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A Game Of Thrones preview
This is a preview edition of A Game of Thrones, and contains only the opening chapters. This edition is NOT the entire book.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
178 people are currently reading
3898 people want to read
About the author
George R.R. Martin
1,506 books118k followersGeorge Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 14, 2012
I can't give it less than five stars. It's impeccable even if it's not your thing. It has a driving plot, believable characters, a believable world and it's well-written. George R.R. Martin is a master of showing--not telling! The violence isn't gratuitous, in my opinion. The "love" scenes are understated.
I read the book after watching the HBO series and wish I had read it first--but HBO is how I heard about the book. They did such a fantastic job staying true to the novel, that I wasn't left with any surprises. I didn't feel I got deeper into the characters. This is a testament to the book and the show. I don't think I've ever seen a better rendition of the written word. HBO left nothing out--and visualized the seven kingdoms probably better than even the author imagined (sorry George!). If I were the author, I'd be darn proud of the series. HBO brought Game of Thrones to life.
Kudos to the author for writing so many words and keeping all of them fresh! Good job!
I read the book after watching the HBO series and wish I had read it first--but HBO is how I heard about the book. They did such a fantastic job staying true to the novel, that I wasn't left with any surprises. I didn't feel I got deeper into the characters. This is a testament to the book and the show. I don't think I've ever seen a better rendition of the written word. HBO left nothing out--and visualized the seven kingdoms probably better than even the author imagined (sorry George!). If I were the author, I'd be darn proud of the series. HBO brought Game of Thrones to life.
Kudos to the author for writing so many words and keeping all of them fresh! Good job!
May 9, 2012
Yes, I finally joined the rest of this world and read this book. It's quite possibly the most skillfully written bit of useless not-quite-fantasy that I will ever read. It's like reading a history of the Wars of the Roses without the sanctimonious I'm-so-educated feeling that goes along with reading things that we are "supposed to" read.
It's a fun read, though, and the characters, though mostly disgusting, are very well-drawn and believable. It is my fondness for the little dude Tyrion that will shove me into and possibly through the next book, assuming that anything does. I don't really care what happens to most of the Starks, any of the Tullys, or old man Lannister; they did stupid and mean things, and now they are to pay for it, so be it.
But I would like to see Jon Snow and Brandon Stark happy, and I find the mother of dragons an interesting plot potentiality (remember Karen Miller's evil little tyran girlt?), and I would like to see something very unpleasant happen to the entire array of junior Lannisters, including that simpering fiancee of the brat king. So I'll probably have a break and finish reading.
It's a fun read, though, and the characters, though mostly disgusting, are very well-drawn and believable. It is my fondness for the little dude Tyrion that will shove me into and possibly through the next book, assuming that anything does. I don't really care what happens to most of the Starks, any of the Tullys, or old man Lannister; they did stupid and mean things, and now they are to pay for it, so be it.
But I would like to see Jon Snow and Brandon Stark happy, and I find the mother of dragons an interesting plot potentiality (remember Karen Miller's evil little tyran girlt?), and I would like to see something very unpleasant happen to the entire array of junior Lannisters, including that simpering fiancee of the brat king. So I'll probably have a break and finish reading.
April 3, 2012
When I decided to read this book I expected it to be good as it was made into a series but I didn’t expect it to be this good. The way Martin goes away from the normal fantasy writing style, in my opinion at least, helped him make a more engrossing story. Also, the fact that he had more than one main character forced the reader to pay attention, which wasn’t hard, in order to understand whose inner dialogue it was you were reading. Now, I’ve read stories before with multiple characters where the author decided to jump from one perspective to the next and to me those stories seemed clunky and the interplay between the characters not as thought out. Martin, however, is able to master the art of character jumping and did it in a way that didn’t ruin the flow of the story and in fact helped increase the how much it would pull the reader in. Now, as for the story itself, you have plenty of intrigue that would make anyone want to read in order to see just what someone was planning or what secret it was they held and with intrigue comes cliffhangers. One of my favorite endings of a chapter was when Bran, a young boy, was climbing around Winterfell like usual when he witnessed the queen having sexual relations with her brother and in order to silence him they threw him off a tower. I would say this is my favorite ending of a chapter because one, it shows that Martin isn’t afraid of testing the boundaries of what a person expects to see in book by one showing violence against children and two depicting incest. And second I enjoyed this scene because this all happened in Winterfell, Bran’s home, so as I closed the book to go eat I couldn’t help but think what the response would be from the rest of Winterfell and if anyone would even figure out who did it. All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who asks me for my opinion on it.
