Uncovering New Worlds: 20 Engrossing Books Like Wheel of Time

Art isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about stepping into a fantastical outlook that mirrors our own world while also being dramatically removed from it. One such captivating work of art is Robert Jordan’s and Brandon Sanderson’s legendary epic ‘Wheel of Time’. The charm of its intricate plotlines, relatable personalities, and mystical realms have ensnared countless readers worldwide.

If you are fond of being swept up in similar vast, animated landscapes with gripping narratives and compelling characters, we’ve assembled an enticing list of 20 unforgettable books which might tickle your fancy.

Experience Adventure: Top 20 Books If You Loved “Wheel of Time”

1. “A Game of Thrones” by George RR Martin 

To regain the throne that is rightfully theirs, a royal family engages in a war in the world of the Seven Kingdoms.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Epic scale, complex world-building and familial power struggles.
• Intricate plots woven with unexpected twists.
• Detailed characterization with a wide range of central characters.

2. “Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien 

Frodo, a small and unassuming Hobbit, is tasked with the dangerous mission to destroy an all-powerful ring.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• High fantasy genre with complex world-building and lore.
• A continuous narrative spread across multiple volumes.
• The presence of a vast array of races and creatures in a well-described setting.

3. “Dune” by Frank Herbert 

Set in the distant future, the noble family Atreides is betrayed and the young Paul Atreides must navigate an alien landscape to reclaim what’s rightfully his, all while grappling with his destiny.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Detailed political scheming and plotting.
• Both series focus heavily on the theme of destiny.
• High science fantasy combined with an elaborate cultural setting.

4. “Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson 

In a world where the ruling lord represses the people, a group of misfits challenges his absolute rule.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Intricate magic system and world-building.
• Rebels against an oppressive force.
• Blends elements of mystery and suspense into fantasy.

5. “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman 

Lyra’s close friend disappears, leading her on a rescue mission that takes her through multiple realities.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• An epic quest through various worlds.
• Complex, symbolic narrative.
• The theme of innocence lost in face of a larger destiny.

6. “A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula K. Le Guin 

The story follows Ged, a reckless youth, as he goes on a journey to tame a dark presence his own hubris brought into the world.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Detailed and intricate world-building.
• Character conflicts predominantly internal.
• Incorporation of classic fantasy components into narrative.

7. “Assassin’s Apprentice” by Robin Hobb 

The tale of Fitz, the bastard son of a prince, who is trained as an assassin tool in the politically charged royal court.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• An extensive, well-structured realm.
• Political intrigue mixed with personal trials.
• A deep examination of the protagonist’s character.

8. “Malazan Book of the Fallen” by Steven Erikson 

A high fantasy that records the history of the Malazan Empire, its allies, enemies, and indigenous cultures.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• High fantasy with complex world-building and lore.
• An extensive cast and multiple plotlines.
• A range of themes, from warfare tactics to socio-political machinations.

9. “Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson 

An epic fantasy series set in a world ravaged by storms of enormous power.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Co-written by one of the authors of Wheel of Time.
• Large ensemble cast with a deep dive into their personalities and growth.
• Epic scale, complex world-building.

10. “The Chronicles of Amber” by Roger Zelazny 

Corwin wakes up unaware that he is a prince in a royal family that has the ability to walk between worlds.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Blending of the high fantasy genre with other genres, such as mystery.
• Amnesia plays a pivotal role in both stories.
• Deeply political underpinning throughout the series.

11. “The Sword of Shannara” by Terry Brooks 

In a world after its destruction, Shea Ohmsford, the last true heir to the magical Shannara, is haunted by the Dark Lord who seeks his destruction.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• An epic journey guided by a powerful, wise mentor.
• Evolving character relationships.
• Heavy reliance on prophecy and fate.

12. “The Farseer Trilogy” by Robin Hobb 

Follow the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a trained assassin, in the medieval kingdom of the Six Duchies.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Complex world-building.
• An in-depth exploration of the protagonist’s character.
• Intricate plot twists and suspense.

13. “Dragonlance Chronicles” by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman 

A group of friends are reunited on a quest to defeat the force of darkness spreading across their world.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Features an epic journey undertaken by group of friends.
• Deep, engaging character development.
• High-stakes conflict between good and evil.

14. “The Belgariad” by David Eddings 

Join Garion, a simple farm boy, who discovers his epic destiny involving a powerful amulet that could end his world.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Simple beginnings leading to epic destinies.
• A mix of magical and mortal characters woven into the narrative.
• Detailed and richly textured world-building.

15. “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” by Tad Williams 

Shepherd boy Simon is flung into a fantastical quest filled with magic, secret societies, and ancient folklore.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Young protagonist thrust into a world-saving quest.
• Exploration of thoroughly intricate fantasy world.
• Strong emphasis on friendship and alliances.

16. “The Inheritance Trilogy” by N.K. Jemisin 

Yeine Darr, an outcast from the barbarian north, is summoned to compete for her deceased mother’s throne in the king’s city of Sky.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Narrative centered around destiny and power.
• Complex and thoroughly-imagined world-building.
• Elaborate systems of gods, mortals and magic.

17. “The Dark Tower” series by Stephen King 

The Gunslinger, Roland Deschain, embarks on a quest to reach the mysterious Dark Tower.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Multi-volume series with interconnecting narratives.
• A blend of multiple genres, including fantasy, horror, and western.
• A constant pursuit and exploration of a mystical tower.

18. “The Lightbringer Series” by Brent Weeks 

Kip, a fat and lazy teenager, discovers he has magical abilities and must overthrow a tyrant who happens to be his father.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• Comprehensive magic system with strong rules and definitions.
• A coming-of-age story set in a globally-encompassing conflict.
• Extensive, well-structured realm with intricate cultural details.

19. “First Law Trilogy” by Joe Abercrombie 

In a world struggling between the chaos of war and the dread of dark magic, three unlikely heroes emerge.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• An epic journey across a meticulously detailed world.
• An ensemble of morally grey characters.
• Deep political intrigue and war tactics.

20. “The Broken Empire Trilogy” by Mark Lawrence 

Follow Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath’s tale of vengeance against his ruthless father and the rest of the kingdoms.

Elements in common with Wheel of Time:

• A young protagonist with a dark side.
• Expansive and well-built world.
• Intricate plotlines involving betrayal, war, and power.

Regardless of whether you crave to plunge into sprawling narratives or seek out a new literary obsession. All these riveting tales assuredly hold the prospect of adventure, thrill, and the captivation you cherished in Wheel of Time. Happy reading adventures, fellow bookworms!

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