How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Order: Series Reading Guide

A Song of Ice and Fire is considered by many to be one of the best fantasy book series of all-time. Its richly drawn world, iconic characters, and incredible plot twists continue to win over new fans, especially with the continuing release of tie-in TV shows like Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon and the upcoming Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. However, the length and complexity of the books can be daunting for new readers. 

If you’re wondering how to read the Game of Thrones books in order and where to get started, you’ve come to the right place.

How many Game of Thrones books are there?

The main storyline of A Song of Ice and Fire is comprised of five books. However, there are a few additional books set within the same world that bring the total to seven, or eight if you include The World of Ice and Fire compendium. Graphic novel editions of several of the books are also available.

Game of Thrones Books Reading Order 

While Fire and Blood is the first book in the series chronologically, it’s much better to start reading George R.R. Martin’s books in release order. Here’s our complete recommended reading order.

1. A Game of Thrones

The first Game of Thrones book is a masterclass in world building, character development, and unlike other books in the series, mystery. Ned Stark’s quest to uncover the truth behind the death of Jon Arryn, one of the book’s key storylines, sets the entire series in motion and is a compelling read from start to finish.

2. A Clash of Kings

Clash of Kings picks up right where Game of Thrones left off with the War of the Five Kings. The conflict between the Lion and the Wolf continues, while claimants such as Stannis Baratheon and Balon Greyjoy enter the fray and ensure the realm’s plunge into chaos. 

3. A Storm of Swords

The longest book in the series, A Storm of Swords, is arguably its best. The sprawling complexity of Martin’s world and story take full shape, with iconic twists and turns we wouldn’t dare spoil here. Daenerys continues to gather power, and Jon Snow’s storyline is better than ever.

4. A Feast for Crows

The fourth and fifth book in the series, A Feast for Crows and A Dance With Dragons, take place for the most part simultaneously. However, character perspectives are divided between the two. A Feast for Crows follows characters in King’s Landing, Dorne, and the Vale.

5. A Dance With Dragons

A Dance With Dragons follows events in Slaver’s Bay and the North, and is the latest novel in the main series. Point-of-view characters missing from A Feast for Crows return, though some of the main characters from that book work their way into A Dance With Dragons near its conclusion. By this point, the books and Game of Thrones TV show feature very different stories, so even if you’ve only seen the show, it’s a great read.

6. Fire and Blood

Fire and Blood departs from the main storyline of the previously released books, and instead covers the rise of the Targaryen dynasty. As a result, the book takes place between 300 and approximately 160 years before A Game of Thrones.

7. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a series of novellas following the adventures of ‘Dunk and Egg’, one of whom is a hedge knight, while the other is the future king of Westeros. The novellas take place about 90 years before A Game of Thrones.

8. The World of Ice and Fire

As an addition to the other stories of Westeros and Essos, Martin and supporting authors Elio M. García Jr. and Linda Antonsson have released a companion book to the series that helps develop its world. It isn’t essential reading, but it’s great for anyone who can’t get enough of A Song of Ice and Fire. 

Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

The Game of Thrones timeline starts with Fire and Blood, which begins its story with Aegon’s conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. The next book in the chronology is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. After that, it’s the main series in order, beginning with A Game of Thrones, followed by A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and finally, A Dance With Dragons.

The first two books in the Song of Ice and Fire chronology are the least essential to the larger series, so it’s better to read in release order if you’re new to the books.

Is House of the Dragon based on a book?

The House of the Dragon TV show is based of Martin’s Fire and Blood. However, the opening events of the show occur midway through the book.

When does the next Game of Thrones book come out?

The next book in the main series, The Winds of Winter, does not have a scheduled release date. However, Martin has, according to his own blog posts, written three-quarters of the book. A Winds of Winter sample chapter is available on the author’s website. 

In addition to Winds of Winter, a second volume of Fire and Blood is also in the works. After Winds of Winter, the next book in the main series will be A Dream of Spring, which will likely be the final book in the saga.