Reading A Song of Ice and Fire, the series Game of Thrones is based on, requires following the publication order of the main novels: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons.
Jumping into George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy world can feel daunting. So many characters, intertwined plots, and sprawling timelines can easily overwhelm a new reader. Understanding how to read Game of Thrones in order is important to make sense of the events and enjoy the experience.
Many readers get confused by the show’s title compared to the book series’ name. It’s important to know that the show Game of Thrones adapts the books from A Song of Ice and Fire. Therefore, following the publication date is key to understanding the story as it unfolds.
How to Read Game of Thrones in Order
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of Westeros? That’s fantastic! George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, the books that inspired the “Game of Thrones” TV show, is a captivating epic filled with knights, dragons, and political intrigue. But with so many books and side stories, knowing where to begin, or how to proceed, can feel like navigating a maze. Don’t worry; we’re here to guide you through it. This article breaks down the best ways to read the books, making sure you don’t miss a thing on your journey through the Seven Kingdoms.
The Core Series: A Song of Ice and Fire
The heart of the “Game of Thrones” reading experience lies within the main series, “A Song of Ice and Fire.” This series is what most people think of when they talk about the books, and rightly so. It’s where all the main storylines and characters develop. Here’s the correct order:
- A Game of Thrones (1996)
- A Clash of Kings (1998)
- A Storm of Swords (2000)
- A Feast for Crows (2005)
- A Dance with Dragons (2011)
- The Winds of Winter (TBA)
- A Dream of Spring (TBA)
Notice those last two? They’re the ones we’re all waiting for! George R.R. Martin is still working hard on them, so for now, we have to be patient. But don’t worry, the first five books are plenty to keep you busy for a good long while. Reading them in this specific order ensures you follow the story as it was intended, witnessing character growth, plot twists, and the ever-escalating conflicts of Westeros.
Why Reading Order Matters
Imagine watching the fifth episode of a TV show before the first. Things wouldn’t make much sense, right? Similarly, jumping around in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series will spoil major plot points and make it difficult to follow the complex web of relationships and events. Each book builds upon the last, so sticking to the intended order gives you the best possible experience. You’ll see how each character’s decisions affect the world around them and understand the history that drives the plot.
Navigating the Published Split: A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons
Here’s where things get a little tricky. After “A Storm of Swords,” George R.R. Martin had so much material that he decided to split the story into two books, “A Feast for Crows” and “A Dance with Dragons.” But here’s the catch: these books don’t happen one after the other; they happen at the same time, but in different places. “A Feast for Crows” focuses on the characters in King’s Landing and the southern parts of Westeros, while “A Dance with Dragons” deals with the characters in the North and across the Narrow Sea.
This split in narrative means there is more than one way to read them, and here are the options:
- The Publication Order: A Feast for Crows followed by A Dance with Dragons. This is how they were originally published and is a fine way to experience the story, but it does mean you might not see some of your favorite characters for quite a while.
- The Combined Order: This is a popular option where readers interweave the chapters of A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons based on the chronological timeline within the books. This is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the story and see how events in different regions happen at the same time.
Let’s look closer into combined reading order.
The Combined Reading Approach: A Closer Look
The combined reading approach, sometimes called the “Boiled Leather” method (after a blog post that first suggested it), aims to put the timeline back together. This method involves alternating between the two books, chapter by chapter, to experience the events in chronological order. It can be a little more work to keep track of where you are, but it is often considered the most rewarding approach for first-time readers or those who want a smoother narrative.
Here’s why many readers prefer this method:
- No Character Droughts: You’ll see your favorite characters more consistently throughout the story. In the traditional publication order, some fan favorites are completely absent from “A Feast for Crows,” which can be jarring for some readers.
- Smoother Pacing: The combined approach offers a more consistent flow of events, as you’re seeing events unfold as they happen, regardless of location. You won’t feel like you’re stuck in one part of Westeros for an entire book.
- Greater Sense of Interconnectedness: This reading style allows you to better grasp how events happening in different regions affect the bigger picture.
How to do combined read?
While it can sound daunting, don’t worry, you don’t have to figure out the chapter order yourself. There are many resources online that provide detailed lists of the chapter combinations. A quick online search for “A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons combined reading order” should point you to websites that have created these lists. Simply follow the chapter order that’s provided, reading one chapter from one book, then switching to the next from the other book.
Beyond the Core Series: Dunk and Egg Tales
Okay, so you’ve tackled the main series, or maybe you’re just looking for a little break while waiting for “The Winds of Winter.” Good news! There are other stories set in the world of Westeros, written by George R.R. Martin himself. The most popular of these are the “Dunk and Egg” novellas. These tales follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk), a hedge knight, and his squire, Aegon Targaryen (Egg), about 90 years before the events of “A Game of Thrones.”
