Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire has established itself as a cornerstone of modern fiction. The fantasy saga not only captivated readers through a series of bestselling novels but also achieved widespread acclaim with HBO's adaptation, Game of Thrones. The cultural impact of this series continues to thrive, thanks in part to the successful follow-up series, House of the Dragon.
With the full release of House of the Dragon: Season 2 now available for streaming, it's the perfect time to explore the rich world of Westeros as envisioned by its creator. Whether you're new to the series or a seasoned fan, our guide will 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 two more volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have even used AI to imagine potential endings. However, there's uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself.
In addition to the main saga, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works. These include three Dunk & Egg novellas, collected in 2015's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, three Targaryen-focused novellas, expanded in 2018's Fire & Blood, and a comprehensive world guide titled The World of Ice & Fire.
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For collectors and fans of physical media, the Game of Thrones books are available in various sets. One particularly noteworthy option is the leather-bound edition, currently on sale at Amazon, perfect for display and reading pleasure.
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 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, Fire & Blood is presented as a historical recounting by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived towards the end of the Targaryen dynasty and into Robert Baratheon’s reign. The events covered span 150 years, starting 300 years before A Game of Thrones, with the second half of the Targaryen history slated for Fire & Blood Volume 2.
This volume includes and expands upon three previously published novellas: The Princess and the Queen, or, the Blacks and the Greens (2013), The Rogue Prince (2014), and The Sons of the Dragon (2017). Additionally, 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
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a collection of 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 tales will be adapted into the next Game of Thrones TV series, also titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While not essential to the main storyline, these novellas provide delightful additional adventures in 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
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Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones introduces readers to the world of Westeros and its intricate web of noble houses and characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, it follows the aftermath of Robert’s Rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, sparking the War of the Five Kings. The narrative is told through alternating points of view, featuring characters such as Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, whose journey unfolds 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 War of the Five Kings, with various claimants vying for power. The narrative follows the Lannisters consolidating control in King’s Landing, Jon Snow's journey beyond the Wall, and Daenerys navigating the complexities of 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
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In A Storm of Swords, the War of the Five Kings nears its conclusion, though conflicts and claimants linger. The Stark children face various challenges, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to lead. The point-of-view characters are 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 after A Storm of Swords and runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on characters in King’s Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, as winter descends upon Westeros. Due to the book's size, Martin split the narrative into two volumes, each focusing on different sets of characters. The point-of-view characters here 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 brings back the characters absent from A Feast for Crows and continues from A Storm of Swords. It covers the Night's Watch, Daenerys' rule, the Greyjoys' eastern ventures, and more. 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. Published in 2011, fans have awaited its follow-up, The Winds of Winter, for over a decade.
Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire
The World of Ice and Fire
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The World of Ice & Fire serves as a comprehensive companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire novels. It's an engaging resource filled with illustrations and a detailed history of Martin’s world, spanning from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert’s Rebellion. It includes family trees for the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters, along with information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities of Essos, 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
Martin has announced the upcoming release of A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set for November 4, 2025. This edition follows the illustrated release of the third book and promises to bring the story to life with vivid imagery.
A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition
Out November 4, 2025
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The Winds of Winter
The next installment in the saga, The Winds of Winter, is eagerly anticipated. Martin has shared preview chapters and blogs about the book, confirming point-of-view chapters from characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Despite being "13 years late," Martin assures fans that it remains a priority, with the novel expected to exceed 1,500 pages.
A Dream of Spring
The final book in the series, A Dream of Spring, is planned as the concluding volume of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga.
Fire & Blood Volume 2
Martin is also working on Fire & Blood Volume 2, which will cover the second half of the Targaryen dynasty's 300-year reign.
Future Dunk & Egg Novellas
Martin has expressed interest in writing more Dunk & Egg novellas, though these will not be published until after The Winds of Winter. He has plans for stories set in Winterfell, tentatively titled "The She-Wolves," and another in the Riverlands called "The Village Hero." Additionally, he has outlined ideas for other adventures with potential titles such as The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, and The Lord Commander.
An HBO series based on the Dunk & Egg novellas, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is in development, with Season 1 set to adapt The Hedge Knight. Led by Steve Conrad, the series is expected to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.
**For more, explore our best fantasy books reading list or enhance your reading experience with one of the best reading lights.**
