When it comes to high fantasy, The Wheel of Time is a sweeping story that covers themes of identity, epic quests, and transformation. Written by Robert Jordan, the series began in 1990 with the book The Eye of the World. And it currently spans 14 books within the series, with the last 5 books done in collaboration with Brandon Sanderson after Jordan’s death in 2007.
In 2000, Jordan sold the TV right to NBC. That unfortunately didn’t go through as planned. But in 2018 Amazon Studios gave the series a greenlight with Rafe Judkins as showrunner. Familiar faces joined the cast like Rosamund Pike. But we also a slew of not-so-familiar actors like Daniel Henney, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, and Josha Stradowski make a name for themselves as they took on this iconic high fantasy series.
Remezcla got a chance to experience the hype of The Wheel of Time when we attended the latest CCXP in Brazil. And it gave us perspective on how much of a global phenomenon this property truly is. The books have been translated into 37 languages with over 80 million copies sold. When season 1 of the series debuted on Prime Video, it racked up more than a billion minutes of viewing time in the week of its debut. And even though season 2 didn’t fair as well, the hype was still there in the same way it was in that room at CCXP when the season 3 trailer premiered.
Latine viewers are part of that hype. Some connect with Rand al’Thor’s journey to his destiny while others connect with Moiraine Damodred’s dedication and conviction. Then there are others who connect with Lan Mandragoran’s commitment and others connect with Egwene Al’Vere’s unstoppable will. And even though there aren’t any high fantasy books by Latine authors that have reached the same popularity as The Wheel of Time, there are still books like this series and by our people. Books that drawn on our mythology, communities, and experiences to build unique worlds.
So, if you love The Wheel of Time and are ready for season 3 of the Prime Video series, here are 5 fantasy books by Latine authors you should check out!
1
Cradle of Sea and Soil by Bernie Anés Paz
Puerto Rican Bernie Anés Paz is the author of Cradle of Sea and Soil. In terms of high fantasy, this book matches The Wheel of Time when it comes to themes of sorcery, warrior oaths, and corrupted lands. While reading it, it’s very clear that this inspired by the indigenous people of Puerto Rico, the Taíno people. It tells the story of Colibrí, a warrior who lives in exile. When Colibrí discovers a corrupted land, she starts on a hourney that leads her “to protect the very people who fear her.”
Credit: The Story Shrine
2
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican-Canadian Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow. While not as sprawling as The Wheel of Time, this book offers a mix of historical fantasy with adventure and Mexican folklore grounded in the story of a young woman on a life-changing journey. The book tells the story of Casiopea Tun, a woman with big dreams who accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death. When he requests her help in getting his throne back, Casiopea starts on a cross-country journey “from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.”
Credit: Del Rey
3
Saga of the Borderlands by Liliana Bodoc
Argentine Liliana Bodoc is the author of the Saga of the Borderlands (La Saga de los Confines) series. Her first book in the series, The Days of the Deer, covers themes ranging from survival to triumphant battles grounded in sacred books and predictions. And The Days of the Deer tells the story of the arrival of strangers to Ancient Land and how their fate rests on the shoulders of its defenders. The books that follow are The Days of the Shadow, and The Days of Fire.
Atlantic Books
4
Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez
Bolivian Isabel Ibañez is the author of Woven in Moonlight and its sequel Written in Starlight. Unlike The Wheel of Time, it’s a little more Young Adult Fantasy. But it does it follow similiar themes like political intrigue, a unique magic system, and a strong heroine at the forefront. Woven in Moonlight tells the story of Ximena. She is a decoy for the last remaining Illustrian royal. With the ability to spin thread from moonlight, Ximena using her thirst for revenge to lead her down a path of to overthrow a usurper without starting another war.
Page Street YA
5
Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
Cuban-American Carlos Hernandez is the author of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. In comparison to The Wheel of Time, this is more middle-grade fantasy. But it does share themes of consequences, great power, and alternate universes or mirror worlds. In Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, Sal and Gabi go from worrying about school pranks and prinicipals to the fact that Sal can manipulate time and space that can put the universe at risk.
