With 15 novels inThe Wheel of Timebook series published since 1990, it would be nearly impossible for the Prime Video adaptation to cover every storytelling chapter. And that’s a good thing. One of the best parts aboutthe fantasy seriesis that it is accessible to everyone, using the novels as a jumping-off point to tell the fundamental story of the Aes Sedai and its fight against the Dark One. While it wouldn’t hurt to read every novel published, it is not necessary to understand how the show captures the spirit of Robert Jordan’s source material.
By streamlining the most substantial events, character arcs, and crucial plot points for the masses to enjoy,The Wheel of Timeis free to veer from the popular book series while honoring its core. A few additions and omissions have been included to stand apart from the novels, making reading the entire series even more unnecessary. Honestly, there are enough differences between the books and the TV adaptation that reading too much may lead to upsetting heartbreak forthe changes made.
The Wheel of Time
‘The Wheel of Time’ Novels in Order
Robert Jordan wrote 12 novels inthe high fantasy seriesThe Wheel of Time, published between 1990 and 2005. At its heart, the sprawling epic concerns an all-female group of mystic channelers known as Aes Sedai. The Aes Sedai live in the Third Age, a fantasy period where an infinity loop known as the Wheel of Time determines the length and quality of human life. The Wheel is spun by One Power, a mystical force channeled by women only.
The Aes Sedai is divided into seven color-coded “Ajah” factions. The Blue Ajah division isled by Moiraine Damodred(Rosamund Pike), who vows to protect humanity while preparing for the return of the Dark One, an evil entity out to fashion the universe in his corrupt image. As the Aes Sedai prepare, they search for The Dragon Reborn, believed to be the reincarnation of the heroic Age of Legends member, Lews Therin Telamon. This central premise is the focus of the TV adaptation, which embellishes many aspects of the novel series while omitting others.
Jordan’s 12Wheel of Timenovels include:
Although Jordan died in 2007, he left notes for novelist Brandon Sanderson, who wrote the three-partWheel of Time novels:
In addition to the 15 novels, several short stories, comic books, and compilations further advance the sprawlingWheel of Timemythology. Fortunately, they are not all required to enjoy or even understand the TV adaptation.
The short answer is no, those watchingThe Wheel of Timedo not need to read all 15 books. Firstly, there’s no conceivable way for the Prime Video TV series to cover all 15 novels, much less explore, in granular detail, what occurs in each. Even if it could, it would be an entirely unfair and unrealistic ask for every viewer to pore through millions of words in thousands of pages spanning 23 years to grasp what occurs in 24 TV episodes. Even ifThe Wheel of Timewere renewed for thenext 10 seasons, it would not be enough to depict all that transpires in the books.
Secondly, several differences occur between the books and the TV series, making reading the entire series academic. Therefore,it’s more of a TV series loosely based on the epic novels rather than a 100% faithful adaptation. One significant alteration in the TV series is that women could be the Dragon Reborn. In the novels, only men could bear the distinction. While Rand al' Thor proves to be The Dragon reborn in the TV series, candidates include female characters such as Egwene al’Vere and Nynaeve al’Meara.
Faithful novel readers will also be surprised by the additions of new characters, including Laila, Perrin Aybara’s wife. Even the Dark One’s visage has been altered in the TV series, rendered to appear burnt with flames jutting out of its eyes and mouth. The series may loosely follow the overarching structure of the novels, but will never include every detail, subplot, battle, character death, and other major to minor developments in the 15 novels.
Rather than reading the entire novel series,The Wheel of Timemostly adheres to the first three novels,The Eye of the World, The Great Hunt,andThe Dragon Reborn. Although changes are made to the novels, these are the most crucial reading assignments before watching Prime Video’sThe Wheel of Time.
Frankly, it’s good that fantasy TV watchers are not required to read all 15The Wheel of Timenovels to enjoy the series. As laid out, the unfaithful adaptations, new characters, subplots, time-crunches, and rearranged plot points will lead to massive confusion and disappointment among those who’ve completed Jordan’s high fantasy series. For instance, fans ofThe Eye of the Worldexpecting to watch the TV series from Rand’s perspective as written, will be shocked when the show is seen throughMoiraine’s powerful eyes instead.
The benefit of streamlining Aes Sedai’s journey is that the TV series casts a much wider net for audiences to enjoy the nuts and bolts of Jordan’s tale. By reducing the vast story into an easily digestible story for the unfamiliar, more people are invited to go on Aes Sedai’s sojourn without the time-consuming hassle of completing the novels. AsPolygon’s Preeti Chhibber wrote:
“The Wheel of Timeis a very strong start to a much-awaited series and created by someone who has a clear understanding of howadaptations can soar when complementing their source material rather than just copying it.”
Few things could be worse than completing a 15-novel series, only to watch the TV adaptation divert, alter, omit, and fabricate entirely new characters and subplots. Fortunately, this is not required to enjoy the basic premise conveyed by Jordan inThe Wheel of Time. The TV adaptation honors the spirit of the novels while adding and subtracting key storytelling elements.
