12 Books Like The Wheel of Time Series
Are you ready to embark on an epic journey through sprawling worlds, intricate politics, and mesmerizing magic systems?
If you’ve ever found yourself enthralled by Robert Jordan’s monumental fantasy saga, “The Wheel of Time,” then get ready to be transported once again.
In this blog post, we’ll unveil a treasure trove of books that will satisfy your craving for immersive world-building, rich character development, and epic quests akin to those found in “The Wheel of Time” series.
Let’s check them out.
Books Like The Wheel of Time
1. The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind
The Sword of Truth series is a collection of epic fantasy novels that follows the journey of the protagonist, Richard Cypher, as he discovers his true destiny as the Seeker of Truth.
Alongside a cast of memorable characters, Richard battles against dark forces threatening his world, all while uncovering deeper mysteries about magic and his own heritage. The series is known for its intricate plot, detailed world-building, and exploration of philosophical themes.
Major Similarities:
Like The Wheel of Time, The Sword of Truth series features a richly developed fantasy world filled with magic, political intrigue, and a clear battle between good and evil. Both series have a strong male protagonist who must grow into his destined role to save the world.
The themes of destiny, the use of magic, and the epic scope of the narrative are common threads that fans of The Wheel of Time will appreciate in The Sword of Truth series.
2. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
The Stormlight Archive is an ongoing epic fantasy series that delves into the lives of diverse characters in the world of Roshar, a land constantly ravaged by supernatural storms.
The series is renowned for its complex characters, unique magic systems, and the depth of its world-building. Each book focuses on different characters, slowly unraveling the mysteries of the Cosmere universe that Sanderson has created across his novels.
Major Similarities:
Brandon Sanderson, who completed The Wheel of Time after Robert Jordan’s death, brings a similar depth of world-building and intricate plot development to The Stormlight Archive.
Both series feature multiple point-of-view characters and explore themes of power, responsibility, and the fight against encroaching darkness. Fans of The Wheel of Time’s expansive storytelling and detailed magic system will find much to love in The Stormlight Archive.
3. The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
The Malazan Book of the Fallen series is an epic fantasy saga known for its ambitious scope, complex narrative structure, and a vast array of characters.
Set in the Malazan Empire and spanning continents, the series weaves together numerous storylines involving gods, mortals, and magical beings.
Its themes explore the nature of power, war, and history, making it a richly layered and thought-provoking read.
Major Similarities:
This series shares with The Wheel of Time an epic scale, a complex world filled with magic and mythical beings, and a story that encompasses a broad tapestry of characters and cultures.
Both series challenge readers with their depth and complexity, offering a rewarding experience for those who appreciate detailed world-building and multifaceted narratives.
4. The Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams
The Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series begins with “The Dragonbone Chair” and follows the young protagonist, Simon, as he evolves from a kitchen boy to a key figure in a battle against supernatural forces.
The series is set in the fictional realm of Osten Ard and is characterized by its well-developed characters, intricate plot lines, and a detailed setting that includes various races and languages.
Major Similarities:
Like The Wheel of Time, The Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series features a young protagonist who grows into a hero over the course of an epic narrative. Both series excel in world-building, with a rich history and a variety of cultures.
They also share themes of prophecy, magic, and the battle between light and dark, appealing to readers who enjoy classic epic fantasy tales.
5. The Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks
The Lightbringer Series is set in a unique world where magic is derived from light, with each color of the spectrum corresponding to a specific power.
The story centers on Kip, a seemingly ordinary boy who discovers he has a great destiny. The series is known for its complex magic system, political intrigue, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
Major Similarities:
Both The Wheel of Time and The Lightbringer Series feature young protagonists who must navigate a world filled with magic and conflict to fulfill their destinies.
The detailed magic systems and the blend of personal growth with epic battles make The Lightbringer Series resonate with fans of The Wheel of Time. Additionally, both series explore themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the struggle between light and darkness.
6. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
The Farseer Trilogy begins with “Assassin’s Apprentice” and introduces us to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard and trained assassin in the kingdom of the Six Duchies.
Through Fitz’s eyes, we explore themes of loyalty, power, and the cost of magic. Robin Hobb is renowned for her deep character development, intricate plotting, and the vividly realized world of the Six Duchies and beyond.
Major Similarities:
Like The Wheel of Time, The Farseer Trilogy offers a compelling blend of magic, intrigue, and a coming-of-age story within a richly detailed fantasy world.
Both series feature protagonists with mysterious destinies and explore the impact of political machinations and ancient magic on their lives and the wider world.
Readers who appreciate the depth of character and the complex interplay between personal and epic narratives in The Wheel of Time will find a similar satisfaction in The Farseer Trilogy.
