When to read New Spring

[Kyle]

I'm a first time reader of the WoT series (on book 3 at the moment). I was curious when folks recommend reading New Spring.

I understand it is a sequel. Does it hold anything critical to understanding the larger WoT series, or can I read it once I'm done?

[Adam]

I'd read it after book three, it is interesting to see the development of moraine and Lan!

[Gianluca]

New Spring is a prequel, but it's not meant to be the introduction to the series. It doesn't explain who most of the characters are and how things work. And it reveals certain story elements that would normally remain unknown until book 3 or book 4.
That said, I think it's a good book, but only a fan of the series will enjoy it. I personally read it while waiting for A Memory of Light to come out, but reading it after The Dragon Reborn would work just as well.

[Tracy]

You can read it at any time, it is not integral to the story at all. HOwever, I would also think that it is probably better to wait until later in the series or even at the end to read.

[Kenneth]

I read it after The Dragon Reborn as well. I thought that was a good place for it.

[Daniel]

I read it in publication/purchase order. Anywhere between "Path of Daggers" (short story released) to after "Crossroads of Twilight" (book released). By that point in time you won't spoil some things hinted at in the main run.

[Joshua]

I read newspring after memory of light, only because I wanted to remain consistent with the story and not jump backward. I don't regret it at all after learning all the characters plots and the world of WoT it made it all the more interesting especially after a memory of light. So I say after.

P.S.
it also kind of helped me with my WoT withdrawals after finishing the entire series lol

[Natasha]

I did some searching on a few other WOT forums and a lot say either after book 6 or in publication order. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? I'm on book 4 and am really intrigued to read it.

[Heather]

I read it between book 5 and book 6.

[Srijan]

Call me conservative but I think NS should be read after completing ACoS. It's basically a background story and I feel knowing the current story till ACoS gives one the best perspective to appreciate the events in NS. I read it in publication order myself.

[♥ Rebecca ♥]

I read New Spring first and it worked for me.

[Victor]

I read NS before i read TEoTW, and to this day think it was a great mistake. You can read at any time between book 3 till the end, given that you will know most of the important characters in NS by now

[Victor]

I read NS before i read TEoTW, and to this day think it was a great mistake. You can read at any time between book 3 till the end, given that you will know most of the important characters in NS by now

[Ashok]

I am reading New Spring now when I have finished the series. I think it can be read after III book without any spoilers.

[Luci]

Hi Kyle~ Great question since New Spring is "supposedly" a prequel but won't make much sense without some background of the main character line-up and story plot.

I recommend reading it right after Book 1- The Eye of the World (as I did). TEoTW introduces the settings and characters with their backgrounds essential to the story. NS goes into depth on Lan and Moraine, who they are, their mission and purpose of coming to Emonds Field along with necessary info on the Aes Sedai and how they function.

Hope this helped.
Happy reading!