A Song of Ice and Fire: The Ultimate Reading Guide for Game of Thrones Fans
George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy saga, A Song of Ice and Fire, has captivated readers for over two decades, achieving widespread acclaim through its bestselling novels and HBO's hugely successful adaptation. The enduring popularity continues thanks to the prequel series, House of the Dragon. With House of the Dragon Season 2 now streaming, it's the perfect time to delve into the source material and experience Westeros through Martin's masterful storytelling. This guide provides a chronological reading order for all Game of Thrones books, including companion works.
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Chronological Reading Order | Release Order | Upcoming Books | Total Number of Books
George R.R. Martin has published five novels in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, with two more planned: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While their release remains uncertain, a ChatGPT-generated completion of the series offers a glimpse into potential endings.
Beyond the main saga, Martin has crafted several companion works, including 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 is a rewarding option. Various sets exist, but the leather-bound edition currently featured in an Amazon sale offers exceptional presentation.
A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set
Contains all 5 novels.
Chronological Reading Order of Game of Thrones Books
Note: Plot summaries below contain minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
- Fire & Blood: This book, the basis for House of the Dragon, chronicles the 300-year reign of House Targaryen. Unlike the main series, it's presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, offering a unique perspective. The events detailed span approximately 150 years, beginning 300 years before A Game of Thrones. A second volume is anticipated.
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: This collection of three novellas features Ser Duncan the Tall and Aegon V Targaryen, set roughly 90 years before A Game of Thrones. While not directly part of the main storyline, it offers enriching adventures and perspectives.
- A Game of Thrones: The inaugural novel introduces Westeros, its houses, and key characters. It sets the stage for the War of the Five Kings, showcasing political intrigue, betrayal, and conflict.
- A Clash of Kings: The War of the Five Kings continues, with various factions vying for power. The story unfolds across multiple locations, following the struggles of various characters.
- A Storm of Swords: This novel largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though conflicts persist. The Stark children face various challenges, while Jon Snow's journey continues, and Daenerys's power grows.
- A Feast for Crows: Running concurrently with A Dance with Dragons, this novel focuses on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, while key characters from previous books are absent.
- A Dance with Dragons: This book reunites readers with characters absent from A Feast for Crows, continuing their storylines. It features parallel plots and expands on events from A Storm of Swords.
Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire
This companion book provides a comprehensive history of Westeros and Essos, enriching the reader's understanding of the world's history and lore.
Release Order of Game of Thrones Books
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: Scheduled for release on November 4, 2025.
- The Winds of Winter: The highly anticipated sixth novel in the main series.
- A Dream of Spring: The planned seventh and final novel in the main series.
- Fire & Blood Volume 2: A continuation of the Targaryen history.
- Further Dunk & Egg Novellas: Martin plans to write additional novellas featuring Dunk and Egg. An HBO series adaptation is also in development.
For further reading, explore the best fantasy books or find the perfect reading light to enhance your immersive experience.
