How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

A Song of Ice and Fire: The Ultimate Reading Guide for George R.R. Martin's Epic Saga

George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire has captivated readers for over two decades, spawning a globally successful HBO adaptation and its sequel, House of the Dragon. With House of the Dragon's second season now streaming, it's the perfect time to delve into the source material. This guide provides a chronological reading order for all Game of Thrones books, including companion works.

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

George R.R. Martin has published five core A Song of Ice and Fire novels, with two more planned: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. The completion of the series remains uncertain, prompting fan speculation and even AI-generated endings.

Beyond the main saga, Martin has enriched the world with companion books: three Dunk & Egg novellas (collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded in Fire & Blood), and the world compendium, The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For physical copies, consider a book set. Many options exist, but a leather-bound edition offers a premium presentation.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

• Contains all 5 novels.
• Currently discounted at Amazon.

Chronological Reading Order

Mild spoilers regarding broad plot points and character introductions are included below.

1. Fire & Blood: This prequel chronicles the 300-year Targaryen reign, providing context for House of the Dragon. Written as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, it spans roughly 150 years (a second volume is anticipated). It incorporates and expands upon three previously released novellas.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: This collection of three novellas features 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 additional adventures and perspectives.

3. A Game of Thrones: The inaugural novel introduces Westeros, its houses, and key characters, setting the stage for the War of the Five Kings.

4. A Clash of Kings: The War of the Five Kings intensifies, with various factions vying for power.

5. A Storm of Swords: This novel largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though conflicts persist.

6. A Feast for Crows: This novel 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: This novel picks up after A Storm of Swords, bringing back characters absent from A Feast for Crows and furthering the narrative beyond the events of A Feast for Crows.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

This companion book provides a comprehensive history of Westeros, encompassing various eras and families.

Release Date 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 on November 4, 2025.
• The Winds of Winter: The highly anticipated sixth novel in the main series.
• A Dream of Spring: The planned final novel in the main series.
• Fire & Blood Volume 2: A continuation of the Targaryen history.
• Additional Dunk & Egg Novellas: Martin plans to write more novellas featuring Dunk and Egg. An HBO series based on the first novella is in development.

For further reading, explore other fantasy novels or find a comfortable reading light.