Read Game Of Thrones Prequel Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 4, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

The Game of Thrones series, adapted from George R.R. Martin’s sprawling epic A Song of Ice and Fire, captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide. For fans who are yearning for more of the intrigue, betrayal, and political maneuvering of Westeros and beyond, George R.R. Martin’s prequel books offer a captivating and expansive journey into the past. With an intricate web of characters, lore, and historical events that shape the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, these prequels dive deep into the roots of the Targaryen dynasty, the origin of the Iron Throne, and the long-buried secrets of Westeros. While the prequel books may not always receive as much attention as the main series, they stand as an important part of the overall narrative, adding texture and richness to the world Martin has created. But with multiple titles, many readers wonder: How should you approach these prequel novels? Should they be read in a particular order?

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the Game of Thrones prequel books, explaining their significance, order of reading, and why they are essential for any fan of Martin’s world.

List Of Game Of Thrones Prequel Books In Order

More On Game Of Thrones Prequel Books In Chronological Order

1. Fire & Blood (2018)

Alright, let’s kick this off with *Fire & Blood*. It’s like a huge, deep dive into the history of House Targaryen and their rise to power in Westeros, stretching from Aegon the Conqueror (who was basically the first Targaryen king) all the way through to the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. It’s written as a historical text, complete with some nice details and cool maps, so it feels like you’re flipping through a really detailed history book. But don’t let that fool you-it’s packed with drama, betrayal, dragons, and some seriously messed-up family dynamics that make *Game of Thrones* look tame. If you’re a fan of Targaryens and dragons, this one’s a must-read.

2. The Princess and The Queen (2013)

*The Princess and The Queen* is actually a novella that focuses on the infamous Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons. This war between rival factions of House Targaryen (basically one side wants the throne, the other side thinks they should have it) is an epic, bloody tale of power struggles, family conflict, and, of course, dragons going head-to-head. What’s fun here is that it’s told through a mix of point-of-view perspectives, offering a more intimate look at these characters’ motivations and how the war destroys not just families but a whole dynasty. If you’ve always wondered what it would be like if the Targaryens went full-on civil war, this novella is your answer.

3. The Rogue Prince (2014)

*The Rogue Prince* dives deep into the lead-up to the Dance of the Dragons, focusing on Prince Daemon Targaryen, who is basically the ultimate bad boy prince-brilliant, ambitious, and totally reckless. Daemon’s a character who could rival anyone from the main *Game of Thrones* story in terms of complexity and moral ambiguity. This novella is like watching a trainwreck in slow motion as you witness his rise and his contributions to the civil war, making it an essential piece if you want to understand the events that led to one of the most catastrophic civil wars in Westeros history. If you love political intrigue mixed with fiery dragon battles, this one’s for you.

4. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015)

Okay, so this is a collection of three novellas-*The Hedge Knight*, *The Sworn Sword*, and *The Mystery Knight*-and it takes place much earlier in Westeros history, about 100 years before the events of *A Game of Thrones*. It’s centered on Ser Duncan the Tall (a totally lovable, awkward, and kind-hearted knight) and his adventures with his squire, Egg, who you may later know as King Aegon V Targaryen. The stories are full of sword fighting, tournaments, mystery-solving, and, of course, great character development. Plus, you get a really cool look at the Seven Kingdoms before the Targaryen conquest and before all the political chaos that comes later. It’s a lighter but still rich addition to the world.

5. The World of Ice & Fire (2014)

Now, *The World of Ice & Fire* isn’t exactly a traditional prequel, but it’s a gorgeous, full-color history of Westeros and Essos, chronicling everything from the creation of the world all the way to the fall of House Targaryen. It’s written as if it’s a record compiled by the maesters of the Citadel, and it’s a fascinating read that dives deep into the lore of the various houses, important events, and the overall politics of the realms. Think of it as a guidebook to the world of *Game of Thrones*, packed with tons of background info, maps, and genealogies. It’s like the *encyclopedia* of *A Song of Ice and Fire*, and it fills in all the gaps between the books, showing how things got to the point where they are in *Game of Thrones*. A great resource if you like deep dives into the history of the world.

Background On Game Of Thrones Prequel Books

The Game of Thrones prequel books are part of a series known as Fire & Blood and the upcoming The Winds of Winter, set in the world of Westeros and Essos. These novels are often referred to as The Tales of Ice and Fire, and they provide the historical and mythical backdrop for the main series of A Song of Ice and Fire. The prequels cover a much broader range of time and offer a different perspective on the world that readers have come to know and love.

