Here’s exactly which book each House of the Dragon season is based on, and how to read it

For those that love the Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire, series and want to read the book House of the Dragon is based on then it’s not actually that straight forward and reading it can become slightly complicated.

To break it down, Fire & Blood is a fantasy book by George R.R. Martin that explains the history of House Targaryen and was published in two volumes. The book is not written chapter by chapter but instead, “more like a wikipedia page.” It takes the form of a scholarly treatise written by a historian, in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire (the series which Games Of Thrones is based off.)

But this isn’t to say that the books will be entirely accurate to the seasons. However, Game Of Thrones author George R.R. Martin did say: “I believe I have more influence now than the original show” when it came to making the spin off series House of the Dragon. It’s fair to say Fire & blood is a hefty book and likely to keep you occupied for a while. Or, if you haven’t watched the series then the cast is just as iconic to match the book.

This is what George RR Martin book the House of the Dragon TV show is based on

via HBO

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So, both seasons are actually based off the same singular book called Fire & Blood. Season one of the TV show is actually only less than two chapters of the book, that’s how long it is! However, the chapters are divided according to theme rather than being set out chronologically. For example, the reign of Jahaerys and the reign of Virserys are in the same chapter because this represents years of peace and prosperity. In all, the first season of the TV is only around 75 pages of the book, plus a few extra pages from the next section. However, if you want to avoid the season two spoilers then stop at the end of The Blacks and the Greens.

The first season is fairly accurate to the book and at least covers the second half of A Question of Succession. There are some adaptions, with episodes nine and ten changing slightly The Blacks and the Greens and A Son For A Son section, so don’t expect it to be entirely the same.

The content of House of the Dragon season two, starts around page 400 in the book. There is a full page illustration of Vhagar versus Arrax in the storm which is helpful to start reading at as that will be in season two episode one. Jace’s mission to Winterfell is explained before Luke’s mission to storm’s end – this is in in the first episode. Happy reading!

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Related articles recommended by this writer:

• Who’s single versus in a relationship from the iconic House of the Dragon season two cast

• House of the Dragon showrunner reveals whether Erryk or Arryk actually won *that* fight

• The shockingly gruesome ways every main character dies in the House of the Dragon

Featured images via HBO