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Game of Thrones, the iconic HBO series, was inspired by George R.R. Martin's fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire. While the show drew fans into the bleak and intricate world of Westeros, the novels delve much, much deeper, with layers of history, character, and political machinations.
With fresh interest from House of the Dragon and other forthcoming spin-offs, numerous fans are now eager to learn the complete tale from the beginning. Rather than reading the books in publication order, reading them in the order of events in the Game of Thrones world is a more immersive and coherent experience.
Here's the optimal reading order—beginning with ancient Targaryen history, then the main saga, and beyond.
Understanding the Game of Thrones books chronologically
The Targaryen Dynasty: Where the history begins
Fire & Blood (2018)
The first events of the history of Westeros start with Fire & Blood, George R.R. Martin's epic historical chronicle of the Targaryen dynasty. Framed as an in-universe history written by Archmaester Gyldayn, this novel starts with Aegon the Conqueror's unification of the Seven Kingdoms and spans around 150 years of Targaryen reign.
It features in-depth descriptions of kings, queens, rebellions, and the notorious Targaryen civil war called the Dance of the Dragons, which serves as the foundation for the HBO series House of the Dragon. This book provides readers with essential historical background on many of the political tensions and bloodlines mentioned in the main series.
A second volume of Fire & Blood will apparently do this as well, concluding with events almost certain to lead straight into A Game of Thrones.
The Rise of the Dragon (Optional Companion)
Although unnecessary for chronological reading, The Rise of the Dragon is a gorgeously illustrated companion to Fire & Blood. It provides a shorter, visual format of the Targaryen history and is ideal for readers who like lore with a visual twist.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015)
Set around ninety years prior to the action of A Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a trilogy of novellas that follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a humble hedge knight, and his squire Egg, who is really Aegon Targaryen, the future king.
The novellas — The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight — offer a more intimate, street-level view of Westeros. They address the questions of knighthood, honor, and class, and construct towards their big-historical happenings slowly and naturally.
Although the novellas are lighter in tone than the overall Game of Thrones series, they involve characters and battles that resonate throughout Westerosi history. These novellas are being translated into the HBO show A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.
The Core Saga: A Song of Ice and Fire
A Game of Thrones (1996)
The core narrative commences with A Game of Thrones, book one of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It presents the honorific House Stark of Winterfell and their involvement in a kingdom descending into conflict following the assassination of King Robert Baratheon's Hand.
At the same time, Daenerys Targaryen, a remnant heir to a defeated house, sets off across the ocean. The book also delves into the new supernatural menace behind the Wall in the North. Narrated through several character voices, this novel establishes the tone for the political gamesmanship, treason, and grand fantasy storytelling that characterizes the series.
A Clash of Kings (1998)
After the death of King Robert, Westeros explodes into the War of the Five Kings. In A Clash of Kings, allegiances change, and the realm starts to break apart. Stannis Baratheon and his enigmatic priestess Melisandre emerge in the east, as Tyrion Lannister is made Hand of the King and struggles with impossible odds in King's Landing.
In the North, Jon Snow travels beyond the Wall with the Night's Watch, discovering ancient secrets. This book strengthens the main conflicts and broadens the scope of the story to new regions and characters.
A Storm of Swords (2000)
Vastly considered to be the most dramatic and emotionally charged installment of the series, A Storm of Swords wraps up several of the war's grand storylines and provides stunning shock twists, including infamous scenes like the Red Wedding. The thin alliances of Westeros start crumbling as the war reaches a violent end.
Jon Snow makes life-defining choices across the Wall, Daenerys starts taking command of Slavers' Bay, and prominent characters undergo grim penalties for their agendas and devotion. More is on the line than ever, and there's not one person out of reach for Martin's brutal story.
A Feast for Crows (2005)
Following the war, Westeros is reduced to nothing more than rubble. A Feast for Crows limits its scope to the political maneuvering within King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and the southern nation of Dorne. With major characters killed off in the previous novel, new players emerge to occupy the void of power.
Cersei Lannister's slide into paranoia, the machinations in Oldtown, and the ascendance of the Faith of the Seven become the mainstay. Jon Snow, Tyrion, and Daenerys are conspicuously missing from this book, as their histories are developed simultaneously in the subsequent volume.
A Dance with Dragons (2011)
This book proceeds in parallel to A Feast for Crows for most of its duration before advancing the timeline. In the cold North, Jon Snow's leadership at the Wall is challenged by ancient dangers and political instability. Over the sea, Daenerys grapples to govern Meereen, torn between her principles and the unspeakable politics of Slavers' Bay.
Tyrion Lannister, forced into exile, embarks on his long odyssey to the East, seeking purpose in forced exile. The book fills the increasing tension between the political struggles in Westeros and the impending supernatural war confronting them all.
Awaiting the Endgame
The primary narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire is still incomplete. Two additional books will be used to finish the series.
The Winds of Winter (TBA)
The highly anticipated sixth book, The Winds of Winter, will supposedly continue straight after the end of A Dance with Dragons. George R.R. Martin has assured that the book will feature increased roles for characters such as Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, and Theon Greyjoy.
The Others (White Walkers) should also play a more dominant role. Even though there is no official release date, Martin has posted regular updates regarding the developments and intricacies of the story.
A Dream of Spring (TBA)
Scheduled as the concluding book of the series, A Dream of Spring will allegedly bring closure to the epic saga. Little is certain about its material, but it is said to conclude the battle between ice and fire, the struggle for the Iron Throne, and the destiny of Westeros itself.
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Reading the Game of Thrones books in order provides a distinct view of the history of Westeros. It enables readers to enjoy the extended history that underlies the battles and characters in the main series.
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