How Many Game of Thrones Books Are There? A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a fan of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, you might be wondering, "How many Game of Thrones books are there?" The answer is a bit more complex than you might think, encompassing not only the main series but also a range of prequels, novellas, and companion books. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the books that make up the world of Westeros.

The Main Series: A Song of Ice and Fire

The primary series, known as A Song of Ice and Fire, consists of five published novels, with two more planned. Here’s a list of the published books in order:

1. A Game of Thrones (1996)
2. A Clash of Kings (1998)
3. A Storm of Swords (2000)
4. A Feast for Crows (2005)
5. A Dance with Dragons (2011)

George R.R. Martin has announced two forthcoming books that will conclude the series:

6. The Winds of Winter (anticipated)
7. A Dream of Spring (anticipated)

Prequels and Companion Novels

In addition to the main series, Martin has expanded the world of Westeros through several prequels and companion books. These include:

Tales of Dunk and Egg

These novellas follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg, who later becomes King Aegon V. The stories are set approximately 90 years before the events of the main series:

1. The Hedge Knight (1998)
2. The Sworn Sword (2003)
3. The Mystery Knight (2010)

A compiled edition of these novellas, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, was published in 2015.

Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood (2018) is a comprehensive history of the Targaryen kings, starting with Aegon the Conqueror. This book is the first of a planned two-volume history of House Targaryen.

The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice & Fire (2014) is a richly illustrated companion book that provides a detailed history and geography of Westeros and beyond, co-written by Martin and Elio M. García Jr. and Linda Antonsson.

Additional Novellas and Short Stories

Several additional novellas and short stories expand the lore of Westeros:

• The Princess and the Queen (2013) and The Rogue Prince (2014) detail the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
• The Sons of the Dragon (2017) explores the reigns of Aegon the Conqueror’s sons, Aenys I and Maegor I.

Reading Order and Recommendations

For new readers, it’s recommended to start with the main series in publication order. However, if you’re interested in a chronological approach, you can begin with Fire & Blood and the Tales of Dunk and Egg before diving into A Game of Thrones.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

If you're curious about other epic series, check out our guide on How Many Dune Books Are There? to explore the expansive universe created by Frank Herbert and continued by his son, Brian Herbert.

Conclusion

So, how many Game of Thrones books are there? As of now, there are five main series novels, several prequels, and companion books, with more to come. Whether you're a new reader or a longtime fan, there’s a wealth of material to explore in the world of Westeros.

For those looking to purchase these books, consider checking out online retailers and bookstores. Many of these titles are available in multiple formats, including hardcover, paperback, and digital editions.

Stay tuned for the highly anticipated release of The Winds of Winter, and happy reading!