Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series has become a landmark in fantasy literature, captivating audiences worldwide through its bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, "Game of Thrones." Its cultural impact continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of the follow-up series, "House of the Dragon." With the entirety of "House of the Dragon: Season 2" now available for streaming, it's the perfect time to explore the rich tapestry of Westeros through Martin's original works. For those new to the series, 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, with two more volumes, "The Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring," still in the works. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have even used AI tools like ChatGPT to imagine potential endings. Alongside the main series, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works, including three "Dunk & Egg" novellas (collected in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"), three Targaryen-focused novellas (compiled in "Fire & Blood"), and a detailed world compendium titled "The World of Ice & Fire."
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For fans of physical media, collecting the Game of Thrones books in a set is a rewarding way to immerse yourself in the series. One of the most visually appealing options is the leather-bound set, currently available at a discount during Amazon's 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
Designed with newcomers in mind, these brief plot summaries 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 main series, it is presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived near the end of the Targaryen dynasty and into Robert Baratheon's reign. The book covers the first 150 years of Targaryen rule, with the second volume set to cover the remaining period.
Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon
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Spanning the lives of six Targaryen rulers, "Fire & Blood" includes the pivotal event known as "The Dance of the Dragons," depicted in "House of the Dragon." It also incorporates and expands on three previously published novellas: "The Princess and the Queen," "The Rogue Prince," and "The Sons of the Dragon." Additionally, "The Rise of the Dragon" offers a condensed, illustrated version of the same history.
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
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This collection features 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, they offer delightful additional adventures within the Seven Kingdoms.
The collection includes "The Hedge Knight," "The Sworn Sword," and "The Mystery Knight."
- A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
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Published in 1996, "A Game of Thrones" introduces readers to the world of Westeros during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion against the Targaryens. It sets the stage for the War of the Five Kings, exploring themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and familial conflict. The narrative is structured around multiple point-of-view characters, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, their children, 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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Continuing the saga, "A Clash of Kings" delves deeper into the War of the Five Kings, with various factions vying for power. The narrative follows the same alternating point-of-view structure, introducing new characters like Theon Greyjoy and Davos Seaworth.
- A Storm of Swords
A Storm of Swords
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The third novel, "A Storm of Swords," brings the War of the Five Kings to a close, focusing on the aftermath and new challenges facing the Stark children, Jon Snow, and Daenerys Targaryen. It introduces Jaime Lannister and Samwell Tarly as point-of-view characters.
- A Feast for Crows
A Feast for Crows
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"A Feast for Crows" runs parallel to "A Dance with Dragons," splitting the narrative to manage the expansive cast. It focuses on the political machinations in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, introducing new perspectives like Cersei Lannister and Brienne of Tarth.
- A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons
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Published in 2011, "A Dance with Dragons" reunites readers with beloved characters absent from "A Feast for Crows." It covers events beyond those in "A Feast for Crows," exploring new developments at the Wall, across the Narrow Sea, and in the ongoing power struggles within Westeros.
Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire
The World of Ice and Fire
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This companion compendium offers a detailed history of Martin's world, from the Dawn Age to Robert's Rebellion. It features family trees, illustrations, and extensive lore about the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities, 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 an illustrated edition of "A Feast for Crows," set for release on November 4, 2025. This follows the successful illustrated editions of previous books in the series.
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," remains a priority for Martin despite being "13 years late." He has shared preview chapters and indicated that it will feature point-of-view chapters from key characters like Tyrion, Cersei, and Arya. The novel is expected to diverge significantly from the TV series and is projected to exceed 1,500 pages.
A Dream of Spring
The final book, "A Dream of Spring," is yet to be completed, marking the conclusion of Martin's epic saga.
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 for additional "Dunk & Egg" novellas, set to follow the completion of "The Winds of Winter." He has outlined potential stories, including "The She-Wolves" set in Winterfell and "The Village Hero" in the Riverlands. An HBO series based on these novellas is in development, with "The Hedge Knight" set to premiere in late 2025.
For more reading recommendations, explore the best fantasy books list or enhance your reading experience with one of the best reading lights.
