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Rate: 4/5

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Medium: Audiobook

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Overview (All the Spoilers):

When The Rise of the Dragon, illustrated book, came about a few years ago, I’m not sure why I didn’t choose to read it. I’m a huge fan of Martin’s Game of Thrones series, even doing long, comprehensive, spoiler-filled reviews of the original books. 

I likely thought The Rise of the Dragon would mirror much of the material from his other books that have come out, Fire & Blood. With the hype of the HBO show returning for one last season, and recently rereading Game of Thrones, I found I was eager to pick up something new from this world again.

For the past year I’ve been drawn to happy, feel-good reads and I went into this one knowing where the story was headed from other histories I’d read. One thing I don’t think fans of the HBO show realize is the brutal story they are about to see in this upcoming season. There are no winners in this terrible, heartbreaking conflict between dragons. I will have a hard time watching the show, though I will likely watch anyway. 

The ending aside, Martin’s storytelling easily brings to life this history that in another author’s hands would be stale and dry. This book is meant to be an illustrated story, but in listening to the audio I found that the pictures were in no way necessary to enjoy this book. 

Overall, while relatively short, I am grateful for this detailed insight into Targarian history and for the reminder of the violent fates waiting in the HBO show this season. I genuinely miss Martin’s writing style and will be soon continuing my reread of a series I so enjoy.

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