of the World. The publisher recommends reading it first. That recommendation is wrong for new readers.
Here is why: New Spring centers on characters whose significance only becomes clear partway through the main series. Reading it before Book 1 means you will spend 170 pages with characters you do not yet care about, and you will receive backstory you cannot yet contextualize. It kills momentum before the series begins.
Read New Spring after Book 10 (Crossroads of Twilight) — a natural pause point where the pacing slows. By then, the prequel's characters and events are deeply meaningful, and it serves as excellent bridge material before the series accelerates toward its conclusion.
View our full Wheel of Time reading order and Robert Jordan author page.
Where Does Robert Jordan's Writing End and Sanderson's Begin?
Robert Jordan died in September 2007 from a rare blood disease, with the final volume unfinished. His wife and editor Harriet McDougal chose Brandon Sanderson to complete the series from Jordan's notes, outlines, and completed scenes. What was planned as one final book became three:
- Book 12: The Gathering Storm — Completed by Sanderson (2009). Primarily Rand al'Thor's storyline.
- Book 13: Towers of Midnight — Completed by Sanderson (2010). Primarily Perrin's and Mat's storylines.
- Book 14: A Memory of Light — Completed by Sanderson (2013). The Last Battle.
Sanderson worked from Jordan's notes and included scenes Jordan had already written in full. The transition is seamless enough that most readers who don't know about it don't notice a change in voice. Brandon Sanderson has spoken extensively about the process, calling it the most important work of his career.
The Slow Middle: What to Know Before You Hit Books 7–10
Books 7–10 are widely considered the slowest portion of the series. Book 10 (Crossroads of Twilight) in particular is the most criticized entry — the plot barely advances. This is the section where many readers stall.
The honest advice: Do not stop during this section. The momentum of reading straight through carries you past the slower volumes better than taking extended breaks. Book 11 (Knife of Dreams) is widely considered a return to form, and Books 12–14 are the series at its most exciting. The payoff is real — but only if you push through.
The Verdict: Should You Read the Wheel of Time?
If you are willing to commit to 4+ million words, yes. The Wheel of Time is unmatched in the scope of its world-building, the depth of its magic systems, and the satisfaction of its ending. Start with The Eye of the World, place New Spring after Book 10, and trust that the final three Sanderson volumes deliver the conclusion the series earns.
After finishing, the natural next series is The Stormlight Archive — you will already know and trust Sanderson's writing from the final Wheel of Time volumes. Or start smaller with Mistborn. Browse our complete Robert Jordan reading order database for everything in the Wheel of Time universe.