You’ve probably heard the endless buzz about Game of Thrones – maybe it’s the TV show that’s caught your attention, or maybe you’ve stumbled upon it on BookTok. Either way, you’re in the right place to learn the best way to read Game of Thrones! 🌟
While the books might seem a bit long, trust me – they’re super enjoyable and definitely worth the read. I will be guiding you through all five books. They may be long, but I promise you – they’re compelling, immersive, and absolutely worth it.
So, with spoilers kept to a minimum, here is my ultimate reading guide to Game of Thrones!
Game of Thrones: Why Read the Books if You’ve Seen the Show?
You may be wondering if it’s worth reading the books if you’ve already watched the show. And the answer is: Absolutely, yes!
The TV series is fantastic, but like all book-to-screen adaptations, there are differences. Some major characters were cut from the show, while others had their arcs significantly altered.
The biggest difference? The books don’t even have an ending yet, while the TV finale was rushed and highly debated. 📚
Game of Thrones: Fun Historical & Literary References
George R.R. Martin weaves real-world history into his books. The War of the Five Kings mirrors The War of the Roses, fought between House York and House Lancaster. The Dance of the Dragons draws inspiration from The Anarchy, a 12th-century English civil war. Even Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans, serves as inspiration for The Wall in Westeros.
Literary influences? You’ll find Shakespearean tragedy in characters like Daenerys and Tyrion, plus mythology from Norse, Celtic, Greek, and Roman traditions. And of course, Martin takes inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien, but his writing is more direct and gritty compared to Tolkien’s poetic, formal tone.
Best Way to Read Game of Thrones: My Top Tips
- Sticky notes & tabs:
One thing I cannot recommend enough is the use of sticky notes/tabs. With multiple plot lines running at once, having a way to keep brief notes or reminders can be really helpful so you don’t get lost. You’ll thank me later.
- Pens & highlighters:
Want to color-code your notes? If you like making notes, another thing I would suggest is having a key with highlighters and pens so you can keep color-coordinated scribbles around your pages.
- Track characters:
To track characters and their POVs, I recommend using the Bookly App, where you can add a character list for each book you read, where you can add information which may make it easier to keep track.
- Bookly App:
The Bookly App is my best friend for each book I read. It helps me plan my reading and even reminds me to read. A trait that is especially applicable to long books like the ones in the Game Of Thrones, is the reading tracker. It times my sessions and at the end, I type in how many pages I read. It calculates how long I took to read a page so it can tell me how long it will take to complete the whole book. This comes in handy when choosing a deadline for finishing the book, as the Bookly App tells me how much I have to read per day to finish the book by the deadline.
Ready to Dive In? Let’s Talk About A Game of Thrones 📖
Before you start, grab your sticky notes, highlighters, and of course, your Bookly App!
📖 GoT Book 1: Game of Thrones
Trigger Warnings
SA, animal harm, abuse and graphic violence. The sex scenes are far less graphic than in the TV show, so if you were concerned about that, rest assured that it is much less explicit.
Plot Summary
In a medieval-inspired world, King Robert Baratheon appoints Ned Stark as his new Hand after his predecessor dies under suspicious circumstances. When the King dies suddenly, a power struggle erupts as multiple factions battle for the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, beyond The Wall, supernatural forces stir.
Characters
Key figures include Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and Jon Snow. The cast expands with each book, so using notes or the Bookly App can help keep track.
Settings
The Seven Kingdoms are inspired by medieval Britain and Europe. Each book includes a map to help visualize the world.
Politics
The monarchy is very important in the Seven Kingdoms. The kingdoms follow an Authoritarian style of ruling, which means they are ruled by monarchs who have full power. Throughout the series, the dysfunctional nature of the Westeros politics.
Magic
There are many forms of magic in Game Of Thrones, like elemental magic, necromancy and glamoring. There are also more classic representations like shape-shifting, dragons and warging. There isn’t a particular system. Instead, their magic is granted as a result of rituals with higher beings.
