Dive in the world of the Game of Thrones books with the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin.

Game of Thrones books

Like many other fantasy book series, it took a TV adaptation to make Game of Thrones popular worldwide. Whether you’re curious or want more detailed plots involving your favorite characters, you can join others like you and start consuming the written story of A Song of Fire and Ice, which the HBO series was based off of. Available as a box set, in audiobook formats, and other versions, Martin’s epic tales from Essos and beyond can keep you entertained for days.

George R.R. Martin—The author of the Game of Thrones books

American novelist George R. R. Martin is responsible for one of the most thrilling and controversial epic fantasy book series of all time. Heavily inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Martin is, to many fans, the American Tolkien.

Born in 1948, the author didn’t publish his first hit book until 1996. A Game of Thrones was the first volume in the Song of Ice and Fire series that brought the author critical acclaim as a writer and screenwriter.

Once HBO adapted his novel for the small screen, Martin became an instant sensation. His unique style, use of plot twists, and disregard for the lives of popular characters keep his fans constantly engaged.

The books in the A Song of Ice and Fire series

George R. R. Martin penned many books and novellas in the fictional world of Westeros in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, spanning multiple generations of characters. Reading or listening to audiobooks in order is the best way to understand the intricate plots, interactions, and politics of medieval fantasy books.

See this list of the Game of Thrones books in order.

Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood takes place 300 years before the events in A Game of Thrones. The source material for the House of the Dragon TV show follows House Targaryen and their long reign in Westeros.

The first volume covers 150 years of Targaryen history, while the second volume covers the remaining 150. Book one uses a different storytelling technique where everything is a recounting of the Targaryen dynasty from the point of view of a single character, archmaster of the Citadel Gyldayn.

A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones (Bantam, New York) is the novel that put Martin on the map, made him a bestselling author, and started a TV craze. This is where Martin introduces readers to Westeros and the prominent houses fighting for control of the Iron Throne of the seven kingdoms.

The book contains complex politics, lots of backstabbing, bloodshed, and occasional family strife. It also has one of the most shocking deaths, that of Eddard Stark. The book introduces the perspectives of nine important characters to the story and a few memorable locations, like Winterfell.

A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings is the sequel to A Game of Thrones. It expands on the War of the Five Kings saga. In this book, Jon Snow joins the Night’s Watch in the north while the Lannisters seek to establish their reign in King’s Landing.

Crowd favorite Daenerys Targaryen explores a foreign land in her journey to build her army.

A Storm of Swords

The third novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series puts an end to the War of the Five Kings. The book mostly follows characters like Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Robb Stark, Jon Snow and the wildlings, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.

It’s the first novel that shows a glimpse at the dangers that lie beyond the Wall.

A Feast for Crows

The fourth novel is an interesting one. Events happen simultaneously with those in the fifth and final novel. Therefore, this novel follows mostly characters from the King’s Landing, Dorne, and Iron Islands.

Winter is near, and a series of unexpected events are set to occur for at least half the characters in the story.

A Dance with Dragons

Chronologically, A Dance with Dragons occupies an interesting place. Most of the novel is in the same timeline as the previous title. However, towards the end, the book wraps up the story by going into events that happen after A Feast for Crows.

Theon Greyjoy, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Catelyn Stark, Daenerys Targaryan, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Barriston Selmy, and other characters lend their point of view for this novel.

What do we know about The Winds of Winter?

According to Martin, The Winds of Winter, the sixth novel in the series, is one of his longest works. Purportedly, the author intends to move far away from the TV series adaptation of the events.

That’s good news for his Game of Thrones purists, given the negative response to how HBO decided to wrap up the show.

The author’s last significant update in 2022 referred to writing chapters for Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, and Brianne, in what has become known as A Dream of Spring.

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FAQ

In what order should I read the Game of Thrones books?

You can watch the Game of Thrones books in the original publication order without being left with more questions than answers. However, starting with the Fire & Blood volumes is a great way to get a better sense of the history of Westeros and the relationships between the various houses.

How many prequel books are in the Game of Thrones series?

Martin penned two volumes in the Fire & Blood series that serve as prequels to Game of Thrones first novel, king Joffrey, Baratheon, the Lord Commander and other beloved characters in the original book series. In addition, the author wrote a few novellas, like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series, set in different timelines, following characters from Game of Thrones. Likewise, the World of Ice & Fire compendium delves deeper into the history of Westeros, covering up to 12,000 years leading into his first book.

Are the Game of Thrones books finished?

George R. R. Martin hasn’t finished writing the epic conclusion to the Game of Thrones books. All parts are available on sites like Amazon, Speechify, and others.

What is the longest Game of Thrones book?

If the author’s update is true, the sixth novel will be the longest in the series, with at least 1,500 pages.

Should I watch the Game of Thrones TV series?

The TV show featuring Kit Harrington and other A-list actors vividly depicts many kingdoms of Westeros. However, many book fans agree that the HBO series took too much of a liberty when presenting various events in the lands of ice and fire. It’s probably best to go through the books first before seeing the world of ice & fire on screen.