Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" has become a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature, captivating readers worldwide. Its ascent into popular culture was amplified by HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, "Game of Thrones," and the continued success of its prequel, "House of the Dragon." As all episodes of "House of the Dragon: Season 2" are now available to stream, it's the perfect moment to explore the rich tapestry of Westeros through the eyes of its creator. For newcomers eager to delve into the series and its companion works, we've crafted 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 released five novels in his "A Song of Ice and Fire" saga, with two more, "The Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring," still in development. While fans eagerly await these final volumes, some have turned to AI to imagine potential endings. Martin has also enriched the universe with several companion works, including three "Dunk & Egg" novellas (collected in 2015's "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded in 2018's "Fire & Blood"), and a comprehensive world guide, "The World of Ice & Fire."
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For those who cherish physical books, acquiring the "Game of Thrones" series as a set is highly recommended. The most visually appealing option is the leather-bound collection, 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
For those new to the series, these summaries provide 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" chronicles the 300-year reign of House Targaryen in Westeros, serving as the source material for HBO's "House of the Dragon." Unlike the main series, it's presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, covering events from 300 years before "A Game of Thrones" over a span of roughly 150 years. The second volume will cover the remaining years of the Targaryen dynasty.
Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon
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"Fire & Blood" encompasses the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest. It includes the significant event known as The Dance of the Dragons, which is the focus of "House of the Dragon." The book expands on three previously published novellas: "The Princess and the Queen," "The Rogue Prince," and "The Sons of the Dragon." 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 about 90 years before "A Game of Thrones," these stories will inspire the next "Game of Thrones" TV series. While not essential to the main plot, they offer delightful side 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" introduces readers to the intricate world of Westeros and its surrounding regions. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, it follows the aftermath of Robert's Rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty. The novel ignites the War of the Five Kings, weaving themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and familial conflict.
Every IGN Game of Thrones Review
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The narrative alternates between the perspectives of characters like Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, their children, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, who is across the Narrow Sea in Essos. "Blood of the Dragon," a novella repurposed from Daenerys' chapters, is omitted from this list.
4. A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings
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"A Clash of Kings" continues the saga of the War of the Five Kings. Various factions rally, the Lannisters consolidate power, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys navigates her new environment. The story follows multiple characters, including new perspectives like 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," concludes the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts linger. As peace returns to the Seven Kingdoms, the Stark children face their challenges, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to rule. This book introduces new viewpoints, such as Jaime Lannister and Samwell Tarly. "Path of the Dragon," another repurposed novella, is excluded from this list.
6. A Feast for Crows
A Feast for Crows
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"A Feast for Crows" follows the events of "A Storm of Swords" and runs parallel to "A Dance with Dragons." With key characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys saved for the latter, "Feast" focuses on new and existing characters in King’s Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne. Martin split the narrative into two books due to its size, telling the full story for half the characters in each volume. "Arms of the Kraken," a novella from the Iron Islands chapters, is excluded here.
7. A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons
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"A Dance with Dragons" reunites readers with beloved characters absent from "Feast." It runs parallel to "Feast" but eventually advances the timeline, making it the furthest set in the series. The narrative covers the Night's Watch, Daenerys' struggles, the Greyjoys' eastward journey, and introduces new claimants to the Iron Throne. The book was released in 2011, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its sequel, "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 an illustrated companion volume that delves into the history of Westeros from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert’s Rebellion. It includes family trees, detailed maps, and insights into 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
George R.R. Martin has announced the upcoming release of "A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition," scheduled for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book, released five years earlier.
A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition
Out November 4, 2025
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The Winds of Winter
As the sixth book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "The Winds of Winter" will continue the story from "A Dance with Dragons." Martin has shared preview chapters and blogs about the book, confirming viewpoints from major characters like Tyrion, Cersei, and Arya. Despite being 13 years late, Martin assures fans that it remains a priority, with an estimated length of over 1,500 pages.
A Dream of Spring
The final book, "A Dream of Spring," is planned to conclude the 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.
Future Dunk & Egg Novellas
Martin has expressed his desire to write more "Dunk & Egg" novellas, with plans to chronicle the entire lives of the characters. He has mentioned two upcoming stories, "The She-Wolves" set in Winterfell and "The Village Hero" in the Riverlands, both pending completion after "The Winds of Winter." Further ideas include "The Sellsword," "The Champion," "The Kingsguard," "The Lord Commander," and others.
An HBO series based on the "Dunk & Egg" novellas, titled "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," is in development. The first season will adapt "The Hedge Knight," with Steve Conrad at the helm, and is slated 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.
