Westeros Withdrawal: Where to turn if you’re not ready to say goodbye to George RR Martin’s world
For many, the series finale of Game of Thrones marked the end of their investment in the fictional realm of George RR Martin. Regardless of whether you found the conclusion of the televised adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire satisfying or horribly disappointing, it’s understandable if you feel compelled to take a break from Westeros — at least until HBO’s spin-off series begin kicking into gear.
However, if you’re left wanting more of Martin’s world you’re in luck. There are several options for those wanting to dive back into Westeros and Essos — provided you like to read. I’m here to guide you through those options.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, 2015
What is it?
Other than serving as the inspiration for the best episode of season 8, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is actually a compilation of three previously published novellas featuring the hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (aka “Dunk”) and his squire “Egg”, set approximately 100 years before Game of Thrones.
How long is it?
368 pages, with illustrations.
This is the book for you if…
Your favorite parts of Game of Thrones were pairings like Arya and the Hound or Jamie and Brienne roaming the countryside of Westeros. In some ways this book is the perfect palate cleanse if you felt the pacing of the final two seasons of Game of Thrones was too rushed. Dunk and Egg spend their time away from the castles in the show’s intro — serving lesser lords and ladies, fighting in tournaments, and conversing with the smallfolk. In the process, their journey provides considerable exposition on events of the Blackfyre Rebellion — much in the same way that the early seasons of Game of Thrones so deftly weaved in the background of Robert’s Rebellion.
Skip it if…
The spectacle of Game of Thrones was the biggest appeal to you. There are no dragons in this tale (though a dragon egg does make an appearance) nor are there sweeping battles. While not devoid of action, there’s no Blackwater or Battle of the Bastards in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Fire and Blood, 2018
What is it?
The first volume of a two part account of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros, spanning from Aegon’s conquest to the rise of Aegon III in the aftermath of the Dance of Dragons. I say “account” rather than “history” because the book is narrated from the point of view of Archmaester Gyldayn who is in turn pulling on firsthand accounts from various source to retell the events of this era.
How long is it?
736 pages, with occasional illustrations.
This is the book for you if…
You were left wanting more both from the aerial battle between the Night King and Jon/Daenerys atop their dragons. Or if you wanted the historical backstory of why Jon’s claim to the Iron Throne was stronger than Dany’s. The richness of Martin’s world is on full display here as is the might of dragons. Fire and Blood alternates between triumphant and tragic in tone, from the highs of Aegon’s conquest and the long reign of Jaeherys and Alysanne to the lows of Maegor the Cruel and the prolonged Targaryen civil war also known as the Dance of Dragons.
It’s also worth noting that with several spin-off series still potentially within the pipeline, there is a decent chance some of the material from Fire and Blood could be adapted on screen in the future — Aegon’s conquest and the Dance of Dragons seem the most likely choices.
Skip it if…
The idea of reading an imaginary history doesn’t appeal to you. To his credit Martin manages to make Fire and Blood a far more compelling read than I expected — mostly by means of the conflicting accounts of various maesters, septons, and even that of a court fool named Mushroom who is prone to provide the most scandalous version of events. Still, Fire and Blood is unquestionably aimed at the more hardcore fans who are intrigued by where Daenerys’ dragon eggs really came from or amused by Martin naming multiple members of House Tully after muppets.
A Song of Ice and Fire, 1996-
What is it?
George RR Martin’s multi-volume epic (and still unfinished) book series upon which Game of Thrones is based.
How long is it?
5216 pages between all five published volumes. And no illustrations.
These are the books for you if…
You loved the first four seasons of Game of Thrones and want to rekindle that love in a slightly different way. The first three books will seem familiar enough after watching the show — though even by book two you’ll start to notice differences. Books four and five are slower paced at times but introduce a number of characters you’ve never met. You’ll by turns begin to appreciate the monumental task that Benioff and Weiss had in attempting to tie everything together while and at the same time recognize Martin’s unparalleled talent for world building.
Skip it if…
You’re wanting a different ending for the characters in A Song of Ice and Fire. Don’t get me wrong, Martin’s ending could be the satisfying ending you’re waiting for, but at this point there is no guarantee we’ll ever get it. While The Winds of Winter (the sixth book in the series) appears to be inching closer to publication, the reality is we’ve been waiting since 2011 for the next entry in Martin’s series. Even if Martin does get Winds out in the next year, he still hasn’t even begun working on the A Dream of Spring, the seventh and final book. Optimistically you likely will be waiting a minimum of five years for Martin’s version of the ending. Pessimistically you might never get it.
Note: I have not received any compensation for the Amazon links above. I just really love these books and want other people to read them. By all means go buy them at your local bookseller or Target or from Moonboy for all I care (that last one is a joke you’ll get if you read A Song of Ice and Fire 😉)
