The last thing you think of when you think of "Game of Thrones" is that it is kid-friendly.
However, George R.R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire," seems to be branching out from the world of Westeros, where graphic sex and violence run wild. Martin writing a children's book is something that even die hard fans could probably not imagine from the prolific author. However, that is exactly what he has done.
The plan is to release and republish Martin's "The Ice Dragon," which was initially published as part of the 1980 anthology "Dragons of Light." Although the story was released as a standalone book in 2007, the new edition from Tor Books will feature artwork from Spanish artist Luis Rovo. The children's tome is due to hit shelves on October 21.
According to Entertainment Weekly, "The Ice Dragon" is set in the same world as the "Song of Ice and Fire" series. Martin goes on to note that there was an instance in his "A Dance with Dragons" wherein a character recalls a childhood tale about an ice dragon. Because the new book is set in the same universe, it will open new doors for children and adults alike.
It is a fair bet that this new children's book will be a crossover hit the same way "GOT" has crossed into popular culture for fantasy enthusiasts as well as the reader that loves the personal stories of the series.
Don't expect the story to have the blood and guts of the HBO show. While "The Ice Dragon" will tie in to the world of Westeros, the themes of the book are that of a children's fable. The story goes that a young girl named Adara befriends a mysterious ice dragon during a long and cold winter. Years later, fiery dragons swoop in on her town and it is up to Adara and the ice dragon to save the day.
The "Song of Fire and Ice" novels have sold 25 million copies worldwide since their first publication in 1991. Martin is currently hard at work on "The Winds of Winter," the sixth novel in his opus.
As far as his new kids book, Martin is definitely walking into unknown territory. However, the book could be a smash, thus paving the way for a new generation of "Game of Thrones" fans.
