Below is the complete list of Robert Jordan books in order. For each series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Wheel of Time Books
Publication Order of The Wheel of Time Graphic Novels Books
Publication Order of Wheel of Time Companion Books
with Teresa Patterson
Publication Order of Fallon Books
Publication Order of Standalone Books
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Publication Order of Adventures of Conan Books
About Robert Jordan
Robert Jordan was an American fantasy author whose work helped shape modern epic fantasy. He is best known for creating the monumental The Wheel of Time, one of the most influential fantasy sagas of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Through intricate world-building, expansive mythology, and a vast cast of characters, Jordan developed a series that has remained a cornerstone of the genre for decades.
Robert Jordan was born James Oliver Rigney Jr. in 1948 in Charleston, South Carolina. Before becoming a full-time writer, he lived a life far removed from the world of fantasy literature. During the Vietnam War, he served in the United States Army as a helicopter gunner. His military service left a lasting impression on him, and the experiences of leadership, survival, and moral complexity later influenced the way he portrayed conflict and responsibility in his fiction.
After returning from military service, Rigney attended The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, where he studied physics. Although his academic background was scientific, he eventually turned his attention toward storytelling. Early in his writing career he worked under several pen names, producing historical fiction and adventure novels before fully entering the fantasy genre.
The name Robert Jordan became widely recognized after the publication of The Eye of the World in 1990, the first novel in The Wheel of Time series. The story introduced readers to a richly imagined world inspired by mythology, medieval history, and cultural traditions from around the globe. At its center was the idea that time is cyclical, with history repeating itself through ages of rebirth and renewal.
Reading Robert Jordan’s books in publication order allows readers to experience how the Wheel of Time saga expanded over time. What began as the journey of a small group of young characters gradually evolved into a sweeping narrative involving kingdoms, magical orders, and ancient prophecies. The series explores the struggle between the forces of the Light and the Dark One, but it also focuses heavily on the personal growth of the characters caught in the middle of that conflict.
Jordan’s writing is particularly known for its detailed world-building. The Wheel of Time universe includes complex political systems, distinctive cultures, and an elaborate magic system known as the One Power. This magic is divided into male and female halves, creating both cooperation and tension among those who wield it. The intricate structure of the world allows the story to explore themes of balance, power, and destiny.
Another defining feature of Jordan’s storytelling is the large ensemble cast. Dozens of major characters appear across the series, each with their own perspectives and motivations. This approach allows the narrative to unfold across multiple regions and cultures, giving readers a broader view of the world and the consequences of the central conflict.
Robert Jordan continued writing the series for many years, publishing eleven volumes during his lifetime. In 2007 he passed away after a long illness, leaving the final installments unfinished. Based on extensive notes and outlines he had prepared, fellow fantasy author Brandon Sanderson completed the final three books, bringing the saga to its planned conclusion.
The enduring popularity of The Wheel of Time eventually led to the television adaptation The Wheel of Time, which introduced the story to a new generation of viewers. The books themselves remain widely read and continue to influence fantasy authors around the world.
Through his dedication to expansive storytelling and immersive world-building, Robert Jordan created a literary universe that reshaped expectations for epic fantasy. His novels demonstrate how large-scale narratives can combine mythological themes with deeply human struggles, leaving a lasting legacy within the genre.