"Chronological Guide to Reading Game of Thrones Books"

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, has firmly established itself as a monumental work of fiction. Its ascent into popular culture was fueled by a series of bestselling novels and HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, Game of Thrones. The saga's enduring impact on pop culture is further solidified by the success of HBO's follow-up series, House of the Dragon.

With all episodes of House of the Dragon: Season 2 now available for streaming, it's the perfect time to explore the rich world of Westeros through George R.R. Martin's original works. For those new to the A Song of Ice and Fire novels and their companion books, we've created this comprehensive guide to help you read all the Game of Thrones books in chronological order.

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• Game of Thrones books in chronological order
• Game of Thrones books by release date
• Upcoming GoT books

How Many Game of Thrones Books Are There in the Series?

George R.R. Martin has published five novels in his A Song of Ice and Fire saga. He is currently working on two more volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have turned to ChatGPT to envision possible endings, reflecting the uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series.

In addition to the main series, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works. These include three Dunk & Egg novellas, collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015), three Targaryen-focused novellas, expanded in Fire & Blood (2018), and a comprehensive world guide, The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For fans who appreciate physical books, purchasing a Game of Thrones set is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the series. The most visually appealing option is the leather-bound set, currently on sale at Amazon.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

Contains the set of 5 books.
$85.00 save 46%
$46.00 at Amazon

How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

With series newcomers in mind, these brief plot synopses contain only mild spoilers such as broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones

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Fire & Blood serves as the source material for HBO's House of the Dragon, detailing the 300-year reign of House Targaryen in Westeros. Unlike the main A Song of Ice and Fire series, this book is presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived near the end of the Targaryen dynasty. The narrative spans the first 150 years of the Targaryen rule, with the second volume expected to cover the remaining period.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

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Fire & Blood chronicles the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. It includes the pivotal event known as The Dance of the Dragons, which is depicted in House of the Dragon. The book also incorporates and expands upon three previously published novellas: The Princess and the Queen, or, the Blacks and the Greens (2013), The Rogue Prince (2014), and The Sons of the Dragon (2017). The Rise of the Dragon is a condensed, illustrated version of Fire & Blood.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collects three novellas featuring Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set about 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these stories will inspire the upcoming Game of Thrones TV series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential to the main series, these tales offer additional adventures and perspectives within the Seven Kingdoms. The novellas included are The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003), and The Mystery Knight (2010).

3. A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones

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Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones is the inaugural novel of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It introduces readers to the world of Westeros, its key families, and a host of memorable characters. The story unfolds during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, and sets the stage for the War of the Five Kings. The narrative alternates between various points of view, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, their children Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Jon Snow, as well as Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen, whose journey unfolds in Essos.

Every IGN Game of Thrones Review

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4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

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A Clash of Kings continues the saga as the War of the Five Kings intensifies. Key characters such as Catelyn, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Jon Snow, Tyrion, Daenerys, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth navigate the chaos and power struggles within and beyond Westeros.

5. A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

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In A Storm of Swords, the War of the Five Kings reaches its climax. The Stark children face various trials, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys continues her rise in the East. The book features point-of-view chapters from Catelyn, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Jon Snow, Tyrion, Daenerys, Davos, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

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A Feast for Crows picks up where A Storm of Swords left off and runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on characters like Sansa, Arya, Jaime, Samwell, Cersei, Brienne, and several others, exploring the political landscape of King’s Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches. Due to the book's size, Martin split the narrative into two volumes, covering different characters in each.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

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A Dance with Dragons reintroduces the characters absent from A Feast for Crows and picks up after A Storm of Swords. It follows Jon Snow, Tyrion, Daenerys, Bran, Arya, Theon, and others as they navigate the evolving political and magical landscape of Westeros and beyond. This book was published in 2011, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its sequel, The Winds of Winter.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

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The World of Ice & Fire is an essential companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire series, offering a detailed history and illustrated guide to Martin's world. It covers the history from the arrival of the First Men during the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert’s Rebellion, including family trees and information on various regions.

How to Read the Game of Thrones Books by Release Date

• A Game of Thrones (1996)
• A Clash of Kings (1999)
• A Storm of Swords (2000)
• A Feast for Crows (2005)
• A Dance with Dragons (2011)
• The World of Ice & Fire (2014)
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015)
• Fire & Blood (2018)

Upcoming Game of Thrones Books

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Martin has announced the upcoming release of A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set to launch on November 4, 2025. This edition follows the illustrated treatment of the third book in the series.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

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The Winds of Winter

The next installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter, is eagerly anticipated. Martin has shared that it will include point-of-view chapters from characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that the novel remains a priority, with an estimated length of over 1,500 pages and 75% completion.

A Dream of Spring

The final book in the saga, A Dream of Spring, is planned to conclude the A Song of Ice and Fire series, provided Martin completes and publishes it.

Fire & Blood Volume 2

Martin is also working on the second volume of Fire & Blood, which will cover the remaining 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty's 300-year reign.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin has expressed his intention to write more Dunk & Egg novellas, though these will follow the completion of The Winds of Winter. He has mentioned working on stories set in Winterfell and the Riverlands, with tentative titles like "The She-Wolves" and "The Village Hero." Additional ideas include "The Sellsword," "The Champion," "The Kingsguard," "The Lord Commander," and others. An HBO series based on the first novella, The Hedge Knight, is in development and expected to premiere in late 2025.

For more, check out the best fantasy books reading list or pick up one of the best reading lights.