Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales

by Kristian Nairn

Beyond the Throne is the first memoir to share behind‑the‑scenes stories of the perils and triumphs of Game of Thrones—from beloved performer Kristian Nairn, who played Hodor and became one of the most recognizable figures of the global television phenomenon.The story of an unlikely hero who fulfilled his destiny… Fans will be fascinated by Kristian Nairn’s experience on Game of Thrones, from his unlikely audition to his on-the-job training as an actor to his ascendance as one of the most beloved and pivotal characters on the show. Nairn details the camaraderie that develops as the actors face the elements on set, not entirely unlike the ones their characters must endure on screen, as well as the life-altering effects of worldwide stardom. Nairn’s personal story—raised by a single mother during the Troubles in Ireland, coming of age as a gay man in Lisburn and Belfast, navigating intolerance, and seeking out his scene—is an epic, often rollicking, sometimes heartbreaking journey all its own. Nairn finds his voice and his confidence performing as a drag queen called Revvlon, and eventually DJing at the legendary nightclub Kremlin. Through the pitfalls and revelations of his creative pursuits, Nairn comes to understand who he really is, and that he is enough—a message that will resonate for anyone who has struggled to find their place.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Queer, Autobiography, LGBT, Audiobook

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold the Door! Kristian Nairn's memoir was as fabulous as his portrayal as Hodor on Game of Thrones. Who didn't love Hodor on that show? Seriously, that character and his last scene gets me every-single-time! Kristian Nairn gave Hodor strength, vulnerability, heart, and soul which won over viewers all over the world. He also gives the same amount of strength, vulnerability, heart and soul into the writing of his memoir.

Seriously, if you are a fam of GOT, you will enjoy learning of how he learned of the role, tried out, acted, and formed lasting friendships while filming the series. I'm a big fan of the series (watched it 6x from beginning to end) and loved reading about the beyond the scenes interactions, how scenes were filmed, and the experiences he had on set. I also enjoyed learning about the friendships he made (especially his friendship with Isaac), his struggles, insecurities, and triumphs while filming.

This memoir is also about where Kristian came from, his insecurities, his triumphs, his relationship with his mother, his vulnerabilities, his confidence struggles with his size and shape, his addiction, his love of music and being a DJ, being a drag performer, and being gay. He lays open his life in Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales for readers with openness, honesty, and vulnerability.

His story is one of inspiration and growth. He has come a long way from Northern Ireland to Hollywood and beyond. He is a creative individual and while you may have picked up this book as a fan of Hodor, you will close it being a fan of Kristian.

Thank you to Hachette Books who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC and really enjoyed it. I am a huge Game of Thrones girly and this memoir was the perfect blend between BTS of the show and learning more about Kristian's personal life and childhood. I love Hodor's character (as does everyone ofc) and getting to see Kristian's thoughts behind playing him was really fun. I also learned so much about the show that I didn't know!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww, Kristian Nairn! This autobiography alternates between two stories. First, it's the tale of how Nairn grew from a young boy in Belfast, painfully self-conscious about his size and his growing knowledge that he was also different because he was gay, into a confident drag performer and DJ. But equally, it's the story of Nairn's experiences as the actor playing Hodor in Game of Thrones. I'm only a casual GoT fan so was a lot more interested in the first story, and it grew a little difficult to keep the timeline straight in the alternating chapters as they went on - I would have liked date markers at the beginning of each chapter - and since I grew to really love Nairn due to his role as Wee John in Our Flag Means Death, I was a little disappointed that he only spoke about it in the very last chapter. But! It makes for such a positive ending, being welcomed into the cast of this show that wanted him for him and not just for his size. Overall, an entertaining read, and Game of Thrones fans will no doubt exult in all the juicy behind-the-scenes details and gossip. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

[Sara Planz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actor Kristian Nairn, who played Hodor on Game of Thrones, tells his story about the role, the show, and his life. His personal story, raised by a single mother in Ireland and living his truth as a gay man is a journey of perseverance and strength. He performed as a drag queen and a DJ at a nightclub. His creative drive is what truly lead him to his success and place in the entertainment world.

