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 cornerstone of modern fiction. The saga has captivated millions through its bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, Game of Thrones, further cementing its place in pop culture. The success of the series continues with the compelling prequel, House of the Dragon, which has kept fans eagerly engaged.
With the complete second season of House of the Dragon now available for streaming, it's an ideal time to delve into the rich world of Westeros through George R.R. Martin's original novels. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned fan, this guide will help you navigate the expansive universe of A Song of Ice and Fire by providing a chronological reading order of the Game of Thrones books and their companion works.
Jump to:
- 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: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. He is currently working on two more volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. Fans eagerly await these final books, though some have used tools like ChatGPT to envision potential endings, reflecting the uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series.
In addition to the main saga, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works, including three Dunk & Egg novellas (collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), three Targaryen-focused novellas (collected in Fire & Blood), and a comprehensive world guide, The World of Ice & Fire.
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For those who cherish physical books, purchasing a set of the Game of Thrones novels is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the series. The leather-bound set, currently on sale at Amazon, not only offers a complete collection but also makes a stunning display piece.
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.
- 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 A Song of Ice and Fire novels, it is presented as a historical account narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived during the transition from Targaryen rule to Robert Baratheon's reign. The book spans roughly the first 150 years of Targaryen history, with a second volume planned to cover the remaining period.
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 of Westeros. It includes the pivotal event known as The Dance of the Dragons, which is dramatized in House of the Dragon. The book also expands on three previously published novellas: The Princess and the Queen, The Rogue Prince, and The Sons of the Dragon. A condensed and illustrated version, The Rise of the Dragon, is also available.
- 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 serve as the basis for the upcoming HBO series, also titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential to the main storyline, these novellas offer engaging tales and deeper insights into the Seven Kingdoms. The collection includes The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight.
- A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
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A Game of Thrones, the inaugural novel of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, was published in 1996. It introduces readers to the intricate world of Westeros, its major families, and the complex web of characters that drive the narrative. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, the novel kicks off the War of the Five Kings, a tumultuous conflict over the Iron Throne. Themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and familial tension are woven throughout, setting the stage for the entire saga.
Every IGN Game of Thrones Review
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The story unfolds through alternating points of view, with key characters including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, whose journey takes place across the Narrow Sea in Essos. The novella Blood of the Dragon, which reuses material from Daenerys's chapters, is omitted from this list.
- A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings
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A Clash of Kings advances the War of the Five Kings, with various factions vying for control. The narrative follows the Lannisters' consolidation of power in King's Landing, Jon Snow's journey beyond the Wall, and Daenerys's exploration of the foreign lands of Essos. The point-of-view characters include Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth.
- A Storm of Swords
A Storm of Swords
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A Storm of Swords marks the conclusion of the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts linger. The Stark children face various trials, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys begins to embrace her role as a leader. Key point-of-view characters are Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly. The novella Path of the Dragon, which reuses material from Daenerys's chapters, is excluded from this list.
- A Feast for Crows
A Feast for Crows
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A Feast for Crows continues the saga post-Storm of Swords and runs parallel to A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on new and returning characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, as winter descends upon Westeros. Due to its length, Martin split the narrative into two books, each telling the full story for half the characters. Key point-of-view characters 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. The novella Arms of the Kraken, which reuses material from the Iron Islands chapters, is excluded from this list.
- A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons
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A Dance with Dragons picks up where A Storm of Swords left off, focusing on the characters missing from A Feast for Crows. Martin describes the two books as parallel, with Dance eventually progressing beyond the events of Feast. The narrative follows Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and others as they navigate their respective challenges. Key point-of-view characters include 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.
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 novels, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. Rich with illustrations and family trees, it covers 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 next illustrated edition of A Song of Ice and Fire, with A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition scheduled for release on November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book.
Out November 4, 2025
A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition
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The Winds of Winter
The sixth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter, is eagerly anticipated. Martin has shared preview chapters and blog posts, indicating that the narrative will continue to diverge from the television series. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that Winds remains a priority. He has stated that the book is 75% complete and is expected to exceed 1,500 pages.
A Dream of Spring
The final book in the series, A Dream of Spring, remains in the planning stages, pending the completion of The Winds of Winter.
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 additional Dunk & Egg novellas, though these will be published after 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. Other potential titles include The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander.
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 a planned 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.
