How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

A Song of Ice and Fire: The Ultimate Reading Guide for Westeros Enthusiasts

George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy saga, A Song of Ice and Fire, has captivated readers for over two decades, achieving phenomenal success through its novels and HBO's acclaimed adaptations, including the recent House of the Dragon. With House of the Dragon's second season now streaming, it's the perfect time to explore the source material. This guide provides a chronological reading order for all Game of Thrones books, including companion works.

Key Sections:

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

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

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

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For collectors, various Game of Thrones book sets are available. A particularly attractive option is the leather-bound edition currently featured in an Amazon sale.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

This 5-book set offers a comprehensive collection at a discounted price.

Chronological Reading Order:

Note: Plot summaries below contain minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Fire & Blood: This prequel chronicles the 300-year reign of House Targaryen, serving as the basis for House of the Dragon. Narrated by Archmaester Gyldayn, it covers the first 150 years of Targaryen rule. A second volume is anticipated.

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 enriching adventures and perspectives.

3. A Game of Thrones: The inaugural novel introduces Westeros, its key houses, and numerous characters. It sets the stage for the War of the Five Kings, filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and conflict.

4. A Clash of Kings: The War of the Five Kings continues, with various factions vying for power. The story unfolds across multiple locations, following key characters' journeys.

5. A Storm of Swords: This novel largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though lingering conflicts persist. Characters face significant challenges, and Daenerys's story in Essos unfolds.

6. A Feast for Crows: This book 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 reunites with characters absent from A Feast for Crows, continuing their storylines. New conflicts emerge, and the narrative advances beyond the events of A Feast for Crows.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

This companion book provides a comprehensive history of Westeros and its surrounding regions, including detailed family trees and maps.

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 (November 4, 2025)
• The Winds of Winter (in progress)
• A Dream of Spring (in progress)
• Fire & Blood, Volume 2 (in progress)
• Additional Dunk & Egg novellas (in progress)

This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the expansive world of A Song of Ice and Fire. Enjoy your journey through Westeros!