7. The Black Prism (Lightbringer Series) by Brent Weeks
The Black Prism is the first book in the Lightbringer Series, which has already been mentioned but deserves another highlight due to its rich storytelling.
This series introduces a world where magic is powered by light, with each color having its own unique ability and influence.
The protagonist, Gavin Guile, is the Prism, one who can split light into its component colors and wield great power. The series is celebrated for its original magic system, complex characters, and moral complexities.
Major Similarities:
As with The Wheel of Time, The Lightbringer Series (starting with The Black Prism) captivates readers with a blend of magical innovation, epic scope, and a deep exploration of political and personal struggle.
Both series feature protagonists who grapple with their destinies in a world where the balance between light and dark, good and evil, is precarious.
The detailed world-building and the focus on the costs of power and leadership are elements that fans of epic fantasy will appreciate.
8. The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle, starting with “The Name of the Wind,” is a deeply immersive narrative that chronicles the life of Kvothe, a gifted young man growing up to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.
Told in Kvothe’s own voice, the story unfolds his adventures, trials, and the search for knowledge. Rothfuss’s series is acclaimed for its lyrical prose, complex character development, and a unique take on magic and mythology.
Major Similarities:
While The Kingkiller Chronicle focuses more on a single protagonist’s journey compared to the ensemble cast of The Wheel of Time, both series immerse readers in a beautifully detailed world filled with magic, lore, and adventure.
The themes of destiny, the pursuit of knowledge, and the cost of power resonate in both series. Fans of The Wheel of Time’s rich storytelling and world-building will likely be drawn to the intricate narrative and the poetic language of The Kingkiller Chronicle.
9. The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne
The Faithful and the Fallen series starts with “Malice” and is set in the Banished Lands, a world embroiled in war and prophecy.
It tells the story of Corban, a young boy who dreams of becoming a warrior and eventually finds himself at the heart of a battle against dark forces. The series is notable for its detailed world-building, complex characters, and epic battle scenes.
Major Similarities:
Both The Wheel of Time and The Faithful and the Fallen series feature young protagonists who must confront their destinies in a world where the forces of good and evil are locked in a perpetual struggle.
The extensive world-building, the presence of prophecies and myths, and the focus on both personal growth and epic conflict make The Faithful and the Fallen series a compelling read for fans of The Wheel of Time.
10. The Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne by Brian Staveley
The Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne series begins with “The Emperor’s Blades” and follows the children of a murdered emperor as they struggle to uncover the conspiracy behind their father’s assassination and prevent the empire’s collapse.
The series is known for its intricate plot, complex characters, and a world where gods and humans interact in dangerous ways.
Major Similarities:
Similar to The Wheel of Time, The Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne series features a multi-layered story with multiple perspectives, a richly developed world, and a mix of political intrigue and epic fantasy elements. Both series explore themes of power, destiny, and the complexities of leadership in a world fraught with danger and magic.
Fans of the sprawling, interconnected storylines and character-driven narratives in The Wheel of Time will find much to appreciate in Brian Staveley’s series.
11. The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington
The Licanius Trilogy starts with “The Shadow of What Was Lost” and introduces readers to a world where the use of magic is heavily regulated and history is both a guide and a mystery to be unraveled.
The story follows three young men, each with their own path and secrets, as they navigate a world on the brink of war. The series is celebrated for its intricate plot, moral complexity, and the depth of its characters and world-building.
Major Similarities:
Like The Wheel of Time, The Licanius Trilogy features a detailed fantasy world filled with magic, a complex narrative that includes time manipulation, and a rich tapestry of characters whose fates are intertwined with the fate of the world.
Both series delve into themes of free will versus destiny, the nature of good and evil, and the power of friendship and sacrifice. Readers who enjoy the depth and complexity of The Wheel of Time’s story will find a similar experience in The Licanius Trilogy.
12. The Shannara Series by Terry Brooks
The Shannara series begins with “The Sword of Shannara” and spans numerous novels that explore the Shannara family’s struggle against evil through generations.
Set in a world that blends magical fantasy elements with post-apocalyptic Earth, the series is known for its classic battle between good and evil, a vast array of characters, and its mix of adventure, magic, and lore.
Major Similarities:
Both The Wheel of Time and The Shannara series offer an expansive universe that evolves over the course of many books, featuring a blend of magic, myth, and a struggle against dark forces.
While The Shannara series adopts a more traditional approach to the fantasy genre, it shares with The Wheel of Time the epic scope, the journey of heroes from humble beginnings, and the rich world-building that draws readers into a deeply imagined fantasy world.
Fans of epic narratives that span generations and feature a mix of character-driven stories and world-encompassing threats will appreciate the depth and breadth of The Shannara Series.
