Breathe To Read

Breathe To Read

Friday, June 21, 2019

Extra Book: Fire And Blood

Book:  Fire and Blood
Author: George R. R. Martin
Pages: 736


This is my 79th read for the year.

This book was my "break" from my reading challenge.  I read about 25 pages a day, and although it took forever, I like having something outside of the challenge to read each evening.

This book takes place 300 years before his book series, Ice and Fire, began.  It starts with Aegon I's conquest, and moves through the Dance of Dragons.  Around 130 years total are covered in this book, ending with Aegon III's reign.  It still has quite a bit of time to go before we get to when Robert Baratheon takes over, so I assume there is going to be another prequel.

Most of the book is told from the point of view of a Maester and of a fool named Mushroom who both had written accounts of the Targaryen history.  

The book covers generation after generation of Targaryens, Valaryons, Baratheons, Lannisters, Hightowers, Starks, and the like.  While the main focus is on the ruling of the Targaryens, and how they and their dragons maintain power over the years, you do get a small peak into the other families that you love.

I really loved this book.  I am a huge fan of R.R. Martin, and  - while I wish he would finish the Song of Ice and Fire - this was a book that helped unlock several mysteries for me about what happened leading up to Robert Baratheon usurping the throne.  The start of the book is very easy to follow - from the Conquest and then when Aegon I's first child takes over the throne.  Then it starts to get complicated because Aegon I's first child gets married and has around 13 children and the branches sprout like mad.  You really have to be paying attention because - just like all of Martin's books - there are 1000 characters to keep track of, and so many side stories that it will make your head spin.

This book is genius, and incredibly well written, just like his others.  I enjoyed every word, and do hope he writes the second prequel to lead up to Robert Baratheon's conquest, and ALSO finishes Winds of Winter, so that the series will be complete.  

If you love Game of Thrones, you will LOVE this book.  It is worth your time.

Stars: 5


2 comments:

  1. Ooooo I'm slowly reading this too! Haven't touched it in a while but I'm writing notes to help me keep track. Also, Martin told NZ to put him on a deserted island until he finishes Winds of Winter if he steps foot in the country next yr without a draft finished? He's due to travel there I think about September next yr

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  2. I wasn't sure if this was worth the read as I'm still upset that I'm waiting for our Song of Ice and Fire but this might be worth a read, and I do love GoT, I thought this was some like boring biblical history and I was like 'no thanks' I'm so relieved to hear it's something more!!

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