A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) in The Complete Idiots Guide to the Ultimate Reading List

Dec 25, 2009 Gaijinmama rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, fantasy

I went into this having seen the first two seasons of the TV show, so some of the suspense was gone.
Didn't matter a whit. I could hardly put the book down and pretty much binge-read the last 300 pages over a three-day weekend. Family? sleep? work? what's that?
Indeed, it was all I could do not to plow right into the next volume of the series, but I'm making myself take a break to process it.

The story is just plain non-stop irresistible brilliance. In more than 800 pages, not a single word is wast I went into this having seen the first two seasons of the TV show, so some of the suspense was gone.
Didn't matter a whit. I could hardly put the book down and pretty much binge-read the last 300 pages over a three-day weekend. Family? sleep? work? what's that?
Indeed, it was all I could do not to plow right into the next volume of the series, but I'm making myself take a break to process it.

The story is just plain non-stop irresistible brilliance. In more than 800 pages, not a single word is wasted. More importantly in my view, the characters are believable and complex. The bad guys have some redeeming qualities, and the good guys have some grey areas and do some unlikeable stuff. They're people, not superheroes, and that's what kept me riveted in their story.
Hands down, my favorite character is Tyrion, The Imp. I'd say he's the anti-hero of the whole darn thing. As far as I'm concerned, this is really his story. Kinda like Star Wars is really about Han Solo, not that boring Luke Skywalker, right? Tyrion isn't exactly a good guy but he is smart, shows compassion in spite of himself, generally does the right thing when it matters, and oh. my.gods. does he have a sense of humor!! Between him and Petyr Baelish( who really is a scumbag, but endearing nonetheless) I found myself giggling at all sorts of inappropriate moments.
Warning: in case you've been hiding under a rock, let's just say things get a bit violent here and there. I'm not at all squeamish, but this book contains some truly sick and twisted stuff that pushed even my limits. What makes it even more upsetting, is that it's portrayed realistically. There is no cruelty in this book that hasn't actually been done to someone at some point in history.
Same goes for the magical aspects of the story. Magic exists in this world, but it comes at a price, and people still have to deal with the consequences of their actions, or deal with the fall-out of other people's actions (Catelyn Stark, a word please!! In my office, now!!).
People survive by using their brains. And sometimes bad things happen to good people.
Maybe I'll grab the next book and dive right in, after all. ...more

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Jun 29, 2011 Jennifer rated it liked it

At first, you think this is a normal, epic fantasy novel. There is a new world, with interesting geography, convoluted political tangles, a huge cast of characters, all kinds of threats, and plenty of action, sex, intrigue, and adventure. But this world is especially complicated. And Martin seems to be trying pretty hard to not take the predicted road.

There are two big problems I have with this book: first, I'm not sure who I should be pulling for. It is brilliant that most of the characters ar ...more

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Apr 28, 2011 Jana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

I read this book several years ago and decided to read it again. I remembered it a bit differently but still found it enjoyable and a good page turner with all the elements of a fantasy novel coming together in the story.

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Mar 20, 2011 Lianna rated it liked it

Shelves: kindled

This book taught me that the secret to showing leadership skills is to set yourself on fire and then breastfeed baby dragons. On to the next book! Though if Catelyn Stark whinges one more time about how her son is not yet a man yet no longer a boy I'll throw this book against a wall.

My bold predictions for the next book!
-Bastard Jon is somehow not a bastard. Maybe he's the son of the ex-king and Lyanna.
-Bran gets knighted.
-Arya continues to be cool.
-I throw the book against a wall.

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Quit ...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Dolphe rated it really liked it

I am ashamed to admit that I only read this after I had seen the TV series. Now I have to pick up the next in the series and the next and the next.

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May 31, 2008 lionlady rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy-scifi

5 years later I'm re-reading this because, although I didn't really like it, I can't get it out of my mind. Also, I started book 2, but it had been too long since I read book 1that I need to back track. Maybe it'll be better the 2nd try. I don't normally read books twice and I don't know why I'm doing so now. Hmmm... ...more

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Sep 09, 2011 Kristi rated it it was amazing

Has everything I love about historical fantasy - intrigue, drama, torn allegiances, strong women characters, loyalties gone awry and surprises (good and evil). I have not seen the HBO series, but if this series continues to be as enthralling as Book 1, I won't be watching that until I've finished all four books.
...more

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Mar 12, 2009 Magpie67 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: library-book

I read this series... well books one thru three or four back in 2002. Giving it another whirl while I also watch the series from HBO. Going to be an adventure

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