When Robert Jordan launched The Eye of the World in 1990, marking the beginning of a remarkable series with over a dozen novels in The Wheel of Time, it might have been easy to assume this emerging author was merely echoing his primary inspiration — the iconic The Lord of the Rings trilogy crafted by the legendary fantasy author, J. R. R. Tolkien. The story follows protagonist Rand al’Thor, an unsuspecting young man from a tranquil village who accepts his monumental destiny to confront the Dark One, aided by his loyal friends, a stoic warrior-king, and a mysterious sorceress. However, as The Wheel of Time evolved through its numerous volumes, Jordan intricately wove his own compelling narrative of good versus evil, solidifying his work as a landmark in high fantasy. With an extraordinary imagination, rich character development, and a staggering word count that stretches the limits of creativity, Jordan’s epic saga defined a generation of readers.
Prime Video’s adaptation of The Wheel of Time, which debuted 32 years after The Eye of the World first captivated readers, has garnered widespread acclaim for its faithful representation of Jordan’s expansive vision. Throughout its three completed seasons, the series has welcomed new audiences to the late author’s intricate universe. Whether you’re a devoted follower of the television adaptation, a fan of the original literary masterpiece, or both, if you’re on the hunt for your next captivating read, you need to look no further. Just as the titular Wheel turns, there is an abundance of narratives that capture the essence of Jordan’s best qualities.
10
‘Discover the Magic of ‘The Name of the Wind’ (2007)
Written by Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind, the inaugural volume in Patrick Rothfuss’ anticipated trilogy, The Kingkiller Chronicle, is set in the fantastical realm of Temerant, where magic is mastered through rigorous academic training. This structured approach sharply contrasts with the rich folklore of Temerant, which suggests that individuals can access an enigmatic source known as “the Name of the Wind” to manipulate the Wind’s arcane energies. The protagonist, Kvothe, is the most notorious and skilled triple threat — a warrior, bard, and arcanist, with whispers suggesting he might also be an assassin of kings. Having retreated into obscurity as a humble innkeeper, Kvothe reluctantly agrees to recount his life’s extraordinary tales over the course of three days.
True to the story-within-a-story format of The Name of the Wind, Rothfuss’ debut novel examines the profound impact that fiction can have on our lives while simultaneously celebrating high fantasy traditions. Much like the early installments of The Wheel of Time, some characters may initially appear as familiar archetypes. However, similar to Jordan’s evolving narrative, Rothfuss skillfully subverts our expectations, transforming The Name of the Wind into a jubilant deconstruction of the genre. This engrossing narrative is filled with intricate details, from Kvothe’s joyous upbringing within a traveling troupe to his experiences at the prestigious university, and the mystique surrounding the elusive Name of the Wind itself. Readers will find it irresistibly easy to lose themselves in Rothfuss’s captivating world, especially given his exquisite prose.
9
‘Unravel the Secrets of ‘The Shadow of What Was Lost’ (2014)
Written by James Islington
Set in the intricate world of Andarra, sorcery is distinctly divided among various social factions. The Gifted harness their magical abilities by drawing from their life force, known as Essence, while the Augurs tap into an unfathomable reservoir beyond themselves, which ultimately drives them to madness. The devastating civil war that ensued resulted in the brutal genocide of the Augur community, and the Gifted’s abilities are now heavily monitored and constrained. Many years after this brutal division, Davian, a gifted student at a state-sanctioned magical academy, is forced to flee for his life upon uncovering his forbidden Augur lineage.
Both critics and readers have recognized the opening installment of James Islington‘s The Licanius Trilogy as an impressive continuation of Jordan’s legacy. In fact, The Shadow of What Was Lost initiates a grand and intricately crafted series that draws inspiration from foundational works such as The Wheel of Time. As Davian learns about the various magical hierarchies of Andarra and how to draw power from unconventional sources, a dark threat looms on the horizon — an ancient enemy that has been held at bay for millennia and is now threatening to break through a weakened Border. Accompanied by friends who each discover their own unique powers, Davian’s journey leads them to encounter ancient relics, the cycle of reincarnation, and a chilling truth — that despite their noble intentions, these characters may also become either heroes or villains destined to bring ruin to everything they touch.
8
‘Experience the Epic Adventure of ‘The Rage of Dragons’ (2017)
Written by Evan Winter
Growing up immersed in the realm of fantasy literature, The Wheel of Time stood as one of Evan Winter’s guiding stars. The birth of his son brought a stark realization — the cherished books he devoured during his childhood seldom featured Black protagonists. Inspired by his identity as a Black man with South African heritage, Winter crafted The Rage of Dragons, the initial installment in The Burning series. In this world, dragons serve as devastating weapons, akin to nuclear arms, unleashed only in dire circumstances — and they can only be commanded by women endowed with the rarest divine magic. These sorceresses are known among the Omehi as the Gifted. Gifted male Omehi are equally rare, possessing immense strength that allows them to transform into living weapons.
The protagonist, Tau, is a common-born youth residing with his father in a humble village. His aspirations revolve around marrying his girlfriend and leading a life far removed from the struggles faced by their war-torn kin, who are conscripted into a relentless conflict against the invading Omehi. When his hopeful plans crumble, Tau resolves to forge himself into a weapon solely through sheer willpower. Unlike the reflective pacing found in The Wheel of Time, The Rage of Dragons propels forward with a relentless intensity, akin to a blazing inferno. Nevertheless, both Winter and Jordan excel in similar aspects: intricate worldbuilding, genuine emotional depth, strategic combat, and a careful exploration of systemic inequalities, imperialism, and the significant sociopolitical power held by women. As Tau undergoes rigorous training, demons whisper in his ear, leaving readers to ponder their nature — are they metaphorical or something far more sinister?
