A Song of Ice and Fire is an epic fantasy series by American author George R.R. Martin. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series follows multiple noble houses vying for control of the Iron Throne while an ancient evil awakens in the frozen north.
Known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and willingness to kill major characters, the series inspired the hugely successful HBO television adaptation Game of Thrones. Martin’s richly detailed world-building and morally grey characters have made this one of the most influential fantasy series of the modern era.
Reading order#
| # |
Title |
Year |
Kindle |
Paperback |
Audiobook |
| 1 |
A Game of Thrones |
1996 |
UK |
US |
US |
| 2 |
A Clash of Kings |
1998 |
UK |
US |
US |
| 3 |
A Storm of Swords |
2000 |
UK |
US |
US |
| 4 |
A Feast for Crows |
2005 |
UK |
US |
US |
| 5 |
A Dance with Dragons |
2011 |
UK |
US |
US |
| — |
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms |
2015 |
UK |
US |
US |
| — |
Fire & Blood |
2018 |
UK |
US |
US |
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I read the Game of Thrones books?
Read in publication order starting with A Game of Thrones (1996). The main series has 5 books so far, with The Winds of Winter still awaited. Fire & Blood and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are prequels that can be read after the main series.
How many Game of Thrones books are there?
There are 5 main novels in A Song of Ice and Fire, plus companion books. George R.R. Martin plans 7 books total, with The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring still to be published.
Is the Game of Thrones book series finished?
No. The series is planned for 7 books but only 5 have been published. A Dance with Dragons came out in 2011, and fans are awaiting The Winds of Winter.
Should I read Fire & Blood before or after the main series?
Fire & Blood is a Targaryen history set 300 years before the main series. It’s best read after the main novels, as it contains spoilers and assumes familiarity with the world.