"Game of Thrones Books: Chronological Reading Guide"

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga has cemented itself as a cornerstone of modern fiction. Its ascent to cultural prominence was fueled by a series of bestselling novels and the unprecedented success of HBO's adaptation, Game of Thrones. The saga's influence continues to thrive, bolstered by HBO's compelling follow-up series, House of the Dragon.

With all episodes of House of the Dragon: Season 2 now available for streaming, it's an ideal time to explore the rich world of Westeros as envisioned by its creator. For those yet to delve into the A Song of Ice and Fire novels and their companion works, we present a 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 releases, some have even used tools like ChatGPT to envision potential endings. The uncertainty surrounding Martin's completion of the series adds an intriguing layer to the saga's narrative.

Martin has also enriched the A Song of Ice and Fire universe with several companion works. These include three Dunk & Egg novellas (collected in 2015's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), three Targaryen-focused novellas (compiled and expanded in 2018's Fire & Blood), and a comprehensive world compendium titled The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For those who cherish physical books, purchasing a set of the Game of Thrones novels can be a delightful experience. Among the various sets available, the leather-bound edition stands out as a collector's item, especially appealing during the current Amazon book sale.

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

These brief plot summaries are designed with new readers in mind, offering 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, it's narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived toward the end of the Targaryen dynasty and into Robert Baratheon's reign. The book covers the first 150 years of Targaryen rule, with the subsequent 150 years expected to be detailed in Fire & Blood Volume 2.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

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Fire & Blood spans the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, beginning 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 HBO's House of the Dragon. The book also incorporates 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). 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

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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 saga, these novellas offer additional adventures and perspectives within 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 world of Westeros, its key families, and a host of memorable characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, the story follows the aftermath of Robert's Rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, leading into the War of the Five Kings. The narrative is told through alternating points of view, featuring characters like 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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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 narrative follows the various claimants to the throne, 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 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 novel, A Storm of Swords, largely concludes the War of the Five Kings. As the conflict wanes, the Stark children face various challenges, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to lead. The point-of-view characters are 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 new and returning characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches Westeros. Due to the book's length, Martin split the narrative into two volumes, with A Feast for Crows 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.

7. 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 story after A Storm of Swords. It covers events parallel to A Feast for Crows but eventually moves beyond them, making it the furthest along in the series' timeline. The narrative follows 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. A Dance with Dragons was published in 2011, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its sequel, The Winds of Winter, for over a decade.

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 to the A Song of Ice and Fire novels. This richly illustrated book delves into the history of Martin's world, from the arrival of the First Men during the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. It includes family trees for the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters, as well as detailed information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities of Essos, 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. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book, adding to the series' visual appeal.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

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The Winds of Winter

Martin has two more novels planned to complete his seven-book saga. The Winds of Winter, the sixth book, will follow the events of A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared preview chapters and blogs about the book, confirming point-of-view chapters for characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that The Winds of Winter remains a priority, with the manuscript reportedly 75% complete and expected to exceed 1,500 pages.

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's 300-year reign.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin has expressed his intention to write more Dunk & Egg novellas, though these will not be published until after The Winds of Winter. He has outlined plans for stories set in Winterfell and the Riverlands, tentatively titled The She-Wolves and The Village Hero, respectively. Additionally, Martin has ideas for other adventures, including potential titles like The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander.

An HBO series based on the Dunk & Egg novellas, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is in development. Led by Steve Conrad, the show is set to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025, starting with an adaptation of The Hedge Knight.

For more, explore our best fantasy books reading list or consider purchasing one of the best reading lights.