The Wheel of Time Books: A Parent’s Guide to This Epic Series

Navigating the world of fantasy literature can be tricky, especially when considering what’s appropriate for young readers. The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan’s sprawling saga, is often a subject of discussion for parents. This guide will help you understand what to expect, enabling you to decide if and when this beloved series is right for your child or teen.

The Wheel of Time series, begun by Robert Jordan in 1990, and completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan’s passing, has become a cornerstone of the epic fantasy genre. It’s renowned for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and a vast plot spanning multiple books. With a blend of magic, political intrigue, and elements of good versus evil, the series has captivated readers for decades. Understanding the series’ complexities, both narratively and thematically, is important for parents considering whether to introduce it to their children. This guide is designed to provide clarity, allowing for informed decisions about engaging with this epic fantasy.

Understanding the Content: Is The Wheel of Time Suitable for Kids?

One of the biggest questions parents have is about the appropriateness of The Wheel of Time for their children. The answer isn’t straightforward, as it depends greatly on the child’s maturity and reading level.

Violence and Combat

The Wheel of Time is not a series without its share of conflict. Combat is a recurring theme, ranging from skirmishes to large-scale battles. While the descriptions of violence aren’t generally graphic, they are present. It’s important to consider that:

• There are descriptions of wounds and deaths, although often not overly detailed.
• Some scenes involve graphic depictions of the aftermath of battles or torture.
• The use of magic (the One Power) in combat can be destructive and sometimes violent.

Romantic Relationships and Sexuality

Another aspect parents often consider is the romantic content within the series. The Wheel of Time portrays a variety of relationships. Keep in mind:

• There are romantic subplots, and character relationships develop over the course of the books.
• Some characters engage in intimate relationships, though often not graphically described.
• There are mentions of sexual attraction and relationships outside of marriage, especially within the context of some cultures portrayed in the series.
• There are also themes of infidelity and other complex relationship dynamics.

Mature Themes and Moral Ambiguity

The series delves into complex moral and philosophical themes, presenting characters who aren’t always clearly good or bad. This can be challenging for younger readers.

• The characters face difficult moral dilemmas, often leading them to make choices with significant consequences.
• Some characters are flawed, displaying both positive and negative qualities, blurring the lines between good and evil.
• The world is complex, with political machinations, power struggles, and difficult social issues.
• These mature themes are not explored in an explicit way, but they are present and should be considered.

“As a longtime reader and educator, I’ve always stressed the importance of discussing themes with young readers. The Wheel of Time, while engaging, can be a good springboard for conversations about moral choices, consequences, and the nature of power,” says Dr. Eleanor Vance, a Professor of Literature and Child Development.

A Closer Look at the Books: Navigating the Series

The Wheel of Time is a long series, and each book builds on the previous one. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand what each stage of the series might offer in terms of maturity level and content.

1. The Eye of the World: The first book introduces the world, the main characters, and the overarching conflict. It’s often considered a good starting point for younger readers due to its more straightforward plot. However, there are still scenes of violence and the beginning of the series’ romantic themes.
2. The Great Hunt: The scope of the series expands and political intrigue starts to take center stage. This book starts to show the characters growing into their roles, and the stakes become higher. There is an increase in violence, especially at the climax of the story.
3. The Dragon Reborn: This book continues the darker, more complex themes, delving further into the conflicts between good and evil, and contains more mature character interactions.
4. The Shadow Rising: This book is where the series begins to take on its full scope. Major plotlines are developed, and the world’s history is explored, leading to larger-scale battles and more emotionally complex situations.
5. The Fires of Heaven: The consequences of power are more intensely explored, with political machinations coming to the fore. There is an increase in mature themes.
6. Lord of Chaos: Violence and political scheming are both elevated to a higher level in this book. This title introduces a greater degree of complexity and intensity.
7. A Crown of Swords: Characters make difficult choices and the overall tension of the series continues to build.
8. The Path of Daggers: There’s an increase in character development, with the complexities of relationships becoming more visible. The plot focuses on how power corrupts, and the consequences of ambition.
9. Winter’s Heart: A significant turning point in the series, the plot focuses on key events and a shift in the balance of power. This book also has an increase in both battle sequences and romantic encounters.
10. Crossroads of Twilight: More focus on character development and political maneuvering while the plot builds towards its climax. This is one of the more controversial books for its pacing, but is still a crucial part of the series.
11. Knife of Dreams: This book is considered a significant comeback with an increased pace in both action and plot development, setting the stage for the final books.
12. The Gathering Storm (by Brandon Sanderson): Sanderson takes over the series, making major shifts in character arcs and events that are crucial for the coming battle.
13. Towers of Midnight (by Brandon Sanderson): Key plot lines are resolved, characters come into their final form, and the series builds to its climax.
14. A Memory of Light (by Brandon Sanderson): The final book in the series is a sprawling epic with major battles, important character arcs being resolved, and conclusions for many storylines.

