Game of Thrones: Chronological Reading Guide

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* has cemented its status as a monumental work of fiction. The series has captured the public's imagination through its bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, *Game of Thrones*. The saga's influence continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of HBO's prequel series, *House of the Dragon*. With all episodes of *House of the Dragon: Season 2* now available to stream, it's the perfect time to explore the rich world of Westeros through the pages of Martin's original works. For those new to the novels and companion books, we've crafted a guide to help you navigate 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 the next two volumes, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have even used AI, like ChatGPT, to speculate on potential endings. However, the completion of the series by Martin remains uncertain.

In addition to the main saga, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works, including three Dunk & Egg novellas (compiled in 2015's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded into 2018's Fire & Blood), and a comprehensive world guide, The World of Ice & Fire. More details on these works are provided below.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For fans who cherish physical books, collecting the Game of Thrones series in a set is a rewarding experience. Among the available sets, the leather-bound edition stands out, especially during the ongoing Amazon 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

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

See it at Amazon Fire & Blood serves as the source material for HBO's House of the Dragon and chronicles the 300-year reign of House Targaryen in Westeros. Unlike the main novels, Fire & Blood is presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who reflects on the Targaryen dynasty from the end of their rule into Robert Baratheon's time. The events covered span roughly 150 years, with the second volume expected to cover the remaining 150 years.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

18 Images Fire & Blood covers the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. It includes the pivotal event known as The Dance of the Dragons, which is the focus of House of the Dragon. This volume incorporates and expands upon three previously published ASoIaF novellas: The Princess and the Queen, or, the Blacks and the Greens (2013), The Rogue Prince (2014), and The Sons of the Dragon (2017). The Rise of the Dragon offers a condensed and illustrated version of Fire & Blood.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

See it at Amazon A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms compiles 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 serve as the foundation for the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms TV series. While not essential to the main saga, they provide additional adventures and insights into the Seven Kingdoms.

The collection includes The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003), and The Mystery Knight (2010).

3. A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones

See it at Amazon Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones is the inaugural novel of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It introduces readers to the world of Westeros, its prominent families, and a host of characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, the novel sets the stage for the War of the Five Kings, showcasing political intrigue, betrayal, and the struggle for the Iron Throne.

Every IGN Game of Thrones Review

75 Images The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, whose journey takes place across the Narrow Sea in Essos.

4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

See it at Amazon A Clash of Kings continues the saga, deepening the War of the Five Kings. The narrative follows the various claimants to the throne, the Lannisters' consolidation of power in King's Landing, Jon Snow's journey beyond the Wall, and Daenerys' adventures in Essos.

The point-of-view characters include 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

See it at Amazon The third novel, A Storm of Swords, marks the near-conclusion of the War of the Five Kings. As peace returns to the Seven Kingdoms, the Stark children face their own trials, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to rule.

The 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.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

See it at Amazon A Feast for Crows picks up where A Storm of Swords left off, running concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on the political maneuvering in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches Westeros. Due to its size, Martin split the story into two books, with Feast 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

See it at Amazon A Dance with Dragons reunites readers with beloved characters absent from A Feast for Crows and progresses beyond the events of A Storm of Swords. It covers parallel storylines to Feast, focusing on the Wall and beyond the Narrow Sea. Key events include the Night's Watch under new leadership, Daenerys' struggles with power, and the emergence of new claimants to the Iron Throne.

The 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, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its sequel, The Winds of Winter, for over a decade.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

See it at Amazon The World of Ice & Fire is a comprehensive companion book, 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 valuable resource for fans.

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 recently unveiled the cover for the next illustrated edition, A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set to release on November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

See it at Amazon See it at Barnes & Noble See it at Target

The Winds of Winter

Martin has two more novels planned to complete his seven-book saga. The Winds of Winter, the sixth book, will follow the events of A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared preview chapters and blogs, confirming point-of-view chapters for characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin asserts that Winds remains a priority, with over 1,500 pages expected.

A Dream of Spring

The final book, A Dream of Spring, awaits completion and publication.

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, although they will be written after The Winds of Winter. He envisions a series chronicling the entire lives of Dunk and Egg. The fourth novella, set in Winterfell and involving the "She-Wolves" of House Stark, remains unfinished. Another potential story, "The Village Hero," is set in the Riverlands. Martin has also outlined several other potential titles: The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, The Lord Commander, and more.

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. Led by Steve Conrad, the series 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.