For over two decades, George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* has captivated readers and cemented its place as a landmark fantasy saga. The bestselling novels, further propelled by HBO's hugely successful adaptation, *Game of Thrones*, and its spin-off, *House of the Dragon*, remain a significant part of popular culture. With *House of the Dragon* Season 2 now streaming, there's no better time to explore the source material and experience Westeros through the eyes of its creator.
This guide helps navigate the *Game of Thrones* books, perfect for newcomers and seasoned fans alike. We'll outline the reading order, providing brief plot summaries to minimize spoilers.
**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?
George R.R. Martin has published five novels in the *A Song of Ice and Fire* saga, with two more planned: *The Winds of Winter* and *A Dream of Spring*. While their completion remains uncertain, the series' impact endures, even inspiring fan-generated conclusions using AI like ChatGPT.
Beyond the main novels, Martin has expanded the world with companion works: three *Dunk & Egg* novellas (collected in *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*), three Targaryen-focused novellas (expanded in *Fire & Blood*), and a world compendium, *The World of Ice & Fire*. More details below.
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For collectors, a complete *Game of Thrones* book set offers a satisfying experience. Various editions are available, but the leather-bound version currently featured in the Amazon book sale is a particularly impressive option.
A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set
Contains the five-book set.
$85.00 (46% off) - $46.00 at Amazon
How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order
(Mild spoilers regarding broad plot points and character introductions are included below.)
1. Fire & Blood
Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones
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Serving as the basis for *House of the Dragon*, *Fire & Blood* chronicles the 300-year Targaryen reign. Unlike the main novels, it's presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, whose perspective places the narrative around the start of *A Song of Ice and Fire*, though the events depicted begin 300 years prior. This volume covers the first 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty; a second volume is anticipated.
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The book spans the reigns of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I and culminating in the Dance of the Dragons, depicted in *House of the Dragon*. It expands on three previously published novellas: *The Princess and the Queen*, *The Rogue Prince*, and *The Sons of the Dragon*. *The Rise of the Dragon* offers a condensed, illustrated version.
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 and Aegon V Targaryen, set approximately 90 years before *A Game of Thrones*. While not directly part of the main storyline, it offers additional adventures and perspectives within the Seven Kingdoms and will be adapted into an upcoming TV series.
3. A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
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The inaugural novel introduces Westeros, its houses, and its characters, setting the stage for the War of the Five Kings during Robert Baratheon's reign. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.
(Image gallery of Game of Thrones reviews)
4. A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings
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The War of the Five Kings continues, with various factions vying for power. The narrative expands to include Theon Greyjoy and Davos Seaworth.
5. A Storm of Swords
A Storm of Swords
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This novel largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, while following the Stark children's struggles and Daenerys's rise in Essos. Jaime Lannister and Samwell Tarly are added as point-of-view characters.
6. A Feast for Crows
A Feast for Crows
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Running concurrently with *A Dance with Dragons*, this novel focuses on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, as winter approaches. Key characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys are absent.
7. A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons
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This novel reunites with characters absent from *A Feast for Crows*, continuing their stories after *A Storm of Swords*. New characters and storylines are introduced, further complicating the political landscape.
Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire
The World of Ice & Fire
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A comprehensive companion book providing detailed historical context and world-building information, extending far beyond the events of the main novels.
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
Out November 4, 2025
See it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target
The Winds of Winter
The next installment in the main saga, picking up after *A Dance with Dragons*. Martin has shared updates and preview chapters, indicating a significant departure from the television series' storyline.
A Dream of Spring
The planned final novel in the *A Song of Ice and Fire* saga.
Fire & Blood Volume 2
A continuation of the Targaryen history, covering the remaining 150 years of their reign.
Future Dunk & Egg Novellas
Martin plans to write more *Dunk & Egg* novellas, with potential titles like *The She-Wolves* and *The Village Hero*, though their completion depends on the completion of *The Winds of Winter*. An HBO series based on *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* is in development.
For further reading, explore our best fantasy books list or find the perfect reading light.
