If you’re a fantasy reader, chances are you’ve heard of The Wheel of Time, one of the most beloved epic fantasy series ever written. Penned by Robert Jordan, this sprawling saga has captivated millions with its intricate world-building, unforgettable characters, and gripping plotlines. But with 14 main books, a prequel, and additional works, diving into Robert Jordan’s bibliography can feel like stepping into the Pattern itself. Fear not, fantasy traveler! This guide lists all of Robert Jordan’s books in order, with insights to help you navigate his works and tips for new and returning readers alike.
Whether you’re a first-time reader or a seasoned fan looking to revisit the series, this SEO-friendly and engaging blog post will help you explore Robert Jordan’s books in the best order while answering common questions like, “Where do I start?” and “What else did he write?” Let’s weave the Wheel and dive in!
Who Was Robert Jordan?
Before we jump into the book list, let’s take a moment to appreciate the master storyteller. Robert Jordan, the pen name of James Oliver Rigney Jr., was an American author born in 1948. A Vietnam War veteran with a passion for history and mythology, Jordan crafted The Wheel of Time series, blending epic fantasy with intricate political intrigue and a richly detailed world. His work has inspired adaptations, including the hit Amazon Prime TV series, and continues to influence modern fantasy. After Jordan’s passing in 2007, Brandon Sanderson completed the final books of The Wheel of Time using Jordan’s extensive notes.
Now, let’s get to the books!
List Of Robert Jordan Books In Order: Series Table
Below is a complete list of Robert Jordan’s books, organized by series and presented in table format. This includes The Wheel of Time series, the Fallon series, Conan the Barbarian novels, and other works, listed in publication order within each series.
| Series | Book Title | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wheel of Time | The Eye of the World | 1990 | Main series, Book 1 |
| The Great Hunt | 1990 | Main series, Book 2 | |
| The Dragon Reborn | 1991 | Main series, Book 3 | |
| The Shadow Rising | 1992 | Main series, Book 4 | |
| The Fires of Heaven | 1993 | Main series, Book 5 | |
| Lord of Chaos | 1994 | Main series, Book 6 | |
| A Crown of Swords | 1996 | Main series, Book 7 | |
| The Path of Daggers | 1998 | Main series, Book 8 | |
| Winter’s Heart | 2000 | Main series, Book 9 | |
| Crossroads of Twilight | 2003 | Main series, Book 10 | |
| New Spring | 2004 | Prequel novel, best read after Book 10 | |
| Knife of Dreams | 2005 | Main series, Book 11 | |
| The Gathering Storm | 2009 | Main series, Book 12, completed by Brandon Sanderson | |
| Towers of Midnight | 2010 | Main series, Book 13, completed by Brandon Sanderson | |
| A Memory of Light | 2013 | Main series, Book 14, completed by Brandon Sanderson | |
| The Fallon Series | The Fallon Blood | 1980 | Historical fiction trilogy, Book 1 |
| The Fallon Pride | 1981 | Historical fiction trilogy, Book 2 | |
| The Fallon Legacy | 1982 | Historical fiction trilogy, Book 3 | |
| Conan the Barbarian | Conan the Invincible | 1982 | Sword-and-sorcery novel |
| Conan the Defender | 1982 | Sword-and-sorcery novel | |
| Conan the Unconquered | 1983 | Sword-and-sorcery novel | |
| Conan the Triumphant | 1983 | Sword-and-sorcery novel | |
| Conan the Magnificent | 1984 | Sword-and-sorcery novel | |
| Conan the Destroyer | 1984 | Tie-in to the 1984 film | |
| Conan the Victorious | 1984 | Sword-and-sorcery novel | |
| Other Works | Cheyenne Raiders | 1982 | Western novel, written as Jackson O’Reilly |
| The World of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time | 1997 | Companion guide, co-authored with Teresa Patterson |
Notes for Readers:
- The Wheel of Time: Follow the publication order (starting with The Eye of the World) for the best narrative experience. New Spring is a prequel and best read after Crossroads of Twilight to avoid spoilers.
- Fallon Series: A historical fiction trilogy set during the American Revolution, distinct from Jordan’s fantasy works.
- Conan Novels: These are standalone adventures in the Conan the Barbarian universe, perfect for fans of action-packed sword-and-sorcery.
- Other Works: Cheyenne Raiders is a standalone Western, and the companion guide is best read after completing The Wheel of Time series.
This table provides a clear, organized way to explore Robert Jordan’s bibliography. Start with The Eye of the World for an epic fantasy journey, or dive into his other genres for a taste of his versatility!
