A Song Of Ice and Fire books in order

Complete reading order for George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the epic fantasy saga that inspired HBO's Game of Thrones.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 A Game of Thrones 1996 George R.R. Martin Buy
2 A Clash of Kings 1998 George R.R. Martin Buy
3 A Storm of Swords 2000 George R.R. Martin Buy
4 A Feast for Crows 2005 George R.R. Martin Buy
5 A Dance with Dragons 2011 George R.R. Martin Buy

A Song of Ice and Fire is George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. The story follows multiple noble houses fighting for control of the Iron Throne while an ancient threat stirs in the frozen north. Martin began the series in 1996 with A Game of Thrones, which became a cultural phenomenon after HBO adapted it in 2011.

The series is known for its morally complex characters, political intrigue, and willingness to kill major characters. Martin draws inspiration from the Wars of the Roses and medieval European history to create a world where honor often leads to death and survival requires cunning. Each book follows multiple point-of-view characters whose storylines eventually intersect.

Fans have been waiting for the sixth book, The Winds of Winter, since 2011. Despite the long gap between releases, A Song of Ice and Fire remains one of the most influential fantasy series of the modern era and has introduced millions of readers to the genre.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in A Song of Ice and Fire?

There are 5 books in the A Song Of Ice and Fire series, published between 1996 and 2011.

What order should I read A Song of Ice and Fire?

Read the books in publication order starting with A Game of Thrones. This is the intended reading order and follows the chronological story. Some readers suggest reading A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons together using the ‘Boiled Leather’ or ‘A Ball of Beasts’ reading orders since they cover the same time period with different characters.

Do I need to watch Game of Thrones before reading the books?

No, the books came first and provide a richer, more detailed experience than the TV adaptation. Many readers prefer the books because they include more characters, subplots, and worldbuilding that the show had to cut. The show also diverged significantly from the books in later seasons.

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