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A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

George R.R. Martin

Start date: October 1, 2016

Finish date: October 31, 2016

Discussion: Archived BOTM

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What Members Thought

Dec 25, 2009 Gaijinmama rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, fantasy

I went into this having seen the first two seasons of the TV show, so some of the suspense was gone.
Didn't matter a whit. I could hardly put the book down and pretty much binge-read the last 300 pages over a three-day weekend. Family? sleep? work? what's that?
Indeed, it was all I could do not to plow right into the next volume of the series, but I'm making myself take a break to process it.

The story is just plain non-stop irresistible brilliance. In more than 800 pages, not a single word is wast I went into this having seen the first two seasons of the TV show, so some of the suspense was gone.
Didn't matter a whit. I could hardly put the book down and pretty much binge-read the last 300 pages over a three-day weekend. Family? sleep? work? what's that?
Indeed, it was all I could do not to plow right into the next volume of the series, but I'm making myself take a break to process it.

The story is just plain non-stop irresistible brilliance. In more than 800 pages, not a single word is wasted. More importantly in my view, the characters are believable and complex. The bad guys have some redeeming qualities, and the good guys have some grey areas and do some unlikeable stuff. They're people, not superheroes, and that's what kept me riveted in their story.
Hands down, my favorite character is Tyrion, The Imp. I'd say he's the anti-hero of the whole darn thing. As far as I'm concerned, this is really his story. Kinda like Star Wars is really about Han Solo, not that boring Luke Skywalker, right? Tyrion isn't exactly a good guy but he is smart, shows compassion in spite of himself, generally does the right thing when it matters, and oh. my.gods. does he have a sense of humor!! Between him and Petyr Baelish( who really is a scumbag, but endearing nonetheless) I found myself giggling at all sorts of inappropriate moments.
Warning: in case you've been hiding under a rock, let's just say things get a bit violent here and there. I'm not at all squeamish, but this book contains some truly sick and twisted stuff that pushed even my limits. What makes it even more upsetting, is that it's portrayed realistically. There is no cruelty in this book that hasn't actually been done to someone at some point in history.
Same goes for the magical aspects of the story. Magic exists in this world, but it comes at a price, and people still have to deal with the consequences of their actions, or deal with the fall-out of other people's actions (Catelyn Stark, a word please!! In my office, now!!).
People survive by using their brains. And sometimes bad things happen to good people.
Maybe I'll grab the next book and dive right in, after all. ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Jan 21, 2008 Tracy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-and-liked-it

Book Review: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Fantasy readers will find a rewarding experience when they delve into Martin's epic fantasy series. Find out how this leading fantasy genre author captivates readers with diverse characters and thrilling plot twists.

Career author and television writer George R.R. Martin is well on his way to becoming a legend in his own time with his grandest of epics A Song of Ice and Fire that begins with A Game of Thrones. Published by Bantam Books, this as ...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Shanyn rated it really liked it

i wish so much that I had read this book before watching the TV series. Because while it is a credit to the writers of the show, it's no fun to basically read a script of something you've already seen.

i was so hoping for more of the lore and legend to be made clear and to learn more about the characters. I was so hoping for more, but really, I had to make myself finish it because I'd already been there, seen that.

Had I read it before seeing it however, I would have been mesmerized. ...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Madhuri Pavamani rated it it was amazing

Awesome. Completely hooked.(Also like that this series has enough books to last me until "The Twelve" is published in August.) ...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Marsha 'Sha'z' Carmichael rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

Pulls you in to the exclusion of doing the mundane chores of life. You become one with the adventure and the characters.

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Jan 11, 2012 Stephanie rated it it was amazing

This book was an epic journey that took me 3 months to conquer, but what a ride! This novel was filled with so many twists and turns. I think it rivals Lord of the Rings just because of the attention to detail that went into this world he created! I am so happy I took the time to read this.

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Jan 08, 2008 a_tiffyfit rated it really liked it

I've started to read this series because of a friend and that the HBO series will soon be out or is out on DVD so I can watch. It is enjoyable so far! ...more

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