January 15, 2013
When J.R.R.Tolkien was in the trenches WWI he saw with his own eyes that magic had left the world & we truly were being disenchanted from what it meant to be human, & to have hope. So Tolkien set out to write a legend for the modern English reader to take part in. He created a massive universe were magic was real again & good always defeated evil in the end. Thus Lord of the Rings was born to bring magic back to the world and changing the world for good. George R.R. Martin blew that idea up from a carnival balloon to a NAZI dirigible. Where Tolkien used his linguistic back ground to carve out a history in dozen languages, Martin brings an understanding of culture, sociology, & real politic strata that brings a full field of grey to the otherwise straight black & white ideology of Tolkien's original conception. There is an evil in the this world, but how easy is it to see? And how will they believe when their are some many other things to think? Like, how to win the Game of Thrones, where either you win or die?
April 26, 2012
Wow. I cannot believe I waited this long to read this book. It thrusts you into such a convincing world and story line rich with deep characters. I had a very hard time putting it down.
I immediately ordered the television series and now have the second book in hand. I cannot wait to start it!
I immediately ordered the television series and now have the second book in hand. I cannot wait to start it!
June 21, 2012
http://bibliophileblather.blogspot.co...
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, is the first book in the series A Song of Fire and Ice (title perhaps an echo of a well loved Robert Frost poem..."some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice...").
The book trots along at a rapid pace. Each chapter is short and focuses on the trials and tribulations of one of a handful of characters. Although short, each chapter still manages to wrap up with some cliff hanger specific to the character of the chapter’s focus. You find yourself on edge, tempted to flip ahead to the next “Jon” or “Tyrion” chapter to find out what happens next. But you don’t, because you are a disciplined reader and don’t want to spoil tale for yourself. That and, a few pages into the next chapter reminds you that there was a cliff hanger from another character that you were anxious to see resolved and had forgotten about. And so the cycle continues. You are not left cognitively whip-lashed when you finally force yourself to close the book in the wee hours of the morning, but the pages are jam packed with one all-consuming event after another. You feel you’ve lived a century by the end…in a good way.
This first book in the series is certainly a tome, my version hovering around 900 pages, and the rest in the series look to be about the same. However, don’t let that daunt you. When reading it, you forget you’re reading. You really feel more like you are watching a movie, the story envelopes you and the rhetoric is not overly intellectual (no need for a dictionary). Although Tolkein remains king of this genre (if you ask me…and I’d venture to say most fans of fantasy novels), Martin’s books are perhaps easier to digest since the pages drip with climatic event after climatic event. Tolkein’s works are better crafted and utilize the power of build-up, using a select of major events rather than a flood of them, making the novels the master pieces of literature that they are. Still, when you’ve read through the trilogy (+ The Hobbit of course and The Similoiroun if you have the stamina) and are pining for something that gives you as similar feeling, Martin is a good place to turn to.
That being said, this series is, so far, graphic. Graphic in every sense of what that word means. The story is compelling, gripping, and if you’re into D&D, LOTR, or LARPing then you’ll certainly find these novel engrossing. If you don’t know what some (or any) of those things are (congrats, you’re not nerd), I still think that aspects of this book would appeal: descriptions of beautiful & stark (no pun intended) landscapes (forest, tea, mountains, dessert), elaborate & intricate architecture, the creation of inventive myth & history, tragic character back stories, romance, and plenty of battle scenes. However, I can’t say that I would exactly recommend the books to anyone. They are graphic. And that is all that needs to be said.
The action-packed nature and rapid pace of events of this first book make it perfectly suited for a TV adaptation. The TV show (immensely popular at the moment, on HBO) follows the story almost precisely, changing very little. You’ll recognize many exact conversations and lines taken verbatim from the book’s pages. The costuming and scenery are all well designed. I’ve been quite impressed, and can tend to be rather snobbish when it comes to commentary of books adapted to screen. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the books are brought to life.
So if you give this series a go, bundle up because…
Winter is coming.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, is the first book in the series A Song of Fire and Ice (title perhaps an echo of a well loved Robert Frost poem..."some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice...").
