House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4, had a brief appearance from a veteran character actor, serving as the perfect reminder to check out another fantastic, gritty fantasy book series. With the Dance of the Dragons beginning to unleash across Westeros, “The Red Dragon and the Gold” sees Criston Cole leading the Greens’ army along the Crownlands coastline, capturing castles on his road to Rook’s Rest. On the way, they stop at Duskendale, and Criston Cole executes Lord Gunthor Darklyn for refusing to bend the knee to Aegon II.

Between the councils of the Greens and the Blacks, House of the Dragon’s season 2 cast has expanded with several minor lords and noblemen from Westeros. The TV series makes a distinct point by noting that the war affects everyone on the continent, not just those in the great houses. While late seasons of Game of Thrones typically ignored these nuances, the prequel has been careful to acknowledge the foundational aspects of the world George R.R. Martin constructed.

Fantasy Audiobook Narrator Steven Pacey Cameos In House Of The Dragon Season 2

Steven Pacey Is A Beloved Audiobook Narrator Of Over 200 Credits

Steven Pacey lends his epic voice to HOTD as Lord Gunthor Darklyn. Steven Pacey is a highly regarded film, television, stage, and voice actor with over 200 audiobooks to his name. He’s widely celebrated for his readings of Joe Abercrombie’s fantasy series, The First Law, to the point where it’s considered by some readers to be the definitive way to enjoy the saga. For lovers of HOTD and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice & Fire, Joe Abercrombie’s work is one of the best follow-up options, with Pacey’s audiobook readings being an incredible way to dive into them.

Why The First Law Is The Perfect ASOIAF Replacement

The First Law Is The Only Series That Matches ASOIAF As A Gritty Fantasy

George R.R. Martin’s prolific work with ASOIAF drastically impacted the fantasy genre in the 21st century, shifting the tone of epic fantasy to a gritty, more realistic variant that’s far less enchanting and glorious. Joe Abercrombie, dubbed “Lord Grimdark” by many readers, is the epitome of that influence, exploring a fantasy world consumed by conflicts of power, politics, and destructive war. Most importantly, Abercrombie embraces Martin’s affinity for morally ambiguous characters, often taking the concept a step further.

While ASOIAF has characters like Jon and Daenerys, who resemble prophetic heroes, Abercrombie has a far lower bar for morality in his world. Instead of having clear protagonists to root for, Abercrombie challenges the readers with initially abrasive point-of-view characters whose complexities and glimpses of goodness shine through as events progress. The First Law is a must-read for fantasy lovers who appreciate the sophistication of House of the Dragon and the Game of Thrones universe.