Prepare to be whisked away to realms of epic fantasy, where magic, adventure, and heroism reign supreme, much like in Robert Jordan’s monumental series, “The Wheel of Time.” If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the intricate threads of Jordan’s epic tale, you’re in for a treat. In this handpicked selection, we unveil 11 of the most captivating epic fantasy books like The Wheel of Time that mirror the grand scale, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters that have made the book a timeless masterpiece.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of the genre or a fledgling explorer, these novels will transport you to spellbinding worlds brimming with warriors, wizards, and quests of immense importance. Join us as we set forth on a journey through the realms of epic fantasy, where destiny unfolds, ancient powers awaken, and extraordinary adventures await your eager imagination.
Books Like The Wheel of Time
To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of books that are an absolute must-read if you cannot get over The Wheel of Time.
Licanius Trilogy (2014)
by James Islington
Prepare to be enthralled by the epic scope of the story and the depth of its characters as you journey through a world where the line between good and evil is blurred, and the fate of the realm hangs in the balance.
Set in a world where magic and politics intertwine, the trilogy follows the journey of a young man named Davian as he discovers his extraordinary powers and battles against the forces of darkness.
In a land divided by ancient prophecies and hidden truths, Davian and his friends must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the secrets of their past and prevent a catastrophic event known as the Cataclysm. Along the way, they encounter allies and enemies, face moral dilemmas, and question the nature of power and destiny.
Total Pages– 2400 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.62
Amazon Rating– 4.2
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 80 hours and 0 minutes to finish Licanius Trilogy by James Islington.
The Belgariad (1982) by
David Eddings
‘The Belgariad’ like ‘The Wheel of Time’ features a young protagonist who embarks on a grand quest and discovers his true identity and destiny along the way.
The story begins with a young orphan named Garion, who lives a simple life on a farm. Little does he know that he is no ordinary boy, but the key to an ancient prophecy that will shape the destiny of the world. As events unfold, Garion finds himself accompanied by a wise old sorcerer named Belgarath and a group of unique and intriguing companions. Together, they embark on a quest to recover a stolen object of great power.
As the series unfolds, Garion’s journey becomes intertwined with prophecies and ancient lore, leading to a climactic confrontation between the forces of good and evil. With each installment, readers will be engrossed in the high-stakes battles, political machinations, and surprising twists that propel the story forward.
Total Pages– 1694 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.29
Amazon Rating– 4.9
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 56 hours and 28 minutes to finish The Belgariad Series by David Eddings.
Mistborn (2006)
by Brandon Sanderson
In ‘Mistborn,’ Sanderson introduces readers to a world dominated by a tyrant ruler, where ash falls from the sky and society is divided into distinct classes. The story follows Vin, a young street urchin with extraordinary abilities, as she becomes entangled in a rebellion against the oppressive regime. Alongside a crew of skilled misfits, Vin learns to harness her powers and discovers the secrets of Allomancy, a system of magic based on ingesting and burning metals.
Similar to ‘The Wheel of Time,’ ‘Mistborn’ features a richly detailed and intricate plot with political intrigue, epic battles, and world-altering conflicts.
Interestingly, Brandon Sanderson co-authored the final three novels in ‘The Wheel of Time’ series. That basically means that ‘Mistborn’ will give you the same feel as WoT, making it a must-read for readers who cannot get the book series out of their minds.
Total Pages– 1272 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.63
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 42 hours and 24 minutes to finish Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.
The Stormlight Archives (2010)
by Brandon Sanderson
The story begins with “The Way of Kings,” the first book in the series. Roshar is a land constantly ravaged by fierce and devastating storms, where powerful entities known as Highstorms shape the very fabric of life. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of various compelling characters, each with their own unique challenges and destinies.
Kaladin, a former soldier, fights against a world that has betrayed him. He seeks redemption and struggles to protect those in his care amidst the chaos of war. Dalinar Kholin, a high-ranking nobleman, faces internal conflicts as he strives to unite a fractured kingdom threatened by ancient enigmas and dark forces.
As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances are formed, and the characters’ paths intertwine in unexpected ways.
If you don’t mind waiting for future instalments and want a captivating read, this one’s for you.
Total Pages– 1007 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.70
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 33 hours and 34 minutes to finish #1 book of The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson.
Sword of Truth Series (1994)
by Terry Goodkind
The story follows the main protagonist, Richard Cypher, a young woodsman who discovers that he is the long-lost Seeker of Truth. As the Seeker, Richard possesses a unique power to wield the Sword of Truth, a legendary weapon that can vanquish evil and protect the world from darkness.
Throughout the series, Richard is joined by his strong-willed companion and love interest, Kahlan Amnell, a Confessor. Together, they face numerous challenges and confront the forces of darkness, including the tyrannical ruler Darken Rahl and the cunning Sisters of the Dark.
As the series progresses, Richard and Kahlan encounter a wide range of fascinating characters and embark on perilous quests to save their world, known as the Midlands. Along the way, they uncover ancient prophecies, unravel secrets of the past, and wage battles against formidable enemies.
Total Pages– 160 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.87
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 5 hours and 20 minutes to finish #1 book of The Sword of Truth Series by Terry Goodkind.
Lord of the Rings (1954)
by J. R. R. Tolkien
If you’re looking for a captivating and epic adventure, then “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien is the perfect book for you. This timeless classic takes you on a journey through the magical world of middle-earth filled with heroes, villains, and breathtaking landscapes.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit, as he embarks on a perilous quest to destroy a powerful ring that could bring darkness and destruction to the world. Along the way, Frodo encounters a fellowship of diverse and fascinating characters, including the wise wizard Gandalf, the brave warrior Aragorn, and the loyal Samwise Gamgee.
Throughout their quest, the fellowship encounters various obstacles and adversaries, including treacherous creatures like orcs, evil sorcerers, and corrupted beings. They also encounter allies such as the wise wizard Gandalf, the noble Aragorn, and the elf princess Arwen.
As Frodo and his companions venture deeper into their mission, they face internal struggles and the constant temptation of the ring’s power. They must overcome personal doubts, physical hardships, and moral dilemmas while staying united in their ultimate goal.
So, grab a copy of “The Lord of the Rings” and prepare to be swept away into a world of magic, bravery, and the power of friendship. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and enchanting reading experience.
Total Pages– 366 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.28
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 12 minutes to finish #1 book of The Lord of Rings by J.R.R Tolkien.
The Long Price Quartet (2006)
by Daniel Abraham
Set in a world called Khaiem, the series begins with the book “A Shadow in Summer.” In this book, we are introduced to a society divided into two rival cities, Saraykeht and Machi. These cities have a delicate balance of power maintained by an unusual and powerful form of magic known as the Andat.
The Andat are powerful beings that are bound to human poets through an intricate and dangerous ritual, giving the poets control over the Andat’s power. However, this power comes at a great cost, as the Andat’s actions often have far-reaching consequences.
The main protagonist of the series is Otah Machi, a man caught in the middle of political machinations and power struggles between the two cities. As the story progresses, we witness Otah’s transformation from a reluctant observer to a central figure in the fate of his world.
As the quartet progresses through ‘Betrayal in Winter,’ ‘An Autumn War,’ and ‘The Price of Spring,’ the stakes continue to rise, leading to profound changes in Khaiem and its inhabitants. The narrative unfolds with a careful balance of political maneuvering, intimate character moments, and unexpected twists, keeping readers hooked until the final pages.
Total Pages– 976 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.38
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 32 hours and 32 minutes to finish The Long Price Quartet by Daniel Abraham.
Lightbringer (2010)
by Brent Weeks
With a plot that sets it apart, ‘Lightbringer’ is an enthralling fantasy novel set in a world where magic is drawn from light. The story revolves around Gavin Guile, the Prism, a powerful and enigmatic figure who can harness the seven colours of light.
However, Gavin’s world is on the brink of chaos as a brewing war threatens to consume the Seven Satrapies, the realm he is sworn to protect. As he navigates political intrigue, alliances, and personal sacrifices, Gavin discovers a dark secret that could shatter everything he knows.
Meanwhile, a young drafter named Kip Guile, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As he uncovers his own magical abilities and faces formidable challenges, Kip becomes entangled in a web of destiny that connects him to his father and the fate of the world.