The book trots along at a rapid pace. Each chapter is short and focuses on the trials and tribulations of one of a handful of characters. Although short, each chapter still manages to wrap up with some cliff hanger specific to the character of the chapter’s focus. You find yourself on edge, tempted to flip ahead to the next “Jon” or “Tyrion” chapter to find out what happens next. But you don’t, because you are a disciplined reader and don’t want to spoil tale for yourself. That and, a few pages into the next chapter reminds you that there was a cliff hanger from another character that you were anxious to see resolved and had forgotten about. And so the cycle continues. You are not left cognitively whip-lashed when you finally force yourself to close the book in the wee hours of the morning, but the pages are jam packed with one all-consuming event after another. You feel you’ve lived a century by the end…in a good way.
This first book in the series is certainly a tome, my version hovering around 900 pages, and the rest in the series look to be about the same. However, don’t let that daunt you. When reading it, you forget you’re reading. You really feel more like you are watching a movie, the story envelopes you and the rhetoric is not overly intellectual (no need for a dictionary). Although Tolkein remains king of this genre (if you ask me…and I’d venture to say most fans of fantasy novels), Martin’s books are perhaps easier to digest since the pages drip with climatic event after climatic event. Tolkein’s works are better crafted and utilize the power of build-up, using a select of major events rather than a flood of them, making the novels the master pieces of literature that they are. Still, when you’ve read through the trilogy (+ The Hobbit of course and The Similoiroun if you have the stamina) and are pining for something that gives you as similar feeling, Martin is a good place to turn to.
That being said, this series is, so far, graphic. Graphic in every sense of what that word means. The story is compelling, gripping, and if you’re into D&D, LOTR, or LARPing then you’ll certainly find these novel engrossing. If you don’t know what some (or any) of those things are (congrats, you’re not nerd), I still think that aspects of this book would appeal: descriptions of beautiful & stark (no pun intended) landscapes (forest, tea, mountains, dessert), elaborate & intricate architecture, the creation of inventive myth & history, tragic character back stories, romance, and plenty of battle scenes. However, I can’t say that I would exactly recommend the books to anyone. They are graphic. And that is all that needs to be said.
The action-packed nature and rapid pace of events of this first book make it perfectly suited for a TV adaptation. The TV show (immensely popular at the moment, on HBO) follows the story almost precisely, changing very little. You’ll recognize many exact conversations and lines taken verbatim from the book’s pages. The costuming and scenery are all well designed. I’ve been quite impressed, and can tend to be rather snobbish when it comes to commentary of books adapted to screen. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the books are brought to life.
So if you give this series a go, bundle up because…
Winter is coming.
September 8, 2011
Wow, incredible writer! There are some authors thats just reel you in and you find yourself so woven into the story that you dream of it and think of it in your waking hours as if it is actually happening. I was lost for the fiirst few chapters as there are alot of charactors and many, many places...in fact an entire world to learn. But somehow Mr Martin pulls it off and I am swallowed into the story. i am there. It may be fantasy but if feels all too real.
kING, QUEENS, INCEST, PLOTS, SUB PLOTS,PASSION, INTRIGUE,LAVISH RICHES, UTTER POVERTY,TERROR,MAGIC,MONSTERS AND MYSTERY.Its all there and more!. Will be reading more...as,of course, I need to know what happens. I care about these charactors and wonder what in the hell is gona happen next!
kING, QUEENS, INCEST, PLOTS, SUB PLOTS,PASSION, INTRIGUE,LAVISH RICHES, UTTER POVERTY,TERROR,MAGIC,MONSTERS AND MYSTERY.Its all there and more!. Will be reading more...as,of course, I need to know what happens. I care about these charactors and wonder what in the hell is gona happen next!
March 15, 2012
I didn't want to like this - too much press, and I don't typically enjoy fantasy. But I have to say this knocked my socks off. It's an old-fashioned adventure yarn, complete with knights, brave women and an evil queen. I was completely enthralled.
June 9, 2015
I actually read the regular book not the preview. Although the book was well written, I found the story confusing not only was there a lot of characters the chapters jumped around. I like the plot and will either watch the TV show or listen to the rest of books.
