The epic fantasy novel The Wheel of Time, popularly known as WoT among its lovers, is one of the bestseller series novels James Oliver Rigney Jr. wrote. This American fantasy author goes by the pen name Robert Jordan, the name his fervent readers know.
Robert captured his reader’s hearts by telling the tale of Moiraine Damodred’s journey to find their only savior, the only one who can stand against the dark one. She and her friends had to run for their lives when their enemy came lurking and ventured deep into an unimaginable world with many dangers waiting in the darkness and the light.
Every page of this novel ignites different feelings which keep you reading even through the night. From the epic personality of the novel to a large number of characters and explicit details of the imaginary world, and much more, it’s worth every second.
No wonder it’s acknowledged worldwide, selling over 90 million copies in recent years. However, are there other adventure fiction books like the wheel of time?
Continue reading to discover 20 books like the wheel of time that can ignite your reading flame and immerse you deeply in the fantasy world.
The Way of Kings
The author of this novel, Brandon Sanderson, completed the wheel of time after Roberts’s death. Yet Brandon was able to captivate WoT lovers and immerse you into the Robert fantasy world. It makes sense to want to read his piece of art next.
The Ways of the King is the first book of the Stormlight archive sequel. This book has over five hundred pages where you experience a roller coaster of emotions as you journey down the Roshar landscape, where ten people battle against one enemy. Join the adventures of Kaladin, Jasnah, and Dalinah to unearth many secrets about the Country.
The Hobbit
If you are a fantasy fanatic, you will love J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Hobbit. This novel immerses you in Tolkien’s fictional world, which gets more magical with every page you turn.
The book tells the story of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, on a quest to regain stolen treasure. His journey through Mirkwood, Rivendell, and Misty mountains to Lonely mountains to face the ultimate enemy Smaug. In the beginning, part of the novel you will get to know Gandalf and Gollum and how they meet Bilbo.
As you continue reading, you will know the other characters, like dwarves, elves, wizards, and eagles. The plot of this book is top-notch. You will surely love it!
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Fellowship of the Rings is the first book of the series Lord of the Rings. It’s one of Tolkien’s books that holds a special place in the heart of most fantasy readers. It’s because the novel depicts an epic tale of love and companionship between Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins.
The reader also enjoys a broader experience of the adventure of these two. The Hobbit takes you through the journey of how Bilbo retrieves the ring.
However, in the Fellowship of the Ring, you will experience the hardship Sam and Frodo had to go through to destroy the ring and stop Sauron’s plan at all costs. It’s an adventure fiction book that makes you feel you are part of the plot.
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
This book is not like all other fantasy novels you read. In the Gunslinger, Stephen King brings alive the dark western utopian society and existential fiction in a compelling manner. While most readers are curious about the Man in Black, other characters like Jake, Cuthbert, Roland, and others heighten the readers’ curiosity.
If you are a lover of big, uncommon words you should have a more handy note as you journey through the land with Stephen King. Your scrabble prowess is due for an upgrade.
Poppy War
Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is another outstanding fiction for Wheel of Time fans. The book birthed a new genre called Grimdark that integrated the Chinese twentieth-century military chronology, class wars, and mythological elements.
This book takes you to a fantasy world where you will meet an orphan called Rin, who faced a lot of hardships in school and later developed shamanic powers. Just like in Roberts’s novel, an unexpected hero emerges and becomes a source of hope for the people as war looms around the corner.
The Dragonbone Chair
When making a list of must-read epic fantasy books like The Wheel of Time, failure to mention The Dragonbone Chair makes the list incomplete and without variation. This novel is too incredible!
The plot swirls around two main characters; Princess Miramele and a frail boy, Simon. These two must do their best to save the kingdom from a wicked sorcerer. How will these two fragile individuals emerge victorious?
Again like Robert, Williams makes a plot twist by using an unlikely hero to save the kingdom from the knocking downfall.
The Warded Man
When an epic tale of adventure merges with an epic tale of horror, you have a book that captivates the reader from leaf to leaf. That’s how you will feel when reading the Warded Man (Painted Man).
You will surely enjoy reading about Arlen, Leesha, and Rojer and their quest to defeat the human-eating demons.
The Priory of Orange Tree
Looking for a wide epitome of epic tales that will engross you with its massive plot and brilliant world-building with a captivating storyline? The Priory of Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is a good idea.
This fictional book is about dragons and magic. Did I hear you say Dragon? Yes, dragons and magic! The story is about Queen Sabean, who must produce an heir to secure her kingdom’s future despite the odds against her.
Although Shannon’s epic novel is not a series like The Wheel of Time, the plot twist and strong characters will quench your WoT thirst.
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle)
In a single character named Kvothe, you have a famous singer, a sorcerer, an arcanist, and an adventurer living in hiding. When he rescued a Chronicler, he told him his story.
On the first day, he told the story of all his adventures found in the first book. Followed by his childhood story and his journey to becoming an outstanding sorcerer. One day he becomes implicated in a king’s manslaughter.
From the first to the last page of this sequel, Patrick Rothfuss gives thrilling supernatural adventures with a whiff of mystery you surely want to attend.
The Final Empire
The Final Empire shows how versatile the American author Brandon Sanderson can be. The final empire, also known as the Mistborn, is one of the best-selling interesting fiction books with romance. Yes, it has romance!
