Game of Thrones: The reading and watching order
In what order should you read Game of Thrones? Stick to the publication order: the five volumes of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. Optionally, add the prequel Fire & Blood.
Watch the series in the order they premiered, not by the internal Westeros timeline. You can find all Game of Thrones books in one overview, including both hardcover and paperback editions. There are a few tricks to the reading and watching order that are good to know beforehand.
In what order to read the books
The main saga has five volumes. In order: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons. The last two volumes take place during the same period, just following different characters.
- A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords – read in order, the plot follows directly.
- A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons – these follow different characters at the same time. You can read them in order or interleave them chapter by chapter chronologically.
- Fire & Blood – a history of the Targaryen kings set several generations before the main saga. It is a standalone book; you don't need it to read the main saga.
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (book) – three novellas about Dunk and Egg. They take place about a hundred years before the main saga. Read them anytime between the volumes, or even as a first taste of Martin's style.
You can find all five volumes in currently available editions right here:
In what order to watch the series
The Game of Thrones series aired from 2011 to 2019. It adapted the first five books of the saga. It is easiest to start here – it is the original series and spoils the rest the least.
House of the Dragon is a prequel set two hundred years earlier. In it, the Targaryens are still fighting each other for the throne.
The third season aired in the summer of 2026, premiering on June 21st. HBO confirmed the fourth season on November 20, 2025, with a 2028 premiere.
The series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms follows the book of the same name. It takes place closer to the main saga, about a hundred years before it. The first season premiered on January 18, 2026, and the second is planned for 2027.
Want minimal spoilers for later Targaryen history? Stick to the chronology:
- House of the Dragon
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
- Game of Thrones
Map of Westeros and Essos
The Seven Kingdoms lie on the continent of Westeros. It stretches from the Wall in the north to Dorne in the south. In the middle lies King's Landing, the seat of the throne.
Across the Narrow Sea lies Essos. You will find cities like Braavos, Meereen, or Volantis there, where several characters head during the saga.
You can hang a clear map of Westeros and Essos on your wall. It will help you quickly refresh where each scene takes place.
The most famous houses
- Stark – the North, seat Winterfell, sigil direwolf.
- Lannister – Casterly Rock, sigil lion, a house built on mining wealth.
- Targaryen – Valyrian origin, dragons, and a claim to the Iron Throne.
- Baratheon – Stormlands, sigil crowned stag, the house of the first king after the rebellion against the Targaryens.
- Greyjoy – Iron Islands, sigil kraken, a house loyal to its own strict code.
Merch for Game of Thrones fans
Want to have Game of Thrones at home beyond your bookshelf? Choose from flags, mugs, and other items in stock:
When will George R. R. Martin finish The Winds of Winter
There is still no exact date. In January 2026, Martin mentioned about 1,100 pages of the manuscript written. He described the writing as challenging due to the intertwining of multiple plot lines.
In August 2026, he wrote his first personal blog post in six months. However, he did not provide a specific update on the manuscript.
The sixth volume of the saga by George R. R. Martin thus remains without a confirmed release date.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to read the books before the series, or vice versa?
No, both versions work independently. From the fourth season on, the Game of Thrones series changes or shortens some plot lines from the books.
In what order should I read A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons?
Either in the order they were published, or interleaved according to the chapter chronology. Both approaches have their supporters among fans.
Do I have to read Fire & Blood before the main saga?
No. It is a standalone history book about the older Targaryens; read it anytime.
When is the next season of House of the Dragon?
HBO confirmed the fourth season on November 20, 2025, with a 2028 premiere. The third season aired in the summer of 2026.
Will Martin release The Winds of Winter in 2026?
Martin did not confirm a firm release date even as of September 2026. The last public update on the manuscript is from January 2026.
Choose your entry point as you like. For books, stick to the publication order; for series, follow the chronology or premiere order. You can find the rest of the world of the Seven Kingdoms in our Game of Thrones book selection.