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Re-reading A GAME OF THRONES: An Unauthorized Response to George R. R. Martin's Fantasy Classic
Waiting for Dragons is an unauthorized critical essay hat is both an unabashed homage to George R.R. Martin’s brilliant fantasy novel A Game of Thrones and a candid – and at times controversial – commentary on the issues surrounding the delays of its sequels.
In 1996, George R.R. Martin electrified fantasy fans around the world when he published A Game of Thrones, the first book in his acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series. Since then, Martin has published three more books in the series. The engrossing tale Martin spun with these first novels in his saga has gained more and more fans across the world and has resulted in a number of spin-off products, such including HBO’s TV series, card and board games, computer games, sword replicas, comic books and calendars. Perhaps paradoxically, the number of years between each time Martin publishes a new book in the series has increased. Fans have been clamoring for the fifth volume, A Dance with Dragons, since 2005: A book that promises to pick up the storylines of fan-favorite characters left hanging since 1999. As Martin struggles to reach the finish line, or indeed even the halfway point in his epic, his fans wait for the next fix. One way to keep sane during the long waits is to re-read the already published novels.
Journey to Westeros with Remy J. Verhoeve as he celebrates his tenth reading of A Game of Thrones. Chapter by chapter, the author, a Dutch-Norwegian English teacher and self-confessed fantasy geek, is both fellow traveler and tour guide as he shares his insightful reflections on Martin’s writing techniques, major – and seemingly minor – plot points and characters, and much more.
True to its origins as a blogging project undertaken while not-so-patiently waiting for A Dance With Dragons, the author does not hold back in this unauthorized companion book that is both an unabashed homage to the novel that started it all, as well as a candid – and at times controversial – commentary on the issues surrounding the delayed release of the fifth book.
Whether or not they agree with everything the author has to say, all fans of A Song of Ice and Fire, from those who have loved the series since its inception in 1996 to those who have only just discovered it through the HBO series, will enjoy this thought-provoking and outspoken book.
In 1996, George R.R. Martin electrified fantasy fans around the world when he published A Game of Thrones, the first book in his acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series. Since then, Martin has published three more books in the series. The engrossing tale Martin spun with these first novels in his saga has gained more and more fans across the world and has resulted in a number of spin-off products, such including HBO’s TV series, card and board games, computer games, sword replicas, comic books and calendars. Perhaps paradoxically, the number of years between each time Martin publishes a new book in the series has increased. Fans have been clamoring for the fifth volume, A Dance with Dragons, since 2005: A book that promises to pick up the storylines of fan-favorite characters left hanging since 1999. As Martin struggles to reach the finish line, or indeed even the halfway point in his epic, his fans wait for the next fix. One way to keep sane during the long waits is to re-read the already published novels.
Journey to Westeros with Remy J. Verhoeve as he celebrates his tenth reading of A Game of Thrones. Chapter by chapter, the author, a Dutch-Norwegian English teacher and self-confessed fantasy geek, is both fellow traveler and tour guide as he shares his insightful reflections on Martin’s writing techniques, major – and seemingly minor – plot points and characters, and much more.
True to its origins as a blogging project undertaken while not-so-patiently waiting for A Dance With Dragons, the author does not hold back in this unauthorized companion book that is both an unabashed homage to the novel that started it all, as well as a candid – and at times controversial – commentary on the issues surrounding the delayed release of the fifth book.
Whether or not they agree with everything the author has to say, all fans of A Song of Ice and Fire, from those who have loved the series since its inception in 1996 to those who have only just discovered it through the HBO series, will enjoy this thought-provoking and outspoken book.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2011
6 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 26, 2012
I loved reading this book! Remy J. Verhoeve is a talented modern literary critic without being pretentious. Reading this book has satisfied some of my needs to geek-out about GoT and has spared my friends (a little) from being constantly engaged in conversation about my favourite novels.
I would like to thank the author about also giving me the wider picture of George R.R. Martin's fanbase and internet culture around the novels.
Sometimes he gets very upset with George R.R. Martin, but that's just down to his undying love for the novels.
I would like to thank the author about also giving me the wider picture of George R.R. Martin's fanbase and internet culture around the novels.
Sometimes he gets very upset with George R.R. Martin, but that's just down to his undying love for the novels.
March 2, 2014
This guy is truly sad and self-obsessed in a way that is actually really funny.
There are some insights and good observations, but personally he is making too much of it, and is reading too much into everything.
The best bits are on the side - his ranting about being banned from official George Martin site, and moaning on and on because he sees the author reporting / doing anything else than write the book.
I worry - how far away from me (see how many complete lists of authors I have) is this?
There are some insights and good observations, but personally he is making too much of it, and is reading too much into everything.
The best bits are on the side - his ranting about being banned from official George Martin site, and moaning on and on because he sees the author reporting / doing anything else than write the book.
I worry - how far away from me (see how many complete lists of authors I have) is this?
July 3, 2011
This was an entertaining collection of blogs. It was fun to hear another perspective on the series and gain insight into the subculture created by the novels. I feel the author's pain - I am angry about the wait for the fifth book too.
June 28, 2011
I am waiting for tis book to come out! Can't wait to read it!
August 31, 2011
It was a fun read. I know this was taken from blog posts, but it's irritating to me to see the words 'LOL' in print. Just saying
January 15, 2013
Enjoyed rereading GOT with this companion book full of insight and sarcasm. I hope he writes companion books for the other volumes in the series.
April 25, 2013
One of my favorite reads of the year. REALLY FUNNY! A classic in its own right. I'd follow Slynt into any dungeon. GREAT! For GRRM readers only.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews