Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" has cemented its status as a cornerstone of modern fiction. This epic fantasy saga has captured the imagination of readers and viewers alike, thanks to its series of bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, "Game of Thrones." The series' influence continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of HBO's follow-up series, "House of the Dragon."
With all episodes of "House of the Dragon: Season 2" now available for streaming, it's the perfect time to explore the rich world of Westeros directly through the pages of Martin's books. For newcomers to the "A Song of Ice and Fire" universe and its companion works, we've crafted this comprehensive guide on how to read 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. He is currently working on two more volumes: "The Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring." While fans eagerly await these books, some have even used AI tools like ChatGPT to speculate on possible endings. However, there's uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself.
In addition to the main saga, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works. These include three "Dunk & Egg" novellas, collected in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" (2015), three Targaryen-focused novellas, expanded in "Fire & Blood" (2018), and a comprehensive world guide titled "The World of Ice & Fire."
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For those who appreciate physical books, the "Game of Thrones" series is available in various sets. The most visually appealing option is the leather-bound set, currently featured in Amazon's book sale.
A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set
This set includes all five novels, now available at a discounted price of $46.00, down from $85.00 at Amazon.
How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order
Designed for series newcomers, these plot summaries contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
- Fire & Blood
Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones
"Fire & Blood" is the historical account of the Targaryen dynasty's 300-year rule in Westeros. It serves as the source material for HBO's "House of the Dragon." Unlike the main "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels, "Fire & Blood" is narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, providing a historical perspective rather than a firsthand account. The book covers the first 150 years of Targaryen rule, with the second volume expected to cover the remaining period.
This volume includes 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). "The Rise of the Dragon" offers a condensed, illustrated version of "Fire & Blood."
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
This collection features three novellas following Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set roughly 90 years before "A Game of Thrones," these stories provide additional adventures in the Seven Kingdoms and will serve as the basis for the upcoming TV series, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." The novellas included are "The Hedge Knight" (1998), "The Sworn Sword" (2003), and "The Mystery Knight" (2010).
- A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
Published in 1996, "A Game of Thrones" introduces readers to Westeros and its key families during Robert Baratheon's reign, following the fall of the Targaryen dynasty. The novel sets the stage for the War of the Five Kings and introduces multiple point-of-view characters, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.
- A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings
The second novel continues the War of the Five Kings, focusing on the struggles of the Lannisters, Jon Snow's journey with the Night's Watch, and Daenerys' adventures in Essos. Key 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
This third novel concludes the War of the Five Kings and follows the Stark children through their various trials, Jon Snow's experiences beyond the Wall, and Daenerys' growth as a leader. Point-of-view characters include Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.
- A Feast for Crows
A Feast for Crows
Picking up after "A Storm of Swords," this novel runs parallel to "A Dance with Dragons." It focuses on characters politicking in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches. 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.
- A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons
This novel picks up after "A Storm of Swords" and runs parallel to "A Feast for Crows," eventually moving beyond its events. It follows the adventures of Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and others. 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
This companion compendium offers a detailed history of Westeros, dating back to the arrival of the First Men during the Dawn Age. It includes family trees, 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 release of the illustrated edition of "A Feast for Crows," set for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book, released five years prior.
The Winds of Winter
The sixth book in the series, "The Winds of Winter," will continue the story from "A Dance with Dragons." Martin has shared preview chapters and blogs about the book, which will feature point-of-view chapters from Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, Barriston Selmy, and others. Despite being "13 years late," Martin insists it remains a priority, with the book expected to exceed 1,500 pages.
A Dream of Spring
The final book in the series, "A Dream of Spring," is yet to be completed and published.
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 rule.
Future Dunk & Egg Novellas
Martin plans to write more "Dunk & Egg" novellas after completing "The Winds of Winter." The fourth novella, set in Winterfell and featuring a group of Stark women known as "the She-Wolves," remains unfinished. Another planned novella, tentatively titled "The Village Hero," is set in the Riverlands. Martin has outlined additional potential titles for future stories, including "The Sellsword," "The Champion," "The Kingsguard," "The Lord Commander," and more.
An HBO series based on the "Dunk & Egg" novellas, titled "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," is in development, with Season 1 adapting "The Hedge Knight." The series, led by Steve Conrad, is slated to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.
For more reading recommendations, explore our best fantasy books list or enhance your reading experience with one of the best reading lights.
