A Game of Thrones is book one of George RR Martin’s fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire. As expected from a series now on its sixth volume and its third season as an HBO miniseries, book one is utterly addictive.
My experience reading this book is unconventional. Before reading a single word from ANY of Martin’s books, I watched seasons one and two of the HBO miniseries “Game of Thrones.” Then, I landed in jail where the only volume available was book three, A Storm of Swords. I tentatively opened it and began the first few chapters. By the seven faces of God, it appeared to begin right where the miniseries ended (for me.) I tore through Swords, grubbed A Feast for Crows (book four) and boogied through A Dance with Dragons Part One and Part Two (I am calling these books five and six in the series.) Then, book one magically appeared on the shelf and I thought “why not?”
Reading the beginning of a story you are already deep into is a strange experience. The fact that it turned out so well is testament to the power of Martin’s saga and the scintillating quality of book one. If only real history were this exciting and this well written.
A Game of Thrones is mesmerizing realpolitik told through individual stories with characters as evil, loyal, loving, innocent, witty, brave or foolish as you will ever hope to meet. Martin knows a thing or two about suspense, too. Will the secret of the king’s birth be revealed? Will zombies invade from the north? Are those real dragons in those eggs? Will anyone escape the story with their head intact?
Although unconventional, my method of experiencing this saga is satisfying to me. I understand even more clearly how it all fits together. I now have book two, A Clash of Kings on order and I can’t wait to once again (re-) experience that part of the saga.
Link to A Game of Thrones on Powells.com
Link to review of A Storm of Swords on this site
Link to essay George RR Martin vs William Shakespeare on this site
Link to Book v Movie: A Game of Thrones
Link to everything related to George RR Martin on this site
Posted by Drevil, 12/5/2012