"Game of Thrones Books: Chronological Reading Guide"

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, *A Song of Ice and Fire*, has cemented its place as a cornerstone of modern fiction. Its ascent into the cultural zeitgeist was propelled by a series of bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, *Game of Thrones*. The series' influence in pop culture continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of the subsequent HBO series, *House of the Dragon*.

With all of *House of the Dragon: Season 2* now available to stream, it's the perfect time to explore the rich tapestry of Westeros through George R.R. Martin's original works. For those yet to delve into the *A Song of Ice and Fire* novels and their companion books, we've crafted this comprehensive guide on how to read all the *Game of Thrones* books in chronological order.

Jump to:

• 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, *The Winds of Winter* and *A Dream of Spring*, still in progress. While fans eagerly await these final volumes, some have even used AI tools like ChatGPT to envision possible endings. However, uncertainty lingers about whether Martin will complete the series himself.

In addition to the main saga, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works. These include **three Dunk & Egg novellas** (compiled in 2015's *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*), **three Targaryen-focused novellas** (expanded in 2018's *Fire & Blood*), and a detailed world compendium, *The World of Ice & Fire*. We'll delve into these further below.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For enthusiasts of physical media, a book set is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the *Game of Thrones* universe. Various sets are available, but the most visually striking is the leather-bound edition, currently featured in an Amazon book sale.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

This set includes all five books. Originally priced at $85.00, it's now available for $46.00 at Amazon.

How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

*These brief plot synopses are designed for newcomers and contain only mild spoilers such as broad plot points and character introductions.*

1. Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones

*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 not told through the eyes of characters involved in the plot but is presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived during the end of the Targaryen era and into Robert Baratheon's reign.

While Gyldayn's writing occurs around the start of *A Song of Ice and Fire*, the events he recounts begin 300 years before *A Game of Thrones* and cover roughly 150 years. The second 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty are slated for *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, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. Within these 150 years, it covers the tumultuous period known as The Dying of the Dragons (or The Dance of the Dragons), which is depicted in *House of the Dragon*.

This book includes and expands upon three previously published *A Song of Ice and Fire* 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*, a recently published, condensed, and illustrated version of *Fire & Blood*, offers another way to explore this history.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

*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 be the foundation for the upcoming TV series, also titled *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*.

While not essential for understanding the main saga, these novellas offer delightful adventures and fresh perspectives within the Seven Kingdoms. The collection comprises *The Hedge Knight* (1998), *The Sworn Sword* (2003), and *The Mystery Knight* (2010).

3. A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones

Published in 1996, *A Game of Thrones* launched the *A Song of Ice and Fire* series. It introduces readers to the world of Westeros, its neighboring regions, prominent families, and a cast of unforgettable characters.

Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, the novel ignites the War of the Five Kings. As various claimants vie for the Iron Throne, the story unfolds through alternating perspectives of key characters including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, whose journey unfolds across the Narrow Sea in Essos.

Every IGN Game of Thrones Review

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*Blood of the Dragon*, a novella largely repurposed from Daenerys's chapters in *A Game of Thrones*, is omitted from this list.

4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

*A Clash of Kings* continues the saga, deepening the War of the Five Kings. The rival kings marshal their forces, the Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, Jon Snow ventures north of the Wall, and Daenerys navigates the complexities of a foreign land.

The narrative is driven by perspectives of 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

The third novel, *A Storm of Swords*, largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts persist. As the war winds down, the Stark children confront various challenges, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns the art of leadership.

The story is told through the eyes of Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly. *Path of the Dragon*, another novella repurposed from Daenerys's chapters, is excluded here.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

*A Feast for Crows* picks up immediately after *A Storm of Swords* and runs concurrently with the next novel, *A Dance with Dragons*. It focuses on new and returning characters navigating the political landscapes of King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter encroaches.

Due to the novel's size, Martin split the story into two parts, with *A Feast for Crows* telling the full story for 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. *Arms of the Kraken*, a novella from the Iron Islands chapters, is excluded.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

*A Dance with Dragons* reintroduces beloved characters absent from *A Feast for Crows* and picks up where *A Storm of Swords* left off. While initially parallel to *A Feast for Crows*, it eventually advances beyond its events, making it the furthest 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. Published in 2011, fans have awaited the next installment, *The Winds of Winter*, for over a decade.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

*The World of Ice & Fire* serves as a comprehensive companion to the *A Song of Ice and Fire* series. This richly illustrated book delves into the history of Martin's world, starting from the Dawn Age (12,000 years before *A Game of Thrones*) with the arrival of the First Men in Westeros.

The history extends through the Targaryen dynasty and Robert's Rebellion, including detailed family trees for the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters, as well as information 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 upcoming release of *A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition*, set for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated editions of earlier books in the series.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target.

The Winds of Winter

Martin is working on the sixth book, *The Winds of Winter*, which will continue the saga after *A Dance with Dragons*. He has shared preview chapters and confirmed point-of-view characters including Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy.

Martin has stated that *The Winds of Winter* will diverge further from the TV series, emphasizing its importance despite being "13 years late." He has claimed to be 75% done and predicted the book will exceed 1,500 pages.

A Dream of Spring

The final planned book in the series, *A Dream of Spring*, remains a future goal for Martin.

Fire & Blood Volume 2

Martin is also crafting *Fire & Blood Volume 2*, which will cover the second 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin aims to write more *Dunk & Egg* novellas, though these will follow the completion of *The Winds of Winter*. He has mentioned a fourth novella set in Winterfell, involving a group of Stark women dubbed "the She-Wolves," and another titled *The Village Hero* set in the Riverlands.

Martin has outlined potential titles for additional stories: *The Sellsword*, *The Champion*, *The Kingsguard*, *The Lord Commander*, and others. An HBO series, *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*, based on these novellas, is in development, with Season 1 adapting *The Hedge Knight*. The show, led by Steve Conrad, is expected to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.

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