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A Game of Thrones and the A Song of Ice and Fire series are books I’ve known about for a long time, but have been very reluctant to read. Have you seen the size of them?! Very daunting, and I don’t usually like to read long books. However, I finally gave in to the temptations and bought the box set. Immediately I started reading, and immediately I was sucked into the world of Westeros and I am now completely obsessed.
A Game of Thrones is the first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin and is set in a high-fantasy world where betrayal and treachery aren’t uncommon. Although there’s a lot of information to take in, Martin has created an incredible world where it is easy to feel as if you are the characters, walking in their footsteps and speaking their words. It’s difficult to describe it exactly because it’s better to discover the plot for yourself – I really don’t want to spoil anything!
There are vivid arrays of characters, all extremely realistic. Even the characters you’re supposed to hate are easy to like because they have motivations and this is what makes A Game of Thrones really stand out. Every person has flaws, not just ‘the bad guys,’ and every character in this novel has them too which makes it impossible to trust anyone, even the people you think you’re supposed to.
That said, I do have a few favourite characters. Daenerys Targaryen is the character I completely fell in love with. Can I be her please? She’s everything you could wish for in a character and more, and I loved seeing her character growth as the novel progressed. I found myself longing for more of her chapters because they were just so good.
The novel is written in third person from the perspectives of a number of different characters, which can be rather confusing at first but you do get used to it after a while. Just a warning: Don’t get too close to any of the characters, because they will most likely die. George R. R. Martin isn’t afraid of death!
Whilst an adult novel (it’s extremely violently and sexually graphic so if you’re squeamish I’d beware), I enjoyed the change from YA to adult and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and watch the TV show.
Book in a tweet: Thrilling, completely enthralling and complex, A Game of Thrones will draw you into the world of Westeros and not let you go.
9 Comments
Maaikeve
9 June, 2014 at 11:17 amI just started this book and I just finished Daenerys first chapter! Great review!
Maaikeve recently posted…Update + Wrap Up | May 2014
Samena Khan
9 June, 2014 at 4:47 pmI find the size of the books really intimidating but really want to read them because I’ve heard such good things about the books and tv show. Definitely want to read them even more after reading this review 🙂
Samena Khan recently posted…Stacking The Shelves [1]
Danielle
15 June, 2014 at 5:58 pmI’m so glad you enjoyed this! They just get better and better, such a wonderful series. You’re in for a real treat!
Danielle recently posted…The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop | Review
Georgia Stencel
20 June, 2014 at 7:53 amTwitter: Books_Bandit
I really want to read the Game of Thrones series, but my mum won’t let me…Yet! But awesome review Lucy! And I love the new layout! 😀
Georgia Stencel recently posted…NEW: BookShelf Love #2
Lucy Recommends... [4] - Big Books - Queen of Contemporary
18 November, 2014 at 6:31 am[…] Diving straight into the deep end, it’s no surprise that I’m featuring A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin on a list of ‘big books.’ It took me over a month to read but because of its size it meant that it was very easy to absorb everything about the world of Westeros. You can read my full review here. […]
Game of Thrones S06E02 download
23 April, 2016 at 9:56 amThis is special because it’s very much a saga in progress. Usually when a book or books are transposed onto the big or small silver screen; they are complete and the arc of the story is known. In the case of ” Game of Thrones ” the Author, GRR Martin has two books left to write to conclude the seven book series. Indeed in a recent interview he has not completely ruled out further episodes in the future.
I must say I think Mr. Martin has boxed himself into a corner and will need to work on the two remaining volumes with some alactrity; which is alien to his thoughtful slow progression; we shall see.
Two more things, I would like to add which makes the books special to me is his surprising mortality rate. He leaves the readers in no doubt that his characters inhabit a cruel world; where death can come at any moment; as it frequently does. Life in the seven kingdoms must move on without any special consideration for any character, however pivotal to the storyline they may appear to be.
Finally I must applaud Mr. Martin’s positive approach to those characters who have any form of handicap. As in the case of Tyrion (diminished growth) he allows him to be a prominent character; with greater wit than most and quite rightly ordering people about using clever forms of strategy to gain his way.
Mr. Martin is reminding us all that we have to make our way through the tangles of life, using whatever gifts we possess.
Well done Sir.
Abdulaziz
25 January, 2019 at 2:52 pmA Game of Thrones Book (Summary – Review – Order Book – About George R. R. Martin)
Rifat
25 February, 2020 at 6:54 amThis is really a great article and a great read for me. It’s my first visit to your blog and I have found it so useful and informative. Thank you
abdelazeezsobh
29 June, 2020 at 3:56 amA Game of Thrones A Game of Thrones is a contemporary fantasy masterpiece. The cold is returning to Winterfell, where summers can last for decades and winters a lifetime. A moment of conflict has arisen in the Stark family as they are pulled from the safety of their home in a whirlwind of tragedy, betrayal, murder, conspiracies, and conspiracies. Every decision and action carries the potential for conflict, as several prominent families, made up of lords, ladies, soldiers, sorcerers, assassins, and bastards, unite in the deadliest game of all: the game of thrones.