For over two decades, George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* has captivated readers and viewers alike, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of modern fantasy. The bestselling novels and HBO's hugely successful adaptation propelled the saga into the cultural zeitgeist, a legacy further cemented by the acclaimed *House of the Dragon*. With *House of the Dragon* Season 2 now streaming, there's no better time to delve into the source material and experience Westeros through the eyes of its creator.
This guide provides a chronological reading order for all the *Game of Thrones* books, perfect for newcomers and seasoned fans alike. (Note: Mild spoilers regarding broad plot points and character introductions may be present in the following summaries.)
**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—*The Winds of Winter* and *A Dream of Spring*—still in progress. While fans eagerly await Martin's completion of the series, a ChatGPT-generated ending has fueled speculation and debate among readers.
Beyond the main novels, Martin has expanded the world with several companion works: 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*. More details on each are below.
Game of Thrones Book Sets
For those who prefer physical copies, collecting the *Game of Thrones* books as a set is a rewarding experience. Various sets are available, but the leather-bound edition currently featured in the Amazon book sale is particularly striking.
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
Fire & Blood
74 See it at Amazon
Serving as the basis for *House of the Dragon*, *Fire & Blood* chronicles the 300-year reign of House Targaryen. Unlike the main novels, it's presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, whose perspective frames the narrative. While Gyldayn writes around the start of *A Song of Ice and Fire*, the history covers the first 150 years of Targaryen rule. The second 150 years are expected to be covered in *Fire & Blood* Volume 2. This book incorporates and expands upon three previously published novellas.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
44 See it at Amazon
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 directly connected to the main storyline, it offers enriching adventures and perspectives within the Seven Kingdoms. The novellas are: *The Hedge Knight*, *The Sworn Sword*, and *The Mystery Knight*.A Game of Thrones
54 See it at Amazon
The inaugural novel introduces Westeros, its prominent houses, and the diverse cast of characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, it initiates the War of the Five Kings, setting the stage for political intrigue, betrayal, and conflict that define the series.A Clash of Kings
24 See it at Amazon
This installment continues the War of the Five Kings, showcasing the escalating conflicts and struggles for power across Westeros and Essos.A Storm of Swords
23 See it at Amazon
*A Storm of Swords* largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though lingering conflicts and new challenges arise for various characters.A Feast for Crows
19 See it at Amazon
Running concurrently with *A Dance with Dragons*, this novel focuses on characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne, while key figures from previous books are absent. This division was a conscious choice by Martin to manage the scope of the story.A Dance with Dragons
29 See it at Amazon
This novel reunites readers with characters absent from *A Feast for Crows*, continuing the narratives from *A Storm of Swords* and beyond. The events in this book eventually surpass those of *A Feast for Crows* chronologically.
Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire
18 See it at Amazon
A companion book providing a rich history of Westeros and the surrounding world, extending from the Dawn Age to the events of the main novels. It's a treasure trove of lore and detail for any fan.
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
8 See it at Amazon | See it at Barnes & Noble | See it at Target
Release Date: November 4, 2025
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, promising a departure from the television series.
A Dream of Spring
The planned final novel in *A Song of Ice and Fire*.
Fire & Blood Volume 2
The second volume of the Targaryen history, covering the latter half of their 300-year reign.
Future Dunk & Egg Novellas
Martin plans to write more *Dunk & Egg* novellas, with potential titles like *The She-Wolves* and *The Village Hero*. An HBO series based on these stories is also in development.
For more, check out the best fantasy books reading list or pick up one of the best reading lights.
