How Many Books in Game of Thrones Are There? Complete Guide

The world of Westeros, full of political intrigue, intricate character arcs, and fantastical elements, has captivated readers since the release of the first novel, “A Game of Thrones,” by George R. R. Martin in 1996. If you’re looking to dive into the Game of Thrones universe, knowing how many books are in the series is essential. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the main entries in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, additional novellas, and suggestions on how to read them.

The Main Novels

The heart of the Game of Thrones saga lies within the main series, known officially as A Song of Ice and Fire. As of now, George R. R. Martin has published five main volumes:

A Game of Thrones (1996) – This inaugural book sets the stage for the epic conflicts and power struggles among noble families in Westeros. We meet key characters like Eddard Stark, Cersei Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, who all play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama.
A Clash of Kings (1998) – The story continues as the War of the Five Kings erupts, and alliances are formed and broken. This volume introduces new characters and expands the world further, delving deeper into the complexities of loyalty and honor.
A Storm of Swords (2000) – Often hailed as one of the best in the series, this book features significant plot twists and climactic moments that drastically change the course of the story. The shocking events woven throughout this volume leave readers eager to find out what happens next.
A Feast for Crows (2005) – This installment shifts focus, exploring the aftermath of the battles and the power vacuum left in the wake of turmoil. It examines the political maneuvering of various factions as they vie for power in a fractured kingdom.
A Dance with Dragons (2011) – Running concurrently with events in “A Feast for Crows,” this book takes readers back to some familiar characters while also introducing new threats and challenges faced by our protagonists.

Upcoming Installments

George R. R. Martin has promised readers that the saga will continue with two more novels currently in the works:

The Winds of Winter (forthcoming) – The highly anticipated sixth book will continue to unravel the stories of beloved and despised characters alike, providing answers to cliffhangers from “A Dance with Dragons.”
A Dream of Spring (forthcoming) – This is expected to be the final book of the series, bringing closure to the numerous intricate storylines and character arcs that have developed throughout the preceding volumes.

Additional Works

In addition to the main series, George R. R. Martin has written supplementary works that add depth and context to the A Song of Ice and Fire universe:

Fire & Blood (2018) – A prequel book detailing the history of House Targaryen, covering events leading up to and including the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. While not directly part of the main saga, it provides readers with essential background on one of the most iconic houses in the series.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015) – This collection contains three novellas featuring Dunk and Egg, set approximately 90 years before the events of A Game of Thrones. These stories follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg (who later becomes King Aegon V). They are lighter in tone but still steeped in the same rich world-building Martin is known for.

Reading Order

If you’re planning to read the series, a suggested order of reading is to start with the main novels followed by the additional works for a deeper understanding of the lore:

A Game of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast for Crows
A Dance with Dragons
Fire & Blood (optional but recommended)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (optional)

Conclusion

In total, there are five published books in the Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) series, with two more on the way. In addition to these novels, readers can explore supplementary materials that enrich the narrative universe created by George R. R. Martin. Whether you’re a new reader or a long-time fan, it’s an exciting time to delve into the world of Westeros and beyond. Happy reading!