A Song of Ice and Fire has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of contemporary fiction over the past 27 years. George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series has captured the imagination of millions through its bestselling novels and HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, Game of Thrones. The saga's cultural impact continues to thrive, thanks in part to the success of HBO's 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 explore the rich tapestry of Westeros as crafted by its creator. For those yet to delve into the A Song of Ice and Fire novels and their companion works, we've compiled 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 fans eagerly await these final books, some have turned to ChatGPT to envision potential endings, though many remain uncertain if Martin will complete the series himself.
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. More details on these works are provided below.
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For fans of physical media, purchasing a Game of Thrones book set is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the series. Several sets are available, but the most visually appealing is the leather-bound edition, currently on sale at Amazon.
A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set
52 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 newcomers in mind, these brief plot synopses contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
- 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, it is narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, who recounts the Targaryen dynasty from a historical perspective. The events covered begin 300 years before A Game of Thrones and span approximately 150 years, with the second volume expected to cover the remaining years of their reign.
Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon
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Fire & Blood covers 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 depicted in House of the Dragon. The book expands upon three previously published ASoIaF novellas: The Princess and the Queen (2013), The Rogue Prince (2014), and The Sons of the Dragon (2017). The Rise of the Dragon offers a condensed and illustrated version of Fire & Blood.
- 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 approximately 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these stories will form the basis for the upcoming TV series, also titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential to the main plot, they offer delightful additional adventures in the Seven Kingdoms.
The collection includes The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003), and The Mystery Knight (2010).
- A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
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A Game of Thrones, the inaugural novel published in 1996, introduces readers to the world of Westeros and its key families and characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion against the Targaryens, it initiates the War of the Five Kings. The narrative is woven through multiple perspectives, featuring characters such as Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.
Every IGN Game of Thrones Review
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- 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. It follows the political machinations and battles as various factions vie for control, with perspectives from characters like 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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The third novel, A Storm of Swords, largely resolves the War of the Five Kings. It follows the Stark children's journeys, Jon Snow's adventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys's rise to leadership. The narrative is told through the perspectives of 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
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A Feast for Crows runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons, focusing on new and returning characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne. Due to the novel's expansive scope, Martin split the narrative into two books, each covering half the characters. The 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
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A Dance with Dragons reintroduces the characters absent from A Feast for Crows and continues the narrative beyond A Storm of Swords. It covers events at the Wall, across the Narrow Sea, and the emergence of new claimants to the Iron Throne. The 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 book, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. It includes family trees, illustrations, and extensive information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities, and beyond.
The Iron Throne as depicted by artist Marc Simonetti in The World of Ice & Fire (Image: George R.R. Martin)
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, following the success of 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 series, The Winds of Winter, will continue the saga after A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared preview chapters and confirmed point-of-view characters including Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that it remains a priority, estimating it to be 75% complete and over 1,500 pages long.
A Dream of Spring
The final book in 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 remaining 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty.
Future Dunk & Egg Novellas
Martin plans to write additional Dunk & Egg novellas, with the fourth set in Winterfell and involving the Stark family. Other potential stories include The Village Hero, The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, The Lord Commander, and more. An HBO series based on these novellas, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is in development, with Season 1 set to adapt The Hedge Knight and premiere in late 2025.
For more reading recommendations, explore our list of the best fantasy books or consider purchasing one of the best reading lights.
