How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" has firmly established itself as a monumental work of fiction. This epic fantasy saga captured the world's attention through its bestselling novels and HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, Game of Thrones. The cultural phenomenon continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of its follow-up series, House of the Dragon. Now that all episodes of House of the Dragon: Season 2 are available for streaming, it's an ideal time to delve into the source material and explore Westeros through the eyes of its creator. For those yet to embark on this literary journey, here's a comprehensive guide on how to read all 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 additional volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While these books remain in progress, fans eagerly await their completion, though some have even used AI tools like ChatGPT to speculate on 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 world compendium titled The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For fans who cherish physical media, acquiring a book set is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the series. Among the various sets available, the leather-bound edition stands out, especially with its current discount during the Amazon book sale.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

52Contains 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

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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 presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived during the waning years of the Targaryen dynasty and into Robert Baratheon's rule. The narrative spans roughly 150 years, beginning with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest and culminating in the civil war known as The Dance of the Dragons, which is depicted in House of the Dragon. The second volume of Fire & Blood will cover the remaining 150 years of Targaryen rule.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

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Fire & Blood encompasses the lives of six Targaryen monarchs and includes expansions of 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 is 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 is a collection of three novellas featuring Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set about 90 years before the events of A Game of Thrones, these stories will serve as the foundation for the upcoming HBO series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential for the main saga, these tales offer delightful adventures and new perspectives within the Seven Kingdoms. The novellas included are 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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A Game of Thrones, published in 1996, introduces readers to the world of Westeros, its regions, noble families, and a cast of compelling characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion against the Targaryens, the novel initiates the War of the Five Kings. Themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and familial conflict are prevalent as five claimants vie for the Iron Throne. The story unfolds through alternating points of view from characters such as Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, their children, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.

Every IGN Game of Thrones Review

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4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

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A Clash of Kings continues the saga, focusing on the ongoing War of the Five Kings. The novel follows the struggles of the various claimants, the Lannisters' consolidation of power in King’s Landing, Jon Snow’s journey beyond the Wall, and Daenerys' adventures in Essos. The point-of-view characters include Catelyn, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Jon, Tyrion, Daenerys, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth.

5. A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

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A Storm of Swords concludes the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts persist. The Stark children face various challenges, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to govern. The point-of-view characters are Catelyn, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Jon, Tyrion, Daenerys, Davos, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

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A Feast for Crows picks up immediately after A Storm of Swords and runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on characters in King’s Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, as winter descends on Westeros. The novel introduces new point-of-view characters and excludes some fan favorites, who appear in the subsequent book. The characters featured are Sansa, Arya, Jaime, Samwell, Cersei Lannister, Brienne of Tarth, and several others from the Iron Islands and Dorne.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

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A Dance with Dragons reintroduces the missing point-of-view characters from A Feast for Crows and picks up after A Storm of Swords. It covers events both parallel to and beyond those in A Feast for Crows. The novel features Jon Snow, Tyrion, Daenerys, Bran, Arya, Theon, and a host of others as they navigate new challenges and alliances.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

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The World of Ice & Fire serves as a comprehensive companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire series. This beautifully illustrated volume provides a detailed history of Martin’s world, tracing back to the arrival of the First Men during the Dawn Age and extending through the Targaryen reign and Robert’s Rebellion. It includes family trees, maps, and in-depth information about the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities, and lands 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 for the upcoming illustrated edition of A Feast for Crows, set to release on November 4, 2025. This edition follows the illustrated versions of the earlier books in the series.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

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The Winds of Winter

The eagerly anticipated sixth book in the saga, The Winds of Winter, will continue the narrative from A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared several preview chapters and blog posts, indicating that the novel will feature perspectives from characters such as Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin reassures fans that it remains a priority, with the manuscript currently 75% complete and expected to exceed 1,500 pages.

A Dream of Spring

The concluding volume of the series, A Dream of Spring, awaits completion and publication.

Fire & Blood Volume 2

Martin is also working on the second volume of Fire & Blood, which will cover the latter 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin plans to write additional Dunk & Egg novellas, but only after completing The Winds of Winter. The fourth novella, set in Winterfell and featuring the Stark women, remains unfinished. Another novella, tentatively titled The Village Hero, is planned to take place in the Riverlands. Martin has outlined several other potential stories, including The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander. 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.

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