Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, has captivated readers worldwide, cementing its status as a landmark in modern literature. This saga has not only thrived through its bestselling novels but also gained immense popularity through HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, Game of Thrones, and its successful follow-up, House of the Dragon. With all of House of the Dragon: Season 2 now available to stream, it's an ideal time to explore the rich tapestry of Westeros as envisioned by Martin himself. For those yet to delve into the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and its companion books, here's a comprehensive guide on how to read all the Game of Thrones books in chronological order.
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, with two more anticipated volumes on the horizon: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have even used AI tools like ChatGPT to envision potential endings. However, uncertainty lingers about whether Martin will complete the series himself. Additionally, Martin has enriched the ASoIaF 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 comprehensive world guide titled The World of Ice & Fire.
Game of Thrones Book Sets
If you cherish physical books, consider purchasing a set of the Game of Thrones novels. 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
See it at Amazon
Fire & Blood, the source material 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, it's presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived during the transition from the Targaryen rule to Robert Baratheon's. The events span 150 years, starting 300 years before A Game of Thrones, with the second half expected to be covered in Fire & Blood Volume 2.
Fire & Blood encompasses the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, including the pivotal period known as The Dance of the Dragons, depicted in House of the Dragon. It includes and expands upon three previously published ASoIaF novellas: The Princess and the Queen, The Rogue Prince, and The Sons of the Dragon. Additionally, The Rise of the Dragon offers a condensed and illustrated version of Fire & Blood.
2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
See it at Amazon
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms compiles three novellas featuring Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these stories will inspire the next Game of Thrones TV adaptation. While not essential to the main series, they offer delightful additional adventures in the Seven Kingdoms. The novellas include The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight.
3. A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
See it at Amazon
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, setting the stage for the War of the Five Kings. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, their children, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.
4. A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings
See it at Amazon
A Clash of Kings continues the saga, delving deeper into the War of the Five Kings. It follows the struggles of the various claimants to the throne, the Lannisters' consolidation of power, Jon Snow's journey beyond the Wall, and Daenerys's challenges in Essos. The narrative is enriched by perspectives from Catelyn, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Jon, Tyrion, Daenerys, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth.
5. A Storm of Swords
A Storm of Swords
See it at Amazon
The third novel, A Storm of Swords, brings the War of the Five Kings to a close, focusing on the aftermath and the ongoing struggles of the Stark children, Jon Snow's adventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys's rise to leadership. The story is told through the eyes of Catelyn, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Jon, Tyrion, Daenerys, Davos, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.
6. A Feast for Crows
A Feast for Crows
See it at Amazon
Following A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows runs parallel to A Dance with Dragons, focusing on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches. Martin split the narrative due to its size, telling the full story of half the characters in each book. The perspectives include Sansa, Arya, Jaime, Samwell, Cersei, Brienne, and several others from the Iron Islands and Dorne.
7. A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons
See it at Amazon
A Dance with Dragons reintroduces characters absent from A Feast for Crows, continuing their stories from A Storm of Swords. It follows Jon Snow's command of the Night's Watch, Daenerys's challenges in ruling, the Greyjoys' eastward ventures, and more. The narrative includes perspectives from Jon, Tyrion, Daenerys, Bran, Arya, Theon, and several others, moving beyond the events of Feast.
Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire
The World of Ice and Fire
See it at Amazon
The World of Ice & Fire serves as a comprehensive companion to the ASoIaF novels, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age to Robert's Rebellion. It features illustrations, family trees, and extensive 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 upcoming release of A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book and promises to bring the narrative to life with new artwork.
A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition
Out November 4, 2025. See it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target
The Winds of Winter
The sixth book in the ASoIaF series, The Winds of Winter, is eagerly awaited by fans. Martin has shared that it will diverge further from the TV series and has already released several preview chapters. Despite being 13 years late, he assures fans that it remains a priority, with an estimated length of over 1,500 pages.
A Dream of Spring
The final book in the series, A Dream of Spring, is yet to be completed and published. Fans hope to see Martin's vision for the end of this epic saga come to fruition.
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 plans to continue the adventures of Dunk and Egg with additional novellas. These include stories set in Winterfell and the Riverlands, tentatively titled "The She-Wolves" and "The Village Hero." Further adventures are also in the works, with titles like "The Sellsword," "The Champion," "The Kingsguard," and "The Lord Commander." An HBO series based on these novellas, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is set to premiere in late 2025.
For more reading recommendations, check out the best fantasy books or consider one of the best reading lights to enhance your reading experience.
