How to Read the George R.R. Martin Books That Launched Game of Thrones for Free

ktbuffy, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
ktbuffy, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 | ktbuffy, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

If you’ve been meaning to read the A Song of Ice and Fire book series for some time, then you’re in luck. As Fortune reports, you can read the George R.R. Martin books that inspired HBO's Game of Thrones for free on your preferred electronic device.

The first five books in the fantasy series are available in both e-book and audiobook format on Libby, a free mobile app that syncs up with your library memberships and lets you stream or download books. The app is available on smartphones and tablets, but not on Kindles. However, you can still send a book to your Kindle by using the Libby app on another device.

The books that are currently available on Libby include: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. Of course, many libraries also let you rent e-books directly from their collection without ever having to leave your house, but there are some perks to using the Libby app. When a library book is due, it will automatically be returned, without you having to worry about late fees. Books can also be easily renewed within the app. (If you're determined to own the books yourself, a paperback set costs $30 on Amazon.)

As for those who are anxiously awaiting the next installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, Martin promises it's coming. The noted author reportedly turned down a cameo appearance in the final season of Game of Thrones, which is loosely based on his books, in order to focus on writing The Winds of Winter, which will be the sixth book.

“It’s the end for a lot of people,” Martin said of the TV series, according to Entertainment Weekly. “It’s not the end for me. I’m still deeply in it. I better live a long time because I have a lot of work left to do.”