From the Bookshelf of The Challenge Factory…

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

George R.R. Martin

Start date: January 23, 2012

Finish date: February 16, 2012

Discussion: ♦Buddy Reads♦

Discussion leader: Shellbelle

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

Showing 2 of 50 topics — 2,348 comments total

♦Buddy Reads♦

* Buddy Read Sign Ups
By Denise , Manufacturing Director · 137 posts · 171 views

last updated Mar 30, 2025 03:36AM

* Buddy Reads - Discussion/Find A Buddy
By Denise , Manufacturing Director · 35 posts · 152 views

last updated Feb 26, 2025 06:00PM

showing 10 of 81 topics view all »

What Members Thought

May 16, 2014 Megan rated it it was ok

Shelves: to-continue-later, nbrc-uncover-it

I haven't finished this, not sure if I will. The story is very monotonous and a bit boring. There are so many characters that got very confusing who was who. I didn't like the dirty talking and things like that. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 03, 2013 AliciaJ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, fantasy, favorite-fantasy, favorite-series, dragons, epic

Such a long story, especially since it's only the first installment, but it's oh soooo very good. Thrilling even. So yeah, even though I had to take breaks and read something a bit lighter for a bit, I still would count this as one of the best books I've read in a while. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 24, 2012 ~Leslie~ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: library-paper

If 5 stars is for those books that just grip you and won't let go, even if sometimes you want it to, then this book gets 5 stars. In the beginning it was a difficult format, jumping from character to character, but once the story gets rolling, it makes sense and you begin to look forward to hearing from certain characters. What a rollercoaster ride this book takes you on! I was warned not to get too attached to any character and that was such a true statement! The character development was amazi ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 02, 2012 Zuzana rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, 2013-challenge

Very dark and grim.

1 like · Like · see review

Dec 23, 2011 Hayley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: magic, fantasy, other-world, favourite, epic, own, 2012, series

I've been hearing good things about this series for a long time, and have heard it highly acclaimed and highly recommended, so I finally decided to give it a go. Which turned out to be a fantastic decision.

This is definitely an epic fantasy series. The first book is 780 pages long, and the others (five so far (6 if you count that no. 3 comes in 2 parts) and apparently another 2 on the way (though one downside of Martin as an author is that he takes years to write one book... though with their l I've been hearing good things about this series for a long time, and have heard it highly acclaimed and highly recommended, so I finally decided to give it a go. Which turned out to be a fantastic decision.

This is definitely an epic fantasy series. The first book is 780 pages long, and the others (five so far (6 if you count that no. 3 comes in 2 parts) and apparently another 2 on the way (though one downside of Martin as an author is that he takes years to write one book... though with their length and complexity, you can hardly blame him!)) But it's definitely worth it to read every page, and it's so engaging you barely realise how much time has passed, let alone how long it is taking you!!

The story is set in the Seven Kingdoms, at a time of turmoil. Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, is asked by old friend King Robert to come and help him rule the throne him helped him win approximately 15 years ago. But plots are afoot by the Lannister family (Wardens of the West, wife to the King, with other complex relations) to take the thrown, and Eddard, a man of honour, finds it hard to know who to trust, and finds it difficult to make the right decisions. Everyone is in it for themselves, and the country is slowly fracturing. Meanwhile, across the narrow sea, the true heir to the thrown is becoming a strong and independent women, reviving the 'dragon' (mostly metaphorical) and planning her return to claim her thrown. Also, up north where the Black Brothers walk the Wall that protects the Seven Kingdoms from the dangers outside, those dangers are starting to stir...

The narrative is told not from the perspective of about 12 different characters, with each chapter by a different character. This allows you to understand all sides of the story, to follow multiple story arches at once, and keeps your interest as you wait to hear back from your favourites.

The story deals with multiple issues such as love, loyalty, honour, family, incest, childhood, good and evil, the cost of war, and politics. It is a deep and insightful story, expertly plotted with twist and turns and surprises on every page, and all the characters are bright, interesting, and diverse.

An easy 5/5, and am looking forward to reading the rest of them!!
...more

Like · see review