George R.R. Martin publishes new Targaryen history tale 'Sons of the Dragon'

Best-selling author George R.R. Martin has not given an update regarding the release of the much awaited sixth book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" saga, "Winds of Winter." However, the novelist has a small treat for fans of his work. A never-before-published story by the author is included in an anthology book titled "The Book of Swords."

Martin's story is titled "Sons of the Dragon," and chronicles the reigns of the second and third Targaryen kings of Westeros, Aenys I and his brother Maegor the Cruel. The brothers were the sons of Aegon Targaryen, who conquered and united the seven kingdoms under his reign.

On his blog, Martin promoted the book and gave a glimpse on what fans can expect from "Sons of the Dragon." He says the tale is "not a conventional story, no, more in the vein of 'The Princess and the Queen' and 'The Rogue Prince,' but perhaps of some interest to those fascinated by the blood-soaked annals of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros."

These two titles pertain to stories that tell some of the bloodiest periods in Targaryen history. "The Princess and the Queen" appeared in another anthology called "Dangerous Women," while "The Rogue Prince" appeared in the collection "Rogues."

In July, the author confirmed that a Westeros book will be released some time in 2018. However, he did not say if it would be "Winds of Winter," or the Targaryen history book he is currently working on which is "Fire and Blood."

"I am still working on it, I am still months away," said the author. "Whether 'WINDS' or the first volume of 'FIRE AND BLOOD' will be the first to hit the bookstores is hard to say at this juncture, but I do think you will have a Westeros book from me in 2018... and who knows, maybe two."

Though it's nice to have a new Westeros history story, fans who are eagerly waiting for "Winds of Winter" may need to wait a while longer.

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