Read or skip

[Nikolai]

I have seen the first season of GOT but I am wondering whether I should read this or skip onto the next book in the series. Reading, I feel, would be a waste? Please help. No spoilers, plz.

[D.]

Yes, you probably should. Although first season is the most faithful to the books, A Game of Thrones still has a bunch of details and differences with the show.

I think if you start directly with A Clash of Kings (book 2) you may understando the overall story, but probably be lost in some subplots, and there would be a handful of characters who you wouldn't recognise.

[Shawn]

I wouldn't bother reading any of them until he finishes the series at this point... if he ever does. Just watch the show, enjoy it for the porn it is, and if he ever gets off his ass and finishes the book series then pick them up.

[Rae (thehiddennugget)]

I was talking to my friend about this book, she'd watched the show and I was reading the book, and I kept talking to her about certain characters' back stories and little details and she was devastated that such things weren't explored in the show. So I think you maybe don't NEED to read it, but it's good for a lot of insight into characters?

[Shawn]

If you are only watching the show... reading the books will just confuse you because there are a ton of changes. Characters go in different directions, do completely different things, live or die.. so while there is some insight.. especially the last couple of seasons really diverge from the books.

I still strongly recommend not wasting your time with the books until they are all out. He takes WAY too long to write.. and the last two books were absolute garbage.

[Holly]

Read the books.

Ever since Season 5 this show has seriously gone downhill; Fonzie has his water skis and does his "jump the shark" routine repeatedly during every episode.