Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* has solidified its place as a cornerstone of modern fiction. The saga's ascent into the cultural mainstream was propelled by a series of bestselling novels and an HBO adaptation that achieved unprecedented success. Its enduring impact on pop culture continues, notably through HBO's acclaimed 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 delve into the rich tapestry of Westeros as envisioned by its creator. For those yet to explore the *A Song of Ice and Fire* novels and their companion books, we've crafted this comprehensive guide to help you 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 additional volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have even turned to AI, like ChatGPT, to speculate on potential endings, though uncertainty lingers about whether Martin will complete the series himself.
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 (collected and expanded in 2018's Fire & Blood), and a world compendium titled The World of Ice & Fire. More details on these works are provided below.
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For enthusiasts of physical media, acquiring a set of the Game of Thrones books is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the saga. Several sets are available, but the most aesthetically pleasing option is the leather-bound edition, currently on sale at Amazon.
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
These brief plot synopses are designed for series newcomers and contain only mild spoilers, such as 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 A Song of Ice and Fire novels, it is presented as a historical account narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived during the late Targaryen era and into Robert Baratheon's reign. The book covers the first 150 years of Targaryen history, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. It includes pivotal events like The Dance of the Dragons, which is depicted in House of the Dragon.
Fire & Blood expands on 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). A condensed and illustrated version, The Rise of the Dragon, has also been released.
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms compiles 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 inspire the next Game of Thrones TV series, also titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential for the main saga, these tales offer delightful adventures and fresh perspectives on the Seven Kingdoms.
The collection includes The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003), and The Mystery Knight (2010).
- A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
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Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones launched the epic saga. It introduces readers to Westeros, its surrounding regions, prominent families, and the series' diverse cast of characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, the novel follows the aftermath of Robert's Rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, igniting the War of the Five Kings.
The story unfolds through alternating points of view, featuring Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, whose journey begins across the Narrow Sea in Essos.
- A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings
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A Clash of Kings continues the War of the Five Kings, with various factions rallying their forces. The Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, Jon Snow journeys beyond the Wall, and Daenerys navigates the challenges of Essos.
The novel's point-of-view characters include Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth.
- 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, though some conflicts persist. As peace returns to the Seven Kingdoms, the Stark children face new challenges, Jon Snow ventures with wildlings beyond the Wall, and Daenerys continues her rise to power.
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.
- A Feast for Crows
A Feast for Crows
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A Feast for Crows picks up after A Storm of Swords and runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, as winter approaches Westeros. Due to the book's size, Martin split the narrative into two volumes, each telling the full story for half the characters.
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.
- A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons
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A Dance with Dragons reintroduces the beloved characters absent from A Feast for Crows and picks up after A Storm of Swords. The narrative, running parallel to Feast, eventually advances beyond it, making Dance the furthest in the series' chronology.
Key events include a new Lord Commander at the Night's Watch, Daenerys grappling with leadership, the Greyjoys' eastward move, and the emergence of a new claimant to the Iron Throne.
Point-of-view characters include 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, leaving fans awaiting the next installment, 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 companion compendium that offers a detailed history of Martin's world, from the arrival of the First Men during the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. This illustrated volume includes family trees and information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities, 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)
(A Song of Ice and Fire novels*)
Upcoming Game of Thrones Books
A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition
Martin recently unveiled the cover for the upcoming illustrated edition of A Feast for Crows, set to release on November 4, 2025. This follows five years after the illustrated edition of the third book.
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 for his A Song of Ice and Fire saga. The Winds of Winter, the sixth book, will continue the story from A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared preview chapters and blog posts about the novel, which will include perspectives from Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, Barriston Selmy, and others. He has emphasized that the book will diverge further from the television series. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that it 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, if completed, will be titled A Dream of Spring.
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 plans for additional Dunk & Egg novellas, though they won't be published until after The Winds of Winter. He has mentioned working titles such as "The She-Wolves" set in Winterfell and "The Village Hero" in the Riverlands. He also has ideas for other stories, tentatively titled "The Sellsword," "The Champion," "The Kingsguard," "The Lord Commander," and others.
An HBO series based on the Dunk & Egg novellas, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is in development, with the first season adapting The Hedge Knight. The series is led by Steve Conrad and is slated to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.
For more, check out the best fantasy books reading list or pick up one of the best reading lights.
