The correct order to read the Game of Thrones books is: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons.
Diving into George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy world? It can be a little daunting, especially with the multiple storylines. Many people wonder what order to read the Game of Thrones books to fully grasp the complex narrative.
Reading them in publication sequence is the best way to experience the story as intended. This method helps you follow all the characters and events. Following the proper order will keep you from getting lost.
What Order to Read the Game of Thrones Books
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of Westeros! That’s awesome! George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, which is what the “Game of Thrones” TV show is based on, is a truly amazing ride. But with so many characters, plots, and twists, it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let’s figure out the best way to tackle these epic books. We’ll break it all down so you can enjoy every moment.
The Core Series: The Publication Order
The most common and generally recommended way to read the “A Song of Ice and Fire” books is in the order they were published. This ensures you experience the story as George R.R. Martin originally intended. Each book builds upon the last, revealing more of the world, its history, and its inhabitants. It is best to go by Publication order.
Here’s the official order of the main books:
- 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)
Starting with A Game of Thrones is crucial. This first book introduces you to the major families, the land of Westeros, and all the important characters you’ll come to know (and sometimes love or hate!). It’s like the foundation of a big house; you need a solid base to understand everything that comes next. Each subsequent book builds upon that foundation. A Clash of Kings throws you deeper into the political struggles and conflicts, while A Storm of Swords is often considered one of the most intense books, full of shocking twists and battles. Then, the reading experience will take a slight detour with A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons, which we’ll discuss further below.
Why Publication Order is Recommended
The publishing order does more than just organize the books. It carefully manages the unfolding narrative. By sticking to the publication timeline you get:
- Pacing: The author has meticulously structured each book to create suspense and engagement. Changing the sequence could lessen the impact of key events and reveals.
- Character Development: Witnessing the development of the characters, and their decisions, through their journeys. Reading out of order can spoil important character arcs and changes.
- World-Building: Each book adds more layers to the lore and history of Westeros, slowly painting a complete picture of the world. Skipping books would not only lessen your understanding but also miss the gradual reveals of hidden truths about the land.
- No Major Spoilers: By reading in the publication order, you are much less likely to spoil plot points and outcomes. This is super important in a series as twisty as A Song of Ice and Fire!
The “Feast for Crows” and “A Dance with Dragons” Quandary
Now, here’s where things can get a little confusing. Books four and five, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons, are not exactly a linear continuation of the story. In fact, the author had to write these books separately because of the vast amount of content.
A Feast for Crows focuses on storylines in certain parts of Westeros, primarily King’s Landing, Dorne, and the Iron Islands. Whereas, A Dance with Dragons, deals with happenings in the north and Essos, with characters such as Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.
How to Approach “Feast” and “Dance”
This split in narratives between A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons has led to some fan debates on how they are best read. Here are a few possible approaches to take:
- Publication Order (The Standard): This is the most straightforward method. You read A Feast for Crows and then move on to A Dance with Dragons. You might encounter a few time jumps and slight story overlapping, but this way maintains the author’s intended storytelling approach.
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Combined Chronological Reading Order (The Fan-Made Option): This order attempts to combine the two books into one, organizing the story into a chronological order. This version of reading is often called “A Feast with Dragons” or “A Ball of Beasts” and is for those who prefer a smoother timeline. However, it’s important to note this method was not the one intended by the author, and some may find this disorienting or disruptive.
It is also more complicated, it can be hard to remember which part you need to read next without a detailed guide by your side.
We recommend sticking with the publication order for your first reading. The chronological reading can be fun to try out during a reread, for people who have already gone through the original reading of these books.
A Deeper Dive into the Combined Chronological Order
For those curious, the combined chronological order interleaves the chapters from A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. This aims to present the story in a more continuous timeline, making it appear as one larger book. While not the author’s intention, it has gained popularity among some readers who prefer a more seamless chronological flow. The intention of this is to read both books as one long, continuous narrative. Here’s a simplified idea of how that could look:
Note: This is a rough idea, and specific reading orders can differ slightly, as fans have created various versions. Always ensure your source is reliable if you are following this method!
