If you devoured all 15 books in Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and even watched the first season of Amazon’s adaptation, you may be looking for something to tide you over until the next season premieres.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of original fantasy stories that will enchant you with their detailed worldbuilding and epic storytelling.
In this post, we present 10 excellent fantasy books like Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time.
Books Like The Wheel of Time Series
Below are 10 books that deliver epic tales of high fantasy, much like the Wheel of Time series.
1. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson helped to complete the last three books in the Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan’s death, using Jordan’s detailed notes as a guide. It’s no surprise, then, that one of Sanderson’s books tops this list of books like Wheel of Time.
In The Way of Kings, readers are introduced to the world of Roshar, where the landscape is unforgiving and emotions take on a physical form.
Kaladin, a former medical apprentice, is now enslaved in a war and must fight to save his fellow soldiers. This series’ characters are as expertly developed as its worldbuilding, making it a great choice to get lost in after you’ve read The Wheel of Time.
2. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
Similar to The Wheel of Time, this book blends history (in this case African history) and mythology.
In this first book in the Dark Star Trilogy, a hunter named Tracker must find a mysterious boy who disappeared three years earlier.
Although Tracker typically works alone, this time he finds himself part of a group that is also looking for the same boy. He’s joined by a band of characters unlike any he’s ever known, including a shape-shifting man-animal known as Leopard.
3. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Similar to The Wheel of Time, a poor and unlikely hero(ine) becomes her country’s best hope in a devastating war.
Leaving behind the only life she’s known, Rin studies at the most elite military school in Nikan, where she’ll develop powers that may just save her people.
The good news is that all three books in this series have already been released, so you don’t have to wait before jumping into The Dragon Republic and The Burning God.
4. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
Fans have dubbed this series “the next Wheel of Time,” and its high fantasy narrative certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Davian is one of “the Gifted,” and suffers the consequences of a war that was lost before he was even born. But when Davian discovers his forbidden powers, he and his friends are drawn into an ancient war against a dangerous enemy.
Two more books follow in the Licanius Trilogy: An Echo of Things to Come and The Light of All That Falls.
5. Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho
This epic tale of magic is set in Regency England, where magicians are greatly respected but magical stocks are quickly drying up.
Zacharias Wythe, a freed slave and prominent magician, journeys to the borders of Fairyland to investigate.
Along the way, he crosses paths with Prunella Gentlewoman, a woman incredibly gifted in magic. Zacharias’ adventure sets him on a path that will change sorcery for all of Britain and the world at large.
6. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Here’s another tome of epic fantasy with excellent worldbuilding, but this world’s ruled by women. Queen Sabran the Ninth is without an heir, which she needs to secure her kingdom’s future.
Queen Sabran will have to conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction, but she’s still unwed and assassins are drawing closer to her door.
Meanwhile, in the South, a secret society of mages sends Ead Duryan to Queen Sabran’s court to keep her alive using forbidden magic.
7. Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
In the first installment of this 10-book series, Steven Erikson introduces us to the Malazan Empire, which is ruled by the ruthless Empress Laseen.
After destroying Pale, the Empress sets her sights on Darujhistan, the last of the Free Cities of Genebackis.
However, the Empire is not alone in this game; sinister forces are lurking as the gods prepare to play their hand.
8. Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan
In this first book in the Legends of the First Empire series, humans worship a race called the Fhrey, who are seemingly immortal masters of magic.
But when a human named Raithe kills one of the Fhrey, the balance of power changes forever. As a rebellion begins, just three stand between mankind and annihilation.
9. Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
Set in the Middle East during the golden age of the Caliphate, this story follows Doctor Adoulla Makshlood, a ghul hunter who’s nearing retirement.
But when an old flame’s family is murdered, Adoulla is pulled back into work. In the midst of a brewing rebellion, a series of brutal killings are just the beginning.
There’s a larger plot to take the Throne of the Crescent Moon that threatens to turn the great city of Dhamsawwaa into ruins.
10. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
In this first novel of the Broken Earth trilogy, a woman named Essun comes home to find that her husband has murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter. In order to find her daughter, Essun must hide her secret power.
Meanwhile, the Sanze empire collapses, and across the continent, a great red rift tears into the the earth—a rift that will potentially spread ash across the sky for centuries.
This epic novel blends together the best of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian fiction.
Who Writes Like Robert Jordan?
If you enjoy Robert Jordan’s writing style, then you’ll probably like at least some of the authors listed here.
However, Brandon Sanderson in particular helped to complete the Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan’s death, and he’s created some memorable fantasies of his own. Check out more books by Brandon Sanderson to get your fantasy fix.
Do you have a favorite book like The Wheel of Time? Tell us about it in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- The Wheel of Time Books in Order: How to Read All 15 Books
- 11 Best Brandon Sanderson Books to Kickstart Your Reading
- Magic Systems: 7 Things to Consider When Creating Your Own
- 15 Powerful Lord of the Rings Quotes to Inspire You
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
