Wheel of Time Series: Books vs. Show – What You NEED to Know!

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In the Wheel of Time book series, which started publishing its 15 novels since 1990, it might be challenging for the Prime Video adaptation to include all the narrative details. Yet, this could be advantageous as the essence of the engaging fantasy story lies in its accessibility to readers, who can delve deeper into the tale of the Aes Sedai and their struggle against the Dark One using the novels as a foundation. While reading every book would certainly enrich the viewing experience, it isn’t essential for appreciating how the show embodies Robert Jordan’s original work.

By focusing on the key moments, character developments, and pivotal storylines, The Wheel of Time can stray from the original book series while staying true to its essence. Some modifications and exclusions have been incorporated to distinguish it from the novels, which may render reading the entire book series less compelling for some viewers. To be frank, there are enough discrepancies between the books and the TV show that over-immersion might result in heartache due to changes made.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Novels in Order

In a timespan from 1990 to 2005, Robert Jordan authored twelve novels that comprise the expansive high fantasy series, “The Wheel of Time.” At its core, this intricate saga revolves around a band of female mystics called Aes Sedai. These mystics dwell in an era known as the Third Age, which is governed by the eternal cycle called the Wheel of Time. This cycle dictates the duration and nature of human existence. The Wheel is kept turning by One Power, a powerful and mysterious energy that can only be harnessed by women.

In this story, the Aes Sedai are organized into seven distinct groups called “Ajah,” each with a unique color code. The Blue Ajah, headed by Moiraine Damodred (portrayed by Rosamund Pike), is one of these factions. She has sworn to safeguard humanity as they anticipate the return of the Dark One, a malevolent force aiming to mold reality in his twisted likeness. In preparation for this eventuality, the Aes Sedai are on a quest to find The Dragon Reborn, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Lews Therin Telamon, a hero from the Age of Legends. This crucial plot point serves as the foundation for the TV show adaptation, which expands upon several elements from the book series while leaving out others.

Jordan’s 12 Wheel of Time novels include:

  • 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)
  • New Spring (2004)
  • Knife of Dreams (2005)

Even though Jordan passed away in 2007, he had penned instructions for author Brandon Sanderson, who subsequently composed the trilogy known as the Wheel of Time novels.

  • The Gathering Storm (2009)
  • Towers of Midnight (2010)
  • A Memory of Light (2013)

Beyond the 15 novels, there are also numerous short stories, comics, and collections that enrich the expansive lore of the Wheel of Time series. Luckily, you don’t need to read all of them to appreciate or follow the storyline in the TV show.

Do You Need to Read All the ‘Wheel of Time’ Books?

In simpler terms, it’s impossible for the Amazon Prime Video series adaptation of “The Wheel of Time” to include every detail from all 15 novels due to the vast amount of content and the limited scope of a TV show. Therefore, viewers don’t need to read all the books to understand the series, as each episode will present its own condensed storyline.

In a nutshell, the books and the TV show have their fair share of differences, making it questionable if reading the entire book series is necessary. Instead, the TV series is more like a loose interpretation of the epic novels rather than a direct adaptation. One notable change in the TV series is that women can potentially be the Dragon Reborn, which contradicts the books where only men can hold

Devoted book enthusiasts might find themselves taken aback by the introduction of new characters such as Laila, who is portrayed as Perrin Aybara’s wife, in the television adaptation. The depiction of the Dark One has been revised for the series, making it appear seared with flames protruding from its eyes and mouth. While the TV series generally adheres to the overall plot structure of the novels, it cannot possibly encompass every detail, side story, battle, character demise, or other significant to minor events found across the 15 books.

Instead of delving into the entire series of The Wheel of Time, it primarily sticks close to the first three books: The Eye of the World, The Great Hunt, and The Dragon Reborn. While some alterations are made to these novels, they are essential reading before diving into Prime Video’s adaptation of The Wheel of Time.

Not Having To Read All the Books Is a Good Thing

To put it simply, viewers of the fantasy TV series “The Wheel of Time” don’t need to read all 15 books by Robert Jordan to appreciate the show. If they have read the series, they might encounter confusion and disappointment due to changes such as altered characters, added subplots, time constraints, and reorganized plot points in the adaptation. For example, fans who anticipate seeing the story from Rand’s perspective, as it is written, may be taken aback when the show is told from Moiraine’s viewpoint instead.

Streamlining Aes Sedai’s journey in the TV series makes it accessible to a broader audience, allowing them to delve into the intricate details of Jordan’s story with less effort than reading the entire series. As Preeti Chhibber from Polygon put it: “Streamlining the vast tale for newcomers invites more people to join Aes Sedai on their journey without the time-consuming burden of finishing the novels.

The Wheel of Time” is an exceptionally promising commencement to an eagerly anticipated series, crafted by an individual who demonstrates a keen awareness of how adaptations can thrive by enhancing rather than simply replicating their original work.

Experiencing little that’s more disheartening than wrapping up a 15-book series, then seeing the TV version deviate, change, exclude, and introduce entirely new characters and plotlines. Luckily, this isn’t necessary to appreciate the fundamental idea presented by Jordan in The Wheel of Time. The TV adaptation maintains the essence of the novels while introducing and eliminating crucial narrative components.

The Wheel of Time is available to stream on Prime Video.

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2025-04-05 23:03