A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) Reading Order

Here's the correct Game of Thrones reading order: every book in the right order, where to start, and answers to common questions.

George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire is the epic fantasy series that inspired HBO's Game of Thrones. Currently 5 books published, with 2 more promised (but famously delayed). Political intrigue, dragons, and no one is safe.

Our Recommendation: Main Series in Publication Order Start with A Game of Thrones and read straight through. The Dunk and Egg novellas are optional prequels set 90 years earlier.

Main Series (A Song of Ice and Fire)

A Game of ThronesBuy Now Audible1996
A Clash of KingsBuy Now Audible1998
A Storm of SwordsBuy Now Audible2000
A Feast for CrowsBuy Now Audible2005
A Dance with DragonsBuy Now Audible2011
The Winds of Winter — Not yet published
A Dream of Spring — Not yet published

Own the Complete Series Buying the whole series at once is usually cheaper than individual books, and box sets make a great gift. See A Song of Ice and Fire box set options on Amazon ›

Books 4 & 5 Reading Order

A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons happen simultaneously but follow different characters. Options:

Publication order — Read Feast, then Dance. Simplest approach.
"Boiled Leather" combined order — Fan-created guide alternating chapters chronologically. Better for rereads.

Tales of Dunk and Egg (Prequels)

Three novellas set 90 years before the main series, following Ser Duncan the Tall and young Aegon Targaryen:

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (collects all 3)Buy Now Audible2015

Read these after the main series or between any books — no spoilers for the main plot.

Fire & Blood (History Book)

Fire & Blood (2018) is a Targaryen history book covering events 300 years before the main series. It's the basis for House of the Dragon. Read after the main series.

Finished Game of Thrones? See what to read after Game of Thrones: First Law, Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Malazan Book of the Fallen and more, each with its correct reading order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct Game of Thrones reading order?

Main Series in Publication Order. Start with A Game of Thrones and read straight through. The Dunk and Egg novellas are optional prequels set 90 years earlier.

Is A Song of Ice and Fire finished?

No. The Winds of Winter, book six, still has no release date. A Dance with Dragons (2011) is the latest book.

Will The Winds of Winter ever come out?

George R.R. Martin is actively writing it. It's been in progress since 2011. No confirmed release date. Fans have learned patience (or given up).

Should I read the books if I watched the show?

Yes! The show diverges significantly after season 4, and the books contain many characters, plots, and details the show cut. They're a richer experience.

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