November 16, 2011
This was an absolutely fantastic book. At no point during the story was I bored or ready to skip any parts. I loved the character development of every single character even if they were horrible people! I love the fact that each chapter is a different character's perspective on the events taking place. I cant choose a favorite character because even the bad ones bring certain things to the story that I like. I really enjoyed the direwolves in the story, how they protect the Stark children and almost seem to take on their characteristics. I think I identify with the Stark family the most as they are good, honorable people who do things for the good of all instead of a lust for power. I despised the Lannisters although I did like how sarcastic Tyrion (The Imp) was. I am most intrigued by Daenerys Targaryen. She seemed to have great good in her but towards the end she seemed capable of great evil too. I cant wait to read more about her in the second book. All in all I really enjoyed all aspects of this book and cannot wait to continue all the stories in the second book. I will be reading this entire series.
May 8, 2014
A huge, old-fashioned, I-can't-wait-to-read-what-happens-next sort of a novel. I had resisted starting this series. I feared it would be another sword opera with a lot of mind-numbing battle detail -- and the books are SO long. But I knew that I would want to take a look at the HBO series at some point and, in my world, you must read the book before you watch the movie so I started, repeating my mantra that life is too short - and there are too many books in the world - to waste any time finishing one I don't like. That was my last Game of Thrones-free thought for about a week!
This first story in the series is both deep and broad. The author rotates the crowd of characters through the narrative chapter by chapter. A simple and often-used story telling device but I cannot remember the last time I thought it had been used so skillfully. We get to know each in turn and the story rises steadily and consistently with them, like a massive roof over a wonderful new world.
This first story in the series is both deep and broad. The author rotates the crowd of characters through the narrative chapter by chapter. A simple and often-used story telling device but I cannot remember the last time I thought it had been used so skillfully. We get to know each in turn and the story rises steadily and consistently with them, like a massive roof over a wonderful new world.
June 14, 2012
I admit that this is one of the books, which made me think that may be I should just quit my job, sleep, food and everything else happening in my life just to read this entire series. One such magical book transporting to a world of fantasy. The depth of the characters and way of writing ufffff no word to describe. And every story ends at a nail biting point where I had to literally flip through the book to find how much longer I must wait to read about the continuation.
Except for the character of Sansa, I just loved every single character. The richness of war, kings, lords, mythical creatures n the wonderful maps just can make you forget how time flies when you read the book. I've not seen the HBO Series yet as I do not want to disturb my imagination of characters. Don't blame the author if you forget everything else in life and people around you are so willing to burn the book in your absence. :D
Winter is Coming!!!
Except for the character of Sansa, I just loved every single character. The richness of war, kings, lords, mythical creatures n the wonderful maps just can make you forget how time flies when you read the book. I've not seen the HBO Series yet as I do not want to disturb my imagination of characters. Don't blame the author if you forget everything else in life and people around you are so willing to burn the book in your absence. :D
Winter is Coming!!!
January 11, 2012
This is a very good book. It reminds me of the old Dragonlance and Conan books, but more sophisticated. I was disappointed with the supernatural twist at the end. Too much I think. But the story is still good and the characters are interesting. It's an easy read too, and has a fast pace, so it's hard to put down.
September 6, 2012
I thought A Game of Thrones was an amazing book, with a lot of detail and decryption. I loved how he created such evil characters and such nice characters to give such a great contrast. The plot line sometimes got tricky to follow but I loved how he structured the book; as in changing who's point of view it was from.
April 22, 2012
Read this last winter after watching the HBO series. I was amazed how much was there, I would have thought the series was 2 or 3 books. Read the second book right away and will probably read the third next.
May 20, 2012
was recomeneded not to waste my time
June 22, 2015
Such a. Awesome book, but is too long.
Read
April 10, 2020What can I say that has not already been said about this exciting series.
September 16, 2023
A true gem of a book! The author's storytelling is magical, and the vivid descriptions transported me to a different world. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn't recommend it enough.
September 24, 2023
An absolute gem of a book! The story was so well-crafted, and I couldn't get enough of it. I was hooked by the characters and the plot. Truly an amazing read
May 28, 2012
Reading this series is a bit like watching a game of Risk in slow-motion. Telling the ginormous tale via multiple narrators is a deep, and richly layered way to tell a story, but it is also like running a marathon in micrometers. And yes, it's a stunning fantasy series that draws positive comparisons with Tolkien.
