Game of Thrones Books: Chronological Reading Guide

A Song of Ice and Fire has become an iconic work of fiction over the past 27 years. George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series has captured the imagination of readers worldwide, further propelled into the cultural mainstream by HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, *Game of Thrones*. The series' cultural impact continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of HBO's subsequent series, *House of the Dragon*. With all of *House of the Dragon: Season 2* now available to stream, it's an opportune moment to delve into the source material and explore Westeros through the vision of its creator. For those yet to embark on this literary journey, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on how to read 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 even turned to AI tools like ChatGPT to imagine potential endings, though there's uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself.

Martin has also enriched the universe with several companion works, including three Dunk & Egg novellas (compiled in 2015's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded in 2018's Fire & Blood), and a world compendium titled The World of Ice & Fire. Below, we'll explore these works in detail.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For those who cherish physical media, collecting the Game of Thrones books in a set can be a rewarding experience. Several sets are available, but the most visually appealing is the leather-bound edition, currently on sale at Amazon.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

52 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 newcomers in mind, these summaries offer only mild spoilers, focusing on 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 historical backdrop for HBO's House of the Dragon, chronicling the 300-year reign of House Targaryen in Westeros. Unlike the main A Song of Ice and Fire novels, it's presented as a historical recounting by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived during the late Targaryen era and into Robert Baratheon's reign. The book covers the first 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty, with the second volume set to detail the remaining 150 years.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

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Fire & Blood spans the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. It includes the significant event known as The Dying of the Dragons, or The Dance of the Dragons, which is the focus of House of the Dragon. The book 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). Additionally, The Rise of the Dragon offers 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 compiles three novellas featuring Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set roughly 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these tales will inspire the upcoming TV adaptation, also titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential to the main storyline, these novellas offer additional adventures in the Seven Kingdoms. The collection includes 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 introduced readers to the world of Westeros, its key families, and a cast of complex characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign following his rebellion against the Targaryens, the novel initiates the War of the Five Kings. Themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and conflict dominate, as told through multiple points of view including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, 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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Continuing the saga, A Clash of Kings follows the escalating War of the Five Kings. The Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys navigates the challenges of a foreign land. The narrative is driven by characters such as Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth.

5. A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

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The third novel, A Storm of Swords, sees the War of the Five Kings nearing its end. As peace tentatively returns to the Seven Kingdoms, the Stark children face their own challenges, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to lead. Key perspectives include Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, 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, running concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches Westeros. Due to the novel's length, Martin split it into two books, each focusing on different characters. The perspectives include Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Jaime Lannister, Samwell Tarly, Cersei Lannister, Brienne of Tarth, Aeron Greyjoy, Victarion Greyjoy, Arianne Martell, Asha Greyjoy, Areo Hotah, and Arys Oakheart.

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 continues from A Storm of Swords. It features parallel storytelling with A Feast for Crows, eventually moving beyond its events. The narrative follows Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Bran Stark, Arya Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Quentyn Martell, Davos Seaworth, Barriston Selmy, Asha Greyjoy, Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Jon Connington, Victarion Greyjoy, Areo Hotah, and Melisandre. Published in 2011, fans have awaited The Winds of Winter for over a decade.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

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The World of Ice & Fire is a comprehensive companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire series. This richly illustrated volume delves into the deep history of Martin's world, from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. It includes detailed family trees and information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities, and beyond.

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 next illustrated edition, A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set to release on November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book, released five years earlier.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

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The Winds of Winter

Martin has two more novels planned to complete his seven-book saga. The Winds of Winter, the sixth book, will continue from A Dance with Dragons. He has shared preview chapters and confirmed point-of-view characters including Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Martin has emphasized that The Winds of Winter will diverge significantly from the TV series, and despite being "13 years late," it remains a priority. He's estimated it to be about 75% complete and over 1,500 pages long.

A Dream of Spring

The concluding novel, A Dream of Spring, awaits completion and publication.

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.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin has plans for additional Dunk & Egg novellas, though they will follow the completion of The Winds of Winter. He has mentioned potential titles like The She-Wolves (set in Winterfell) and The Village Hero (set in the Riverlands), along with other ideas such as The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander. An HBO series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is in development, set to adapt the first novella, The Hedge Knight, and is expected to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.

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