What I love most about memoirs like this is not just the fact that they often take us BTS of legendary projects, but they give us the understanding of what it takes to make it there, and the impact it has on the person. With Nairn's memoir, we also get to understand the life that made him who he is today. Performers today have the ability to not only bring awareness through their roles, but through their life stories, helping to open doors for others along the way. I really enjoyed how heartfelt this memoir was and than Kristian Nairn for his truth and talent.

[Nicole Mello · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a wonderful memoir! I wasn't sure what to expect, since I'm not really a memoir person, but I took a chance on this one and I'm really glad I did. what I expected to be an interesting life story with experiences I was curious about, ended up being a memoir that made me cry more than once and truly captivated me and made me deeply emotional. I felt put into these moments in intense ways that now make me feel like I know Kristian, so it's hard to say goodbye to a friend. I'd love to read more from him, honestly, and I can't wait to see more from him in general. he overcame so much and has become so authentically himself I can't stop thinking about how I want to be just the same. he learns to speak his mind and stand up for himself and be himself unabashedly, and be queer and do what he wants to do and be with the people he wants to be with. it's an incredible journey and one I'm glad I got to read. he's been through so much and still has come out with a sense of humor, a lot of care, so much talent, a sense of self that inspires me, and a lot more ahead. wonderful memoir! recommended by me! also if you get a chance, try the audiobook read by him, because it's also excellent!

[Gabrielle Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly bought this memoir because I stumbled upon a signed copy of it and thought, "why not?" but I've always loved Hodor in Game of Thrones.

Each chapter flip flops between Kristian's personal life and professional life. Personal life wise, Kristian talks about how difficult it is to grow up as someone his size, plus all of his identity struggles of being a guy man and having a drag persona. Professionally, he discusses how it difficult it was to give a character like Hodor, who only says his name, depth while also talking about the imposter syndrome he has for the first three or four seasons of GoT. At some point things sort of just fall into place and both his personal and professional life sort of merge and he figures out his own identity which is reflected in him DJ-ing under his own name.

Overall, it was a great and interesting autobiography! It added additional insight to the filling of GoT and I'm aching for a re-watch so I can keep a closer eye on Hodor.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a very honest look into the life of Kristian Nairn; a boy growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, intermixed with the man he becomes in the 2010s: an actor playing a very beloved character in one of the best TV shows ever made (if we ignore the last 2 or 3 seasons).

That alone would be plenty interesting to read. But being a very tall and big boy makes him stand out a lot. He's not like the other boys at all. He's painfully shy, sensitive and insecure. In his teens he also realises he's gay.

With that premise we read about two different periods in his life. One starting when he gets the role of Hodor in Game of Thrones, the other about his childhood up until a few years before getting the role.

This book is very well written. You can pretty much feel Kristians crippling loneliness as a small boy. The massive insecurity and the way he gets into drugs in his (late?) twenties.

In the second story line you read about the fun (and not so fun) parts of being on a set with a lot of famous actors. The crippling self doubt and imposter syndrome Kristian has. But also how he grows as a person to become more self assured. To me, this story felt hopeful.

The last chapter mentions OFMD, which to us crew is a really nice bonus, but ultimately for me not the main reason I decided to buy this book.

As memoirs go, this one's very good! ❤️

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biographies aren’t my meat and drink but any that I do pick up I always find them to be a breeze.

This was a great read and we find out about the man behind the much beloved Hodor. This story dovetails between Kristians time throughout GoT with his life story. Kristian is proud of who he is and where he is from and it shines in this book, would recommend!

