Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* has cemented its place as a monumental work of fiction. The series catapulted into the cultural mainstream through its bestselling novels and HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, *Game of Thrones*. Its cultural impact 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 Westeros through the lens of its creator. For newcomers eager to delve into the *A Song of Ice and Fire* universe and its companion books, we've crafted a comprehensive guide to reading 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 more volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these books, some have turned to AI to imagine possible endings, though there's uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself. Additionally, Martin has enriched the saga with several companion works, including three Dunk & Egg novellas (collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in 2015), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded in Fire & Blood in 2018), and a comprehensive world compendium, The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For fans who cherish physical media, collecting the Game of Thrones books as a set is a rewarding experience. Among the various sets available, the leather-bound edition stands out, especially with its current discount in the Amazon 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

For series newcomers, these plot summaries contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones

See it at Amazon 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, this book is presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived at the end of the Targaryen era and into Robert Baratheon's reign. The events covered span roughly 150 years, beginning 300 years before A Game of Thrones. The second volume will cover the remaining 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

18 ImagesFire & Blood encompasses the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. A significant event within this period is The Dance of the Dragons, which is depicted in House of the Dragon. This book expands on three previously published Targaryen-focused 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, illustrated version of Fire & Blood.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

See it at Amazon A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collects three novellas centered around Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set approximately 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these stories will inspire the upcoming TV series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential to the main storyline, these novellas offer additional adventures and fresh 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

See it at Amazon Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones introduces readers to the world of Westeros, its regions, families, and a cast of memorable 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 permeate the story, which is told through alternating perspectives of 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

75 Images

4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

See it at Amazon A Clash of Kings continues the saga of the War of the Five Kings, with various factions vying for power. The narrative follows characters like Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth as they navigate their respective challenges and ambitions.

5. A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

See it at Amazon The third novel, A Storm of Swords, marks the end of the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts persist. The Stark children face various crises, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys Targaryen learns to lead in the East. The book's 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.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

See it at Amazon A Feast for Crows follows the events of A Storm of Swords and runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. Due to its length, Martin split the narrative into two books, with Feast focusing on characters in King’s Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne. 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

See it at Amazon A Dance with Dragons brings back characters omitted from Feast and continues the storyline from A Storm of Swords. It focuses on 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. Published in 2011, fans have been eagerly awaiting its sequel, The Winds of Winter.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

See it at Amazon The World of Ice & Fire serves as a comprehensive companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire novels. This richly illustrated book traces the history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age, 12,000 years before A Game of Thrones, through the Targaryen reign and Robert’s Rebellion. It includes family trees, details 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 A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book, offering fans a visually enriched reading experience.

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Out November 4, 2025 See it at Amazon See it at Barnes & Noble See it at Target

The Winds of Winter

The sixth book in the series, The Winds of Winter, will follow the events of A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared several preview chapters and blogs, indicating point-of-view chapters from characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that the novel remains a priority and is expected to exceed 1,500 pages.

A Dream of Spring

The final book in the saga, 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 has plans to write additional Dunk & Egg novellas, prioritizing them after completing The Winds of Winter. The fourth novella, set in Winterfell and involving formidable Stark women, remains unfinished as of 2024. Another novella, tentatively titled The Village Hero, is set in the Riverlands. Martin has outlined several more potential stories, including The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander. An HBO series based on these novellas, starting with The Hedge Knight, is in development, set to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.

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