I think we can all agree that Game of Thrones‘ ending was a disappointment. Thankfully, House of the Dragon is making up for that. It has everything fans could want and is packed full of interesting and morally ambiguous characters. But what book is House of the Dragon based on?
The smash hit Game of Thrones was based on George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels called A Song of Ice and Fire.
Despite the show concluding in 2019, Martin is yet to finish his series of novels. Fans are still eagerly awaiting The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring.
The last novel in the series to hit the shelves was A Dance with Dragons. This was released in 2011 just a few short months after Game of Thrones began airing.
House of the Dragon takes place almost 200 years before its predecessor. The prequel series follows the heyday of the House Targaryen, back when they ruled Westeros and sat on the Iron Throne.
The House Targaryen is led by King Viserys I. The series begins with his ascension to the throne before skipping forward nine years into his reign. As the show explains, this is 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.
One thing I wondered when the show was first announced was whether it is based on any books by George R. R. Martin, just like Game of Thrones is.
So, if you’d like to know what book House of the Dragon is based on, keep reading to find out…
What Book Is House of the Dragon Based On?
Given how long it has taken Martin to write The Winds of Winter, House of the Dragon fans may wonder whether he found the time to write anything else in the meantime. But he did – and it forms the basis of House of the Dragon.
What book is House of the Dragon based on? House of the Dragon is based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood. Fire & Blood was released in November 2018.
It provides the backstory for House Targaryen prior to the events of A Song of Ice and Fire. House of the Dragon isn’t based on the entire book, however. Only the second half of the first volume.
And the second volume of Fire & Blood is yet to come – it currently has no confirmed release date.
It’s also worth noting that Fire & Blood isn’t as highly regarded as A Song of Ice and Fire, and has been described as a tough historical slog to read.
However, the story it tells of a Targaryan civil war – known as the Dance of the Dragons – certainly has the potential for plenty of small screen excitement.
Considering how its first season has played out, House of the Dragon seems to be defying Fire & Blood‘s naysayers already.
Are you enjoying House of the Dragon? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
