Like Terry Pratchett, George R.R. Martin quite enjoyed writing stories for younger readers early on in his career. One of these, The Ice Dragon, is soon set for a rerelease by TOR books and to mark the occasion is getting an incredible new cover. For those unfamiliar with the story, here is the blurb:
In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire the ice dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. When it flew overhead, it left in its wake desolate cold and frozen land. But Adara was not afraid. For Adara was a winter child, born during the worst freeze that anyone, even the Old Ones, could remember.
Adara could not remember the first time she had seen the ice dragon. It seemed that it had always been in her life, glimpsed from afar as she played in the frigid snow long after the other children had fled the cold. In her fourth year she touched it, and in her fifth year she rode upon its broad, chilled back for the first time. Then, in her seventh year, on a calm summer day, fiery dragons from the North swooped down upon the peaceful farm that was Adara’s home. And only a winter child—and the ice dragon who loved her—could save her world from utter destruction.
The new edition’s cover was done by Luis Royo and the same artist will also be providing over 30 full-colour illustrations too. The cover can be seen below:
There is some speculation as to whether The Ice Dragon is actually set in the world of A Song of Ice & Fire – it predates A Game of Thrones by about a decade – or whether it is just appropriate to say it is as it makes it easier to market. Certainly, over the years the publishers have been more keen to say ‘yes it is’ than the author himself. Astute readers will notice upon reading that although there are a few similarities in terms of the setting and state of technology, there are also many differences and nothing that would allow a confirmation or placement of the tale on the ASoI&F timeline. I quite like Tor’s suggestion that it could be the kind of story Old Nan would tell to the younger Starks… Although it could also just be the tale you tell your kids too.
Anyway, this new edition of The Ice Dragon is set for release in October. If you can’t wait until then, the story is also available in Martin’s Dreamsongs anthology and in Dragons of the Light too.
Jennie Ivins
Stunning artwork- I have Dreamsongs already but may not be able to resist.