Here are the Dunk and Egg stories in order:
- The Hedge Knight (1998)
- The Sworn Sword (2003)
- The Mystery Knight (2010)
These stories are fun and lighthearted compared to the main series, but they still feature the same rich world-building and political intrigue that fans love. They offer a wonderful way to delve deeper into Westeros’ history and see how the world looked a few generations before the events of “Game of Thrones.”
When to Read Dunk and Egg
You can read the Dunk and Egg stories at any point after reading “A Game of Thrones,” or even between books of the main series. There is no specific “correct” time to read these novellas. Many fans choose to read them after finishing A Dance with Dragons since the main series has the priority. Others enjoy reading them in between A Storm of Swords and A Feast for Crows or after A Feast for Crows while they prepare for A Dance with Dragons. Since these stories are set in the past, they don’t have direct impact on the main story and can be enjoyed whenever you feel like it.
Other Supplementary Materials
Beyond the main novels and the Dunk and Egg stories, there are other books and resources that add to the lore of Westeros.
Fire & Blood
Fire & Blood (2018) is a detailed historical account of the Targaryen dynasty, spanning from Aegon the Conqueror’s arrival in Westeros to the reign of Aegon III. This book is not a novel, but a history book written from the perspective of an in-world historian. It is jam-packed with information about Westeros’ history, the dragons, and the various Targaryen kings and queens. It offers valuable background context to many events of the main series. While you can read Fire & Blood at any time, many find it most enjoyable after completing the main books. Having familiarity with the main series provides a helpful context to understand the historical relevance of the events.
Fire & Blood is available in two parts:
- Fire & Blood, Volume 1
- Fire & Blood, Volume 2 (TBA)
Currently, only Volume 1 has been released. Volume 2 is still in progress.
The World of Ice & Fire
The World of Ice & Fire (2014) is a comprehensive guide to the history and cultures of Westeros and beyond. It is written as if it were a history book created by a maester of the Citadel. It includes information on all seven kingdoms, the Free Cities, and even places beyond the known world. It’s a beautifully illustrated book, perfect for those who want to fully explore all the details of the world. Like Fire & Blood, it’s best to read this after you are familiar with the main series. It’s the perfect resource to reference and explore the intricate details of Westeros.
Short Stories and Other Novellas
There are also several short stories and novellas set within the “A Song of Ice and Fire” universe that George R.R. Martin has written. Some of these stories are included in various anthologies. These include:
- “The Princess and the Queen” – This novella is part of the Dangerous Women anthology. It details the events of the Targaryen civil war known as The Dance of the Dragons.
- “The Rogue Prince” – Included in the Rogues anthology, this novella tells the story of Prince Daemon Targaryen, a key character from Fire & Blood and the House of the Dragon series.
- “The Sons of the Dragon” – This short story is found in The Book of Swords. It covers the later reigns of the sons of Aegon the Conqueror, giving more insight into the Targaryen dynasty.
These stories can add more depth and detail to your understanding of the world. Most are better enjoyed after you’ve read some or all of the main series and provide fun connections and additional detail.
The Importance of Patience
Let’s talk about something important: patience. George R.R. Martin is famous (or infamous) for taking a long time to write his books. While we eagerly await “The Winds of Winter” and “A Dream of Spring,” it’s vital to remember that these things take time. Rushing through the available books just to “catch up” might make you miss important parts. Take your time, enjoy the writing, appreciate the character development, and relish every twist and turn in the story. The journey is just as important as the destination in this series.
A Quick Guide
To recap, here’s a simple way to think about your reading order:
- Start with A Game of Thrones.
- Continue through A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords.
- Decide if you prefer the publication or combined reading order for A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons.
- Explore Dunk and Egg stories, Fire & Blood, and other supplementary material at your leisure.
- Practice patience while you wait for the last two books in the main series.
Reading the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series is a rich experience that provides hours of enjoyment. Whether you choose publication order or the combined reading method, or decide to delve into the supplementary material right away, the most important thing is to immerse yourself in the world and enjoy the ride. Happy reading!
How To Read Game of Thrones Books in The Right Order!
Final Thoughts
Reading the series in publication order is the recommended way. Begin with A Game of Thrones, then move to A Clash of Kings. Next is A Storm of Swords, which includes two parts in some editions.
Continue with A Feast for Crows and finally A Dance with Dragons. This order maintains narrative flow. Following publication order ensures you won’t spoil later plot points. You must read them this way for full enjoyment.
This straightforward approach is how to read game of thrones in order. Start with book one, then proceed numerically. It avoids confusion with the complex storyline.
