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chrystalo's review against another edition
4.0
This was a VERY intense book. Stuff is just constantly going down for no freaking reason and it is definitely not for the faint of heart. I hope you all are prepared for the pure crazy that happens. Also, it was a very slow book to start. I decided to round up from my real 3.5 rating because the book is very well written, and even though it bounces around from person to person, the story is cohesive and new and fresh and I really appreciated that. I will take some time to watch the first season of Game of Thrones before jumping in to the next book, if only to save myself from future heartache. Well done though.
magikspells's review against another edition
4.0
This book I felt went by so fast, probably because I couldn't put it down a lot. I watched the show before reading the book, but the show admittedly does a pretty good job of transferring the book. Definitely enjoyed it, definitely starting the next one as I type this.
jonisbookquest's review against another edition
3.0
DNF'd at 500 pages. This book wasn't bad at all, but it was just a little too much of everything. I might pick this up again one day, but for now, it's a DNF.
protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
A Game of Thrones definitely has the feel of an epic saga. Martin does an excellent job establishing characters and building a world for them to explore. The adventure and danger feel real because everything is so rich and vividly expressed. He also has an excellent mix of action and political intrigue. I find myself equally engaged in each element of the story and that is an extremely good thing. I can't wait to watch the first season of the show!
reags___'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
betseyboo's review against another edition
3.0
This book was entertaining but felt like an introduction to the entire series. It was difficult to keep track of all the characters while reading (please note that there is an appendix in the book which lists all of the characters...my bad). Has anyone read the other books? If so, let me know what you thought.
thanureads's review against another edition
4.0
"Winter is Coming."
After being a fan of the show for many years and faithfully watching it as it came out season after season, A Game of Thrones easily became one of my favorite shows. With it's intricate plots, multi-faceted characters and intriguing backstories all set in the backdrop of a fantasy setting, it was a perfect blend. However without spoiling anything too much, the ending of Game of Thrones was disappointing, shocking and egregious. And after re-watching the show recently with my best friend (who also hated the ending as much as I did), I decided to embark upon the books in hopes of a better ending (if it ever comes).
I have attempted to read this book many times, and have come very close to finishing it, but for some reason, wasn't able to make it all the way. Perhaps it was my newfound desperation for a more satisfying ending that kept me going and I'm glad I did because the book was just as good as the show. This first book is almost the same as season one, so it wasn't anything new for me, although I imagine that first time readers going in blindly will be pleasantly surprised at the world that Martin has spun. It is a complicated book with lots of characters but it is easy to grasp and becomes quite addicting despite the hefty size. As for the readers coming in already watching the show, the book will give you a deeper insight into the characters minds, motivations and longings. Overall this book was very good and I look forward to reading the rest of the series and Martin's other works.
After being a fan of the show for many years and faithfully watching it as it came out season after season, A Game of Thrones easily became one of my favorite shows. With it's intricate plots, multi-faceted characters and intriguing backstories all set in the backdrop of a fantasy setting, it was a perfect blend. However without spoiling anything too much, the ending of Game of Thrones was disappointing, shocking and egregious. And after re-watching the show recently with my best friend (who also hated the ending as much as I did), I decided to embark upon the books in hopes of a better ending (if it ever comes).
I have attempted to read this book many times, and have come very close to finishing it, but for some reason, wasn't able to make it all the way. Perhaps it was my newfound desperation for a more satisfying ending that kept me going and I'm glad I did because the book was just as good as the show. This first book is almost the same as season one, so it wasn't anything new for me, although I imagine that first time readers going in blindly will be pleasantly surprised at the world that Martin has spun. It is a complicated book with lots of characters but it is easy to grasp and becomes quite addicting despite the hefty size. As for the readers coming in already watching the show, the book will give you a deeper insight into the characters minds, motivations and longings. Overall this book was very good and I look forward to reading the rest of the series and Martin's other works.
Spoiler
Reading my favorite character Ned Stark die again in the books was just as heartbreaking as watching it :(dithorba's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Incest, War, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, and Misogyny
yarfaqikhdir's review against another edition
2.0
It's obvious that I only started reading this book after watching the TV show, but the level of details to sexual things, and the profanity is just too extreme and too much and I think that the TV show did a really good job portraying the book and included as much of the book as possible, although the lore and the history of the world of Game of Thrones is not detailed enough in the TV show, but also not in the books, making it a necessity to read the accompanying books to the series like (The World of Ice and Fire) and (Fire and Blood)
qjbrown96's review against another edition
5.0
Ned Stark is probably the best character in fictional history. If everyone was like him the world would be so much better. This book is full of characters you love, characters you love/hate, and even more characters to despise. Sansa Stark is the worst child ever. Although if it weren’t for her actions the story might not have been as interesting