Where should I start A Song of Ice and Fire?
- Start with A Game of Thrones, book one. There is no alternate entry point for the main series.
- Do not start with any of the companion books or novellas - they are best read after you know the main story world.
- Five books have been published. Two more are planned. The series is ongoing and unfinished.
The reading order
Read the five published main novels in publication order. There are no alternate paths or standalone entry points.
The main series
- A Game of Thrones (1996) Amazon
- A Clash of Kings (1998) Amazon
- A Storm of Swords (2000) Amazon
- A Feast for Crows (2005) Amazon
- A Dance with Dragons (2011) Amazon
Note on books 4 and 5: A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons cover overlapping timelines from different character perspectives. Read them in publication order - do not try to interleave chapters from both books, despite what some fan reading guides suggest. Publication order is the intended experience.
Companion books and novellas
The ASOIAF universe has a rich set of companion material. None of it is required reading, but some of it is excellent and worth knowing about.
The Dunk and Egg novellas
Three novellas set roughly 90 years before the main series, following a hedge knight named Dunk and his young squire Egg. These are among Martin's best writing - lighter in tone than the main series but set in the same world. A fourth novella is reportedly in progress.
When to read: Any time after book three. Most readers enjoy them most after completing all five main books, but they work well as a break between volumes too. No significant spoilers for the main series in either direction.
Targaryen history
A history of House Targaryen written in an in-world academic style. HBO's House of the Dragon series is adapted from this book. Optional - best read after the main series or between volumes.
AmazonLore companion
An illustrated in-world reference covering the history and geography of Westeros and Essos. A lore book for dedicated fans. Best after completing the main five books.
AmazonYour reading progress
Check off books as you finish them. Your progress is saved in your browser.
Reading Progress
0 of 8 read- A Game of ThronesReading
- A Clash of KingsReading
- A Storm of SwordsReading
- A Feast for CrowsReading
- A Dance with DragonsReading
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (optional novellas)Reading
- Fire and Blood (optional companion)Reading
- The World of Ice and Fire (optional lore)Reading
Coming from the TV show
The HBO series Game of Thrones was closely adapted from the books through roughly its fourth season, then diverged significantly as the show ran ahead of the published novels. George R. R. Martin has stated that the books will tell a different story from the show's later seasons, and has referred to the "butterfly effect" of early changes compounding into major divergences over time. He has also confirmed he was more directly involved in the show's early seasons.
Yes - especially if you watched the show. The books contain far more depth, character perspective, and world-building than the adaptation. The first three books in particular are widely considered among the best fantasy ever written. Given that the books will have a different ending, the reading experience is not diminished by having watched the show.
Series status
The series is unfinished. Five of a planned seven books have been published. The sixth book, The Winds of Winter, has been in progress for over a decade and has no confirmed release date as of 2026. George R. R. Martin is known for taking significant time between volumes - the gap between books four and five was also six years. A seventh book, A Dream of Spring, is planned after that. Starting the series now means accepting that it may be some years before it is complete.
FAQ
Do I need to watch Game of Thrones before reading the books?
No. The books stand entirely on their own. Many readers come to the books first and many come after watching the show. Either approach works. The books and show tell the same story through roughly season four, then diverge.
Do I need to read books 4 and 5 in a special order?
No. Read them in publication order - A Feast for Crows first, then A Dance with Dragons. Some fan guides suggest interleaving chapters from both books by timeline, but this is not necessary and most readers find publication order the better experience.
Is House of the Dragon related to the books?
Yes. HBO's House of the Dragon is adapted from Fire and Blood, a companion history book about House Targaryen. It is set roughly 170 years before the events of the main series. You do not need to read Fire and Blood to watch the show, and watching the show does not spoil the main novels.
How many books are left?
Two. The Winds of Winter (book 6) and A Dream of Spring (book 7) are planned to complete the series. Only book 6 has been publicly discussed as being written. There is no confirmed release date for either volume.
Is this page spoiler-free?
Yes. All recommendations avoid plot details and major reveals.