WhileThe Wheel of TimeTV show got off to a shaky start on Prime Video, its cancellation in May 2025 was still a huge bummer. AmazoncanceledThe Wheel Of Timeafter three seasons, and considering that the third outing finally sold many viewers on the fantasy adaptation, this was a shame.The Wheel of Timewas one of many streaming attempts toreplicate the success of HBO’sGame of Thrones— and given the massive popularity of its source material, it was among the most promising.
Unfortunately, questionablechanges to Robert Jordan’s booksand inconsistent production quality preventedWheel of Timefrom taking off as quickly as a series likeHouse of the Dragon.But the third outing of the show saw things looking up for the adaptation, with season 3 landing a whopping 97% onRotten Tomatoes. This made the decision to cancel the show that much more frustrating,but those looking for more great fantasy storytelling can ease that disappointment by digging into these booksand series.
10The Wheel Of Time Series
By Robert Jordan
If you’re looking for fantasy books to pick up after Amazon’sWheel of Timedisappointment, the most obvious choice is the series it’s based on.The Wheel of Timebooks span 14 main novels and a prequel, meaningthose missing the world of Prime Video’s series can fully immerse themselves in the original version— and for quite a long time. Season 3 leaves off after book four, so readerscan pick up withThe Wheel of Timebook five,The Fires of Heaven, if they want to know where things go (though reading a summary of the former novels is advisable).
Of course, given some of the major changes Prime Video’sWheel of Timemakes to Jordan’s books, readers might be better off starting the series from the very beginning. This will allow them to experience the story in its full intended glory, and it will give them even more to read withoutThe Wheel of Timeseason 4 to look forward to.There’s a reason Jordan’s books are lauded as some of the greatest fantasy novels of all time, and they’re well worth digging into in their entirety.
9The Stormlight Archive
By Brandon Sanderson
Fantasy authorBrandon Sanderson has had a lot to sayaboutThe Wheel of Timeand its cancellation, which isn’t surprising, considering he finished the last three books in the series after Robert Jordan’s death in 2007. Sanderson is a fantasy legend in his own right, as hisMistbornandThe Stormlight Archivebooks are among the greatest modern additions to the genre. And while any ofSanderson’s booksare worth picking up if you love fantasy,The Stormlight Archivemakes a great alternative to finishingThe Wheel of Timeshow.
The first arc ofThe Stormlight Archiveconcluded with therelease ofWind and Truthback in December 2024, so readers will have a somewhat satisfying conclusion to this one.The Stormlight Archivefeatures a complex mesh of characters and storylines, much like Jordan’s novels. Also comparable toThe Wheel of Timeare the length and scope of Sanderson’s books, though they read just as easily. You’ll likely find yourself flying throughThe Stormlight Archive,despite the series' size. Unfortunately, there will be quite a long wait for arc 2 of this beloved fantasy saga.
8The Farseer Trilogy
By Robin Hobb
The Farseer Trilogyis the first series in Robin Hobb’s expansiveRealm of the Elderlingsuniverse, and it’s worth digging into if you’re bummed aboutThe Wheel of Time.Hobb’s fantasy saga kicks off in this trilogy, but her other series continue to unpack its world and characters.The Realm of the Elderlingsconsists of 16 main books and five series, soit matchesThe Wheel of Timein terms of scope and length. Those hoping to remain in the same universe for an elongated period couldn’t do much better than to pick this up — but that’s far from the only reason to.
It’s a bit more concerned with character thanThe Wheel of Time,but both offer compelling personalities to follow.
The Farseer Trilogycenters onFitzChivalry Farseer, and it’s incredibly character-focused as it follows the boy into young adulthood. It’s a bit more concerned with character thanThe Wheel of Time,but both offer compelling personalities to follow as their stories unfold. Hobb’s fantasy story also has overlapping themes with Jordan’s epic, digging into its main character’s identity and the responsibilities that come with that.These throughlines will appeal toWheel of Timefans, even if the sagas are otherwise fairly different.
7The Lord Of The Rings
By J.R.R. Tolkien
It’s no secret thatThe Wheel of Timedraws inspiration fromThe Lord of the Rings,andthat makes J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy series a must-read for fans of the books and show. If you’ve somehow avoided picking upThe Lord of the Ringsbooksuntil now,The Wheel of Time’s cancellation could be the push you need to finally dive in. Tolkien’s stunning fantasy narrative takes readers on an adventure just as compelling as the one in Jordan’s novels, and it kicks off with a similar sense of urgency.
The Lord of the Ringsalso boasts world-shattering stakes and a conflict that ultimately comes down to good vs. evil, making it a great choice thematically for anyone who lovesThe Wheel of Time.This fantasy epic shows exactly how a quest story in the genre should be done, and it also has fantastic movie adaptations that are long completed.
