House Of The Dragon

Credit: HBO

House of the Dragon is two-thirds of the way through its incredible second season, which makes me very sad. It’s rare to find such great television these days, and I’m still a bit shocked at how great this series is after the absolutely dreadful ending to Game Of Thrones.

In any case, if you’re a reader and you haven’t really delved into the source material for House of the Dragon yet, or if you enjoy collecting lovely books with lovely artwork, the following list is for you. Enjoy!

#1. House of the Dragon: The Official Coloring Book

Yes, I begin this list with a coloring book. But that’s because it’s the most recent addition to my own collection. My plan was to sit down with this book and a bunch of colored pencils and color while I watched episodes of House of the Dragon. I still might do that—the second time I watch this season (or maybe even when I rewatch Season 1).

The problem I’ve run into is not one with the book, which is terrific, filled with countless scenes from the TV show just waiting to be exhumed from black and white and into living color. The problem is that I take copious notes each episode, often writing out entire scenes of dialogue word-for-word to include in my recaps. I don’t think I’ve ever taken such extensive notes while watching a TV series before, but this show is just so dense (in a good way!) that I have to.

But you probably don’t take notes while you watch House of the Dragon so you could steal my idea (like a wild dragon steals sheep) and color while you watch, or really any other time since it’s a very meditative and calming thing to do in my humblest of opinions. Almost as calming as Ser Simon Strong shushing you to sleep.

The only complaint I have with this book is that the images are a bit limited in terms of characters, with mostly the most central characters like Daemon, Rhaenyra and Alicent shown. Unlike the next book on this list, the illustrations are clearly characters in the show rather than artist interpretations of characters from George R.R. Martin’s source material.

House of the Dragon coloring book

Credit: Penguin

#2. The Rise of the Dragon: An Illustrated History of the Targaryen Dynasty, Volume One

This is a really terrific illustrated tome that would make a great addition to any House of the Dragon fan’s collection. I wrote a review of the book back in 2022 when it was first published. You can see some large-scale images from the volume at that link, but be warned—some contain spoilers (avoiding the captions might help).

The volume covers a long span of time during the Targaryen dynasty from Aegon Targaryen’s conquest of Westeros until the infamous Dance of the Dragons upon which House of the Dragon is based. It’s not as in-depth or engaging a read as the next book on this list, but the illustrations are gorgeous.

The book is comprised of over 150 full-color illustrations from numerous artists spanning multiple kings and queens of Westeros and their dragons. It’s awesome.

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones

This list would not be complete if I didn’t include the fake history of the Targaryen dynasty itself. Fire & Blood is a fascinating book, written like an actual history with different historical sources compiled by a Maester who—like every good historian—must make judgment calls about what is the more likely version of events. The book covers much more ground than the show, going all the way back to the time of Aegon the Conqueror.

What makes it especially compelling is that the show is considered the “true” version of events, while the book is relayed like a history, with all the possible flaws any history contains. “The history is written by the victor”is one such flaw. Historians seek out the truth, but they’re digging through stories buried in time. What emerges is often only partially true.

House of the Dragon is one of the most enthralling adaptations I’ve ever seen because of how it tweaks Martin’s stories in ways that are surprising and often illuminating. I definitely think reading this before, alongside or after is essential to truly enjoy the show, though I don’t think it matters which order you do it in.

Finally, if you’re as excited as I am about the next HBO Thrones spinoff, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, you should definitely read the novellas upon which the show is based. These are some of my favorite stories of Martin’s, much more focused on adventure, chivalric pursuits like jousting, and knight errantry. They’re also much, much shorter than the Song of Ice and Fire novels!

Are you enjoying House of the Dragon so far? Any good books on your reading list lately? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

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