The thread count on this immense tapestry is mind blowing. You can practically smell the horses. This is not always a good thing, however. Martin clearly has a medieval food fetish, and describes every feast in loving detail. Course.By.Course. Really?? Roast Rabbit with almonds broiled in a sweet sauce of what again? Also, he apparently has a rare form of Geneological ADD: "He felled the green-armored knight with a quick thrust...oh, and by the by he's the Lord of Blahdeblah, who married So-and-So and bore three sons, one of whom was a bastard who went on to..." Thanks, glad to know the guy who just died in the battle had a family history. Seriously, every character with 3 seconds of plot gets four generations of their family tree outlined.
The characters, in that and many other ways, are all very life-like, emotionally complex and often morally gray...and in many cases very lovable and sympathetic. Unfortunately, this works to your disadvantage as a reader, if you like the noble, kind, intelligent and evolved Leading Family of Stark. An amazing group of people that Martin proceeds to torment and put through an almost unbelievable series of tragic events. It's statistically impossible to be that unlucky. Surrounded by thugs, schemers, mercenaries and vile sociopaths, the protagonists are out-flanked at almost every turn, they never catch a break or roll a save. This series takes "out of the frying pan and into the fire" about 30 steps of searing, heart-wrenching flame situations further--for each of the 8 members of the family. Apparently the various Gods of Westeros have an endless drinking game - take a huge swig and piss on a Stark; "...and 99 bottles of beer on the wall..." If you love a good bullfight (slowly, methodically, stabbing a bull while making manipulating them to dance in an arena until you finally kill them), then Welcome to Westeros! This is the tale for you. Oh, and it's your eight pet bulls which you love. Ole!
Those annoyances aside, it's hard to put the books down. The characters have carved out permanent, fond seats in my memory, and the story is unbelievably visual and compelling. No wonder it was snapped up for filming rights--it practically projects a video off the pages as you read it. As with Tolkien, I'm flabbergasted that anyone can create such an immense yet minutely-detailed world. As far as epics go, it makes the Odyssey look like an afternoon sail on the lake. The History of Western Civ is a short bedtime story compared with the 'Songs of Fire and Ice'. My greatest regret of the series is that it's not yet complete, so I'll have to wait for book 6 & 7. And knowing Martin, the feast and family descriptions will push it to 8 or 9. Alas, poor Yorrick...I knew his family and last meal quite well.
The thread count on this immense tapestry is mind blowing. You can practically smell the horses. This is not always a good thing, however. Martin clearly has a medieval food fetish, and describes every feast in loving detail. Course.By.Course. Really?? Roast Rabbit with almonds broiled in a sweet sauce of what again? Also, he apparently has a rare form of Geneological ADD: "He felled the green-armored knight with a quick thrust...oh, and by the by he's the Lord of Blahdeblah, who married So-and-So and bore three sons, one of whom was a bastard who went on to..." Thanks, glad to know the guy who just died in the battle had a family history. Seriously, every character with 3 seconds of plot gets four generations of their family tree outlined.
The characters, in that and many other ways, are all very life-like, emotionally complex and often morally gray...and in many cases very lovable and sympathetic. Unfortunately, this works to your disadvantage as a reader, if you like the noble, kind, intelligent and evolved Leading Family of Stark. An amazing group of people that Martin proceeds to torment and put through an almost unbelievable series of tragic events. It's statistically impossible to be that unlucky. Surrounded by thugs, schemers, mercenaries and vile sociopaths, the protagonists are out-flanked at almost every turn, they never catch a break or roll a save. This series takes "out of the frying pan and into the fire" about 30 steps of searing, heart-wrenching flame situations further--for each of the 8 members of the family. Apparently the various Gods of Westeros have an endless drinking game - take a huge swig and piss on a Stark; "...and 99 bottles of beer on the wall..." If you love a good bullfight (slowly, methodically, stabbing a bull while making manipulating them to dance in an arena until you finally kill them), then Welcome to Westeros! This is the tale for you. Oh, and it's your eight pet bulls which you love. Ole!
Those annoyances aside, it's hard to put the books down. The characters have carved out permanent, fond seats in my memory, and the story is unbelievably visual and compelling. No wonder it was snapped up for filming rights--it practically projects a video off the pages as you read it. As with Tolkien, I'm flabbergasted that anyone can create such an immense yet minutely-detailed world. As far as epics go, it makes the Odyssey look like an afternoon sail on the lake. The History of Western Civ is a short bedtime story compared with the 'Songs of Fire and Ice'. My greatest regret of the series is that it's not yet complete, so I'll have to wait for book 6 & 7. And knowing Martin, the feast and family descriptions will push it to 8 or 9. Alas, poor Yorrick...I knew his family and last meal quite well.