6The Burning Series
By Evan Winter
Evan Winter’sThe Burningseries isn’t yet completed, but the first two books —The Rage of DragonsandThe Fires of Vengeance— areunderrated fantasy novelsthat should be on everybody’s radar. Opening in a world where war rages endlessly, Winter’s story explores the chasm between the important figures with powerful abilities and those deemed “fodder.” The magic doesn’t resemble that ofThe Wheel of Time,but the political ramifications of it will resonate with those who love Jordan’s story.
Book 3 in Winter’sThe Burningseries will be titledThe Lord of Demonsbut does not have a release date as of this writing.
Additionally,Winter’s story boasts the detailed world-building, great character writing, and gripping actionofThe Wheel of Time.The fact that it’s not completed also gives readers something to look forward to when its sequels arrive, which is more than we can say about Amazon’sWheel of Timeshow.
5The Priory Of The Orange Tree
By Samantha Shannon
Samantha Shannon’sThe Priory of the Orange Treeis a standalone followed by a couple of interconnected novels, and it rivalsThe Wheel of Timebooks in terms of length — even if it doesn’t lead into an expansive series. Even so,there’s a lot to love aboutThe Priory of the Orange Tree,some of which will no doubt appeal to fans of Jordan’s books. The novel’s plot, which centers on dragons and the beliefs and uses two different societies have for them, is quite different fromWheel of Time.However, political intrigue and well-established world-building are strengths present in both stories.
Additionally,The Priory of the Orange Tree’s magic system is split into two distinct types, which can also be said ofThe Wheel of Time’s. Shannon’s story doesn’t make this divide by gender, but her approach could be a draw to those looking for more of this aspect of Jordan’s books. TheRoots of Chaosprequel,A Day of Fallen Night, and the upcomingAmong the Burning Flowersalso give readers more opportunities to remain in Shannon’s world if they enjoy the first novel.
4Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series
By Steven Erikson
Another lengthy fantasy book series that will keep readers occupied without new seasons ofThe Wheel of Timeis Steven Erikson’sMalazan Book of the Fallen.Malazan Book of the Fallenis darker thanThe Wheel of Time,so that’s worth noting going into it. However, Erikson’s 10-book fantasy story is lauded as another staple of the genre, and its scope is reminiscent of Jordan’s series. It has numerous character arcs and narratives running parallel to one another, making it as immersive, expansive, and epic.
Malazan Book of the Fallenis worth checking out, as it’s one of those fantasy series everyone should read at least once. It may not be exactly likeThe Wheel of Time,but those who’d like to make their way through the fantasy classics won’t want to miss it. And it certainly gives readers plenty to do in the absence of Prime Video’s canceledWheel of Timeshow.
3The Inheritance Trilogy
By N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin is another must-read fantasy author, and while none of her series are too similar toThe Wheel of Time,fantasy fans will find similar levels of complexity in her settings and magic systems. Jemisin’sBroken Earthtrilogy, in particular, gets a lot of love — butThe Inheritance Trilogymight be more toWheel of Timefans' tastes.
The Inheritance Trilogyfollows a lead who is forced to prove herself and take her mother’s throne after the queen perishes, and so, it delves into themes of identity and fate. Such a journey could appeal to those who enjoy similar elements inThe Wheel of Time,even if the details are otherwise different. Jemisin’s thoughtful creation of the world and magic is also as impressive as Jordan’s approach, making this series a great choice for fantasy lovers.
2The Dark Tower Series
By Stephen King
Many ofStephen King’s best booksfall into the horror category, buthisDark Towerseries remains iconic— and it’s an ideal one to pick up after watchingThe Wheel of Timefor a few reasons. For one, it follows Roland Deschain on a quest narrative, and its story essentially boils down to good versus evil. But unlike Jordan’s story, its genre straddles the line between fantasy and horror, and its backdrop feels more Western than high fantasy. The ways it unpacks its themes are also much different, but it’s still an expansive and masterfully crafted addition to the fantasy sphere.
Wheel of Timefans disappointed in its failed adaptation will have a new one to look forward to after diving into King’s books.
Additionally,Mike Flanagan is adaptingThe Dark Towerfor the small screen, soWheel of Timefans disappointed in its failed adaptation will have a new one to look forward to after diving into King’s books. With eight novels and a TV show, there’s so much to be excited about when it comes toThe Dark Tower.That could prove a nice change of pace for those disappointed in the lack of newWheel of Timecontent on the horizon.
By R.F. Kuang
The Poppy Waris yet another beloved fantasy series that’s significantly darker thanThe Wheel of Time,but it will appeal to fans who are looking for something a bit grimmer — and its overarching themes still have some overlap, as it digs into discussions of power and war. It handles such topics very differently, but it takes readers on a worthwhile journey. There’s a reasonThe Poppy Waris quickly becoming a modern classic within the fantasy genre.
That makes it a series for fantasy lovers to keep on their radar, and it offers a nice change of pace from more traditional narratives likeThe Wheel of Time. Readers will find themselves as emotionally invested, though, which is a must when picking up a new series.
