Last updated on 23 February 2025 at 09:11 pm
If you’ve caught your breath after reading the first book in The Wheel of Time series, you’ll gasp for air again once you’ve bought The Great Hunt paperback. The second novel opens up the world, introduces dangerous new enemies, and sets plot arcs in motion that will hook you for years to come.
Exploring the White Tower with Egwene and Nynaeve is fantasy heaven, and following Rand, Mat, and Perrin as they hunt for the Horn of Valere is equally fascinating. A lot is packed into this bulging book of epic adventure, and you’re in for a treat!
It’s time to get reading again, so decide which of The Great Hunt paperbacks to make your own, choose from 5 different retailers, and away you go!
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About The Great Hunt
The Great Hunt was written by Robert Jordan and is the second novel in his adored fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. The book tells of Rand al’Thor’s hunt for the stolen Horn of Valere, though the boy refuses to accept his destiny as the Light’s Champion.
A cycle of devastating events brings Darkfriends, Whitecloaks, and self-righteous invaders to the western coast. Desperation demands steadfast heroism, and a seismic confrontation shakes the world’s core. The Forsaken are at large, and the Shadow strengthens.
The Great Hunt is a thrilling race to a satisfying climax. It expands the number of point-of-view characters and broadens our understanding of the world.
Reading Age
The Great Hunt is recommended reading for young teenagers but can be just as rewarding for adult fans of the fantasy genre.
Reading Order
The Great Hunt is Book 2 of The Wheel of Time, so read The Eye of the World first for maximum enjoyment. The next novel in the series is The Dragon Reborn, and that’s a banger, too.
Book Spiel (Spanish Edition)
La Gran Cacería, the Spanish edition of The Great Hunt, uses this terrific book spiel, translated for your enjoyment:
“Rand has survived his first confrontation with the evil followers of the Dark One, but neither he nor his friends are safe, as the dark lord has released the Forsaken, while the heroes of all ages rise from the grave when the Horn of Valere takes them out of their sleep. Forced to confront the forces of darkness, Rand decides to escape his destiny. But the prophecy must be fulfilled.”
Where to Buy The Great Hunt Paperbacks
Can’t wait to get your hands on The Great Hunt? Check out these great options for purchasing:
Amazon
The Great Hunt is available on Amazon in print and digital formats, including multiple paperback editions.
Most Recent Paperback Edition of The Great Hunt
A new trade paperback edition of The Great Hunt was released by Tor Books on 18 July 2023, and Orbit followed suit on 31 August 2023. They are media tie-ins for Season 2 of the TV series, with Josha Stradowski’s Rand al’Thor and Rosamund Pike’s Moiraine Damodred on the covers. The White Tower looms large in the background.
Tor Books Edition (recommended for US & Canada)
The Tor Books media tie-in paperback has 672 pages.
ISBN-10: 1250901227
ISBN-13: 978-1250901224
Orbit Edition (recommended for Europe & Australia)
The Orbit media tie-in paperback has 720 pages.
ISBN-10: 0356522350
ISBN-13: 978-0356522357
Mass Market Edition (Tor Books)
Tor Books also published a mass-market edition of the media tie-in paperback, released on 25 July 2023. It has 736 pages.
ISBN-10: 1250898374
ISBN-13: 978-1250898371
2021 Orbit Paperback Edition of The Great Hunt
The most recent complete set of The Wheel of Time books was produced by Orbit in September 2021. Landscape art designed by Duncan Spilling makes these unique and worthy of your collection. The Great Hunt cover features tall trees and ferns, possibly inspired by Stedding Tsofu, which is visited in the book. It has 720 pages.
ISBN-10: 0356517012
ISBN-13: 978-0356517018
2012 Tor Books Paperback Edition of The Great Hunt
The cover for this 2012 trade paperback edition of The Great Hunt features Rand al’Thor holding the Horn of Valere with Trollocs lurking in the foreground. The art is by Kekai Kotaki. It has 672 pages.
ISBN-10: 0765334348
ISBN-13: 978-0765334343
Mass-Market Edition of The Great Hunt
This mass-market edition of The Great Hunt has been widely available since 2019. The cover has Robert Jordan’s trademarked snake-wheel symbol in platinum. It has 736 pages.
ISBN-10: 1250251486
ISBN-13: 978-1250251480
Older Paperback Editions of The Great Hunt
Using the links for these older paperback editions of The Great Hunt will direct you to an appropriate page on Amazon if the version isn’t available in your country.