[YuJun Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was interesting to read about behind the scenes of GOT from Kristian’s point of view, but I found myself less interested in his personal life even though he’s lived a very unique life. Probably would have preferred if his life story parts were all at the beginning instead of mixed in with the GOT stuff

[Nina ( picturetalk321 ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearing Kristian Nairn read his own memoirs in his own beautiful voice on Spotify was an absolute joy. His intonations, his personal quirks, his actorish knowledge of when to be breathy, when to pause, when to chuckle, when to intone, made listening to this absolutely vivid and riveting. I have watched half an episode of Game of Thrones in my life but the author's insights and tales of behind the scenes of making the series were endearing and involving (and actually made me go and watch a seminal Hodor scene). The account of his personal struggles with body shaming, mockery, homophobia, imposter syndrome and drug abuse touched me in its openness and vulnerability.

And yes, the last chapter does address Our Flag Means Death. /hearts

A wonderful, wonderful memoir.

Satisfies the #52 reading challenge 2024 prompt: released in the second half of 2024.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about Kristian. Gold and good soul. Stay drug free and proud. You are loved.

[E L Verner · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can also check out my review on my site here.

Alright, let’s start with a little honesty: I picked up Beyond the Throne because I’m a Game of Thrones fan and, like many, I’ve always been curious about the gentle giant behind Hodor. Who wouldn’t be? But what I didn’t expect was how deeply this memoir would resonate with me on a personal level. This isn’t just a book about Westeros; it’s a story about finding yourself, carving out your own space in the world, and embracing all the things that make you different. In this Kristian Nairn book review, I’ll take you through the highs, the heartwarming moments, and why this memoir feels like a big, cozy hug from the man himself.


Behind the Scenes: The Ice-Cold Magic of Westeros
Let’s start with the juicy stuff: the Game of Thrones insider scoop. Nairn’s time on the show sounds every bit as epic (and grueling) as you’d imagine. The long, freezing hours on set? They’re no exaggeration—they’re a brutal reality. Nairn paints such vivid pictures of the cold that I found myself wanting to bundle up while reading.
But the real gems here are the relationships. His bond with Isaac Hempstead Wright, who played Bran Stark, is particularly heartwarming. Early on, their connection mirrored their characters: tentative, distant, and growing only as time went on. By the end of Narin’s time on the show, their friendship had blossomed into something genuine, a real-life reflection of the loyalty between Hodor and Bran.
And then there’s the nude scene. Nairn doesn’t shy away from sharing the nerves, the awkwardness, and yes, the prosthetic penis made for the occasion. It’s a moment that reminds you just how human these actors are—even when playing characters in a fantasy world.
Of course, not all memories are warm and fuzzy. For example, Nairn hints at occasional tension among the cast, mentioning an actor whose ego may have gotten a little too big. It’s a fleeting moment in the book, but it adds a layer of realism to an otherwise tight-knit cast dynamic.


The Man Behind the Door
If the Game of Thrones chapters are a feast for fans, the personal chapters are the soul of the book. Nairn’s journey from a boy in Northern Ireland to an openly gay man, drag queen named Revvlon, DJ, and actor is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a society that often rejects what it doesn’t understand, Nairn found his own path with courage and grace.
His relationship with his mother, Pat, is one of the most touching elements of the book. Pat is his rock, his unshakable anchor in a world that often felt overwhelming. Her support is unwavering, whether he’s navigating the uncharted waters of acting, spinning records in a nightclub, or dealing with the pressures of fame.
Nairn describes her as the kind of mother who would cheer the loudest from the sidelines, yet quietly offer her strength when he needed it most. Through his stories, you get a vivid picture of a woman whose love and encouragement gave him the foundation to embrace his true self. Pat’s influence isn’t just a steadying force; it’s a beacon of warmth and reassurance that lights up every corner of his life.
And let’s talk about his work as a DJ and drag queen. Nairn shares fond memories of performing as a drag queen in Belfast, a creative outlet that allowed him to explore his identity and connect with others in a profound way. This chapter of his life occurred before his time on Game of Thrones, but his DJ career at the Kremlin, a famed nightclub in Belfast, actually overlapped with his years on the show.
While Nairn’s time as a DJ overlapped with his Game of Thrones work, the book also highlights another detail: his love for video games. Between the intense outdoor shoots and his energetic DJ nights, Nairn found solace in gaming, an escape from the pressures of fame and the demanding schedules. He speaks fondly of how gaming helped him stay grounded and gave him a chance to unwind.


