Game of Thronesis an unusual fantasy phenomenon. The HBO adaptation dominated TV between 2011 and 2019 and wrapped up theSong of Ice and Firelong before the books that inspired it. That story is still going, and while the show’s controversial conclusion left many fans grateful that George R.R. Martin’s saga had two volumes left to wrap the story up, there’s still no indication when the sixth (and penultimate) volume will emerge. Patience has a whole new meaning in Westeros.

A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel Volume One

Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond

Fortunately, many other books have filled the gaps, inspired by theGame of Thronesuniverse and HBO’s adaptation, but not penned by Martin. If you or a fan you know are keen to learn more about the science, philosophy, and production secrets ofGame of Thrones, this selection should fill in the gaps between the ice and fire.

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon: Game of Thrones and the Official Untold Story of the Epic Series

This confrontationally titled volume is the official oral history of the HBO smash hit series. Entertainment Weekly’s James Hibberd took on the epic task of uncovering the show’s story, including the tortuous 13 years it took to make it to the screen. Packed with interviews and rare photos, praise for this page-turner doesn’t get better than George R. R. Martin calling it “an amazing read.”

Game of Thrones Versus History: Written in Blood

Game of Thronesmay be one of the best-known fantasy epics in the world, but much of it was inspired by the tumultuous politics of the Middle Ages. George R.R. Martin’s saga drew from extraordinary events like the 15th-century War of the Roses. This collection of historical essays explores that series of bloody battles propped up by political intrigue that changed the course of English history. Fans will be amazed at how much of the action between dragon flights was inspired by real life.

A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Game of Thrones Companion Cookbook

Some ofGame of Thrones’ sumptuous feasts may be better known for reasons other than food (and be enough to ruin appetites), but that doesn’t mean fans won’t find a lot to admire in this cooking companion. Superfans and amateur chefs Chelsea Monroe-Cassel and Sariann Lehrer adapt the scents, sauces, and suppers from the Seven Kingdoms in easy recipes modern chefs will want to bring to their kitchens. It features dishes like Dornish Stuffed Grape Leaves and King’s Landing: Lemon Cakes, as well as an appetizing foreword from George R.R. Martin.

Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords

George R.R. Martin’sA Song of Ice and Fireposes many philosophical questions. Fans attempting to unravel them will get a helping hand from this book that draws on great ancient and modern philosophers to make sense of the fantasy saga. Secrets, divine rights, ethics, and honor are all explored in this essential volume.

The Art of Game of Thrones

HBO’sGame of Throneswas a lavish realization of George R.R. Martin’s saga, so there has to be a similarly luxurious coffee table book to collect its art design. This official collection of concept art and final production design shows how theSong of Ice and Firereached the screen.

Fire, Ice, and Physics: The Science of Game of Thrones

Real science may not be the first thing that springs to mind when a fan thinks ofGame of Thrones, but this book will uncover plenty of secrets behind the fantasy world. How can an ice wall work? What are the genetics of the Targaryens? How about that long Winter? This is the perfect way to cut through the fantasy science ofGame of Throneslike wildfire through a Baratheon fleet.

The Little Book of Game of Thrones Facts

Billed as the ultimate list ofGame of Thronesfacts, this book should teach even the most dedicated fan something new. It has an extensive scope, taking in the books, TV series, as well as the broader universe of George R.R. Martin’s epic, like the House structure, organizations, and religion.

Game of Thrones: The Storyboards

A stunning insight into the filmmaking that broughtGame of Thronesto life. This prestige coffee table book collects the striking storyboard art that helped weave the characters and events into a memorable saga, courtesy of lead storyboard artist William Simpson. It’s a beautiful record of HBO smash that fans will cherish.

Game of Thrones: The Noble Houses of Westeros

This book may only cover the first five seasons of the HBO show, but fans will know that’s when they can pick up the most information about the families whose rivalries and alliances defineGame of Thrones. It’s a handy resource on the noble houses of Westeros, including their sigils, family trees, and character profiles for many of their famous members.

Game of Thrones: The Costumes

The locations and production design ofGame of Thronesmay be stunning, but they’re enhanced by the extraordinary costumes that fill every scene of the show’s eight seasons. This coffee table book shows fans how costume designer Michele Clapton brought heroes, villains, and everything in between, to the screen.

The graphic novel is a relatively direct adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s book series, but crucially, the volumes of the graphic novel are scripted by different creators. The first volume is adapted by Daniel Abraham, illustrated by Tommy Patterson, and guaranteed to give fans an alternative view of the saga they thought they knew.

Best Game of Thrones books Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon: The Untold Story

This book follows the dual story of life above and below the wall across the eight seasons of the TV series. As the White Walkers gather in the North and the ambitious battle for the Iron Throne grips the South, this companion combines timelines, infographics, essays, and set photographs.

Game of Thronesdidn’t take long to become one of the biggest TV shows on the planet. It swept up readers of the books, some of whom had been following the saga on the page since 1996, and added a new generation of fans. In the wealth of books that George R.R. Martin’s epic creation has inspired, even the most die-hard fans will find new ways to look at theSong of Ice and Fire. That covers the costumes, the production design, and, yes, even the food.

Best Game of Thrones books Game of Thrones Versus History

Shopping these books at Amazon doesn’t have to turn into a saga. Game Rant readers canto ensure they get the best price and delivery options for any merchandise they pick up from the retailer.

FAQs

When will the next Song of Ice and Fire book be released?

It is one of the most difficult-to-answer questions in publishing, and fans should know better than to pester George R.R. Martin about it. The sixth book in the saga is intended to be the penultimate installment ofA Song of Ice and Fire, and the author confirmed it would be titledThe Winds of Winterin 2012. Ten years later, Martin confirmed that the book was about 75% complete, but readers shouldn’t be surprised ifThe Winds of Winterdoesn’t emerge until 2025. Waiting is an essential part ofGame of Thrones.

Will there be more Game of Thrones series?

The prequel seriesHouse of The Dragonis well into production of its second season, with eight episodes expected to air in mid-2024, and fans can expect more spin-offs. Six new series are in development, including a show centered on Jon Snow’s exploits following the events of the final season ofGame of Thrones, which HBO confirmed in 2022. Other potential shows include a prequel series based on Martin’s spin-off novellasDunk and Egg, which the writer will head up, and two adult animated series.

Best Game of Thrones books A Feast of Ice and Fire Cooking Companion

Best Game of Thrones Books Game of Thrones and Philosophy

Best Game of Thrones books The Art of Game of Thrones

Best Game of Thrones books The Fire, Ice, and Science

Best Game of Thrones books The Little Book of Game of Thrones Facts

Best Game of Thrones books Game of Thrones The Storyboards

Best Game of Thrones Books The Noble Houses of Westeros

Best Game of Thrones books: Game of Thrones The Costumes