"Game of Thrones Books: Chronological Reading Order Revealed"

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy saga, *A Song of Ice and Fire*, has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of modern literature. The series has captured the imagination of readers worldwide through its bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, *Game of Thrones*. The saga's cultural impact continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of the follow-up series, *House of the Dragon*.

With the complete second season of *House of the Dragon* now available for streaming, there's no better time to delve into the rich tapestry of Westeros as envisioned by its creator. For those new to the series or looking to explore beyond the television adaptations, this guide offers a comprehensive look at how to read the *Game of Thrones* books in chronological order.

How Many Game of Thrones Books Are There in the Series?

George R.R. Martin has published five novels in the *A Song of Ice and Fire* series to date. He is currently working on the next two volumes, *The Winds of Winter* and *A Dream of Spring*. The anticipation for these books remains high, though fans are uncertain about when or if Martin will complete the series. In addition to the main novels, Martin has enriched the universe with companion works, including three *Dunk & Egg* novellas, collected in *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* (2015), three Targaryen-focused novellas, compiled and expanded in *Fire & Blood* (2018), and a comprehensive world compendium, *The World of Ice & Fire*.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For fans who cherish physical books, collecting the series in a set is a rewarding experience. One of the most aesthetically pleasing options is the leather-bound set, currently available at a discount during Amazon's book sale.

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

For those new to the series, the following brief plot summaries contain mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. 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 *A Song of Ice and Fire* novels, *Fire & Blood* is presented as a historical account by the archmaester Gyldayn, who lived toward the end of the Targaryen reign and into Robert Baratheon's rule. The book covers the first 150 years of Targaryen history, with the second volume expected to complete the story.

*Fire & Blood* includes and expands upon three previously published novellas: *The Princess and the Queen* (2013), *The Rogue Prince* (2014), and *The Sons of the Dragon* (2017). The recently released *The Rise of the Dragon* offers a condensed, illustrated version of the same history.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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*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 about 90 years before *A Game of Thrones*, these stories will form the basis for the upcoming TV series, also titled *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*. While not essential to the main narrative, these tales offer delightful additional adventures in 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

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The first novel in the series, published in 1996, *A Game of Thrones* introduces readers to the world of Westeros and its key families and characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign following his rebellion against the Targaryens, the book ignites the War of the Five Kings, a struggle for the Iron Throne marked by political intrigue and betrayal.

The narrative alternates between the perspectives of characters such as Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, whose story unfolds in Essos.

4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

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*A Clash of Kings* continues the saga, deepening the conflict of the War of the Five Kings. As various claimants vie for the throne, the Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys navigates the complexities of Essos.

The novel features perspectives from 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

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In the third installment, *A Storm of Swords*, the War of the Five Kings nears its conclusion, though lingering conflicts persist. The Stark children face various crises, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys begins to assert her leadership in the East.

The book includes chapters from Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

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*A Feast for Crows* picks up where the previous novel left off and runs concurrently with *A Dance with Dragons*. It focuses on new and returning characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches Westeros. Due to the length of the story, Martin split the narrative into two books, each covering 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.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

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*A Dance with Dragons* brings back the characters absent from *A Feast for Crows* and continues the narrative from *A Storm of Swords*. It progresses beyond the events of *A Feast for Crows*, making it the furthest in the series' chronology. The novel 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, readers have eagerly awaited 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 an essential companion to the series, offering 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. It includes family trees, illustrations, and information 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 the upcoming release of *A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition*, set to launch on November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated editions of the previous books and promises to enhance the reading experience with detailed artwork.

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Out November 4, 2025
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The Winds of Winter

Martin has two more novels planned to complete the series: *The Winds of Winter* and *A Dream of Spring*. *The Winds of Winter*, the sixth book, will continue the story from *A Dance with Dragons* and include chapters from Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, Barriston Selmy, and others. Martin has described it as a priority, despite being 13 years late, and estimates it to be over 1,500 pages long.

A Dream of Spring

The final book, *A Dream of Spring*, remains in the planning stages, with fans eagerly awaiting its completion.

Fire & Blood Volume 2

In addition to the main series, Martin is 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 expressed his intent to write more *Dunk & Egg* novellas, though these will not be published until after *The Winds of Winter*. He has mentioned two upcoming stories, tentatively titled *The She-Wolves* and *The Village Hero*, set in Winterfell and the Riverlands, respectively. Further adventures are also in the planning stages, with potential titles such as *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 show is expected to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.

For more, explore the best fantasy books reading list or consider purchasing one of the best reading lights to enhance your reading experience.