The Wheel of Time Series

The Wheel of Time is a fantasy series written by Robert Jordan and completed after his passing by Brandon Sanderson. It consists of 14 books and a prequel.

Plot of The Wheel of Time

Robert Jordan’s novels tell the story of the eternal struggle between the Shadow and the Light. Three thousand years have passed since the last great conflict, known as the War of the Shadow, in which Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon, managed to seal the Dark One with the help of the most powerful Aes Sedai. However, as retaliation, the Dark One tainted saidin, the male half of the One Power, causing madness in all men who could channel. As a result, Lews Therin slaughtered his entire family and everyone he ever loved. This event marked the Breaking of the World, also known as the Time of Madness, bringing an end to the Age of Legends.

From this tragedy, the legend and prophecy of the Dragon Reborn emerged. He is the only one who can stand against the Dark One, yet he is also capable of destroying the world, just as Lews Therin did when he succumbed to the taint.

The books follow the journeys of Rand, Mat, and Perrin, three young men who find themselves at the heart of this prophecy.

Magic System

At the core of everything is the Wheel of Time, created by the Creator. It weaves the Pattern of the Ages, shaping the destinies of people.

The Wheel is powered by the One Power, drawn from the True Source—the source of all magic. The One Power is divided into a male half (saidin) and a female half (saidar), which oppose and complement each other to turn the Wheel.

  • Aes Sedai – Those who can channel the One Power. After the Time of Madness, only women survived as Aes Sedai. They are divided into different societies called Ajahs (Blue, Red, White, Green, Brown, Yellow, Gray, and Black), each with its own philosophy on how the One Power should be used and what goals Aes Sedai should pursue.

Main Characters

  • Rand al’Thor – The main protagonist. He is ta’veren (a person around whom the Wheel weaves the threads of fate).

  • Mat (Matrim Cauthon) – Rand’s friend, also ta’veren.

  • Perrin Aybara – Rand’s friend, also ta’veren.

  • Nynaeve al’Meara – The village Wisdom.

  • Egwene al’Vere – The mayor’s daughter from the Two Rivers, Rand’s childhood friend.

  • Elayne Trakand – Heir to the throne of Andor.

  • Moiraine Damodred – An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah.

  • al’Lan Mandragoran – Moiraine’s Warder.

  • Thom Merrilin – A gleeman.

  • Aviendha – A Maiden of the Spear.

  • Min Farshaw – Can see glimpses of the Pattern, which serve as prophecies.

  • Verin Mathwin – An Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah.

  • Cadsuane Melaidhrin – An Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah.

  • Alanna Mosvani – An Aes Sedai.

Books in The Wheel of Time Series

  • New Spring (2004) – Prequel

  • The Eye of the World (1990)

  • 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)

  • Knife of Dreams (2005)

  • The Gathering Storm (2009) – Completed by Brandon Sanderson

  • Towers of Midnight (2010) – Completed by Brandon Sanderson

  • A Memory of Light (2013) – Completed by Brandon Sanderson