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The History of Westeros (Companion Works) Reading Order.

Expert Guideby George R. R. Martin
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Quick Answer

Start The History of Westeros (Companion Works) by George R. R. Martin with "Fire & Blood", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

Detailed historical accounts and encyclopedias exploring the deep lore, dynasties, and events preceding the main A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Fire & Blood"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

High Debate

"The comments provided do not discuss 'The History of Westeros (Companion Works)' or suggest a reading order. Instead, they center on a debate regarding why Cersei Lannister is considered the 'most hated' character in A Song of Ice and Fire, concluding that her high visibility, extensive engagement with main viewpoint characters, and the massive, destructive consequences of her poorly executed schemes (leading to the War of the Five Kings) are the primary drivers of fan hatred, often superseding the localized, pure evil acts committed by less visible characters like Ramsay or Gregor Clegane."

Key Reddit Advice

The provided text contains no data or recommendations related to the reading order for 'The History of Westeros (Companion Works).' The analysis focuses solely on character morality and fan perception.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The History of Westeros (Companion Works) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for The History of Westeros (Companion Works). The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Fire & Blood" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "The History of Westeros (Companion Works)" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Fire & Blood"Explore all by George R. R. Martin

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Fire & Blood

Pub: 2018

The first volume of a definitive two-part history of the Targaryens in Westeros is set centuries before the events of "A Game of Thrones" and answers key questions about the dynasty's origins, conflicts and relationships with dragons.

2

The World Of Ice & Fire

Pub: 2014

Plot details hidden until you finish "Fire & Blood".

"This is the comprehensive guide to all things Game of Thrones and beyond. From the prehistory to the coming of the First Men, through the reign of the Targaryen kings and Robert's Rebellion, this guide--co-written by George R.R. Martin and the immensely knowledgeable founders and keepers of the www.westeros.org site--will tell series readers old and new all they might want to know about the history and culture of Westeros and the lands beyond the Narrow Sea--a tapestry of all new history that George has invented solely for this volume"--

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the The History of Westeros (Companion Works) series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read The History of Westeros (Companion Works)?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Fire & Blood" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as George R. R. Martin intended.

Can I read The History of Westeros (Companion Works) books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the The History of Westeros (Companion Works) universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.