January 30, 2012
Highly enjoyable and beautifully rendered. Having watched HBO's mini-series by the same name last year I was already familiar with the story and eager to gain further insight into George Martin's fantasy world. What I wasn't expecting was how faithful HBO had been in following the book. Chapters became parts of episodes and scenes from the book were brought to life and in some cases enhanced the reading experience. The two were as one, the visual on the screen and in the mind's eye.
Wonderfully complex and imaginative A Game of Thrones has something for everyone. Part fairytale, part family epic, filled with political machination, knights in shining armor and a beautiful coming of age story this book was easy to fall in love with. The characters from the story were so well cast in the mini-series I can only think of one or two instances when Martin's description did not fit the actor. Cast to perfection was Tyrion Lanister also known as the imp, or dwarf brother to the queen. Often times the most honest and real of the principle characters Tyrion vacillates between good and evil clearly with a penchant for straddling the fence. A friend, an enemy, an unhappy man scorned by his father and rarely taken seriously. He was played to perfection by Peter Dinklage.
Add in a coming winter that is expected to last for years; a wall of ice that was built as front line protection from both the known as well as the mystical forces that are awakening and ready to threaten the seven kingdoms; the awakening of dragons and the return to power of those who carry the blood of dragons in their veins and you can see how rich the tapestry woven by George Martin. Fanciful yet surprisingly down to earth in the way that Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time saga blended the familiar and the made up. Book one of A Game of Thrones was a pleasure to read.
Wonderfully complex and imaginative A Game of Thrones has something for everyone. Part fairytale, part family epic, filled with political machination, knights in shining armor and a beautiful coming of age story this book was easy to fall in love with. The characters from the story were so well cast in the mini-series I can only think of one or two instances when Martin's description did not fit the actor. Cast to perfection was Tyrion Lanister also known as the imp, or dwarf brother to the queen. Often times the most honest and real of the principle characters Tyrion vacillates between good and evil clearly with a penchant for straddling the fence. A friend, an enemy, an unhappy man scorned by his father and rarely taken seriously. He was played to perfection by Peter Dinklage.
Add in a coming winter that is expected to last for years; a wall of ice that was built as front line protection from both the known as well as the mystical forces that are awakening and ready to threaten the seven kingdoms; the awakening of dragons and the return to power of those who carry the blood of dragons in their veins and you can see how rich the tapestry woven by George Martin. Fanciful yet surprisingly down to earth in the way that Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time saga blended the familiar and the made up. Book one of A Game of Thrones was a pleasure to read.
June 7, 2012
I haven't ever been seriously into this genre. Ok, yes I tried it once, but that was a high school thing, I didn't inhale, and it was nothing more than an experiment. There. I've declared my bias.
I started GoT and got about 125 kobo-pages in but was so lost in the multitude of characters and families that I started over. What? Ned and Eddard are the same person?
Although it made sense the second time through, Game of Thrones left me cold. I mean, winter IS coming after all. I agree that it did have its moments, [spoiler] and I like the author's courage to, er, discontinue certain main characters [end spoiler], but that wasn't enough for me. The main problem I had was the same-old, same-old character archetypes. We have the spoiled little princess, the hot-head wannabe king, the barbarian king, the noble, honour-bound knight, etc., etc. For me the most interesting characters were Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow. The others? Not so much. Having said that, G.R.R.M. did, er, light my fire, so to say in the final scene. But is it worth continuing on to the next in the trilogy? I'm not sure. There are so many other wonderful books...
Now, as I don my asbestos underwear, let me also say that I think this book and, of course, the HBO series have become an exclusive club of sorts, but a club of only faux prestige, something to be a member of so that you can be SEEN to be a member. It's a fad, if you ask me. You haven't read 'Game of Thrones?' Oh, you simply must, darling [read 'loser.']
Meanwhile, how many 'readers' know the story only through the TV series!
Flame on! I can take it!
I started GoT and got about 125 kobo-pages in but was so lost in the multitude of characters and families that I started over. What? Ned and Eddard are the same person?