The Structure of the Memoir
What I really enjoyed about the book is the way the chapters alternate between two distinct yet complementary narratives. One chapter takes you behind the scenes of Game of Thrones, offering juicy details about life on set, while the next dives deep into Kristian Nairn’s personal life, starting from his childhood and progressing chronologically. This structure makes the memoir feel dynamic, keeping you engaged as each chapter enriches the other.
The Game of Thrones chapters bring to light the freezing conditions on set, the camaraderie among cast members, and moments of pain and vulnerability. These chapters give you a whole new appreciation for what it took to bring the fantasy epic to life.
On the other hand, the personal chapters are where the emotional weight of the book really shines. Following Nairn’s journey through the challenges of growing up in Lisburn—just outside of Belfast, you also get a glimpse into the early LGBTQ+ scene in a city known for its conflict. Through his early explorations of drag performance and his rise as a House DJ, Nairn paints a picture of resilience and creativity within a community striving to carve out its own space. The courage and authenticity of those moments informed the warmth and humanity he brought to Hodor. The way these two narratives eventually intersect is immensely satisfying—it’s like watching two rivers converge into a single, powerful flow.
What struck me most was how much of Nairn himself you can feel in the character of Hodor. You realise that even in fantasy, there’s a piece of truth drawn from real life, and it’s that authenticity that makes both the book and the show so impactful.


Resonating Themes
One of the themes that hit me hardest was the idea of being different in a society that doesn’t always accept you Nairn’s warmth and vulnerability leap off the page, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of feeling out of place. His story isn’t just about survival—it’s about embracing individuality as a strength. Growing up he faced the double-edged challenge of being a towering figure and a gay man in Belfast. Yet, he found ways to thrive.
Through these moments, Nairn doesn’t just share his story; he also offers a portrait of resilience and the power of finding your tribe. The early LGBTQ+ scene in Belfast wasn’t easy, but it was alive with defiance, creativity, and a determination to carve out a space for self-expression. For Nairn, it was more than just a backdrop—it was a lifeline, a place where he could be seen and celebrated for who he was.
Another recurring theme is connection. From his bond with his mother, Pat, to his evolving friendship with Isaac Hempstead Wright, Nairn’s life is filled with relationships that ground him and add profound depth to his story. These moments of connection remind us that surrounding ourselves with people who truly see and support us can make all the difference. Nairn’s relationships don’t just uplift him, they give his narrative a richness and humanity that resonate long after you close the book.


Language and Accessibility

Let’s talk about the writing. While Beyond the Throne doesn’t have the sprawling complexity or dark, intricate descriptions of George R.R. Martin’s work—and believe me, I love getting lost in a web of deep, dark prose—this style works perfectly for a memoir like this. The conversational tone, which we can likely credit to co-writer Helena Drakakis, makes the book feel less like reading and more like sitting down with Kristian Nairn for a heart-to-heart. It’s warm, engaging, and accessible, with just the right sprinkle of humour and vivid imagery to keep you turning the pages.
For a memoir, this style excels in drawing you closer to the person behind the story, making this Kristian Nairn book review an easy one to write because the narrative itself feels so inviting.


Who Should Read This Book?
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this memoir is a no-brainer. The behind-the-scenes stories alone are worth the read, offering hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes raw glimpses into what it was like to bring Westeros to life. These chapters immerse you in the show in ways you haven’t seen before. But what truly elevates the book is its deeply personal tone.
Even if you’ve never set foot in Westeros, there’s something here for you too. The personal chapters, with their universal themes of resilience, individuality, and finding your place in the world, hold appeal for anyone seeking an inspiring and heartfelt story. Kristian Nairn masterfully balances the grandeur of his Game of Thrones experiences with the quiet strength of his personal journey, creating a memoir that is as compelling as it is relatable.


