The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones
George R. R. Martin, Elio M. Garcia, Jr., And Linda Antonsson
I had no idea what I was in for when I bought this massive book. It is large, literally, and 300+ pages of the history of the Westeros and beyond. I have seen this lovely read on a few bloggers’ and friends’ wish list so here is my two cents about The World of Ice and Fire.
I would recommend The World of Ice and Fire to the mega fan or scholar of A Song of Ice and Fire. The average reader may feel like they are in over their head if this textbook is brought into their life BUT The World of Ice and Fire is the perfect campaign guide to reference while reading A Song of Ice and Fire. The World of Ice and Fire is the perfect coffee table piece to thumb through as you wait for the last season of Game of Thrones and Winds of Winter to be published. If you are a reader or know a reader who is interested in the universe GRRM has created, I recommend you check out A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms or his newer work Fire and Blood. Both are worth reading before diving into this beast of knowledge.
The World of Ice and Fire is divided into many sections. The ancient times is the first and one of the most interesting parts of the book. I loved reading about what came before the world we know so much of. After the ancient times, you venture into the Targaryen Kings their dragons, battles, and other events ending with Robert’s Rebellion.
After the Targaryens, you dive into the seven kingdoms. The best part of this was the brief history of each house, this was very helpful to me. Then, THEN the book gets fascinating: the free cities and other lands. As if you didn’t have enough to keep track of there is this whole other side of this world to learn about. It is interesting, but I am not sure how it all plays into A Song of Ice and Fire. Each section has maps and fantastic artwork. The artwork alone is what made the book great.
I have been reading this book since it was released. I have yet to finish it. I read bits and pieces in search of clues of how the series might end. If you are looking for answers or clues, look elsewhere. I don’t recommend this to the everyday reader nor someone who is new to the Westeros world. If you only watch the TV series, do not read this. If you are new to the fantasy world, The World of Ice and Fire might be overwhelming, or it might usher you into your new favorite genre.
The artwork throughout the book is beautiful, to say the least. The illustrations helped to build the imagery of Westeros. The maps and family trees are nice additions if you are reading A Song of Ice and Fire, or curious about how everyone is related. I do greatly enjoy The World of Ice and Fire and have no regrets in buying it, but I don’t recommend it unless you are a fan of the universe.
Do you own The World of Ice and Fire? Do you want it? Have you read GRRM other titles? Are you a fan of the TV series or books?
Lit Lemon Books 
I’ve never been able to get into the show or the books. I don’t know why…. Well, the books are just intimidating. There are too many of them at this point and they’re ALL HUGE!! Does GRRM really have so much to say to warrant all those pages?? And I’ve never been able to start either because there has also been some controversy over whether he even plans to finish the novels. Apparently he may just end them in the show…. I don’t know if I like that.
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There are a few rumors floating around about how he will end the series. Personally, I think he wants to see how fans react to the end of the tv show and he will adjust from there.
The books…well the books are a beating to say the least. I liked them but would have never picked them up if I had not watched the first season of the show. I had to know what was going to happen! And now, like other readers, I’m left waiting to find out of the ending will even match up.
Each chapter is a different character’s perspective, so yes they are long but depending on the amount of characters in the book you aren’t bored. I was burned around book four. I’d recommend them if you liked the show, but since you didn’t not point in reading them. Lol
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It’s not so much I DIDN’T. I just haven’t really given it a chance until I know there’s going to BE an ending! 😂 I’m an impatient person, so I’m bad with waiting for things, and even worse with things that NEVER END! But, I’m also not good with drama… I rarely watch tv and when I do, it’s usually something lighthearted (or gory and over the top). Maybe one day I’ll give it a go.
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When there is an ending, which there will be one day- def give it a try :).
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I was able to get it on sale for my birthday this last year, and though I have not read the book series I have seen some of the tv show and I did enjoy The World of Ice and Fire very much. I will admit that that probably had more to do with my love of old maps (even the fantasy kind), genealogies, and pseudo-textbook history stories in general. It just happened to fall right in my wheelhouse. If those are not things that one enjoys I can see why this would be only for the most ardent fan of G. R. R. Martin’s series.
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You should consider reading the series 🙂
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