There is probably no person in the world who has not heard anything about the TV series Game of Thrones. But not everyone knows that this work of modern cinema was shot on the basis of a series of books by the remarkable author George Martin. The author tried and created a wonderful example of modern literary art, which probably combines all possible aspects of the life of literary heroes. Filled with intrigue, love, cunning and revenge, the books do not leave anyone indifferent. Having decided to familiarize themselves with the original, many people ask themselves in what order to read the “Game of Thrones”, because each book in the series has its own unique name, which is difficult to relate to one another in the order of the narrative.
In what order to read the "Game of Thrones"
If the question of the sequence in which you need to study the books on the basis of which the “Game of Thrones” was shot is relevant for you, then you need to know that all parts of the series have the common name “Song of Ice and Fire”. It is under this common name that the publication of books that laid the foundation of the famous series takes place.
Returning to the question of in what order to read The Game of Thrones, it should be noted that the choice can fall on any part. But still, to start reading, most likely, you need to from the first published book, which is called "Game of Thrones." She was released in 1996 and consists of two volumes. Immersing the reader in a new world, the author introduces the main characters and customs. So, already in the first book the reader will get acquainted with the Keepers of the North Starks and schemers Lanisters. George Martin tried to create a whole reality, departing from many canons, he fully embodied a whole new world that will capture you and not let go to the last page.
The second book of the “Song of Ice and Fire” series is called “The Battle of the Kings,” published in 1998, consists of two volumes. Reveals the events of the Civil War, which was predicted by the prophecy. The confrontation, which leads to the fact that great houses seek not only to win, but to destroy everything that was expensive. The choices made on the pages of this book lead to the collapse of the Stark family. Of course, the last of the Targaryen clan appears. A flurry of exciting events of the second volume will end with the battle at the Chernovodnaya River, which will intrigue you and make you thirsty to read the third book of the series.
The Storm of Swords, released in 2000 and consisting of two volumes, became the third part of the series. In it, the Civil War is not over yet, and all those who have at least some power proclaim themselves Kings and seek to destroy their rivals. Behind the Wall is also restless, everyone is preparing for war there and want to capture Westeros. The mother of dragons gathers an army to return the throne of his father. Events are heating up, but the end of the war is near.
The next book that saw the light was Vulture Feast (2005). It tells of a time when the war is already over, but those who have power continue to strive with all their might to seize the Iron Throne. The shaky world is filled with intrigue, betrayal and attempts to prevail in a seemingly over war.
The latest published book is “Dance with the Dragons”, which was published in Russian in two volumes in 2011 (“Dance with the Dragons. Dreams and Dust” and “Dance with the Dragons. Sparks over the Ashes”). The author talks about those who were not mentioned in the fourth volume, and only closer to the middle again returns to the story of intrigue in Westeros.
George Martin announced the release of two more books, but apart from working titles, no details are known to date. While the release of the next book is scheduled for 2018 with the title “Winds of Winter”, and the author is going to end the series with the book “Dreams of Spring”.
What are the prequels to the series “Song of Ice and Fire”
Of course, when the author creates an entire universe with many heroes, it is difficult to stay within the framework of only one series. Many stories require a story about events that took place before the plot of the main cycle of books. It is difficult to confine ourselves to a simple mention. Much needs to be clarified and told as it was in the opinion of the author. Therefore, if you are wondering in what order to read the book “Game of Thrones”, then you may also need to familiarize yourself with the prequels to “Songs of Ice and Fire”.
The events that took place 90 years before the Civil War and preceded the crisis erupted are described by George Martin in the series "Tales of Dunk and Egg." This cycle was published in Russian under the name “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”. It is divided into five parts, of which only three were published:
- “The Knight of the Land” (1998).
- The True Sword (2003).
- The Mysterious Knight (2010).
George Martin announced the publication of two more books with the working titles Winterfell Wolves and Village Hero.
Since there are prequels, the question of in which order to read The Game of Thrones can have two answers. You can start with the first book of the “Song of Ice and Fire” series or directly from the prequels.
How many books are in Game of Thrones?
Thus, if you count all the books in the series, then in total 5 parts of the main series, three of which consist of 2 volumes, and three prequel books, have come to light today. If you want to get acquainted with all the published material about the George Martin universe, then perhaps you need to start reading from the prequel, and then go to the main books of the cycle, and this will be 11 volumes. But the choice is yours. We hope that we were able to answer your question about how the books of the Game of Thrones are arranged in order. Enjoy immersion in the paper version of the acclaimed series.