*Warning: Spoilers of seasons 1-7 of Game of Thrones ahead*

Towering castles, ferocious dragons and intense battle scenes have brought George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series to life on our screens.

But there is something all too familiar about the characters and scenes we have grown to love over the years; many can be linked to our own country's history.

Scotland's gory past plays a starring role in the HBO favourite, with the author validating some of the theories that have emerged in the last few seasons of the show.

The similarities have been explored in depth in the debut novel of Edinburgh writer David Weinczock, entitled 'The History of Game of Thrones: The North Remembers'.

Where did Martin draw inspiration for the elusive Red Wedding, which saw the slaughter of four of the Stark family?

Are there any links between Robert The Bruce and Robert Baratheon?

Find out in The Herald's podcast, where David delves deep into Westerosi and Scottish history before the final episode premieres.

David's book is available now, and the official launch is this Friday.

You can find David on Twitter and on his website castlehunter.scot.