Say what you will about Game of Thrones, but one thing that nobody would contest is that it's not for kids. The dark and violent world of Westeros is definitely not intended for family reading and viewing.

Author George RR Martin once wrote a book for a younger audience, however - and one with some striking similarities to the fictional world of Game of Thrones.

Entitled The Ice Dragon, the 1980 story was first published as part of an anthology. Despite a reprint in 2007, the book has been out of print for several years now - a situation that is finally being rectified thanks to the ongoing popularity of the Game of Thrones books and TV series.

The Telegraph reports that The Ice Dragon is not explicitly set in the same world as Game of Thrones and is obviously a much milder place than Westeros as most know it. However they share many similarities such as long winters and the presence of dragons.

The new version of the book will be released in October and feature paintings from artist Luis Royo. While introducing a new younger audience to Martin's work, it could also prove a temporary distraction for fans eagerly awaiting the sixth book in the Song of Fire and Ice series and the fifth season of the TV show.