A review by coolhandluke140
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad 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

3.75

The book is, fine. I am not one for political intrigue, which features heavily. I have nothing stubbornly opposed to themes in this book, but neither do I enjoy the SA that is in it, nor the starkly (pun intended) young ages of the characters within. I get that it's supposed to be "middle ages" themed, but it seems unnecessary and unrealistic from what we actually know about the medieval ages. 

The actual world building and characters are quite interesting and the writing flows well, and the dialogue is well written. That is this book's saving grace. That and the narrator of this audiobook. He does an excellent job bringing these characters to life. 

I would recommend this book to those not easily put off by tough topics and those who find political intrigue interesting. If those two things aren't for you, I'd pass on this as there are many other fantasy stories that would probably be better for you. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Slavery, Rape, Alcohol, Violence, War, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Death, Grief, and Murder

Minor: Child death, Physical abuse, Incest, Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, and Pedophilia

The tags are a warning, there are a lot of dark topics. They are not the focus, but they do show up. Descriptions are sometimes detailed, but often vague and brief.