Total Pages– 629 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.23
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 20 hours and 58 minutes to finish #1 book of Lightbringer by Brent Weeks.
Black Company (1984)
by Glen Cook
‘Black Company’ is set in a world filled with sorcery, political intrigue, and brutal warfare. This book series follows the exploits of the Company as they navigate a treacherous landscape.
The story is narrated by Croaker, a skilled medic and historian within the Black Company. Croaker provides a firsthand account of the Company’s experiences, shedding light on their alliances, battles, and the moral complexities they face.
Led by their enigmatic captain, a feared sorcerer named The Lady, the Black Company finds themselves entangled in a conflict between powerful sorcerers and competing factions. As they take on contracts and fight in wars, the members of the Company grapple with their loyalty to one another and their individual struggles to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.
‘Black Company’ offers a different flavour of fantasy than ‘The Wheel of Time’ but still delivers a similar enthralling and immersive experience. If you’re ready to embark on a new fantasy journey that explores the darker side of warfare and features a compelling cast of characters, then ‘Black Company’ is the perfect choice.
Total Pages– 319 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.93
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 38 minutes to finish #1 book of Black Company by Glen Cook.
The First Law trilogy (2006)
by Joe Abercrombie
This series is an absolute gem for fans of fantasy and action-packed storytelling.
In the first book, ‘The Blade Itself,’ Abercrombie introduces us to a diverse and captivating cast of characters. There’s Logen Ninefingers, a fearsome warrior haunted by his past; Glokta, a former soldier turned cunning and sarcastic Inquisitor; and Jezal, a young and ambitious nobleman with dreams of glory. These characters are flawed and complex, which makes them incredibly relatable and interesting to follow.
As you progress through the trilogy, with ‘Before They Are Hanged’ and ‘Last Argument of Kings,’ you’ll find yourself becoming deeply invested in the fates of these characters. Abercrombie’s mastery lies in his ability to create unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the trilogy.
Like “The Wheel of Time,” “The First Law” trilogy is rich in political intrigue, epic battles, and complex character relationships. It explores themes of power, war, and the consequences of choices made by both individuals and societies. However, note that ‘The First Law’ trilogy is known for its darker and more cynical tone compared to ‘The Wheel of Time.’
Total Pages– 1600 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.52
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 53 hours and 20 minutes to finish The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie.
The Kingkiller Chronicle (2007)
by Patrick Rothfuss
The series follows the life and adventures of Kvothe, a renowned musician, magician, and adventurer. Set in a richly detailed and immersive world, the story is primarily told through Kvothe’s own narration.
In the first book, ‘The Name of the Wind,’ we meet a young Kvothe, who recounts his early years. He gains admission to the prestigious University, where he studies magic, encounters various intriguing characters, and unravels the mysteries surrounding the Chandrian, a group of mythical beings blamed for his parents’ murder.
The second book continues Kvothe’s journey as he explores distant lands, faces formidable adversaries, and becomes embroiled in complex political schemes. Along the way, he learns advanced magic, hones his musical skills, and becomes entangled in a tempestuous romance. Kvothe’s legend grows as he battles mythical creatures and encounters legendary figures.
However, the series remains incomplete, with an eagerly awaited third and final instalment, tentatively titled “The Doors of Stone,” yet to be released.
Total Pages– 662 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.52
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 22 hours and 4 minutes to finish #1 book of The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss.
Conclusion to Books Like The Wheel of Time
And that concludes the list for books like The Wheel of Time!
WoT is a series that one either doesn’t start, or if s/he does, cannot get over it. The fact that you’ve read this till the end means that you’re one of the latter ones.
If you were craving for more of ‘The Wheel of Time,’ we hope that the above list comes in handy. Go, grab your copies of the books in the above list, now!
However, if you want more books like The Wheel of Time beyond the list above, you should consider-
- Inda quartet by Sherwood Smith
- Memory Sorrow Thorn by Tad Williams
- Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne
- Riftwar by Raymond E. Feist
- The Dagger and the Coin by Daniel Abraham
- Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
- Lions of Al-Rasan by Guy Gavriel Kay
- A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gavriel Kay
- Recluce series by L.E. Modesitt
- The Book of the Ancestor by Mark Lawrence