Questions About A Song of Ice and Fire, 7 Volumes (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1-5)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about A Song of Ice and Fire, 7 Volumes, please sign up.

Answered Questions (5)

Does the tv series follow the storyline of the books or are they quite different? I realize that game of thrones tv series is based on these books but how well do they match up?

Liz M I have watched the series and read the books twice each, and I have some forgotten points, but from what I remember, the first 4 seasons do hit most o…moreI have watched the series and read the books twice each, and I have some forgotten points, but from what I remember, the first 4 seasons do hit most of the major plot points and character personalities, details aside, which I consider the heart of a true filmed adaptation.
The strength and weakness of the show is condensation. GRRM is a VERY meandering writer, especially in his later books. This makes him an excellent world builder, and you get great insight into the back story of his characters, many of which of tragic and beautiful tales in their own right (HBO is currently considering a prologue). These are only referenced in the show, and do not have the same power. (if you've heard of the R+L=J theory, the passion for this idea comes from the intensity built up in the book) Television also has the misfortune of being a medium where everything must be shown- so intense inner monologues must be translated into expressions and words, which don't always work. There are countless more characters in the book (if you can believe it!) who often exist for no other purpose than to add greater depth to the world (which I, as a patient reader, certainly don't mind.) But the show struggles to even fit in the main ones without seriously abbreviating their stories. The show is a landmark in Television in how many characters is covers and I believe it will see many copy-cats who don't understand the point. I firmly believe the series could successfully be twice as long, and in the later seasons, this would be twice as satisfying, though I do understand the concerns of budget and casting.
But GRRM will also go on and on about things that are essentially pointless in the end, describe what people are eating and drinking, and build long lineages without a purpose. But to be fair, this grows far worse in books 4 and especially 5, in which HBO has meandered far from the books. But if you want a tight story with a more heart racing pace, the TV show will give it to you. I consider it a great success, though I love the books. I consider book three (seasons 3 and 4) the absolute finest, and it does it justice.
The TV show has a world-building of its own, and it DOES NOT disappoint. The production values are out of this world. I have always seriously side-eyed CGI creations, but the dragons have a depth and reality that I never imagined possible. This means we don't see them as often, but it's worthwhile. The locations are stunning and are made into realistic fantasy landscapes through believable computer alteration. Casting is for the most part dead-on, with top British actors. I am especially impressed with the child actors, who are incredibly important to the plot and could easily have destroyed the show without their remarkable talent. The costumes, which in many fantasy adaptations are a Renn-faire disaster, are a careful blend of medieval and outside influences that emphasis the medieval parallels while making it very clear this is an alternate universe.
There are some annoying tendencies, especially the 'sexposition' (where a character gives a monologue, and the showrunners, not expecting us to have the patience to listen, show sexy sex in the background to keep our attention). There are some jarring new characters (I am looking at you, Talisa) but also characters who are improved upon (Oberyn, who I had little interest in in the book, steals the show and my heart in Season 4).
And now Season 5. As 4 and 5 are very difficult books that take place simultaneously in the East and West, the showrunners have decided to part ways with GRRM (who won't finish the story in time for shooting anyway) and go rogue. And some very poor decisions were made. It's still more enjoyable than most things on television, but some aspects (Dorne, oh Dorne! Sansa, oh Sansa!) were slaughtered in the name of brevity. My expectations have been deeply lowered. But I say if you like the books, give the show a chance! I consider it the finest television I have ever seen, and it would be a shame to just not watch it. (less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Maggie well, i haven't finished reading the series yet (currently reading "a dance with dragons") but i've been thinking about this question as well. A possi…morewell, i haven't finished reading the series yet (currently reading "a dance with dragons") but i've been thinking about this question as well. A possible theory that I came up with was that fire is the symbol of the god of light R'hllor, and ice is the symbol of the whights, of all the evil out there. It basically describes the battle of good (light, fire, life) against evil (cold, others, death). I wouldn't say that the two terms are clearly linked to two houses, but of course, this is only one way of looking at it, only one single theory of many, but maybe you want to take this into consideration too :)(less)

flag

Are these the big books or the small books?

Nikhil More big, lol check number of pages in description

flag

If GRRM did write the series, why is it so painful for him to finish it? He should be on the downslope now, barreling happily toward the end. Even *HBO* can't blast him into winding it up. He's BS'ing, over-committing to other projects--by now he probably hopes he WILL die and have a built in excuse for not being able to finish it with the quality promised by the first three and letting down all his fans.

Maggie well, i personally imagine that him knowing that the film series have already come to an end puts a lot of pressure on him. he needs to find an ending…morewell, i personally imagine that him knowing that the film series have already come to an end puts a lot of pressure on him. he needs to find an ending that his fans are content with (which is not the case with the film series, as i have heard from most of the viewers; i myself have not seen it yet, only read the books) also, the book is so cunningly constructed, so thoroughly built up, i mean he has to put together so many strings of narration in the end, and be aware of not forgetting a single detail because he cannot really correct anything as soon as the book is out.. i agree that he might hope to die before the book is finished, but it is kind of understandable, i mean thousands of people are waiting for the final book and with such high expectations, disappointment comes easily..(less)

flag

Where do I start reading after season 5 of the series? I know it is not accurate but I just want complete it reading

Nikhil More season 5 is basically book 5, but there are few things which season 5 didnt cover, if u r interested , u can give it a try.
or you may want to wait for…moreseason 5 is basically book 5, but there are few things which season 5 didnt cover, if u r interested , u can give it a try.
or you may want to wait for book 6 which hopefully is coming in 2016(less)

flag