- Begin with the initial chapters of A Feast for Crows.
- Then alternate to the start of A Dance with Dragons
- Continue to weave between the two books, following character storylines as they advance chronologically, as much as possible.
- Note that some characters appear only in one of these two books.
Again, we advise using the original published order, particularly if this is your first time through the series. It’s the way George R.R. Martin created it, and that’s a great way to go!
The Dunk and Egg Tales: Prequel Stories
Besides the core series, there are also the “Dunk and Egg” novellas. These are prequel stories, taking place about 90 years before the events of “A Game of Thrones”. They follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk), a knight, and his young squire Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). These stories give us more insight into the past of Westeros.
Here are the available Dunk and Egg novellas:
- The Hedge Knight (1998)
- The Sworn Sword (2003)
- The Mystery Knight (2010)
When Should You Read Dunk and Egg Tales?
The best time to read the “Dunk and Egg” stories is after you have read the first three main novels in “A Song of Ice and Fire” (A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords). Here’s why:
- Avoid Spoilers: While they are prequels, reading them too early might accidentally spoil some background history that is revealed slowly throughout the main series.
- Appreciate the World: By the time you’ve finished A Storm of Swords, you have a really good understanding of Westeros. You’ll be able to fully appreciate the connections and Easter eggs in the Dunk and Egg tales.
- Deeper Understanding: The Dunk and Egg stories give a deeper understanding into Westeros’s past and the Targaryen family, and this adds richer context after you have a good grasp on the main series.
You can read the “Dunk and Egg” tales between the books of the main series, or at the end, once you have completed A Dance with Dragons. There is no right or wrong time, but we would recommend doing this later in your experience, rather than very early on.
Other Related Materials
Besides the main books and the Dunk and Egg novellas, there are other related books and reference materials that you may be interested in.
- Fire & Blood (2018): A history of the Targaryen dynasty, beginning with Aegon the Conqueror. This is written as a history book within the world of Westeros. This can be a great read either after finishing the main series or even after reading A Storm of Swords or A Feast for Crows. The material inside is pretty interesting and a great dive into Westerosi history.
- The World of Ice & Fire (2014): This is a companion book to the series. It contains detailed information about Westeros, the surrounding lands, and their histories. Some enjoy dipping into it along the series, while others prefer to read it after finishing all the other books. It is not a necessary read but a nice addition to enrich your experience.
- Various Short Stories and Excerpts: Some parts of the series or supplementary materials have been published in anthologies and other sources. You can find a list online if you are a completionist who wants to read every piece of writing on the universe.
These books are not critical to understanding the core story but provide richer detail and background information for hardcore fans.
Why the Order Matters: A Recap
To make it clear, here are the key points on why it’s best to read the books in order:
- Story Flow: The story is built in a specific way, and each book adds new information. To properly follow it, read them in the proper order.
- Character Development: You watch the characters grow and change and witness their motivations unfold over time. This is best experienced in publication order.
- Avoid Spoilers: The books are full of twists and turns. You don’t want to ruin the reading experience for yourself. By sticking to publication order, you will keep surprises at their maximum.
- Author’s Intent: George R.R. Martin has written them in the current order for a reason, and his intended reading experience is best enjoyed when following it.
In conclusion, while the world of Westeros can seem vast and complex, the best way to start is with A Game of Thrones, and then just follow the publication order. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and don’t be afraid to discuss your theories and thoughts with other readers. Welcome to Westeros!
Are the Game of Thrones BOOKS worth reading?
Final Thoughts
To experience the core narrative, read the series in publication order: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. This is the must recommended path for a first-time reader.
This ensures you follow the intended plot progression and character arcs. Knowing what order to read the game of thrones books can greatly enhance your enjoyment.
Future books, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, will continue this established sequence. Therefore, stick to the published order and you will have the best understanding of this epic saga.