Although it made sense the second time through, Game of Thrones left me cold. I mean, winter IS coming after all. I agree that it did have its moments, [spoiler] and I like the author's courage to, er, discontinue certain main characters [end spoiler], but that wasn't enough for me. The main problem I had was the same-old, same-old character archetypes. We have the spoiled little princess, the hot-head wannabe king, the barbarian king, the noble, honour-bound knight, etc., etc. For me the most interesting characters were Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow. The others? Not so much. Having said that, G.R.R.M. did, er, light my fire, so to say in the final scene. But is it worth continuing on to the next in the trilogy? I'm not sure. There are so many other wonderful books...
Now, as I don my asbestos underwear, let me also say that I think this book and, of course, the HBO series have become an exclusive club of sorts, but a club of only faux prestige, something to be a member of so that you can be SEEN to be a member. It's a fad, if you ask me. You haven't read 'Game of Thrones?' Oh, you simply must, darling [read 'loser.']
Meanwhile, how many 'readers' know the story only through the TV series!
Flame on! I can take it!
Want to read
September 15, 2015It deserves a 4.5, but I will deduct .5 cause of too many names of people n details that are seemingly unnecessary. I cared more for the individual stories and characters than the main story, until I was almost at the end of the book. Besides being a little tooo long, the individual stories were brilliant. The different points of view couldn't have been more aptly done. You feel the character, even though it isn't in first person. Absolutely fantastic.
While at first you feel like the book isn't about your day and age, you later question this. Isn't it about us? The fight for power, the treachery, defeat, determination, cruelty, love, loyalty, stupidity, bravery... isn't it EXACTLY about us?
And what about our man for all seasons, Ned Stark? Isn't this the bitter reality of life, rather than just a heart break in the novel?
The stories I loved the most are Daenarys, Jon Snow, Arya Stark. The character I hated? Sansa Stark. But i guess towards the end even she showed that she could be sensible.
I was a little peeved by the amount of rapes taking place in the book. Which once again begs the question, isn't this way more realistic than it ought to be? Especially in a country like India, aren't the unfortunate always getting raped while those who are fortunate enough, sit back and appear seemingly untouched by these incidents?
The differences in class, in race, in gender, of peoples.... reminded me so much of my own society. And a hope that a Savior will emerge to unite us all.
While at first you feel like the book isn't about your day and age, you later question this. Isn't it about us? The fight for power, the treachery, defeat, determination, cruelty, love, loyalty, stupidity, bravery... isn't it EXACTLY about us?
And what about our man for all seasons, Ned Stark? Isn't this the bitter reality of life, rather than just a heart break in the novel?
The stories I loved the most are Daenarys, Jon Snow, Arya Stark. The character I hated? Sansa Stark. But i guess towards the end even she showed that she could be sensible.
I was a little peeved by the amount of rapes taking place in the book. Which once again begs the question, isn't this way more realistic than it ought to be? Especially in a country like India, aren't the unfortunate always getting raped while those who are fortunate enough, sit back and appear seemingly untouched by these incidents?
The differences in class, in race, in gender, of peoples.... reminded me so much of my own society. And a hope that a Savior will emerge to unite us all.
December 28, 2015
George R.R. Martin
Game of Thrones
I'd heard rave things about these series (A Song of Ice and Fire) for few years. And nothing has been exaggerated about them. I might not be the world's greatest fantasy reader but they do put the majority of fantasy series out there to shame.
This is not a light read. It did take me a year to complete it, mostly because when I came home, tired from work, sinking myself into this staggering world was a daunting task.
But I had time during my vacation and oh boy, did I sinking myself into the book. The world that GRRM has created is very well put together - not overly complex but believable nevertheless and yet it doesn't overshadow (like I find happens on time in fantasy) the very juicy plot (plots, that should be plural) and the fascinating characters who are multidimensional that you find yourself cheering for very unexpected characters.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
March 27, 2012
I have a (bad?) habit of resisting books which everyone else is raving about, so all the fuss about the TV adaptation of this series put me off a bit. But I write fantasy, so I thought I probably owed it to my professional self to do some weightlifting and actually at least start the massive thing. And I was lost in it immediately. This is like no other fantasy I've ever read. There aren't really any adjectives left to describe it after all the other reviews out there. But I think for me the main word is surprising. I was surprised at the almost complete lack of overt magic in this book. And I was amazed at the expert marshalling of a huge cast of characters, and the perfect selection of a few point of view characters. As a children's writer, it probably helped for me that several of the main characters were kids or teenagers, but it's not a children's book. Oh no. There is a lot of nasty death in here, and even more graphic sex. But it has everything else too. Politics, battles, emotion, betrayal, a created history and a future you care about. I'm descending into lists here. So I'll stop, by saying, five stars isn't enough for this book. Read it. It's wonderful.