Religion
Religion is highly important in the foundation of Westeros. The dominant religion is The Faith Of The Seven, which is based on the seven divisions of one God. These are the Father, the Mother, the Maiden, the Crone, the Warrior, the Smith, and the Stranger. Religion doesn’t play too much into the plot, but it is important to remember that different groups within the kingdoms have different perspectives, which could impact their disputes.
📖 GoT Book 2: A Clash Of Kings
Trigger Warnings
Abuse, gore, SA, child abuse, death, slavery, incest, suicide, self-harm, torture, animal abuse.
Plot Summary
Civil war erupts across Westeros with five contenders fighting for the throne. Joffrey Baratheon rules in King’s Landing, but Stannis and Renly Baratheon challenge his claim. Robb Stark declares independence in the North, while Daenerys builds her power across the sea. Meanwhile, the Night’s Watch investigates strange happenings beyond The Wall.
📖 GoT Book 3: A Storm of Swords I & II
A Storm of Swords I
Trigger Warnings
SA, animal harm, abuse, graphic violence, self-harm, suicide.
Plot Summary
The War of the Five Kings intensifies, but internal betrayals weaken each faction. The Night’s Watch faces a crisis as its leadership is challenged from within.
A Storm of Swords II
Trigger Warnings
Violence, gore, SA, child and pregnant women’s deaths, torture, cannibalism.
Plot Summary
Major battles and betrayals define this book. Multiple weddings take place—with deadly consequences. The North is under siege, and the Stark rebellion suffers a major setback. One of the most critical books in the series, filled with shocking twists.
📖 GoT Book 4: A Feast for Crows
Trigger warnings
Violence, gore, SA, death, cannibalism, mental health struggles, incest references.
Plot Summary
The war has ended, but power struggles continue. The surviving Starks must forge new identities. Cersei Lannister tightens her grip on power but becomes increasingly paranoid, making reckless choices that may cost her everything.
📖 GoT Book 5: A Dance with Dragons I & II
A Dance with Dragons I
Trigger warnings
Violence, gore, SA, death, cannibalism, mental health references, slavery.
Plot Summary
Jon Snow struggles as the new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Daenerys, ruling in Meereen, faces uprisings and difficult choices. Meanwhile, Bran Stark continues his mystical journey north.
A Dance with Dragons II
Trigger warnings
Violence, gore, SA, death, cannibalism, slavery, mental health struggles, animal cruelty.
Plot Summary
Political betrayals intensify across Westeros. Several factions attempt to align with Daenerys, but her dragons complicate matters. A new Targaryen claimant emerges, challenging Daenerys’ right to the Iron Throne.
And that’s where the published books leave us… for now.
So… What’s Next?
With Martin leaving us on major cliffhangers, fans eagerly await The Winds of Winter. In the meantime, here are some great companion reads:
- Fire & Blood – The history of House Targaryen.
- The World of Ice & Fire – A lore-heavy guidebook full of maps and illustrations.
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – A lighthearted prequel set 90 years before Game of Thrones.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the best way to read Game of Thrones!
Whether you’re diving into Westeros for the first time or giving the series another go, these tips will help you keep track of every twist, betrayal, and battle.
And if you’re craving even more high-fantasy adventures, why stop here? 📖 Throne of Glass offers an epic saga with a fierce heroine, while Priory of the Orange Tree delivers a stunning standalone tale of dragons and powerful queens. Want to go even deeper? A Day of Fallen Night explores the rich history of Priory’s world in an unforgettable prequel.
No matter what you pick up next, happy reading! 💙
And Don’t Forget to Keep Track of Your Reading Progress With Bookly
No matter how you choose to track your reading – whether it’s a detailed spreadsheet, a dedicated journal, or even a few notes jotted down on whatever’s nearby – staying organized can make a huge difference. ✍️
With the Bookly App, you can effortlessly keep track of your books, monitor your progress, and stay accountable to your reading goals. Plus, Bloo will be there to cheer you on and keep you motivated every step of the way! 💙
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This article was written by our Bookly Pro Reader, Jess! 💙
