A Game of Thrones question

Hi Jake. I completely understand where you are coming from. I was in the same boat having never really read fantasy before. Marina is correct about the historical fiction element. It feels very much like the dark ages with a twist. I have read the entire series and strongly recommend it. Lots of characters, drama and excitement. You cannot go wrong!

The trademark elements and stereotypes of the fantasy genre are absent in this one and it is dark, depressing, cruel and morally ambiguous. Also, there are many characters and places, but not that hard to pronounce or remember, since the names mostly sound English.

So, if you wanna stay clear of wizards and witches and otherworldly names, this is the book for you. There is VERY little mention of magic or anything supernatural, and is more of a powergame between different houses. If that interests you, you will love it.

It is often described as "fantasy for people who don't like fantasy!" I would say pick up the first book, give it a go, if you like it, continue.

I was told maybe two years ago about this series. I had heard nothing but praise about it and I was intrigued. I was like "why not?". So i picked up the first book and started reading. If you do read it, be warned the beginning is slow. It took a little while to get into it. When I did, it was fantastic. One of the best series I ever read. I loved it so much that I read book after book from this series until I finished it. I even stood in line for 12 and a half hours to get George R.R Martin to sign my book. This series was masterfully crafted and the intricate storyline is filled with everything you could ask for in a book.
This book does have strong content like violence and rape but it is seen from a medieval point of view and this happened more often in that time period.

My personal opinion is that it is great and it is worth a read!

This book is a masterpiece. However, it will spoil you for all other fantasy because nothing else will seem nearly as good. It's greatest trait is its realism. Most fantasy is totally escapist, but with GoT the characters just jump off the page.

Yes. You should.

/thread

In addition to the comments above, I would add, the first four chapters are a little bit tough. Nothing to do with the writing (it's great), but it takes a little while to get used to the short episodic patchwork of the writing.

Jake wrote: "I've heard GREAT things about the book and I really wanna try it. But I've also heard the complete opposite of great.
(I know that there's a lot of violence, sex, incenst, rape, etc.. but I can han..."

Ask me it's a waste of time. I tried to read it a few years ago, I hung in there for 500 pages and finally put it down out of boredom. The characters are simply sick, unlikable, and there is no real magic in the book. I skimmed ahead and read the last scene, and it was disgusting. It's a waste of time if you like fantasy, lowest possible recommendation. If you want to give a it a try, check it out from the library, then you won't be spending any money on it if you don't like it.

Read it. My daughter(21yrs) recommended it to me. I really liked it. It is different from the books I typically read which was delight

I tried reading this book multiple and was never able to get into it. I heard that the audiobook version was very good so I got that instead and love it. I can't remember who narrates it but he does a wonderful job. If you can't get into reading it then definitely try listening to it instead. I would like to mention that I am not a fan of fantasy books but agree with prior posters that this is not your usual fantasy book.

I agree with others who say the book is worth reading. I really enjoyed it and the four books that followed (some more than others; I'd say A Feast for Crows is the most difficult of the series to get through). I thought Martin's characterization was quite good, as was his overall plotting. I got a little bogged down by the focus on heraldic symbols and clothing -- and there are some instances when I think he overdoes the violence and sex for shock factor. But overall, GoT is a fun and thrilling read, and there are some characters who will stay with you long after you've finished the book(s). If you enjoy the first book, though, pace yourself... it may seem like it will take you forever to finish all the sequels, but then, one day, you'll find yourself finished with the series, waiting for years before the next book comes out...

Jake wrote: "(I know that there's a lot of violence, sex, incenst, rape, etc.. but I can handle that)

So I'm more of a fiction/mystery/crime kind of guy and fantasy was never my favorite. I've (of course, like everyone else in the world) have read the Harry Potter books, but that's as far as I've gone into fantasy. I find mysterious elves, towns with names you can't pronounce, and different worlds you can't keep track of, kind of annoying to be honest.

Should I still pick up Game of Thrones? "

From that description, I think there's a good chance you'll enjoy GoT. It's not for everybody, but if you're OK with fictional violence then you'll be OK with this book. Harry Potter doesn't bear much of a resemblance to Thrones.... I mean, they were both printed on paper, the fonts are relatively similar, and the number of books is/will be within 2-3 digits of each other, but other than that they don't really bear comparison....

There is a smidge of "different names" and such-like fantasy elements, but I'd suggest a lot less than in other fantasy works. The names are often referential to things in the real world, and are not all that bizarre, so I don't think that'd be a problem.

It is something of a commitment to read the whole series, especially as it is unfinished, but if you're OK with that then I say go for it.