7
‘Immerse Yourself in ‘The Sharing Knife: Beguilement’ (2006)
Written by Lois McMaster Bujold
The adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely rings true, especially when it affects the innocent. In Lois McMaster Bujold‘s The Sharing Knife universe, the most powerful magic wielders pursue an insatiable hunger for power, ultimately plunging their once-thriving civilization into a post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of the 19th-century American West, now known as the Wide Green World. In this desolate landscape lurk Malices, sentient parasitic entities capable of consuming, controlling, and altering human bodies. Fawn, a young woman with an unplanned pregnancy, seeks a better life than the one offered by her family’s farm. During her journey to the city, she encounters Dag, a member of the Lakewalker community, who wields Sharing Knives crafted from human bone, infused with the essence of dying Lakewalkers, to eliminate Malices.
Fans of The Wheel of Time often gravitate toward Bujold’s morally complex female characters, who often outshine their male counterparts. At the heart of The Sharing Knife: Beguilement lies a heroine, Fawn, who, akin to Rand, is both naive and resourceful, embodying curiosity, courage, and determination. While Beguilement shares thematic elements with Jordan’s work, such as a shattered world, it also introduces a romantic subplot that Jordan incorporates but does not prioritize. Comparisons can be drawn between Dag and Lan, as well as Fawn and Nynaeve, although Fawn’s character is significantly more approachable. While some readers may find the notable age disparity between the two characters unappealing, Bujold’s prowess in crafting compelling love stories, as seen in her acclaimed Vorkosigan Saga, sets her apart.
6
‘Explore the Intricate World of ‘The Jasmine Throne’ (2021)
Written by Tasha Suri
In Tasha Suri‘s captivating novel, The Jasmine Throne, two women find their lives intertwined by circumstance and drawn together by their shared desires. The Emperor of the Parijatdvipan Empire has exiled his sister, Princess Malini, for disobeying his order to sacrifice herself in flames as a show of loyalty. Trapped within the sacred Hirana temple, a site of immense spiritual significance, Malini concocts plans to escape her captivity and dethrone her despotic brother. Priya, one of the few survivors of a devastating massacre, is reluctantly drawn into servitude by Malini after the princess unveils Priya’s most guarded secret — the magic bestowed upon her by the waters of Hirana, a knowledge that could spell death for Priya if it falls into the wrong hands.
As a gradual sapphic romance unfolds, The Jasmine Throne is tailor-made for fans of the Moiraine/Siuan pairing. While Priya, a compassionate commoner wielding magic, and Malini, an ambitious royal poised on the brink of power, use each other to fulfill their unspoken ambitions, they unexpectedly fall in love. Their love, fueled by longing, enriches their deeply sympathetic quests for both personal and societal liberation, while also challenging the boundaries of morality. Suri’s prose is as sharp and beautiful as a finely honed blade, with thematic depth that explores colonialism, free will, religious extremism, and critiques the gender binary, emphasizing the power of women in overthrowing oppressive systems of patriarchy.
5
‘Delve into the Fantastical Realm of ‘The Priory of the Orange Tree’ (2019)
Written by Samantha Shannon
Spanning over 800 pages, The Priory of the Orange Tree stands as a remarkable standalone entry in Samantha Shannon‘s expansive The Roots of Chaos universe. The impending return of the Nameless One, a cruel and feared dragon, poses a significant threat to Sabran Berethnet’s queendom of Inys and the integrity of her reign. Centuries-old traditions dictate that Sabran’s lineage is the only barrier against the Nameless One and other malevolent dragons. Yet, Sabran’s desire for independence clashes with the expectations of marriage, amplifying the risk of her assassination. Meanwhile, one of her ladies-in-waiting, Ead Duryan, is secretly a mage assigned to safeguard Sabran. Far from these powerful women lies aspiring dragonrider Tané, whose homeland exists in harmony with the region’s peaceful dragons.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of influences, including historical fantasy, medieval folklore, and religious motifs — all of which echo Jordan’s creative style — Shannon masterfully constructs intricate lore and a fluid, organic magic system. The narrative unfolds as a blend of thrilling court intrigue and a familiar quest format, where heroines and heroes unite to gather magical artifacts to confront their adversary. Entirely a feminist response to decades of genre norms, The Priory of the Orange Tree shifts perspectives among four main characters while also weaving in a broader scope of non-point-of-view figures. Shannon meticulously develops her conflict, unafraid to take the time necessary to enrich her world and explore its cultural, structural, and ethical complexities.
4
‘Unveil the Mysteries of ‘Fortress in the Eye of Time’ (1995)
Written by C.J. Cherryh
Unlike Rand’s myriad reincarnations as the Dragon Reborn, Tristen is a unique creation of Mauryl, one of the last surviving wizards, who conjures his protégé into being through powerful magic. Although Tristen possesses an adult body, he lacks personal memories or understanding of the world around him. After being forced to flee his familiar home due to an attack from a malevolent Shadow, Tristen — pure-hearted and enchanted by the smallest wonders of life, yet an empty vessel awaiting to be filled with extraordinary power — enters the nearest city and encounters Prince Cefwyn, the heir to the throne.
As with most high fantasy tales, Tristen’s journey of self-discovery in C. J. Cherryh‘s Fortress in the Eye of Time is laden with the conflict between destiny and free will. His quest to uncover his purpose is shadowed by mysteries surrounding an abandoned fortress, political machinations, and both Tristen and Cefwyn grappling with the true nature of humanity. Cherryh, a cornerstone of the sci-fi genre, showcases her remarkable mastery of language, atmosphere, and thematic concepts, revealing a world that is both rich and thoroughly developed, demonstrating her deep understanding of the genre she thrives in.
3
‘Discover the Depths of ‘The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms’ (2010)
Written by N.K. Jemisin
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