Where to Start: The Core Reading Path
If you are stepping into the world of Westeros for the first time, the single best path is the original publication order of the main series, A Song of Ice and Fire. Beginning with A Game of Thrones, this order allows you to experience the story's sprawling political intrigue, magic, and character development exactly as George R.R. Martin structured it for the page.
While there are several prequel novellas and history books set in the same universe, starting with them is not recommended. The main novels do the best job of organically introducing the complex geography, royal houses, and historical context of the setting. Save the prequels and lore guides for after you have immersed yourself in the main saga.
The Main Saga: A Song of Ice and Fire in Publication Order
The core narrative of the franchise is told through the main A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Though the series is often referred to under the TV show's title, Game of Thrones, the books follow a grander, more detailed path than their television counterpart. Currently, five books are published, with two more planned to complete the series:
- A Game of Thrones (1996) – Introduces the noble Stark family of Winterfell, their involvement in the deadly politics of the Iron Throne, and the exile of the last Targaryens.
- A Clash of Kings (1998) – War erupts across the Seven Kingdoms as multiple claimants compete for kingship after a sudden power vacuum.
- A Storm of Swords (2000) – The war reaches a bloody climax filled with legendary battles, shocking betrayals, and political assassinations.
- A Feast for Crows (2005) – Explores the immediate, quiet aftermath of the war and focuses on political maneuvering in the south of Westeros.
- A Dance with Dragons (2011) – Shifts the focus to the Wall in the North and the city of Meereen in the East, covering the same timeframe as the fourth book before pushing the overall story forward.
Martin is currently writing the sixth volume, The Winds of Winter, which will be followed by the final planned book, A Dream of Spring.
Chronological Caveats: The Feast/Dance Split
The biggest hurdle for new readers comes after finishing A Storm of Swords. Because the manuscript for the planned fourth book became too large, Martin split the narrative. Instead of splitting it chronologically, he chose to split it geographically.
As a result, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons take place during the exact same timeframe. A Feast for Crows tracks characters in King's Landing, the Riverlands, Dorne, and the Iron Islands. A Dance with Dragons tracks characters in the North, at the Wall, and in Essos—such as Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister. The two timelines only merge in the second half of A Dance with Dragons, meaning some major characters do not appear at all in the fourth book.
Advanced Reading: Fan-Made Combined Orders
To overcome the geographical split and read the events of the fourth and fifth books chronologically, fans have developed combined reading orders. These lists tell you exactly how to alternate chapters between both books to create one massive, unified experience.
The most famous fan-curated sequence is the Boiled Leather reading order. Other variations, such as A Feast with Dragons and A Ball of Beasts, offer slightly different chapter orderings. While combined reading orders are highly popular and offer fresh perspectives on rereads, first-time readers are strongly advised to read the books separately in publication order to experience the narrative pacing and dramatic reveals as Martin intended.
Prequels and Targaryen History
Once you have finished the main books or want a brief change of pace, George R.R. Martin has written several spin-offs that provide essential historical background:
The Tales of Dunk and Egg
Set roughly 90 years before the events of A Game of Thrones, these lighter, adventure-focused novellas follow Ser Duncan the Tall (a hedge knight) and his squire, Egg (who is secretly a Targaryen prince). These stories are collected in a single volume:
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2013) – A collection containing the three novellas The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight. It is a fantastic, accessible entry point that many fans recommend reading after A Storm of Swords.
The History of House Targaryen: Fire & Blood
For readers fascinated by the dragons and history of Westeros, Martin released Fire & Blood (2018). Written as a history chronicle by Archmaester Gyldayn, it spans the Targaryen conquest of Westeros and the devastating civil war known as the "Dance of the Dragons," which serves as the direct source material for the HBO adaptation House of the Dragon.
Graphic Novels and Visual Adaptations
For readers who enjoy a visual medium, the graphic novel adaptations provide an incredibly faithful translation of the books' original text rather than the TV show. The volumes published to date include:
- A Game of Thrones, Volumes 1 to 4 (2011–2014) – Adapts the first novel.
- A Clash of Kings, Volumes 1 to 4 (2018–2022) – Adapts the second novel.
Companion Books and Westerosi Lore
For deep lore enthusiasts, George R.R. Martin has co-authored several official reference and companion books containing maps, artwork, and recipes:
- The Art of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, Volumes 1 & 2 (2005, 2011) – Artbooks depicting characters and landscapes.
- A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Companion Cookbook (2012) – Recipes inspired by the rich descriptions of Westerosi meals.
- The Lands of Ice and Fire (2012) – An official collection of detailed posters and maps of Westeros and Essos.
- The Wit & Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister (2013) – A collection of quotes and aphorisms from the fan-favorite character.
- The World of Ice & Fire (2014) – A comprehensive historical guide to the Seven Kingdoms, detailing ancient history, geography, and Targaryen rulers before the main series.