Fans of epic fantasy, especially those yet to delve into Robert Jordan’s celebrated “The Wheel of Time,” can find a fantastic deal on Amazon right now. The initial trilogy of this sweeping series is bundled together in a paperback collection priced at just $12.36 (originally $33), equating to a mere $4.12 per volume.
To own the complete saga, spanning fifteen novels, you’ll need to acquire four additional box sets. While not as heavily discounted as the first, these subsequent sets are all available for $20 or less. Dedicated readers seeking the special 30th Anniversary Edition of “The Eye of the World” can snag this handsome hardcover edition of the series’ opening book at a discount exceeding 50%.
“The Wheel of Time” is globally recognized as a pinnacle of fantasy literature, celebrated for its intricate world-building, profound philosophical concepts, and its innovative approach to societal norms compared to other fantasy works of its time.
Robert Jordan commenced “The Wheel of Time,” penning twelve of the fifteen books between 1990 and 2005, before his passing in 2007. Subsequently, Brandon Sanderson (author of the Stormlight Archive and Mistborn Saga), completed the final three installments using Jordan’s extensive notes. The series was adapted into an Amazon Prime Video show, which ended after three seasons and 24 episodes after cancellation in May.
“The Wheel of Time” Hardcover Editions: A Nostalgic Return to Original Art
The paperback sets provide an affordable entry point to the series, particularly with the first box set costing just a little over four dollars a book. Be warned that like most high fantasy series, these books are big. “The Eye of the World” is nearly 700 pages in the hardcover format. The vast majority of the “Wheel of Time” entries are at least 600 pages long, with “A Memory of Light” reaching over 900 pages in hardcover. The mass-market paperbacks have smaller font, thinner pages, less durable bindings etc. Collectors should note that hardcovers generally provide a more enjoyable reading experience, and are much more durable.
For dedicated fans or collectors of classic fantasy, all fifteen “Wheel of Time” titles remain available in hardcover, featuring their original cover artwork and jacket designs. While Amazon offers these hardcovers at prices significantly below their retail value, each individual hardcover will usually cost as much or more than a paperback box set.
A comprehensive list of all fifteen “Wheel of Time” hardcover editions is provided below. Additionally, “The Eye of the World” is also available as a 30th Anniversary Edition for $20 (reduced from $43). The cover will not match the rest, but this edition boasts four full-color maps as endpapers, a ribbon bookmark, a striking new dust jacket, and the iconic snake-wheel design embossed on the cover. It also includes an introduction by Brandon Sanderson.
Alternatively, readers can save money by opting for the trade paperback editions of “The Wheel of Time”. These pages are slightly smaller than the hardcover editions, but the the reading experience is similar overall. The “trade paperbacks” are available for around $15, and a few are even cheaper. The Eye of the World, for example, is only $9 (down from $19). The disadvantage is that you won’t get the fully illustrated covers.
For those already familiar with the series and seeking further immersion in Jordan’s enthralling world, “The Wheel of Time Companion” is packed with lore, character histories, and even characters and concepts that did not make the final series throughout the writing process. “The World of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time” is another good choice. It is an art book featuring 80 plus illustrations as well as background information.
Additional Resources for “The Wheel of Time” Enthusiasts:
- The Wheel of Time Companion
- The World of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time