Final Thoughts
So, here’s my take: Beyond the Throne isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. It’s a journey through the magic of Westeros and the life of a man who embraced every part of himself, from his towering presence on screen to his vibrant pursuits off it. This Kristian Nairn book review has been a joy to write because the book itself was such a joy to read.
Whether you’re a die-hard Game of Thrones fan or simply someone who loves a good story about resilience and individuality, Beyond the Throne is worth your time. It’s warm, funny, and deeply human—just like the man behind Hodor. And if you do pick it up, prepare to walk away feeling like you just had the most heartwarming conversation with an old friend.

[Sue Fleischman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it’s because Hodor is such a lovable character or because I loved our flag means death but this book was such an absolute joy to listen to.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Game of Thrones (GoT) fans and Our Flag Means Death (OFMD) crew, rejoice and raise the flags and banners high! There’s a new biography of a beloved cast member to enjoy. Beyond the Throne follows Kristian Nairn (Hodor and Wee John Feeney) from his childhood in Northern Ireland during the Troubles through finding his authentic queer self to his standout performance in GoT and beyond.

I enjoyed this book, and have been waiting for it eagerly since I first heard about it at the end of May. It offers fascinating, detailed looks behind the scenes of GoT. Additionally, it takes the reader on a journey through Northern Ireland’s queer scene during the ‘90s. OFMD fans should be aware that while sadly there’s only one chapter devoted to that time in Kristian’s life, it's still fun to read about. We’re introduced to Kristian’s mum, who is a steady rock during a rough childhood where he is bullied for his height, and his extended family. From there, we follow Kristian as he navigates his journey of self-discovery, aided by his drag persona of Revvlon Miguel. The book also details his rise as one of the country’s top DJs. A fortuitous interview (that Kristian really didn’t want to go to) lands him the part of Hodor, and from there he has to develop and flesh out a character that only speaks one word.

My one minor complaint with the book is that there are a number of time jumps. At first, it’s easy to keep track of, since it contrasts Kristian’s childhood with the filming of the first season of GoT,
but as the years progress, the jumps shorten, and at times it was difficult to tell if the chapter was set before GoT or taking place during a season break. This is but a minor quibble, and does little to detract from this heartfelt book about finding your true self. I definitely recommend it for fans of both shows, and anyone who is interested in journeys of self-discovery.
3.5 stars
Thank you very much to Hachette and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review originally published at https://galesburglibrary.org/book-rev...

[Mireille (readingwithmrleo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not gonna lie, I was super intrigued by this autobiography by Kristian Nairn mostly because of his character in Game of Thrones. To this day, his final scene is one of the most heartbreaking things I've seen. I remember crying my eyes out that episode, and I still think about it A LOT. So I was curious about finding out more on the person portraying such a fascinating and moving character.

I became truly invested in Nairn's personal story, his hardships from a young age, his insecurities, navigating situations that weren't always easy and in a country/time period that wasn't as open as things are nowadays. The autobiography navigates 2 stories, the moment Nairn joins GoT and what follows, and then, his life story from a young age to his GoT days. You alternate between the two, and as the stories unfold you get to understand Nairn in a better way and on a deeper level. It made the reading experience very interesting.

I enjoyed both stories as much because on one side you get moving moments, a beautiful bond between a boy and his mom, the discovery of oneself and acceptance of who you really are. You get to see Nairn's journey in Lisburn and Belfast, how tough things could be for gay people, navigating intolerances, and finding his voice through performing as Revvlon. You also see his darkest moments with a poignant honesty. On the other side, you get to learn a lot about the behind the scenes work on Game of Thrones, which is absolutely delightful for any fan. You also get to see how it was very demanding, sometimes anxiety inducing, and also mentally hard to portray such characters that are going through so much. I found it so interesting and I will definitely look at the show differently now. I did get goosebumps reading about Hodor's final scene!

So really, this is a must read, a story that I think will resonate with lots of people and with a beautiful message of acceptance and finding your place.

Thanks so much to HBG Canada for my copy. All opinions are my own.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about Kristian Nairn going into this and loved getting to know him better!

