Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of modern fiction. Its ascent into cultural prominence was propelled by a series of best-selling novels and HBO's groundbreaking adaptation, Game of Thrones. The saga's enduring impact on pop culture has been further reinforced by HBO's successful follow-up series, House of the Dragon.

With all episodes of House of the Dragon: Season 2 now available for streaming, there's no better time to delve into the rich world of Westeros through the original source material. For those yet to explore the A Song of Ice and Fire novels and their companion books, this guide will help you navigate the series 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 two additional volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these books, some have even used AI tools like ChatGPT to speculate on potential endings. However, there's uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself.

In addition to the main series, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works. These include three Dunk & Egg novellas, collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015), three Targaryen-focused novellas, expanded in Fire & Blood (2018), and a comprehensive world guide titled The World of Ice & Fire.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For enthusiasts of physical books, purchasing a set is a great way to immerse yourself in the series. The most visually appealing option is the leather-bound set, currently on sale at Amazon.

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 series newcomers in mind, these brief plot synopses contain only 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 serves as the historical foundation for HBO's House of the Dragon, chronicling 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 written by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived at the end of the Targaryen era and into Robert Baratheon's reign. The book covers the first 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty, with the second volume set to explore the subsequent 150 years.

This period includes the pivotal event known as The Dance of the Dragons, depicted in House of the Dragon. Fire & Blood expands on three previously published novellas: The Princess and the Queen, The Rogue Prince, and The Sons of the Dragon. Additionally, The Rise of the Dragon offers a condensed, illustrated version of this history.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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This collection features three novellas centered on Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set roughly 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these stories will inspire the upcoming HBO series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not directly connected to the mainline novels, they offer delightful additional adventures in the Seven Kingdoms.

The novellas included are 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 and its surrounding regions. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, following his rebellion against the Targaryens, the novel ignites the War of the Five Kings, where five contenders vie for the Iron Throne. The narrative weaves themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and familial conflict, hallmarks of the entire A Song of Ice and Fire series.

The story unfolds through multiple points of view, featuring characters like 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

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A Clash of Kings continues the saga, deepening the War of the Five Kings. The narrative follows the various claimants as they rally their forces, the Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys navigates the challenges of a foreign land.

The novel's perspectives 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

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A Storm of Swords largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts persist. As peace tentatively returns to the Seven Kingdoms, the Stark children face various crises, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to lead her followers.

The novel features perspectives 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 A Storm of Swords left off, running concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on new and returning characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter descends upon Westeros. Due to its length, Martin split the story into two volumes, with each covering all the events for half the characters.

The perspectives 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 reintroduces the characters absent from A Feast for Crows and follows the events of A Storm of Swords. The novel is geographically divided from A Feast for Crows but eventually surpasses its timeline. It features a new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Daenerys grappling with leadership, the Greyjoys moving eastward, and various other developments.

The perspectives 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.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

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The World of Ice & Fire is a comprehensive companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire series, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age to Robert's Rebellion. It includes illustrations, family trees for key houses like the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters, and information on 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

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Out November 4, 2025
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The Winds of Winter

The sixth book in the series, The Winds of Winter, is eagerly anticipated to follow the events of A Dance with Dragons. Martin has shared preview chapters and blog updates, confirming perspectives from Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, Barriston Selmy, and others. Despite being significantly delayed, Martin assures that it remains a priority, estimating it to be over 1,500 pages and 75% complete.

A Dream of Spring

The final installment, A Dream of Spring, awaits completion and publication, should Martin finish the saga.

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's 300-year reign.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin has plans for additional Dunk & Egg novellas, though their completion is contingent on finishing The Winds of Winter. The fourth novella, set in Winterfell and involving the Stark women, is tentatively titled "The She-Wolves," while another, "The Village Hero," is set in the Riverlands. Martin has also outlined potential titles for further adventures, including The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander.

An HBO series based on these novellas, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is in development, with Season 1 adapting The Hedge Knight. The show, led by Steve Conrad, is slated for a late 2025 premiere on Max and HBO.

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