Robert Jordan Series Book In Order
The Wheel of Time Series: Books in Publication Order
The Wheel of Time is Jordan’s magnum opus, a 14-book series (plus a prequel) that follows Rand al’Thor and his companions as they navigate a world of prophecy, magic, and ancient evils. For most readers, following the publication order is the best way to experience the story’s unfolding narrative. Below is the complete list of The Wheel of Time books in order:
- The Eye of the World (1990)
The journey begins! Follow Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene as they flee their quiet village, pursued by dark forces. This book introduces the world of the Aes Sedai, the Dark One, and the Dragon Reborn. - The Great Hunt (1990)
The stakes rise as Rand grapples with his destiny, and the hunt for the Horn of Valere unfolds. Expect thrilling battles and deeper world-building. - The Dragon Reborn (1991)
Rand’s journey to accept his role as the Dragon Reborn takes center stage, while the Black Ajah’s schemes deepen. - The Shadow Rising (1992)
A fan favorite! The story expands to the Aiel Waste, with rich cultural details and pivotal character arcs. - The Fires of Heaven (1993)
Political intrigue and epic battles intensify as Rand faces new enemies and allies alike. - Lord of Chaos (1994)
Chaos reigns as Rand battles the Forsaken, and the Aes Sedai face internal strife. The ending is a game-changer! - A Crown of Swords (1996)
Power struggles and betrayals dominate as Rand consolidates his rule, and new threats emerge. - The Path of Daggers (1998)
A shorter but intense installment, focusing on political maneuvering and the Seanchan invasion. - Winter’s Heart (2000)
Major plotlines converge, including a climactic event that shifts the series’ trajectory. - Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
A slower-paced book focusing on simultaneous events across the world, setting the stage for the final act. - Knife of Dreams (2005)
Jordan’s final solo book accelerates the pace, tying up loose ends and delivering thrilling resolutions. - The Gathering Storm (2009, completed by Brandon Sanderson)
The first of the Sanderson-co-authored books, this installment brings emotional depth and major plot advancements. - Towers of Midnight (2010, completed by Brandon Sanderson)
The penultimate book ramps up the action as the Last Battle approaches. - A Memory of Light (2013, completed by Brandon Sanderson)
The epic conclusion! The Last Battle unfolds, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
The Wheel of Time Prequel
- New Spring (2004)
A prequel novel set 20 years before The Eye of the World, focusing on Moiraine and Lan’s early adventures. It’s best read after book 10 (Crossroads of Twilight) to avoid spoilers, but new readers can start here for a shorter introduction to the world.
Robert Jordan’s Other Works
While The Wheel of Time is Jordan’s most famous work, he wrote other novels under different pseudonyms, showcasing his versatility. Here’s a rundown of his non-Wheel of Time books in publication order:
- The Fallon Series (written as Robert Jordan)
A historical fiction trilogy set in the American Revolution:- The Fallon Blood (1980)
A tale of love, war, and betrayal in colonial America. - The Fallon Pride (1981)
The saga continues with adventure on the high seas. - The Fallon Legacy (1982)
The trilogy’s conclusion, tying up the family’s epic journey.
- The Fallon Blood (1980)
- Conan the Barbarian Series (written as Robert Jordan)
Jordan contributed seven books to the iconic Conan series, based on Robert E. Howard’s character:- Conan the Invincible (1982)
- Conan the Defender (1982)
- Conan the Unconquered (1983)
- Conan the Triumphant (1983)
- Conan the Magnificent (1984)
- Conan the Destroyer (1984)
Tied to the 1984 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. - Conan the Victorious (1984)
- Other Works
- Cheyenne Raiders (1982, written as Jackson O’Reilly)
A Western novel about a man caught between two worlds. - The World of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time (1997, co-authored with Teresa Patterson)
A companion guide to The Wheel of Time, packed with lore, maps, and background details. Best read after finishing the main series.
- Cheyenne Raiders (1982, written as Jackson O’Reilly)
What’s the Best Reading Order for The Wheel of Time?
For most readers, publication order (listed above) is the recommended way to read The Wheel of Time. This follows Jordan’s intended narrative flow, gradually revealing the world and its mysteries. However, here are a few alternative approaches:
- Chronological Order: Start with New Spring (the prequel), then proceed with The Eye of the World through A Memory of Light. This works for readers who prefer a linear timeline but may spoil some main series surprises.
- New Readers: If the series’ length feels daunting, try The Eye of the World first to see if the style suits you. It’s a self-contained story that hooks you into the larger saga.
- Rereaders: Some fans recommend reading New Spring after Crossroads of Twilight (book 10) for context, as it was published later and contains minor spoilers.
Why Read Robert Jordan’s Books?
Robert Jordan’s works stand out for their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance. Here’s why you should dive in:
- Epic World-Building: The Wheel of Time features a richly detailed world inspired by global mythologies, with cultures, magic systems, and histories that feel alive.
- Memorable Characters: From Rand’s struggles to Egwene’s growth, the characters’ journeys are both relatable and inspiring.
- Timeless Themes: Jordan explores destiny, power, love, and sacrifice, making his stories resonate with readers of all ages.
- Adaptation Buzz: The Amazon Prime Wheel of Time series has brought new fans to the books, making now a perfect time to read (or reread) the originals.
Tips for Enjoying The Wheel of Time
- Take Notes: The series has hundreds of characters and subplots. A notebook or a fan-made glossary (like those on Wheel of Time wikis) can help.
- Pace Yourself: The series is long, so don’t rush. Savor each book’s unique flavor.
- Join the Community: Engage with fans on platforms like Reddit or X to discuss theories and favorite moments.
- Explore Adaptations: After reading, check out the Amazon series or audiobooks narrated by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer for a fresh perspective.
FAQs About Robert Jordan’s Books
Q: Do I need to read all the books in order?
A: For the best experience, yes, especially for The Wheel of Time. Skipping books may leave you confused due to the interconnected plots.
Q: Are the Conan books worth reading?
A: If you love fast-paced, sword-and-sorcery adventures, Jordan’s Conan novels are a fun, lighter read compared to his epic fantasy.
Q: Can I read New Spring first?
A: You can, but it’s better after a few main series books to fully appreciate its context.
Q: What if I find the series slow?
A: Some books (like Crossroads of Twilight) are slower, but the payoffs in later books are worth it. Stick with it, or try audiobooks to keep momentum.
Final Thoughts
Robert Jordan’s books, especially The Wheel of Time, are a monumental achievement in fantasy literature. Whether you’re drawn to epic battles, intricate politics, or heartfelt character moments, there’s something for everyone in his bibliography. Start with The Eye of the World and let the Wheel weave you into its timeless story. Have a favorite Jordan book or curious about where to begin? Drop a comment below or join the conversation on X!
Happy reading, and may the Light illumine your path!
