Will Reading Companion Books and Prequels Spoil Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time Series?

Delving into the expansive universe of Robert Jordan's ldquo;The Wheel of Timerdquo; can be a journey filled with both anticipation and curiosity. To make the most of the experience, many readers find it beneficial to explore companion books and prequels. However, these can come with a caveat: spoilers. In this article, we will explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of reading these additional works before the main series and provide recommendations for a smoother reading experience.

Understanding the Companion Books and Prequels

Robert Jordan's companion books and prequels offer a deep dive into the world of ldquo;The Wheel of Time.rdquo; The New Spring, a prequel, takes place before the main series and focuses on the early lives of key characters, such as Moiraine and Lan. This expansion helps enrich the understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit.

The companion books, while providing extensive lore and background information, might contain spoilers regarding character fates and major plot developments. A stroke of(destiny), these books can significantly influence your reading experience of the main series. Therefore, if you want to experience the story as Jordan intended, it is generally advisable to read the main series first.

Exploring the Prequel: New Spring

New Spring is a standalone novel that predates the events of the main series by twenty years. It provides an expanded version of a short story published in an anthology, detailing Lan Mandragoran's journey as Moiraine Damodred's warder. This novel serves as an excellent introduction to the premise of the larger saga and sets the stage for the events that follow.

Can the Companion Books Be Read First?

The companion books are essentially an encyclopedia of the series. They contain detailed information about the series, characters, and events. Due to their comprehensive nature, these books would not make much sense to new readers who haven't encountered the world of ldquo;The Wheel of Timerdquo; through the main series. It is advisable to read the companion books after completing the main series to fully appreciate the depth of the lore and characters.

Reading Order and Author's Intentions

Many recommend reading the original release order of the series rather than the internal chronology. This approach reflects the author's narrative development process, providing a more cohesive and authentic reading experience. For ldquo;The Wheel of Time,rdquo; the prequel New Spring is best read after the 7th or 8th book. While it offers additional context, it is not an ideal introduction to crucial elements like the One Power and Aes Sedai.

Companion Books in Order: Recommended Reading Order

The companion books should be read after the 7th and 14th books of the main series. These books contain significant spoilers for the books preceding them and might ruin the experience for new readers. They are also incomprehensible without having read at least part of the main story.

Final Thoughts

Whether to read companion books and prequels before or after the main series is a personal choice. For a deeper understanding of the world and characters, these additional works can be invaluable. However, to preserve the intended story experience, it is generally recommended to dive into the main series first, then explore additional content at your leisure.

By following the author's intended timeline, you can ensure an immersive and enriching journey through the vast and intricate universe of ldquo;The Wheel of Time.rdquo;