It’s slightly different from other adventure fiction books because it has science backing up the mysticism. Prepare yourself as you journey into the Brandon world, where your heart will sing and your eyes will spill water.
Sorcerer to the Crown
Zen Cho, the Hugo award-winning writer, dispels his brilliance in his novel: Sorcerer of the crown. This book epitomizes danger, invention, brilliance, unsettlement, and adornment. Sorcerer to the Crown is a one-in-all book that breaks as many rules as the characters do.
Don’t be surprised how hard you will laugh because it’s an interesting fiction book depicting a regency spree with a speck of fairyland.
Shadow of What was Lost
If you love classic adventure fiction books, Shadow of What was Lost by James Islington will satisfy your yearning. It’s called the “next Wheel of Time.”
The novel tells the tale of Davian, who suffers the consequences of the war his ancestors fought and lost before his birth until he realizes a forbidden power lies within him. Follow Davian in his quests to change the world in his lifetime.
The books blend old elements with specks of humor and amusing dialogue. Although some readers say, the novel contains too much fantasy for a literary novelist. However, the book is more alluring and is as literary as fantasy gets.
The Lens of the World
The Lens of the World is a story of an orphan and pariah named Nazhuret, a boy rejected from military school. So he began to work as an apprentice for Powl. However, in the pursuit of his past, he discovered a secret that tested his mastery and wisdom. Who can he trust with the secret? What should he do with his discovery?
This exciting fiction series is addictive and filled with action. Also, it consists of characters you will love and hate. It’s okay to add this book to your must-read list.
The Black Company
Glen cook shows his fantasy skills in his masterpiece, The Black Company. Cook single-handedly altered the face of fiction with this novel and made his readers relate more with every character.
The plot of this book is between a Lady who stands between evil and humankind and a white rose reborn to represent well. Although this series oozes a European vibe, it’s another epic fantasy you can read after The Wheel of Time.
The Fifth Season
This New York Times remarkable book displays strength and it’s worth every second you spend. It is another perfect example where a writer merges sci-fi with fantasy to give its readers that perfect dystopian terrain that meets your imagination.
This apocalypse fantasy genre depicts a wounded mother that will do anything to save her daughter, no matter the cost. This novel will ignite your reading flame and unlock your emotional doors.
Age of Myth
Age of Myth is Michael’s first book of the series: Legends of the First Empire. Sullivan makes his readers understand that far back in time, humans worshiped a race called Frey as gods. However, all hell let loose when a human named Raithe killed one of the Fhrey.
As a result, the balance of power between humans and the so-called gods remains broken. The age of myth has ended. The time of rebellion has begun, and only three can protect humanity.
Raithe is a killer who doesn’t want to embrace his destiny; Suri is a young sorcerer worried about the knocking doom; and Persephone must conquer her calamity to be the leader her people need.
Throne of the Crescent Moon
Traditional words, magical fantasy, and middle-east scenes. You will experience all these in Saladin’s novel: Throne of Crescent Moon. Doctor Adoulla, a ghoul hunter, has retired. But fate brought him back when his friend’s family died. He and his sidekick Zania must find the killer.
Also, as the story develops, there is a power struggle between Khalifa and Falcon Prince. Who emerges as the winner? Who is the killer? It’s best to add this novel to your must-read list to satisfy your curiosity.
A Stranger in Olondria
Although Samantha never includes a villain in Stranger in Olondria, the novel retains its course- to capture the ecstasy and pain of exploring the world through books. So if you are ready to lose yourself in the language of books, A stranger in Olondria is the best choice.
Immerse yourself into Jevrick’s world as he travels to Olondria with high expectations, only for reality to slap him right in the face.
Gardens of the Moon
Gardens of the Moon, one of the Malazan fallen sequels, depicts how brilliant Steven Erikson can be. He incorporates his years of experience as an anthropologist and archaeologist into the world of fantasy. And it’s indeed epic!
Steven makes his readers journey back to the period of the Malazian empire, where empress Laseen ruled tyrannically. After conquering most cities, she decided to conquer the last free city, Darujhistan. Little did she know that the gods had their plan.
This adventure fiction book is fascinating and magical-just what you expect from a fantasy series.
Final Thoughts
The Wheel of Time series creates an imaginary world that seems different yet close to its readers. Some of these books listed here are slightly different from WoT.
However, they will also provide a similar fantasy appeal to your experience, making it more enjoyable and intriguing. Enjoy reading as you travel through epic worlds with heroes, villains, and allies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Books Inspired The Wheel of Time?
Jordan Robert explored different books to lay a path for most of his characters. He made research books about revelations, Taoism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Can a 13-year-old Read The Wheel of Time?
Whether you can read The Wheel of Time when you are 13 or not depends on your level of understanding. However, both 12 years old and older ones can enjoy the book.
Is Wheel of Time the Best Fantasy Book?
The Wheel of Time surpassed some fantasy series and is on par with Lord of the Rings. So it’s one of the best fantasy books.
Enny holds a Masters in English from Harvard and focuses on cross-genre book studies and comparisons. She loves thrillers, romance, sci-fi, and novels. She lives with her cat Pete and her husband Sean in New York City where she also gives guided tours of hidden-gem small bookstores.
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