This year, 2016, is a very special year for those who have been a part of the A Song of Ice and Fire fandom since long before the TV show was even a thing that George R.R. Martin considered feasible. (In fact, he deliberately wrote his story in a way that he considered impossible to film.) In only a few short weeks, the official 20th anniversary of the publication of the very first novel of the series, the one from which the TV show takes its name, will be upon us. A Game of Thrones was originally released on August 6th, 1996. To mark the occasion, Bantam is releasing a brand new special Illustrated edition of the first novel.





Now, I’m sure every fan will agree that having a brand new edition of A Song of Ice and Fire novel was among the Top 3 things they wanted to see this year. And although I think we all admit we would have rather it have been The Winds of Winter, sometimes you just have to take what you can get. In this case, it will have to be A Game of Thrones: The 20th Anniversary Illustrated Edition: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One.

Published in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of George R. R. Martin’s landmark series, this lavishly illustrated special edition of A Game of Thrones revitalizes the fantasy masterpiece that started a cultural phenomenon. With gorgeous full-page illustrations in every chapter, the mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure of this magnificent saga come to life as never before.

Amazon has the retail price for the hardcover listed at $50, but if you preorder now, you can get it for just $38. The Illustrated Edition will be arriving in stores October 18th, just in time for the holiday sales rush, to try and fill that gap for the loved one you were hoping to be able to reward with a copy of The Winds of Winter.