Mass-Market 1991 Edition from Tor Books
The cover for this 1991 mass-market edition of The Great Hunt has Rand holding the Horn of Valere. Loial and Lady Selene are with him, and a Trolloc is lurking in Darrell K. Sweet’s art. It has 705 pages.
ISBN-10: 0812517725
ISBN-13: 978-0812517729
1990 Edition from Tor Books
Darrell K. Sweet created the original imagery for all but the last The Wheel of Time book. He depicts a memorable scene from The Great Hunt on the cover of the 1990 paperback edition. This one has 624 pages.
ISBN-10: 0812509714
ISBN-13: 978-0812509717
1992 Edition from Time Warner Books UK
The cover for the 1992 paperback edition of The Great Hunt from Time Warner Books UK has the snake-wheel symbol in green. It has 736 pages.
ISBN-10: 1857230272
ISBN-13: 978-1857230277
2014 Edition from Orbit
The 2014 Orbit paperback edition of The Great Hunt has a dark charcoal snake-wheel symbol on a mustard green background. It is not currently available at Amazon in the United States, though you may be able to find it in your country’s store.
ISBN-10: 0356503836
ISBN-13: 978-0356503837
The Hunt Begins & New Threads in the Pattern
In January 2004, Starscape (an imprint of Tor Books) continued releasing The Wheel of Time books for young adult readers by splitting the first two books in half. The Great Hunt became The Hunt Begins and New Threads in the Pattern. These books, intended for a younger audience, feature a large typeface for easy reading and black-and-white illustrations.
The Hunt Begins Paperbacks
The Hunt Begins is the first part of The Great Hunt and covers the prologue through to the end of chapter 21. The cliffhanger is Rand learning about the Great Game and Selene’s odd disappearance.
2004 Edition from Starscape
Starscape’s The Hunt Begins cover features Rand al’Thor protecting Lady Selene with his bow drawn and a menacing creature in the foreground. The art is by Charles Keegan. It has 432 pages.
ISBN-10: 0765348438
ISBN-13: 978-0765348432
2004 Edition from Atom
Atom, a young adult Little, Brown Book Group imprint, published its version of The Hunt Begins in June 2004. Atom’s cover uses the snake-wheel symbol trademarked by Robert Jordan, partially submerged by sand. It has 400 pages.
ISBN-10: 1904233538
ISBN-13: 978-1904233534
New Threads in the Pattern Paperbacks
New Threads in the Pattern is the second half of The Great Hunt, from Chapter 22 (Watchers) to the end. It was first published in January 2004.
These are the paperback editions of New Threads in the Pattern:
2004 Edition from Starscape
Starscape’s cover for New Threads in the Pattern features Egwene with the Seanchan. I can’t say more than that without spoiling things you don’t want ruined. It has 464 pages.
ISBN-10: 0765348446
ISBN-13: 978-0765348449
2004 Edition from Atom
Atom also published an edition of New Threads in the Pattern in 2004. They used the snake-wheel symbol in a tree’s bark for its cover. It has 432 pages.
ISBN-10: 1904233546
ISBN-13: 978-1904233541
AbeBooks
Expand your Wheel of Time collection with the diverse selection of The Great Hunt paperbacks on sale at AbeBooks, including used copies and the latest editions. Search AbeBooks for new copies.
Biblio
Biblio’s inviting atmosphere makes browsing for The Great Hunt a delightful experience, like uncovering a treasure in a forgotten corner of a bookstore. You can find The Great Hunt paperbacks at Biblio.com.
Blackwell’s
Blackwell’s has a rich bookselling history and offers a range of The Great Hunt paperback editions. Experience their dependable service and worldwide delivery. Options include:
- The recent media tie-in edition.
- The September 2021 edition from Orbit.
- The fantastic 2012 paperback from Tor Books.
Bookshop.org
Continue your Wheel of Time adventure and champion independent bookstores simultaneously! Bookshop.org lets you find The Great Hunt and ensures your favorite local shop thrives. Use these links to buy The Great Hunt paperbacks at Bookshop.org:
United States
2023 media tie-in edition from Tor Books
2023 mass-market edition from Tor Books (media tie-in)
2019 mass market edition from Tor Books
United Kingdom
2023 media tie-in edition from Orbit
Available Formats for The Great Hunt
You can find similar posts at The Shining Walls covering these alternative formats for The Great Hunt:
The Great Hunt Hardcover: Call of Heroes
The Great Hunt Audiobook: An Epic Tale of Horns and Heroes
The Great Hunt Kindle Edition: Destiny, Heroes, and Leashes
I hope you found your preferred paperback edition of The Great Hunt. Let me know in the comments if you need any help.
Until next time, may the Light shine on you, my friends!
Russell
