Wheel of Time Reading Order + The Slog

This epic 14-book series — 15 if we include the prequel — requires dedication. Then again, once you get hooked into Robert Jordan’s world, it’s more like you can’t put the books down. (Unless we’re talking about The Slog…more of this below.)

Also read Screw You All, I Love Wheel of Time

If you’re new to this world and are looking for a guide on the Wheel of Time reading order, then here is a straightforward way — follow the publication dates. Especially on your first read. (Trust me, you will have more than one read.)

Wheel of Time Reading Order (Publication Dates)

1. The Eye of the World (1990)
2. The Great Hunt (1990)
3. The Dragon Reborn (1991)
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. New Spring (2004) — Prequel
12. Knife of Dreams (2005)
13. The Gathering Storm (2009)
14. Towers of Midnight (2010)
15. A Memory of Light (2012)

Wheel of Time Order (Chronological)

Now, what if you are the type who likes reading stories as they happen in their world? Simply pull out New Spring from the previous list, read it first, and then proceed as mentioned.

1. New Spring (2004) — Prequel
2. The Eye of the World (1990)
3. The Great Hunt (1990)
4. The Dragon Reborn (1991)
5. The Shadow Rising (1992)
6. The Fires of Heaven (1993)
7. Lord of Chaos (1994)
8. A Crown of Swords (1996)
9. The Path of Daggers (1998)
10. Winter’s Heart (2000)
11. Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
12. Knife of Dreams (2005)
13. The Gathering Storm (2009)
14. Towers of Midnight (2010)
15. A Memory of Light (2012)

The Wheel of Time: The Slog

You didn’t think I’d leave it at that, did you?

We can’t ignore The Slog, the bane of every WoT reader.

The Slog is a contentious point, I dare say, as many weep and wail over it. Some say it does not exist.

I belong in the middle — I say The Slog exists, but I just grit my teeth and go through it as quickly as I can on re-reads. Skim reading, hey there!

So, what is the Wheel of Time slog?

The Slog refers to four books, specifically seven to 10 (not including New Spring in the count):

1. A Crown of Swords (1996)
2. The Path of Daggers (1998)
3. Winter’s Heart (2000)
4. Crossroads of Twilight (2003)

Robert Jordan’s writing in these four books oh so discernably slows in pace. His descriptions and narratives seem — are! — repetitive and bore into details like there was no tomorrow.

Long story short — it is a LONG story that was NOT shortened in this case, The Slog will take you through the world of WoT like a lazy meandering river.

Here is an informative discussion on The Slog, though let me say that I do not completely agree with Daniel Greene. Each to his own. Still, if you’re open to spoilers, have a listen.

On my first read, I felt the slowdown. But with the excitement of the succeeding books still ahead — plus the uncertainty brought by the unfinished books and RJ’s health — I more than managed. In fact, there were times when I reveled in the details of the Aes Sedai. You experience the sheer complexity of the world that RJ built in every pore as you go through The Slog.

You also have to consider this: if you were reading the books as they were getting published, The Slog represented a delicate time in the life of the reader. During this period, not only did the pacing crawl, but the future was uncertain.

RJ was sick, and we didn’t know when — if! — he would finish the books. Those years were painful, and not only because of the drastic slowdown.

At this point, we are all grateful and fortunate to have had the wonderful Brandon Sanderson finish the series, so I dare say that the impact of The Slog will not be that negative. In fact, this is a great time to relish those books and dive deep into the details of WoT.

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