Author: George R.R. Martin
Publisher: Spectra
Publication Date: August 1996
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Series or Stand Alone: Series, Book One
Synopsis can be found here.
Review:
Before the HBO series started, a friend of mine told me I HAD to read this book. Now, let's get something straight. My friend does not agree with me on most things. In fact, I can honestly say I think we hardly ever agree. Maybe once. Every few moons.
So I was reluctant to commit to a bazillion page book with only his recommendation that it would be good.
Then I got to thinking- well, why the hell not?
Audible, here I come.
Many, and I do mean MANY, hours later, and more than a couple of months, I finished Game of Thrones.
And sadly, now I have to admit to my friend, who I love giving a hard time about everything, that he was right. It was fantastic.
The mythology is given to the reader in bits and pieces through the whole book. I never felt like I was bombarded by dry history. The characters are so well developed, I clearly pictured them in my mind. It wasn't until I was done with the book did I dare peek at the cast for the HBO show. (Thank God they got Ned right! Helllooo Sean Bean!)
The suspense almost killed me. I was listening to this audiobook back and forth from work. Most days, I would sit there in the parking garage at work waiting for the chapter to be over. Many times I was late to work. I blame Mr. Martin.
Yes, the book is intimidating coming in over 700 pages. I listened to the audiobook which was amazing. I recommend the audiobook. Yes, I may have been able to read it faster but the audiobook is such a wonderful ride, you shouldn't miss it. The reader, Roy Dotrice, does an exceptional job. It's a long, long story, but well worth it.
And let's not forget the story.
There are so many layers, upon layers of history, politics and romance I thought I would need a chart to put everyone together.
My only complaint is the idea of the series itself. Game of Thrones did not feel like a massive novel. Looking back on it now, it felt like a prologue. I don't know where it's going but I know I'm not anywhere close to being through the beginning.
I'll probably continue reading the series, but I have to gear myself up for it. Taking on 34 hours for the first book was quite a challenge so I'm allowing a slight break until I tackle book two.
Don't worry though! I already bought it and it's ready to go.
And to my friend- yes, you were right.
Just. This. Once.
Before the HBO series started, a friend of mine told me I HAD to read this book. Now, let's get something straight. My friend does not agree with me on most things. In fact, I can honestly say I think we hardly ever agree. Maybe once. Every few moons.
So I was reluctant to commit to a bazillion page book with only his recommendation that it would be good.
Then I got to thinking- well, why the hell not?
Audible, here I come.
Many, and I do mean MANY, hours later, and more than a couple of months, I finished Game of Thrones.
And sadly, now I have to admit to my friend, who I love giving a hard time about everything, that he was right. It was fantastic.
The mythology is given to the reader in bits and pieces through the whole book. I never felt like I was bombarded by dry history. The characters are so well developed, I clearly pictured them in my mind. It wasn't until I was done with the book did I dare peek at the cast for the HBO show. (Thank God they got Ned right! Helllooo Sean Bean!)
The suspense almost killed me. I was listening to this audiobook back and forth from work. Most days, I would sit there in the parking garage at work waiting for the chapter to be over. Many times I was late to work. I blame Mr. Martin.
Yes, the book is intimidating coming in over 700 pages. I listened to the audiobook which was amazing. I recommend the audiobook. Yes, I may have been able to read it faster but the audiobook is such a wonderful ride, you shouldn't miss it. The reader, Roy Dotrice, does an exceptional job. It's a long, long story, but well worth it.
And let's not forget the story.
There are so many layers, upon layers of history, politics and romance I thought I would need a chart to put everyone together.
My only complaint is the idea of the series itself. Game of Thrones did not feel like a massive novel. Looking back on it now, it felt like a prologue. I don't know where it's going but I know I'm not anywhere close to being through the beginning.
I'll probably continue reading the series, but I have to gear myself up for it. Taking on 34 hours for the first book was quite a challenge so I'm allowing a slight break until I tackle book two.
Don't worry though! I already bought it and it's ready to go.
And to my friend- yes, you were right.
Just. This. Once.
Rating: 9 Ridiculously Awesome, Like Cookies and Ice Cream
I also put off reading game of thrones because of similar friend. but I saw the series and loved it. Then I finally read the book and understood why the series was so good.. because it was based on a better book.... :)
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:) agreed! I'm in the middle of watching the series now, season one and I keep comparing it to the book! Have to stop doing that! :)
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