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 fiction. This series has captured the imagination of readers and viewers alike, largely due to its successful adaptation into HBO's groundbreaking series, Game of Thrones, and the acclaimed follow-up, House of the Dragon. With all episodes of House of the Dragon: Season 2 now available for streaming, it's the perfect time to delve deeper into the source material and explore the rich world of Westeros through the eyes of its creator. For those new to the series, this guide will help you navigate the chronological reading order of all the Game of Thrones books.

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 so far. The saga continues with two more planned volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have even turned to AI to imagine potential endings. Alongside the main series, Martin has enriched the universe with companion works, including three Dunk & Egg novellas (collected in 2015's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), three Targaryen-focused novellas (compiled in 2018's Fire & Blood), and a comprehensive world guide, The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For fans who cherish physical books, collecting them in a set can be immensely satisfying. One of the most visually appealing options is the leather-bound set, currently available at a discounted price during the Amazon book sale.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

52 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

With newcomers in mind, these brief plot synopses contain only mild spoilers such as 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, it is presented as a historical recount by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived near the end of the Targaryen era. The narrative spans 150 years, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest and including the infamous Dance of the Dragons, which is the focus of House of the Dragon. Fire & Blood expands on three previously published ASoIaF novellas: The Princess and the Queen, The Rogue Prince, and The Sons of the Dragon. The Rise of the Dragon offers a condensed and illustrated version of this history.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

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2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collects 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 offer a glimpse into the lives of the common folk and nobility alike, and will be adapted into the next Game of Thrones TV series. The collection includes The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight.

3. A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones

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Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones introduces readers to the intricate world of Westeros. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, it follows the aftermath of Robert's Rebellion and the fall of the Targaryens. The narrative sets the stage for the War of the Five Kings, weaving a tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and warfare. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, their children, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.

Every IGN Game of Thrones Review

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4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

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A Clash of Kings continues the saga, focusing on the ongoing War of the Five Kings. The various claimants to the throne rally their forces, while key characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and others navigate their own challenges and adventures.

5. A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

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A Storm of Swords brings the War of the Five Kings to a dramatic close, with lingering conflicts and new developments shaping the future of Westeros. The novel follows the Stark children, Jon Snow, Daenerys, and others as they face personal and political crises.

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, running concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on the political maneuvering in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, with several key characters absent, saved for the next book.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

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A Dance with Dragons brings back the missing characters from A Feast for Crows and continues the narrative beyond the events of A Storm of Swords. The novel follows multiple storylines, including Jon Snow's leadership at the Wall, Daenerys's struggles in Essos, and the Greyjoys' eastward ambitions.

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 ASoIaF novels, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. It includes family trees, maps, and illustrations, making it a must-have for any fan.

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)

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 edition follows the illustrated versions of previous books in the series.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

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The Winds of Winter

The sixth book in the ASoIaF series, The Winds of Winter, will follow the events of A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared several preview chapters, promising perspectives from key characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, and Arya. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that the novel remains a priority, with an estimated length of over 1,500 pages.

The final installment in the series, A Dream of Spring, is yet to be completed and published.

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.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin has plans for more Dunk & Egg novellas, with potential stories set in Winterfell and the Riverlands. These are titled "The She-Wolves" and "The Village Hero," respectively, with additional ideas for other adventures. An HBO series based on these novellas, starting with The Hedge Knight, is in development, set to premiere in late 2025.

For more, check out the best fantasy books reading list or pick up one of the best reading lights.