Game of Thrones Reading Order
Author of the books which inspired the hit HBO show, George R. R. Martin has been writing professionally since he was 21 years old. Now in his 70s, Martin is well known for penning the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones.
Despite starting the series with the first book, A Game of Thrones, in 1996, the books remain unfinished with many doubting whether the final two novels will ever be released. The latest instalment, A Dance With Dragons, was published in the same year that the television show first broadcast, 2011.
Martin has written a number of other works outside of Westeros, including sci fi novel Hunter’s Run, and paranormal story Fevre Dream.
As there are now several works written in the A Song of Ice and Fire universe, it’s easy for their reading order to feel confusing. After all, should the prequel be read before or after the main series? And what about the novellas?
Here is my guide to the Game of Thrones books and the order you should read them. Enjoy!
A Song of Ice and Fire Series
The main Game of Thrones series, it is generally recommended that you read these books first to familiarise yourself with the world and characters.
Synopsis:
“Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.
It will stretch from the south, where heat breeds plot, lusts and intrigues, to the vast and savage eastern lands, all the way to the frozen north, where an 800-foot wall of ice protects the kingdom from the dark forces that lie beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars, lords and honest men... all will play the Game of Thrones.
Winter is coming…”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
Synopsis:
“Throughout Westeros, the cold winds are rising.
From the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding lands of Winterfell, chaos reigns as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war.
As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky – a comet the colour of blood and flame – five factions struggle for control of a divided land. Brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night.
Against a backdrop of incest, fratricide, alchemy and murder, the price of glory is measured in blood.”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
Synopsis:
“Winter approaches Westeros like an angry beast.
The Seven Kingdoms are divided by revolt and blood feud. In the northern wastes, a horde of hungry, savage people steeped in the dark magic of the wilderness is poised to invade the Kingdom of the North where Robb Stark wears his new-forged crown. And Robb’s defences are ranged against the South, the land of the cunning and cruel Lannisters, who have his younger sisters in their power.
Throughout Westeros, the war for the Iron Throne rages more fiercely than ever, but if the Wall is breached, no king will live to claim it.”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
Synopsis:
“The Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne.
The war in the Seven Kingdoms has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek vengeance for their dead. Euron Crow’s Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles.
From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel. As plots, intrigue and battle threaten to engulf Westeros, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
Synopsis:
“In the aftermath of a colossal battle, new threats are emerging from every direction.
Tyrion Lannister, having killed his father, and wrongfully accused of killing his nephew, King Joffrey, has escaped from King’s Landing with a price on his head.
To the north lies the great Wall of ice and stone – a structure only as strong as those guarding it. Eddard Stark's bastard son Jon Snow has been elected 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. But Jon has enemies both inside and beyond the Wall. And in the east Daenerys Targaryen struggles to hold a city built on dreams and dust.”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
There are two more books in this series that are awaiting publication…
The Winds of Winter, Publication Date TBC
A Dream of Spring, Publication Date TBC
Prequels
As this book is a prequel, the story’s events take place before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire. For that reason, you should read the prequel first if you’re hoping to read the books in chronological order (although this may not be the best for first time readers).
Synopsis:
“Centuries before A Game of Thrones, an even greater game began, one that set the skies alight with dragon flame and saw the Seven Kingdoms turned to ash.
So began the Targaryens’ bloody rule, with fire and blood. Setting brother against brother, mother against daughter, and dragon against dragon.
Chronicled by a learned maester of the Citadel, this thrilling and bloody history of Westeros tells the story of where the battle for the Iron Throne began…”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
The Tales of Dunk and Egg Novellas
These novellas take place after the prequel, but before A Game of Thrones. If you’re after a chronological reread, then read these after Fire and Blood.
The Hedge Knight, 1998
The Sworn Sword, 2003
The Mystery Knight, 2010
These novellas have been compiled into a new book…
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, 2015
Synopsis:
“Before Tyrion Lannister and Podrick Payne there was Dunk and Egg.
A young, naïve but courageous hedge knight, Ser Duncan the Tall towers above his rivals – in stature if not experience. Tagging along with him is his diminutive squire, a boy called Egg – whose true identity must be hidden from all he and Dunk encounter: for in reality he is Aegon Targaryen, and one day he will be king. Improbable heroes though they be, great destinies lie ahead for Dunk and Egg; as do powerful foes, royal intrigue, and outrageous exploits.
Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne, and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, and featuring more than 160 illustrations by Gary Gianni, one of the finest fantasy artists of our time, this beautiful volume will transport readers to the world of the Seven Kingdoms in an age of bygone chivalry.”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here
George R. R. Martin has reportedly stated that he intends to write further novellas after completing The Winds of Winter.
Are you waiting for the final two A Song of Ice and Fire books to be published? Leave a comment and let me know.