January 5, 2012
I'll admit it, i became completely hooked on the HBO mini-series before I was aware of the book's existence. After a good friend set me straight and I rushed out for the first book (and it's subsequent ones), i was thrilled to note how faithful the book had been portrayed in the HBO series. The characters are extremely well-developed, and Martin never fails to end each chapter leaving the reader wanting more. He pays particular detail to the clothing and coats of arms, (sometimes exhaustibly so) but I have to say i thoroughly enjoyed those details!
This book draws you in and keeps your rapt attention in a world of fantasy that keeps you guessing. There's murder, sex, power, betrayal, war, incest, and mythical creatures--peppered with the precise amount of humor when appropriate. This whole series held me captive for months...but i loved every minute of it! I am anxiously awaiting the release of the final book. Can't imagine how Martin is going to wrap this thing up!
This book draws you in and keeps your rapt attention in a world of fantasy that keeps you guessing. There's murder, sex, power, betrayal, war, incest, and mythical creatures--peppered with the precise amount of humor when appropriate. This whole series held me captive for months...but i loved every minute of it! I am anxiously awaiting the release of the final book. Can't imagine how Martin is going to wrap this thing up!
February 21, 2015
Although it took me 3 weeks to finish(the book is damn thick), i was really gripped from the start. Ive watched all the episodes of the tv series, and after reading this book i realised that i never fully understood what i had watched. Reading the book completely compliments the tv series, making me understand the plot more clearly and dive into the characters' mind and thoughts deeply. Thats what makes the book better than the tv series ; how you're able to explore more about the background story and perception of the characters. After a few chapters i would rewatch the episodes from the firsr season, and decide how the book is so much better BUT how the film STILL made it awesome. I admit, i wouldnt have been able to enjoy it as much if i had read the book first. It would have taken me forever to get used to all the characters and everything. So i guess it was a good idea for me to watch first, then read.
June 18, 2012
My only negative about this book is that all the names, houses, geography are very hard to keep straight when you are reading it on an iPad. Yeah, I could flip back and forth to the Appendix and Map but sorry, too much trouble. About half way through I was enough grounded for it to keep from getting in the way, but really? It is unnecessary, for me at any rate.
Having said that, I found the book excellent for the genre. The action and tension kept increasing throughout the book. The protagonist was well done, the characters developed enough to make the story exciting. The ending is a set up for the follow on books and in that sense leaves things hanging but in a fashion that will make you want to pick up the next in the series.
This was the first fantasy novel I have read in a long time. It was a good read.
Having said that, I found the book excellent for the genre. The action and tension kept increasing throughout the book. The protagonist was well done, the characters developed enough to make the story exciting. The ending is a set up for the follow on books and in that sense leaves things hanging but in a fashion that will make you want to pick up the next in the series.
This was the first fantasy novel I have read in a long time. It was a good read.
June 6, 2015
I loved this book. I read it some time ago so what I remember most is how I just couldn't stop reading it.
It was different, it still is and I couldn't get over how you can easily imagine the characters as real people going through real situations and emotions in a fictional world.
I couldn't quite pick which character I loved the most because you were given the opportunity to see things through their eyes. So whenever one dies I get sad, throw a tantrum then pick up the book again and continue reading.
I haven't read a book that could make me care so much about the characters in a long while. This was refreshing. So I can't wait to continue on the journey and read about the war for the iron throne.
Please do not kill Jon Snow Mr Martin. Oh please, please!!! I beg now (with a Nigerian accent)
It was different, it still is and I couldn't get over how you can easily imagine the characters as real people going through real situations and emotions in a fictional world.
I couldn't quite pick which character I loved the most because you were given the opportunity to see things through their eyes. So whenever one dies I get sad, throw a tantrum then pick up the book again and continue reading.
I haven't read a book that could make me care so much about the characters in a long while. This was refreshing. So I can't wait to continue on the journey and read about the war for the iron throne.
Please do not kill Jon Snow Mr Martin. Oh please, please!!! I beg now (with a Nigerian accent)
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