Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan

#1 The Eye of the World (1990)
#2 The Great Hunt (1990)
#3 The Dragon Reborn (1991)
#4 The Shadow Rising (1992)
#5 The Fires of Heaven (1992)
#6 Lord of Chaos (1994)
#7 A Crown of Swords (1996)
#8 The Path of Daggers (1998)
#9 Winter’s Heart (2000)
#10 Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
Prequel: New Spring (2004)

This series begins with protagonist Rand al’Thor and his friends, Mat and Perrin, living in idyllic Emond's Field in the country of Two Rivers. Their peaceful life is interrupted by some evil visitors and the news that the Dark One is breaking out of his prison with intent to destroy. It is Rand’s destiny to defeat him. Rand and his friends reluctantly set out to save the world. As the seal on the Dark One’s prison weakens, his minions, the Forsaken, escape and go after Rand. Rand’s powers strengthen as the prison seal weakens, yet Rand is also in danger of losing his sanity. Rand’s friends have magical powers of their own and they stay together on their adventures of war and sometimes romance.

The Wheel of Time series is very popular and, much to the delight of fans, it’s ending is nowhere in sight. The books are appealing for many reasons — they have elements of action, suspense, love, and magic. The characters are very well-developed and readers will quickly grow to care for Rand his friends, and cheer him on as he journeys toward his destiny.