The primary prequel books, Fire & Blood and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, are deeply rooted in the rich history of Westeros, with key events, legendary battles, and influential characters that influence the rise and fall of great houses and empires. The series is a historical narrative, with Martin employing a fictional chronicler’s voice to document the events of the past, giving readers a window into the world before the story of Game of Thrones unfolds.

Fire & Blood (2018), the first of these prequel books, takes readers back to the height of the Targaryen dynasty, spanning over 200 years of history. It focuses on the reign of House Targaryen, starting with Aegon the Conqueror, the first Targaryen king to unite the Seven Kingdoms under one rule, and continuing through the tumultuous years that follow. Fire & Blood is a detailed, sweeping history that charts the rise and fall of the Targaryen family, touching on key events like the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, which nearly destroyed the family. While it is written as a history rather than a traditional narrative, Fire & Blood sets the stage for the political complexities that defined the Game of Thrones series.

In addition to Fire & Blood, there is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a collection of novellas that follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg, who would eventually become King Aegon V. These stories, set a few hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones, offer a more personal and lighthearted glimpse into the world, although they still deal with serious themes like honor, duty, and the ever-present power struggles within the Seven Kingdoms.

As of now, George R.R. Martin is working on additional prequel projects, including The Winds of Winter, which will continue the main story of A Song of Ice and Fire, and Fire & Blood’s long-awaited follow-up that will further delve into the histories of the Targaryen dynasty.

Reading Order Explained

When it comes to reading the Game of Thrones prequel books, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some readers prefer to dive into the prequels immediately after finishing the original A Song of Ice and Fire series, while others may want to start exploring the history of Westeros before they even begin the main series. The reading order you choose will depend on what type of experience you want to have.

1. Start with Fire & Blood: If you’re intrigued by the lore of Westeros and want to dive into the Targaryen history first, Fire & Blood is the best place to start. It provides a broad overview of House Targaryen, tracing their rise to power and the turbulent events that shaped the world of Game of Thrones. It is especially ideal for readers who love political intrigue, power struggles, and the complexities of dynastic rule.
2. Start with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: For those looking for a lighter, more character-driven experience, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms might be the better choice. Set hundreds of years before Game of Thrones, it offers a more traditional narrative and focuses on the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a beloved character whose stories are full of humor, honor, and high adventure. These novellas are set in a period where the political landscape is still developing, providing a fresh perspective on the world of Westeros.
3. Combine the two: Some readers may prefer to combine both Fire & Blood and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Since these books are set at different times in history, they can complement each other in terms of the broader context of Westeros. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a more grounded, personal perspective on the Seven Kingdoms, while Fire & Blood focuses on the political and dynastic struggles that shaped the realm.

For those who have already read A Song of Ice and Fire, jumping into the prequels can provide added depth to characters and places you’re already familiar with, making the experience even more rewarding.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the aspects I most appreciate about the Game of Thrones prequel books is how they expand the universe, offering a glimpse into the deep history of Westeros. In Fire & Blood, the reader is not just shown the highlights of Targaryen history; we’re exposed to the human side of the characters, their flaws, ambitions, and the consequences of their actions. Martin excels at creating multi-dimensional characters, and while the focus of Fire & Blood is on the Targaryen family, there’s a wealth of subplots and characters that make the book feel alive with the same complexity that Game of Thrones is known for.

Another thing I admire is the richness of the worldbuilding. The prequel books aren’t content with simply regurgitating familiar locations and characters. They delve into lesser-known parts of the world, from the Iron Islands to the distant lands of Essos. These books explore the origins of customs, places, and symbols that play a pivotal role in the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Lastly, the intricate political dynamics and historical events in Fire & Blood are compelling. The Targaryen dynasty’s internal conflicts, wars, and betrayals give a satisfying backstory to the struggles that occur in Game of Thrones. The political maneuvering that defines the Targaryens echoes the actions of their descendants, making it clear that history often repeats itself in Westeros.

Should You Read Game Of Thrones Prequel Books In Order?

The short answer is yes, but with caveats. While there is no absolute need to read the prequel books in order, doing so allows you to follow the progression of House Targaryen and see how the political and familial tensions that begin in the past continue to shape the events in A Song of Ice and Fire. Starting with Fire & Blood gives you a comprehensive look at the Targaryens and their rise to power, which will provide context for later events, including the rebellion that led to Robert Baratheon’s rise to the throne.

That said, if you’re more interested in character-driven stories or just want to explore a more whimsical, knightly adventure, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms can be read first without any confusion. It offers a different vibe from Fire & Blood and is enjoyable as a standalone collection of novellas.