George R.R. Martin is currently one of the most famous authors in the world and his fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire has shot to fame since HBO adapted it into the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Martin’s novels may have a fantasy setting, but they’re distinct in the genre for their gritty realness, historic inspirations, and for not sugar-coating the real horror that is caused by war. The books are full of sex, violence, and political intrigue, and are wrapped up in an ambitious story of interwoven characters that’s more akin to Tolstoy’s War and Peace than Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
In their current form, the series is certainly aimed at mature readers, but Martin has announced that new editions of his books are on the way and have been reworked and edited for children. Many of the complex plot points will be either removed or simplified in order to be more manageable for young readers but will still include all the political backstabbing, battles, romances, and executions that the series is known for. The books will also feature colourful illustrations of key scenes and characters throughout each novel.
A spokesperson for Martin’s publisher stated: “George’s books have captured the imaginations of million of mature readers across the globe, and has proved that a fantasy series which includes dragons and magic can also be steeped in realism. George has been working with his editors to bring the brutal world of Westeros to young readers in the hopes that it will make them realise the true nature of war, that the good guys don’t always win, and that we rarely get what we deserve.”
Martin himself also commented on the upcoming books, saying: “I’m looking forward to introducing kids to the world of Westeros. I’m tired of seeing books for young children where good always prevails and where heroes are able to overthrow evil with nothing but courage and the power of friendship. It’s about time kids learnt that life isn’t all sunshine and fairies and that winter is coming.”
A Song of Ice and Fire: The Children’s Editions are set to be released sometime this Summer. A reading tour has been announced and will see George travelling to schools across the country to read the books to classes.
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