Game of Thrones Books in Order: Chronological List of Every Novel, Prequel & Companion Title

When I first picked up A Game of Thrones, I had no idea I was stepping into a world so vast, gritty, and addictive that it would practically take over my weekends. I remember reading late into the night, telling myself “just one more chapter”, only to realize that the “one more” had somehow turned into five. If you’ve ever watched the HBO series or heard people debating over Jon Snow’s fate, Daenerys’s dragons, or the shocking Red Wedding, you might be tempted to dive into the original books.

But here’s the tricky part: George R.R. Martin’s saga is sprawling, and the book order can feel a little overwhelming for newcomers. That’s why I put together this guide, to help you read the Game of Thrones books in the right order, without confusion or spoilers.

The Correct Order to Read the Game of Thrones Books

The Game of Thrones books are officially part of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series called A Song of Ice and Fire. Here’s the authentic order of publication (and the way most readers experience the story):

1. A Game of Thrones (1996)
2. A Clash of Kings (1998)
3. A Storm of Swords (2000)
4. A Feast for Crows (2005)
5. A Dance with Dragons (2011)
6. The Winds of Winter (forthcoming, not yet published)
7. A Dream of Spring (planned final book, not yet published)

Meet the Mastermind: George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin, often called “GRRM” by fans, is the architect behind this sprawling fantasy universe. Born in 1948, he started out writing short stories and science fiction before creating the world of Westeros. One of the things I admire most about Martin is his attention to detail, every noble house has a sigil, a motto, and centuries of history behind it.

He’s also (in)famously slow when it comes to finishing the saga. Fans have been waiting for The Winds of Winter for over a decade, and while the delay frustrates many, I actually think it speaks to Martin’s meticulousness. He doesn’t just write battles and dragons, he builds entire cultures, political systems, and moral dilemmas that feel as complex as our own world.

Why the Books Hit Different Than the TV Show

Even if you’ve seen the HBO series, the books are a completely different experience. Here’s why:

• Depth of Characters: You get inside the heads of multiple characters through POV chapters, which the show can only scratch the surface of.
• Different Plotlines: Certain characters live much longer in the books (yes, you’ll be surprised), and entire storylines didn’t make it into the show.
• The Pacing: Martin takes his time. Sometimes the journey is long and slow, but the payoffs feel massive when they come.

Personally, I found the books more rewarding because they let me sit with the characters longer, understand their motives better, and appreciate the little nuances that never made it onscreen.

Spin-offs and Side Reads You Might Enjoy

While waiting for the main saga to be finished, Martin has also published related works set in Westeros:

• Fire & Blood (2018): A history of the Targaryen kings, which inspired HBO’s House of the Dragon.
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015): A collection of novellas about Dunk and Egg, set about a century before A Game of Thrones.
• The World of Ice & Fire (2014): An illustrated history and companion guide to the world.

If you’re a completionist like me, these are fantastic additions that deepen your understanding of the lore.

FAQs About Reading the Game of Thrones Books

Q: Are the Game of Thrones books connected? Can I read them in any order?
A: They’re absolutely connected, it’s one continuous saga. You really should read them in publication order, starting with A Game of Thrones. Jumping around will make the story confusing.

Q: Do I need to read the spin-offs before the main series?
A: Nope. The spin-offs (Fire & Blood, Dunk and Egg tales, etc.) are extras. They add flavor but aren’t required to follow the main plot.

Q: Will the last two books (The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring) ever come out?
A: Only George R.R. Martin knows. He’s confirmed he’s still working on The Winds of Winter, but no release date is set. Fans remain hopeful, though cautious.

My Final Verdict

If you’ve only seen the show, you owe it to yourself to read the books. They’re darker, richer, and far more complex than anything the TV adaptation could manage. Yes, they’re long and yes, the wait for the final volumes can be frustrating, but if you love immersive fantasy worlds where no one is truly safe and every character has shades of gray, this series is worth every page.