How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

A Comprehensive Guide to Reading George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" Series

For over two decades, "A Song of Ice and Fire" has captivated readers and viewers alike, achieving widespread cultural recognition through its bestselling novels and the immensely popular HBO adaptation, further solidified by the success of "House of the Dragon." With "House of the Dragon" Season 2 now streaming, it's the perfect time to delve into the source material. This guide details the chronological reading order of the "Game of Thrones" books, including companion works.

Jump to:

Chronological Reading Order | Release Order | Upcoming Books | Total Number of Books

George R.R. Martin has published five novels in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" saga, with two more planned: "The Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring." While their completion remains uncertain, the series' enduring popularity persists. Beyond the main novels, Martin has enriched the world with companion books.

Companion Works:

Three "Dunk & Egg" novellas (collected in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded in "Fire & Blood"), and a world compendium, "The World of Ice & Fire."

"Game of Thrones" Book Sets

Physical book sets offer a rewarding way to experience the series. Various sets exist, but the leather-bound edition is a particularly attractive option.

Chronological Reading Order:

Note: Plot summaries below contain minimal spoilers.

1. Fire & Blood: A history of House Targaryen's 300-year reign, serving as the basis for "House of the Dragon." It's narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, providing a retrospective account beginning 300 years before "A Game of Thrones." The book covers the first 150 years; a second volume is forthcoming.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: A collection of three novellas featuring Ser Duncan the Tall and Aegon V Targaryen, set approximately 90 years before "A Game of Thrones." While not essential to the main storyline, it offers enriching perspectives and adventures.

3. A Game of Thrones: The inaugural novel, introducing Westeros, its houses, and key characters. It initiates the War of the Five Kings, showcasing political intrigue, conflict, and bloodshed.

4. A Clash of Kings: Continues the War of the Five Kings, following the struggles of various claimants and the unfolding events across Westeros and Essos.

5. A Storm of Swords: Brings the War of the Five Kings to a close (mostly), focusing on the Stark children's challenges and Daenerys's rise to power.

6. A Feast for Crows: Runs concurrently with "A Dance with Dragons," focusing on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, while key characters from previous books are absent.

7. A Dance with Dragons: Reintroduces characters absent from "A Feast for Crows," continuing their storylines and introducing new conflicts and characters.

"The World of Ice & Fire":

A comprehensive companion book offering detailed historical information and illustrations of Westeros and Essos.

Release Order:

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 Books:

• A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition: Scheduled for release in November 2025.
• The Winds of Winter: The highly anticipated sixth novel in the main series.
• A Dream of Spring: The planned seventh and final novel.
• Fire & Blood Volume 2: The sequel to "Fire & Blood," covering the latter half of the Targaryen dynasty.
• Further Dunk & Egg Novellas: Martin plans to continue the "Dunk & Egg" series after completing "The Winds of Winter." An HBO series adaptation is also in development.

For a more detailed exploration of each book, please refer to the original text.