A Song of Ice and Fire
A Game of Thrones
The series begins with the death of Jon Arryn, Hand of the King to Robert Baratheon. Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, is summoned to the capital, King's Landing, to become the new Hand. Meanwhile, tensions rise among the noble families of Westeros, as various factions vie for power and control of the Iron Throne.
Major Events
Bran Stark is pushed from a tower window, sparking conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters. Daenerys Targaryen, exiled princess, marries Khal Drogo of the Dothraki and hatches dragon eggs.
Key Characters
Eddard Stark, Robert Baratheon, Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Jon Snow, Arya Stark, Sansa Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister.
A Clash of Kings
War erupts in Westeros following the death of King Robert. Stannis Baratheon and Renly Baratheon challenge the legitimacy of King Joffrey's rule, leading to a full-scale conflict known as the War of the Five Kings.
Major Events
Renly Baratheon is assassinated by a shadow creature, orchestrated by Stannis's sorceress ally, Melisandre. Theon Greyjoy betrays the Starks and captures Winterfell. The Battle of the Blackwater sees Stannis's fleet defeated by Tyrion Lannister's wildfire.
Key Characters
Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Theon Greyjoy, Melisandre, Davos Seaworth, Brienne of Tarth, Margaery Tyrell.
A Storm of Swords
The War of the Five Kings continues, with shifting alliances and betrayals. Meanwhile, Jon Snow joins the Night's Watch beyond the Wall, where he encounters the threat of the White Walkers
Major Events
The Red Wedding sees the massacre of Robb Stark and his forces by the Freys and Boltons. Tyrion Lannister is falsely accused of regicide and faces trial. Daenerys Targaryen conquers the city of Astapor and liberates its slaves.
Key Characters
Walder Frey, Roose Bolton, Oberyn Martell, Joffrey Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, Catelyn Stark, Samwell Tarly.
A Feast For Crows
With the War of the Five Kings winding down, the focus shifts to the aftermath of the conflict and the power struggles within Westeros.
Major Events
Cersei Lannister's machinations lead to her downfall, as she is arrested by the Faith of the Seven. Arya Stark travels to Braavos and begins her training with the Faceless Men. Brienne of Tarth searches for Sansa Stark.
Key Characters
Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Brienne of Tarth, Theon Greyjoy, Victarion Greyjoy
A Dance With Dragons
The narrative continues to follow the various factions vying for power in Westeros, as well as the journeys of Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow.
Major Events
Jon Snow is betrayed and stabbed by his own men at the Wall. Daenerys Targaryen struggles to maintain control of Meereen amid rebellion and insurgency. The Greyjoys continue their campaign of conquest.
Key Characters
Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Stannis Baratheon, Melisandre, Tyrion Lannister, Bran Stark, Ramsay Bolton.