Fire & Blood is a fictional historical account written by George R. R. Martin, published in 2018 by Bantam Books. Presented as a chronicle compiled by Archmaester Gyldayn of the Citadel, it details the history of the Targaryen dynasty from their conquest of Westeros through centuries of triumphs, tragedies, and internal conflicts. The book employs a dense, pseudo-scholarly style with multiple conflicting accounts from various sources, immersing readers in the rich lore of Martin's fantasy universe.
The narrative covers pivotal events such as Aegon I's unification of the Seven Kingdoms, the reigns of subsequent rulers, and the infamous Dance of the Dragons—a brutal civil war between rival Targaryen claimants that nearly extinguished the dragonlord bloodline. Renowned for its intricate plotting, vivid depictions of dragons and political intrigue, and exploration of themes like power, ambition, and the perils of absolute monarchy, Fire & Blood has captivated fans of Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, serving as a foundational text for the expansive world of Westeros.
