The Ice Dragon

Most of the world has heard of Game of Thrones by now, but R. R. Martin's book series is still overlooked in favor of the more accessible TV show. For fans of coming of age, that could be a huge mistake. There are many ways A Song of Ice and Fire differs from its counterpart, and one of those is the depth and growth of younger characters. Martin's tale is a slow and weaving one, taking the perspective of many characters in the third person. With this variety comes multiple coming of age stories. Among the most prominent are the Stark children – Arya, Sansa, Bran, Robb and Jon. In just one family there's growth in swordsmanship, magical ability, and inner strength. Then there's the story of Daenerys Targaryen, from girl to Khaleesi, and from Khaleesi to the mother of dragons. However, Martin's novels are set apart by a realistic portrayal of not just "good" characters, but bad ones too. Joffrey Baratheon is one of the most hated names in fantasy, yet he still manages to present a story of growth – not in morals, but in power, insecurity, and the lengths he's willing to go to. The contrast is tied together with the incredible blend of politics, death, and betrayal the series is known for. Read if you like: Dark fantasy, Game of Thrones TV series, strong antagonists.

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The Ice Dragon

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