George R. R. Martin announces ‘Game of Thrones: The Rise of the Dragon’ book
Can’t wait for HBO’s House of the Dragon television series?
Game of Thrones fans will be happy to know that George R. R. Martin will be releasing another book based around House Targaryen.
Announced on the author’s official blog Thursday (March 17), Game of Thrones: The Rise of the Dragon will be entirely dedicated to the history of the Targaryen Dynasty tying in with the prequel series House of the Dragon slated for release on HBO sometime this year.
The book will serve as a visual history, featuring more than 180 all-new illustrations of the iconic House Targaryen and its reign, with an in-depth look at the lore of Westeros.
#TargaryenThursday We’re so excited to announce The Rise of The Dragon, a lavish visual history of House Targaryen – the iconic family at the heart of HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon – featuring over 180 all-new illustrations! https://t.co/TxUWpjqQV8 pic.twitter.com/BjrngZ0NJ5
— George RR Martin (@GRRMspeaking) March 17, 2022
For those wondering what the difference is between the upcoming title and the previously-released Fire & Blood, Martin wrote: “Think of The Rise of the Dragon as a deluxe reference book, in which Westeros’ most infamous family—and their dragons—come to life in partnership with some truly incredible artists.”
“Fire & Blood was scribed as a grandmaesters’ account of events from Aegon Targaryen’s conquest of Westeros through to the infamous Dance of the Dragons, the civil war that nearly undid the Targaryen rule,” the author added. “The Rise of the Dragon will cover the same time period, but is written in a more encyclopedic style similar to The World of Ice and Fire. In fact, The World of Ice and Fire authors Elio M. García, Jr. and Linda Antonsson have returned to help with this tome.”
Here's the book’s official synopsis:
“For hundreds of years, the Targaryens sat the Iron Throne of Westeros while their dragons ruled the skies. The story of the only family of dragonlords to survive Valyria’s Doom is a tale of twisty politics, alliances and betrayals, and acts both noble and craven. The Rise of the Dragon chronicles the creation and rise of Targaryen power in Westeros, covering the history first told in George R. R. Martin’s epic Fire & Blood, from Aegon Targaryen’s conquest of Westeros through to the infamous Dance of the Dragons—the bloody civil war that nearly undid Targaryen rule for good.”
According to the Game of Thrones author, The Rise of the Dragon is perfect for fans steeped in the lore of Westeros, as well as those meeting the Targaryens for the first time in the HBO series House of the Dragon.
Game of Thrones: The Rise of the Dragon will be available on Oct. 25, 2022. Pre-orders for the Hardcover edition are available in the US from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and more. The book will also come in Ebook and Audiobook formats.
HBO’s The House of the Dragon series is slated to be released sometime in 2022.