Fire & Blood - George R.R. Martin

⭐ 7.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

A prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire, this Silmarillion-esque book lays out the history of the Targeryen family. Some really cool stories featuring some standout characters, many of which are memorable despite none of them being main characters in a usual sense. Loved how it made connections between places and events we know about, and added some real depth to the world. The politics and religion in this book is well thought out, as expected, and again just adds a layer of believability to this made up universe.

I really like how this book is told as an in-universe history, with the maester writing it referring to his sources, and many of the sources being characters playing roles in the story. Makes it feel like an authentic history book (although now that I think about it, I think I have only ever read fantasy history books...). Getting multiple angles on events and conflicting sides of how events unfolded makes the story more interesting.

Extra points for including a family tree in the back of the book. Love this, and reminded me of reading LOTR or the Silmarillion and having a separate bookmark to stay at that section since I was flipping back to it so often. Makes it easier to track with the story, especially since almost all the conflict is do to some sort of familial connection.

And the illustrations! An abundance of beautiful artwork, helping put faces to the multitude of characters. Also, drawings of dragons fighting each other are just really cool.

Minus a half star for not including a map. What were they thinking!?