Game of Thrones Books: Chronological Reading Guide

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" has cemented itself as a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature. The saga's widespread acclaim has been propelled by a series of best-selling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, "Game of Thrones." The cultural phenomenon continues to thrive, with HBO's "House of the Dragon" captivating audiences and bringing fresh attention to Martin's intricate world of Westeros. With all of "House of the Dragon: Season 2" now available to stream, it's an ideal time to delve into the rich source material crafted by Martin. For those yet to explore the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels and their companion books, this guide offers a roadmap to reading 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 additional volumes: "The Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring." While fans eagerly await these concluding books, some have even used AI tools like ChatGPT to speculate on potential endings. However, there remains uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself.

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

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For enthusiasts of physical media, collecting the Game of Thrones books in a set is an excellent choice. Various sets are available, but the most visually appealing is the leather-bound edition, currently featured in an Amazon book sale.

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

For newcomers to the series, the following brief plot synopses 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," the inspiration for HBO's "House of the Dragon," chronicles the 300-year reign of House Targaryen in Westeros. Unlike the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels, "Fire & Blood" is presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who recounts the dynasty's history from the end of their reign into Robert Baratheon’s era. The narrative spans 150 years, beginning with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest and leading up to the pivotal event known as the Dance of the Dragons, which is the central plot of "House of the Dragon." This book includes and expands upon three previously published Targaryen-focused novellas: "The Princess and the Queen" (2013), "The Rogue Prince" (2014), and "The Sons of the Dragon" (2017). "The Rise of the Dragon," a condensed and illustrated version of "Fire & Blood," was released more recently.

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 centered around Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight, and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen, known as Egg. Set approximately 90 years before "A Game of Thrones," their adventures will be the basis for the next Game of Thrones TV adaptation, also titled "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." While not essential to the main storyline, these novellas provide delightful additional tales and perspectives within 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" introduces readers to the expansive world of Westeros and its key families. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion against the Targaryens, the novel initiates the War of the Five Kings, where five contenders vie for the Iron Throne. The story is told through alternating chapters from various characters' perspectives, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, whose journey unfolds across the Narrow Sea in Essos.

4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

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"A Clash of Kings" continues the saga with the ongoing War of the Five Kings. The Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, while Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall with the Night's Watch, and Daenerys navigates challenges in Essos. The narrative is driven by multiple perspectives, including 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," largely concludes the War of the Five Kings. As conflicts wind down, the Stark children face various trials, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall with the wildlings, and Daenerys hones her leadership skills in the East. The book features perspectives from 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 but runs concurrently with "A Dance with Dragons." Due to its length, Martin split the narrative into two books, focusing "Feast" on events in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter arrives in Westeros. Key characters in this volume include Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Jaime Lannister, Samwell Tarly, Cersei Lannister, Brienne of Tarth, and several others from the Greyjoy and Martell families.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

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"A Dance with Dragons" reintroduces characters absent from "Feast" and picks up after "A Storm of Swords." This novel, parallel to "Feast" but eventually advancing beyond it, features a new Lord Commander at the Night's Watch, Daenerys grappling with leadership, and various plotlines involving the Greyjoys, Martells, and other key figures. The book includes perspectives from Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and a host of others, marking the latest point in the series' chronology.

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, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the arrival of the First Men to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. It includes family trees, illustrations, and information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities of Essos, 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 upcoming release of "A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition," set for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book, continuing the trend of visually enhanced releases.

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Out November 4, 2025
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The Winds of Winter

The sixth book in the series, "The Winds of Winter," is eagerly anticipated to follow "A Dance with Dragons." Martin has shared preview chapters and blogs, indicating that the novel will feature perspectives from Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, Barriston Selmy, and others. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that it remains a priority, with the manuscript reportedly 75% complete and expected to exceed 1,500 pages.

A Dream of Spring

The final book in the series, "A Dream of Spring," is planned to conclude the epic saga, 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 outlined plans for stories set in Winterfell and the Riverlands, tentatively titled "The She-Wolves" and "The Village Hero," respectively. Additional potential titles include "The Sellsword," "The Champion," "The Kingsguard," "The Lord Commander," and others. An HBO series based on these novellas, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," is in development, with Season 1 adapting "The Hedge Knight" and expected to premiere in late 2025.

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