"Game of Thrones Books: Chronological Reading Guide"

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. Its ascent to cultural prominence has been bolstered by a series of bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, *Game of Thrones*. The saga's enduring appeal continues to thrive, further fueled by the success of HBO's latest series, *House of the Dragon*.

With all episodes of *House of the Dragon: Season 2* now available for streaming, it's an opportune moment to delve into the rich tapestry of Westeros as envisioned by its creator. For those yet to explore the *A Song of Ice and Fire* novels and their companion works, we've compiled this 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 published **five novels** in his *A Song of Ice and Fire* saga. He is currently working on two forthcoming volumes: *The Winds of Winter* and *A Dream of Spring*. While fans eagerly await these final installments, some have taken matters into their own hands, using AI tools like ChatGPT to envision possible endings. However, there remains uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself.

In addition to the main saga, Martin has enriched the *A Song of Ice and Fire* universe with several companion works. These include **three Dunk & Egg novellas** (compiled in 2015's *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*), **three Targaryen-focused novellas** (expanded into 2018's *Fire & Blood*), and a comprehensive world guide titled *The World of Ice & Fire*. More details on these works are provided below.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For collectors and enthusiasts of physical media, purchasing a set of *Game of Thrones* books is a delightful way to immerse oneself in the series. Various sets are available, but the most visually appealing is the leather-bound edition currently featured in Amazon's ongoing 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

*The following brief plot synopses are designed for series newcomers and contain 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 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, *Fire & Blood* is narrated not through the eyes of characters involved in the plot but as a historical recount by Gyldayn, an archmaester of the Citadel. His writings begin 300 years before *A Game of Thrones* and cover the first 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty. The second half of their reign is expected to be detailed in *Fire & Blood Volume 2*.

*Fire & Blood* spans the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. It includes the pivotal event known as The Dying of the Dragons or The Dance of the Dragons, which is the focus of *House of the Dragon*. The book 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). A condensed and illustrated version, *The Rise of the Dragon*, has also been released.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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*A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* gathers three novellas centered on Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk), a hedge knight, and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set approximately 90 years before *A Game of Thrones*, these tales will be adapted into the upcoming TV series, also titled *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*. While not essential to the main saga, these novellas offer additional adventures and insights into 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* is the inaugural novel of the *A Song of Ice and Fire* series. It introduces readers to the intricate world of Westeros, its surrounding regions, and the powerful families that dominate the landscape. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion against the Targaryen dynasty, the book ignites the War of the Five Kings, a tumultuous conflict over the Iron Throne. Themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and familial discord permeate the narrative, which unfolds through alternating perspectives of key characters such as Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.

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 narrative follows the escalating conflict as various factions rally their forces, the Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall with the Night's Watch, and Daenerys navigates her path in Essos. Key perspectives include 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 installment, *A Storm of Swords*, largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts persist. As peace tentatively returns to the Seven Kingdoms, the Stark children face various trials, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys begins to assert her leadership. The narrative is driven by 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 and runs concurrently with *A Dance with Dragons*. It focuses on characters not featured in the latter, including new and returning figures navigating the political landscape in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter descends upon Westeros. The narrative splits the story into two books to manage its vast scope, with *A Feast for Crows* covering half the characters. Key perspectives 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.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

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*A Dance with Dragons* brings back the beloved characters absent from *A Feast for Crows* and continues from the events of *A Storm of Swords*. The narrative is parallel to *A Feast for Crows* but eventually progresses beyond it, making it the furthest set in the series' timeline. It follows the new Lord Commander at the Wall, Daenerys's struggle with power, the Greyjoys' eastern ventures, and other significant plot developments. Key perspectives include Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Bran Stark, Arya Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Quentyn Martell, Davos Seaworth, Barristan 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 an essential companion to the *A Song of Ice and Fire* novels. This beautifully illustrated volume provides a deep dive into the history of Martin's world, tracing back to the arrival of the First Men in Westeros during the Dawn Age, approximately 12,000 years before *A Game of Thrones*. It covers the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion, offering detailed family trees for the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters, and extensive 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

George R.R. Martin recently unveiled the cover of the next illustrated edition, *A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition*, slated for release on November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book released five years earlier.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

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The Winds of Winter

Martin has two novels left to complete his planned seven-book saga. The next, *The Winds of Winter*, will continue from *A Dance with Dragons*. Martin has shared preview chapters and blogs, confirming point-of-view chapters from characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barristan Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin emphasizes that *The Winds of Winter* remains a priority, estimating it will be over 1,500 pages long and noting that the series will diverge further from the television adaptation.

A Dream of Spring

The final book of the saga is tentatively titled *A Dream of Spring*, pending Martin's completion and publication.

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 rule.

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 mentioned plans for stories set in Winterfell, tentatively titled "The She-Wolves," and another in the Riverlands, "The Village Hero." 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 on Max and HBO in late 2025.

For more reading recommendations, explore our list of the best fantasy books or consider purchasing one of the best reading lights to enhance your reading experience.