The format of the book alternates every other chapter between GoT behind the scenes and his life outside of the show. On the GoT side, I loved hearing about the casting process that led to him becoming Hodor, his early interactions with the cast and directors, his struggles with imposter syndrome, and how he came to embrace the role. On the personal side, it was fascinating to hear more about his life from growing up feeling like an outcast, to working as a DJ and performing in drag shows.

The style with alternating sections worked well from an overall story perspective, but the timeline was a bit hard to pin down as you would be told dates in one but the season of the show in the other. I don’t think that made me enjoy it any less but it was confusing at times for me. I did read an early ARC copy and it’s possible this was formatted differently in the finished version. While I usually prefer audio for nonfiction, I actually preferred the physical book here, especially with the timeline issue I mentioned above.

Overall it was a really entertaining read and while I think GoT fans will love it, I also think you can enjoy it and take a lot out of it even if you’ve never seen the show. He seems like such a genuine and sweet person - he even thanked his ex boyfriend in the acknowledgments! Highly recommend this memoir!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite the story. Kristian went from growing up on a farm in Ireland during the Troubles to working as a drag DJ for several years to getting cast in one of the biggest TV shows of all time to becoming one of the best-loved characters of said show despite only ever speaking one word. It's pretty wild.

I really enjoyed it, in spite of not finishing Game of Thrones (I had to Google what happens to Hodor) about halfway through the book. I liked the format, which alternates chapters about GOT with chapters about his personal life. I loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at GOT and reading about his relationships with his costars. I loved reading about his struggles over how to portray Hodor. I loved reading about how being gay in Ireland has changed over the years. I loved reading about his relationship with his mom, whom he still lives with. I loved the brief glimpse into Our Flag Means Death.

I only really wish there was more about Our Flag Means Death. There are a few places I think he could have expanded further throughout (the fallout of his season 5 leak, negative fan experience), but at the same time, I love that the chapters are brief. It's a good read, and if you're a fan of GOT, particularly the Bran and Hodor storylines, you'll likely have a good time.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really hope that all of the toxic Game of Thrones fanboys know that their boi Hodor is an openly gay drag queen DJ. I knew this beforehand, but it was an absolute delight to dive deeper into Kristian's transformation from shy boy to Revvlon to Hodor to himself. I love reading memoirs about truly interesting people, especially when they throw a little shade at well-known productions (like... were there *no* health and safety people on set for GoT or...), and I always adore the inclusion of photos. And several of the photos are Kristian as Revvlon. Hell yeah.

The thing that keeps this from being a 5-star book for me is Nairn's puzzling decision to use present tense throughout, including in the far-flashback/childhood chapters, which made the reading experience a bit clunky. He also has a tiny tendency to focus on unimportant details and that occasionally bogs down the impact of whatever story he's telling. But he's such an interesting guy that it didn't bother me too much!

[Abby Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nairn spills the tea (or should we say Direwolf ale?) on his life before and after Game of Thrones. It's a wild ride, from his childhood in Northern Ireland to becoming a beloved character on a global phenomenon. You'll get the behind-the-scenes dirt on filming, the cast's camaraderie (apparently, they partied as hard as they fought White Walkers), and the surreal experience of instant fame.

But "Beyond the Throne" is more than just GoT gossip. Nairn opens up about his struggles growing up gay and finding his place in the world. He talks about his surprising side hustle as a DJ (Hodor drops the beat!), and how it all ties back to his journey as an actor.

Even if you're not a die-hard GoT fan, this book's a winner. It's funny, inspiring, and full of heart. Just be prepared for some feels – Nairn doesn't shy away from the tough stuff either. So grab a copy, hold onto your hodors, and get ready for a surprising adventure.

[Kissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed Kristian Nairn's acting career from Game of Thrones to Our Flag Means Death, I was excited to read this. It was eye-opening to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the GOT sets and how mentally and physically exhausting some scenes ended up being. I loved reading about the friendship between Kristian and Isaac over their years working on GOT; this part stood out to me even more so since I happened to see both of them at seperate cons this year. The switch between Kristian's childhood/teen years and adult acting life at each chapter flowed nicely for me, especially when similar themes popped up at both moments in his life. I enjoyed looking through the included photos. Overall, this autobiography lived up to my expectations and probably even surpassed it. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, Our Flag Means Death, or just Kristian Nairn himself, I highly recommend reading this.

[Pie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty solid memoir that had enough stuff in it that it didn't feel like someone just being like "hey I was on a famous TV show I should write a memoir about it." There is quite a lot of behind the scenes stuff about the filming of Game of Thrones which I found quite interesting because I just enjoy hearing about the making of big budget fantasy stories, but there's definitely more than that. He also talks a lot about his life growing up in Belfast at the tail end of the Troubles, about coming out as gay, and about the drag and DJ scenes in Ireland. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook and I thought it was a satisfying reflection on an interesting career and life so far.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristian Nairn might be best known for playing the role of Hodor in the Game of Thrones television series. He is also a pretty well-known drag queen and club DJ from Northern Ireland. This book is the story of his life, and it really is an interesting one. While it is not surprising that learning about what happened as he worked GoT, his life outside of the show is also interesting. He struggled with self-esteem issues and drug use. He was definitely an outsider in his community and his family, but he always had the love of his mother and his nan. I am really glad I picked this one up.

[Magen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and insightful autobiography. I’ve really enjoyed Kristian Nairn’s work, of course in Game of Thrones, but he’s more recently endeared himself to me in Our Flag Means Death as the dear Wee John Feeney. There’s very many fun facts and stories from behind the scenes of GoT but what I loved even more was his accounting of his past and growing up in such strife. It’s a cliche but the big man has a big heart and it was lovely to be allowed a quick look in.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, thank you to Kristian and Goodreads for the giveaway. I'm a fan of Game of Thrones, Hodor and Kristian Nairn so I was quite excited for this book. It didn't fall short of my built up expectations at all. Getting to read behind the scenes stories of GoT filming and stories from Nairn's life experiences just made me a bigger fan. This is an easy and enjoyable read. It's well written and is paced nicely!

[joeysbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty solid memoir written by the actor who played Hodor (one of my favorites) on Game of Thrones.

There were lots of insights and reflections on Nairn growing up gay and poor in Ireland along with his journey becoming an actor on the GoT set.

My rating is no reflection of his life experiences, I just prefer to read a memoir in a more linear timeline instead of jumping back and forth.

[Zach Schiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the same thought while reading this that I had when watching the Robbie Williams' biopic "Better Man." Who was clamoring for a Kristian Nairn autobiography? That said, like "Better Man," this was better than necessary. It glosses over Nairn's life, showing certain scenes and certain years, while interspersing "Game of Thrones" stories. It probably won't change your life, but it's a good book with some good stories, and Nairn seems to tell the truth, which is refreshing and interesting.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the character of Hodor, and I was amused to find out that the actor was actually a very popular DJ as well.

The book? It was okay. I really liked the behind-the-scenes information about GoT: I’ll keep all that in mind when I rewatch the series next time.

I also liked how Kristian discussed the difficulties he faced in life for being so large. He did not have an easy life, that’s for sure.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I have not watched a single episode of Game of Thrones, but as an Our Flag Means Death fan I became very interested in Kristian's stories. I felt like a fly on the wall to his pivotal life events, and I REALLY enjoyed the structure of the book as it wasn't told in the usual linear way of a memoir.

[Heenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good blend of Game of Thrones BTS stuff and Kristian's childhood/coming of age memoirs. You really feel for the big guy. Good read for both game of thrones fans and anyone who wants to read a coming of age tale of a gay boy from Ireland.

[Jolie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about Kristian Nairn, other than his role as Hodor and that he also is also a DJ, so this was an interesting read! I liked that it moved back and forth between his life pre-GOT and GOT production, instead of just a straight linear path.