If you’re a fan of House of Dragon Books and are looking to dive deeper into the world of Westeros, understanding the order in which to read the books that inspired both the TV series and Game of Thrones is crucial. While House of the Dragon primarily draws from Fire & Blood, there’s a rich tapestry of novels and novellas from George R.R. Martin that explore various parts of this expansive world. Whether you’re interested in the Targaryen dynasty or the political intrigue of Westeros, this article will guide you through the best reading order of the House of the Dragon books, along with insights into their contents and how they relate to both Game of Thrones and the ongoing saga of Westeros.
Fire & Blood: The Prequel to Game of Thrones
At the top of the list for House of the Dragon fans is Fire & Blood—the essential read for anyone seeking to understand the history of House Targaryen. This book, though not a novel in the traditional sense, is a fictional history written from the perspective of a learned historian in the world of Westeros. It focuses on the rise and fall of the Targaryen dynasty, starting with Aegon the Conqueror and extending through key events like the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war that divided the Targaryen family. Fire & Blood provides the backdrop for the House of the Dragon series, offering readers a detailed understanding of the political machinations, dragons, and characters that shaped the history seen in the show.
House of Dragon Books: The Start of A Song of Ice and Fire
Once you’ve delved into the history of House Targaryen, it’s time to move to A Game of Thrones, the first book in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. This is where the epic saga truly begins, with the introduction of several prominent houses in Westeros, including the Starks, Lannisters, and Baratheons. While not directly related to the events of House of the Dragon, A Game of Thrones sets the stage for the political landscape and introduces readers to the complex character dynamics that will become more important in later books and the Game of Thrones TV series. Here, you’ll also begin to see the early stirrings of the problems that will eventually involve the Targaryens again.
A Clash of Kings: The Battle for the Iron Throne
The second book, A Clash of Kings, takes the conflict to a new level as the various factions in Westeros vie for control of the Iron Throne. With King Robert Baratheon dead and Eddard Stark’s execution still fresh in everyone’s minds, the kingdom is plunged into chaos. This book introduces key characters like Stannis Baratheon and Renly Baratheon, as well as the rise of new power dynamics, setting up future conflicts. Although it doesn’t directly relate to House of the Dragon, it provides crucial context for the backdrop of Westeros.
A Storm of Swords: Power Struggles and Shifting Alliances
In A Storm of Swords, the tension escalates with betrayal, shifting alliances, and the long-reaching consequences of the decisions made in the first two books. This volume is pivotal for the ongoing conflict as alliances break and some of the series’ most shocking moments unfold. Characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen take center stage as the stakes grow higher. Although House of the Dragon does not directly cover the events of this book, the Targaryens’ history remains an integral part of the plot’s unfolding.
A Feast for Crows: The Calm After the Storm
With the wars taking a toll on the Seven Kingdoms, A Feast for Crows shifts focus to the aftermath of the power struggles, where new factions rise and others fall. The Lannisters now hold the Iron Throne, and other houses like the Martells of Dorne are plotting their moves. The tension between old and new powers is explored in-depth, with some characters taking a backseat while others emerge as the primary players. This book marks a transition in the storyline, setting the stage for the eventual resurgence of House Targaryen.
A Dance with Dragons: Dragons Return to the Forefront
After the political upheaval of A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons returns the focus to the North, where Jon Snow becomes a key figure, and to Daenerys, who is beginning to exert her own influence over the lands beyond Westeros. The Targaryens are once again at the forefront of the action, with dragons returning to the world in a big way. The events of this book are crucial for fans of House of the Dragon as they lay the foundation for Daenerys’s eventual quest for the Iron Throne.
The Winds of Winter: The Long-Awaited Continuation
The Winds of Winter is the next book in the series, but it has yet to be published. Fans of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones alike are eagerly anticipating this novel, which is expected to push the story forward and resolve many lingering storylines. In this volume, the Targaryen bloodline and the Iron Throne will likely be at the heart of the conflict, with many characters facing critical choices that will determine the fate of Westeros.
A Dream of Spring: The Final Chapter (Unreleased)
The last planned book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Dream of Spring, will wrap up the saga of Westeros. Although it is still not released, this book is expected to provide the conclusion to the epic tale, including the fates of the Targaryens and the Iron Throne. This book will be crucial for understanding the resolution of the conflicts introduced in House of the Dragon and the Game of Thrones series.
Novels and Short Stories Related to House of the Dragon
In addition to the main series, there are a number of novellas and short stories that explore the Targaryen family’s history and enrich the House of the Dragon narrative. Notable among these are:
- The Princess and the Queen: This novella recounts the events of the Dance of the Dragons, the brutal Targaryen civil war that plays a central role in House of the Dragon.
- The Rogue Prince: Another story focused on the early days of the Targaryen dynasty, detailing the rise of Prince Daemon Targaryen.
- The Sons of the Dragon: This novella explores the early years of the Targaryen kings and their attempts to secure the Iron Throne
Conclusion: Where to Start?
For fans of House of the Dragon, the best starting point is Fire & Blood, as it is the direct precursor to the events depicted in the show. After that, diving into the A Song of Ice and Fire books provides context and depth to the Targaryen legacy, with the intricacies of the political landscape of Westeros unfolding in subsequent novels. Reading the books in order will enrich your understanding of the House of the Dragon world and provide a deeper connection to the ongoing saga that has captivated millions.
By following this reading order, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Westeros, its families, and its dragons—keeping you engaged and ready for the next chapter in the saga.