When is The Right Time for Kids to Read The Wheel of Time?

So, when is a good age for kids to start reading The Wheel of Time? Here are some considerations:

• Younger Readers (Under 13): For younger readers, it’s best to wait until they are more emotionally mature and can handle complex themes. Some parents may choose to read with their children or allow them to start at a younger age if the child is a proficient and mature reader, who can handle darker content.
• Teenagers (13-16): Teenagers are likely to be better equipped to handle the mature themes and violence, depending on their level of maturity and exposure to such topics. It is recommended that parents have a discussion with their children before they begin the books, or as they read them.
• Older Teenagers and Adults (16+): Most older teenagers and adults will find the content accessible and engaging, especially if they have an interest in epic fantasy.

“I’ve found that the age of the child isn’t the only factor. It’s about their maturity, their understanding of complex situations, and their ability to process morally ambiguous characters. If they are handling other challenging literature well, then they may be ready,” explains Mr. David Chen, a high school English teacher who uses the series as an example in his classes.

Tips for Parents: Introducing The Wheel of Time to Young Readers

Here are some ways to approach the series with your children:

• Read Along: Consider reading the books along with your child. This allows you to have conversations about the story, the characters, and the themes.
• Discuss Difficult Topics: Be open and ready to talk about violence, romance, and moral dilemmas. Encourage questions and provide guidance.
• Start Slow: Don’t feel pressured to read the whole series at once. Taking breaks between books can help prevent overload.
• Research: Do some research on the books yourself before handing them to your children. Knowing what’s coming can help prepare you for discussions with your child.
• Know your child: Consider your child’s temperament and reading habits. Are they sensitive to violence or mature themes? Are they able to put down a book if it doesn’t suit them?
• Use supplemental materials: There are many online resources, guides, and fan forums that offer insights into the Wheel of Time and could supplement your reading.

Conclusion

The Wheel of Time is an epic fantasy series that can be both rewarding and challenging for young readers. As a parent, the decision of when and how to introduce your children to these books comes down to understanding the content, considering your child’s maturity, and engaging in open communication. This Wheel of Time books parents guide aims to equip you with the information needed to make these informed decisions and ensure a positive experience. By carefully navigating these complex narratives, you can help your child develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of morality, power, and the human condition.

Related Resources

• The Wheel of Time official website: For information about the books, authors, and the television series.
• The Wheel of Time Wiki: A comprehensive resource for all things related to the series, including characters, places, and plot points.
• Dragonmount.com: A popular fan site with discussion forums, articles, and more for dedicated fans of the series.
• Various online book reviews on sites such as Goodreads or Amazon that can give you additional insights into each book.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is The Wheel of Time series too violent for kids?
The series does contain scenes of violence, but the intensity varies, with a mix of battle scenes and character-based conflict. Parents should assess their child’s sensitivity to this type of content.

2. Are there romantic elements in The Wheel of Time books?
Yes, romantic subplots are present, and they develop throughout the books. They aren’t explicit, but relationships are a common theme.

3. At what age is it okay for a child to read The Wheel of Time?
It is best for older teens (16+) and adults who can understand and process the complexities of the world and the mature themes it portrays. Parents should consider their own child’s maturity and discuss the books before reading them.

4. Are there mature or sexual themes in The Wheel of Time?
There are references to mature themes, relationships outside marriage, and a few sexual situations that aren’t explicitly described, but the themes are present.

5. Can I read The Wheel of Time with my child?
Reading alongside your child can be a good option for a shared experience, fostering conversations and addressing questions together about the plot, characters, and themes.

6. Is it okay for my child to start with book one, The Eye of the World?
The Eye of the World is a good starting point, and it is generally considered more accessible than later books, however, the entire series needs to be evaluated before proceeding for each child.

7. Does the series have a lot of magic?
Magic, called the One Power, is a fundamental aspect of the story and is used frequently in battles and for other purposes by the characters.

8. Where can I find more information about the books?
There are numerous online resources including the official website, the Wheel of Time Wiki, and several fan sites.

9. Are the books suitable for a sensitive reader?
Sensitive readers may struggle with the violence and mature themes; parents should consider this before recommending the series to a sensitive reader.