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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love 'House of the Dragon', so I was very excited to check out 'Fire and Blood', yes, to see the history of Westeros, but more than anything, find out how the rest of that story goes, because I'm too impatient to wait for the next seasons. Beyond now being even more excited for what comes next, I loved this book in its own right.
What I will say straight away is my biggest issue is that it often feels quite cold and distant. By nature of what the book is, it couldn't have been different, but it did mean I struggled to care or connect with the story at points. All the malarky with the Free Cities honestly just bored me, as did some of the Regency stuff.
As for the stuff I did like... there was a LOT. I absolutely loved reading about stuff like Aegon's Conquest, and the whole reign of Jaeherys and Alysanne (why did this book having me shipping siblings!?), but as I expected, my favourite part was the Dance of Dragons, particularly everything beyond the scope of the show thus far, as I already had an emotional investment in the characters (which alleviated my main issue). There were loads of moments that I found absolutely thrilling to read about, my favourites beingthe Battle of the Gullet, both Tumbleton battles (particularly the betrayal of Hugh and Ulf, which I did NOT see coming - those snakes!), "Loyal", the Hour of the Wolf (Cregan is a badass!), and above all, the battle above the God's Eye. Daemon is my favourite show character, and I despise Aemomd - I'm Team Black as it stands currently, although I definitely like Rhaenyra less in the book - so I hoped for a cool death for both, and damn, this delivered. Can't wait to see that in the show.
One other thing I loved was Mushroom. All the testimonies are cool, but his were obviously the best. He cracked me up on numerous occasions with the sheer absurdity of his stories!!
'Fire and Blood' is definitely not for everyone. The distant, impersonal writing-style will not be engaging for some people, and it's incredibly complex with hundreds of characters to follow, all the dragons and shifting allegiances... it's overwhelming. Nonetheless, I thought it was pretty brilliant despite some flaws. Hoping that the sequel gets released at some point; it gets ever unlikelier by the day, but I shall live in hope.
What I will say straight away is my biggest issue is that it often feels quite cold and distant. By nature of what the book is, it couldn't have been different, but it did mean I struggled to care or connect with the story at points. All the malarky with the Free Cities honestly just bored me, as did some of the Regency stuff.
As for the stuff I did like... there was a LOT. I absolutely loved reading about stuff like Aegon's Conquest, and the whole reign of Jaeherys and Alysanne (why did this book having me shipping siblings!?), but as I expected, my favourite part was the Dance of Dragons, particularly everything beyond the scope of the show thus far, as I already had an emotional investment in the characters (which alleviated my main issue). There were loads of moments that I found absolutely thrilling to read about, my favourites being
One other thing I loved was Mushroom. All the testimonies are cool, but his were obviously the best. He cracked me up on numerous occasions with the sheer absurdity of his stories!!
'Fire and Blood' is definitely not for everyone. The distant, impersonal writing-style will not be engaging for some people, and it's incredibly complex with hundreds of characters to follow, all the dragons and shifting allegiances... it's overwhelming. Nonetheless, I thought it was pretty brilliant despite some flaws. Hoping that the sequel gets released at some point; it gets ever unlikelier by the day, but I shall live in hope.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Ugh. When I wasn't grumpy about how unbearably dense this book is I really enjoyed it. I've been very annoying to everyone who's talked to me while I've been reading it because I won't shut up about dragon politics. I respect his craft, won't be reading anything by him ever again though. Good riddance
Never have I so enjoyed reading what is essentially a textbook. I’m also ashamed to say that I know more about this fictional family than any dynasty that has existed in reality.
Wanted to read this prior to starting House of the Dragon, but I can't be arsed.
So... Where's the rest of the Targaryan history?
Specially the part about Egg...
Specially the part about Egg...
Fire & Blood is a deep dive into the rich history of Westeros, offering fans of A Song of Ice and Fire an expansive look at the Targaryen dynasty. I read this book during a period of intense obsession with everything ASOIAF, eager to absorb every bit of lore George R.R. Martin had to offer. As a history book within the fictional world, it does an incredible job of expanding the lore and further building the intricate world Martin has created. For devoted fans, it’s a treasure trove of information that adds depth and context to the main series.
However, Fire & Blood is not without its challenges. The book’s format, styled as a historical chronicle, can be quite dry, especially for those who are not deeply invested in the world of Westeros. It lacks the narrative drive and character focus that make the main series so compelling, which might make it a tough read for some. The book’s detailed accounts of lineage, battles, and political maneuvers are fascinating for those who crave more knowledge about the Targaryens, but they can also feel overwhelming and tedious at times.
The most frustrating aspect of Fire & Blood, however, is that it exists at all while the main series remains unfinished. As much as I appreciated the depth of the world-building, it’s hard not to feel that this effort could have been better spent on completing The Winds of Winter and the final installment of A Song of Ice and Fire. While Fire & Blood is an enjoyable read for die-hard fans, it also serves as a reminder of the unending wait for the conclusion of the story that first captivated us.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Prequel: Fire & Blood – 4/5
Book 1: A Game of Thrones – 5/5
Book 2: A Clash of Kings – 5/5
Book 3: A Storm of Swords – 5/5
Book 4: A Feast for Crows – 4/5
Book 5: A Dance with Dragons – 4/5
However, Fire & Blood is not without its challenges. The book’s format, styled as a historical chronicle, can be quite dry, especially for those who are not deeply invested in the world of Westeros. It lacks the narrative drive and character focus that make the main series so compelling, which might make it a tough read for some. The book’s detailed accounts of lineage, battles, and political maneuvers are fascinating for those who crave more knowledge about the Targaryens, but they can also feel overwhelming and tedious at times.
The most frustrating aspect of Fire & Blood, however, is that it exists at all while the main series remains unfinished. As much as I appreciated the depth of the world-building, it’s hard not to feel that this effort could have been better spent on completing The Winds of Winter and the final installment of A Song of Ice and Fire. While Fire & Blood is an enjoyable read for die-hard fans, it also serves as a reminder of the unending wait for the conclusion of the story that first captivated us.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Prequel: Fire & Blood – 4/5
Book 1: A Game of Thrones – 5/5
Book 2: A Clash of Kings – 5/5
Book 3: A Storm of Swords – 5/5
Book 4: A Feast for Crows – 4/5
Book 5: A Dance with Dragons – 4/5
Couldn't get into it. Too dry. Too confusing. Too many names that were too similar.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes