A Game Of Thrones- A song of ice and fire, discussion (JUNE)

[Hollie]

Almost everyone I know has been going on and on about the T.V series of this book. I am not much of a T.V person myself, but I am however very much a book person so this is my way of giving the whole "A game of thrones thing" a go. I have no idea if I will like this huge book, or what it will be like. But as always, if anyone is in the same boat as me as in having not yet experienced this series and is curious of what all the hype is about, please feel welcome to join me in reading this book.

[Knight]

I am curious about the book because so many people talk about it. I think itll be a good book to read in the summer since it is a high fantasy. I'll join you in your reading adventure

[Hollie]

Wonderful Sara! We set off on 1st June x

[Knight]

yay! plus i wanna see how different the book is from the show because i heard they made a lot of changes from the book.

[Hollie]

I have heard that as well x

[Hollie]

What did you think of this book Shawnda? Have you watched the tv series? X

[Shawnda]

I have watched the show and really did enjoy, but I did like the books better. I just had to get used to so MANY characters and all their names lol.

[Knight]

so i am like 26% into the book and my god it's a wonderful story so far.

[Hollie]

I am really enjoying this one too Sara! Shawnda I definitely see what you mean about lots and lots of characters!! I don’t know about you Sara, but I am no where near finishing this book! I have felt like there is so much to take in and I really haven’t wanted to rush this one, so instead of choosing a book for July, I am going to extend June’s book over to July. Hope that’s ok with everyone, Those if you who have chosen not to join in the “A game of thrones (book 1) read, There will definitely be another book picked for August.

Up to page 213:

Ok.... Sooo many characters to talk about, (view spoiler)[ I’m going to start off by talking about my most disliked character so far, King Robert, I just find his character really really annoying! For one how can a king be so careless with money? Throwing extravagant expensive banquets and tournaments, when he is in so much debt already! Also I can not bare how spineless he is in regards to letting bad things happen which being King he could easily do something about or prevent such as when Arya’s friend (the butchers son) got brutally murdered for just being at the place where prince Joffrey got slightly injured in a silly fight he had with Arya. This not being bad enough King Robert then continued to sit back and let is barbaric wife Cersei demand that Sansa’s completely innocent dirwolf lady be slaughtered as revenge for her very spoilt mummy’s boy prince getting hurt by a completely different dirwolf. ⁉️ I get the impression that King Robert will do anything for a quiet life and to keep his wife from nagging him. (No guessing as to who wears the trousers in that marriage!) It seems that even Cersei sees Robert as a complete mug to the extent that she is sleeping with her own twin brother right under King Roberts nose! And I don’t know much about the punishments for high treason but I should imagine if this affair got discovered the outcome would not be good for Cersei or Jaime. That’s if King Robert could actually be bothered to do anything about it! (Doubtful).

Ok moving on...

My favourite character so far has to be.... hmmm so many I like for different reasons...ok at the moment it has to be Tyrion, I just love his outlook on life, being a dwarf he has not had the easiest life and has often been tormented and ridiculed for the way he looks, I love how he just lets all this go straight over his head and uses his wit and quick sense of humour give just as good as he gets, I also think he is a great role model for Jon Snow who for obviously very different reasons also gets looked at by the world in an extremely degrading way. I live in hope that Jon will eventually master the valuable skill of being able laugh off all the hurtful comments that come his his way, just like small but unstirred Tyrion. (hide spoiler)]

How are you getting on with this one Sara? Still enjoying? Have you finished? X

[Knight]

it's a really long book and I have to constantly remind myself about the characters and who's who in the story. it's still really good and I'm glad that you're extending it for another month. and honestly, I really cant stand Cersei, but I won't post opinions just yet. heres to keep in reading!

[Dana]

So I just joined the group today, so I’m extra behind, but I am starting this tomorrow! I read the prologue tonight and I’m excited to read the rest. I did watch Game of Thrones, and liked it well enough, so it’ll be interesting to read the books as I’m sure they are significantly better.

[Knight]

that's fine! take your time. there's no rush in reading.

[Hollie]

Hi Dana, I read this message after the first post you sent 🙈 I see you have answered most of my questions on this thread lol. As Sara said, don’t rush, enjoy! The threads always stay active so even if you aren’t finished by 1st August you can still post comments for us all to see.

[Dana]

Ok thanks!! That’s great, I’m definitely going to try to finish it on time, but if I don’t at least this is still open. How do you choose the book of the month? Do you just like it or do you pick a genre and then others make recommendations?

[Dana]

I am up to page 190 today, I’ve had a lazy day of reading and relaxing. I think watching the show before reading the book was actually helpful because I remember all the characters whereas if I hadn’t seen it then it would be an overwhelming amount of characters to remember. I am REALLY enjoying the book, I feel like I am right there in it. And I’m loving how each chapter focuses on a certain character and the goings on around them.

[Shawnda]

I agree Dana watching the show definitely helps with keeping all the different characters right in your head while you are reading the books.

[Hollie]

There are sooo many characters! I have had to save a picture of the character family tree to keep looking back on! Lol. So pleased you are enjoying this one Dana, Do you have a favourite and a least favourite character yet? I don’t know if you saw my post about mine?

[Dana]

I just read your post about your favorite characters and I have to say that I completely agree with your picks and the reasoning behind it. I also have others to add

(view spoiler)[ I cannot stand Daenerys' brother Viserys, I feel like he doesn't care about her at all and is so manipulative over her at the same time. I can't stand how he talks to her and threatens her with "don't wake the dragon" It makes me feel like shes in a super abusive relationship with him.

Also

I love Arya, I love how she isn't into all the expected girly things young ladies are supposed to be in love with. I was so excited with Jon gave her "Needle" and can't wait to see how that all goes for her as she is getting the support from someone in her family about not just conforming. And Tyrion is definitely a favorite, I really like how he is able to make others see each side of the coin and not just their "troubles" but how they aren't the only ones suffering in life. (hide spoiler)]

[Hollie]

It seems you and I have similar views on characters Dana, what are your thoughts on Drogo?

[Dana]

Oh Drogo ...

(view spoiler)[ I don't like that he ignores her, or makes her feel ignored all day long, but I think it's just a cultural difference that they both have to learn. I just got to the part where she has dinner with one of her handmaids and her handmaid explained she shouldn't just "take it from the back" basically because this time she lead him outside and she took charge. So I'm wondering if maybe this could be a turning point for them and their relationship. I really want to like him, and I'm wondering that now she is with child if maybe it will make him actually see her for more than just his night partner. (hide spoiler)]

[Dana]

Ok I’m on page 272

(view spoiler)[ I have come to realize at this point that Jon Snow is definitely a character that I love. He’s just truly a really good guy. At first I just felt bad for him for being a bastard child and not getting treated fairly in his family because of it, but now I see he’s so much more than that and he’s genuinely a strong and caring guy. I loved how he just accepted Samwell from the beginning and stuck up for him. I also thought it was great that he talked to the other guys about how wrong it was to just beat on him, I think Jon is a level headed guy and is going to go far with the watch.

Also, I have to add that at this point I know the dagger that was meant to kill Bran is Tyrion’s but I have a hard time believing that he actually set it up. I feel like Cersei is behind it all, I really don’t like her. (hide spoiler)]

[Hollie]

Dana wrote: "Oh Drogo ...

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I really didnt like Drogo at first and I was genuinly scared for innocent 13 year old Dany as the marriage ceremony came nearer and nearer. For me it was just the whole consept of a young girl being forced to marry a stranger that was not only a lot older than her, but also who didnt even speak the same language as her! Just the thought of it just turns my stomach! I was absolutely dreading the night of the wedding and braced myself for the worst but was soooo relieved when Drogo's character suddenly changed from the cold, hard man who never smiled and was presented by the author to enjoy violence for entertainment, to a kind, gentle, understanding man, if only he could be that person all the time. But I do think you are right Dana when you said that there is a major culture barrier there. I Also think that Drogo kind of has to be the way he is during the day when he is surrounded by people to give off a scary, powerful vibe as a ruler. I must say I love the fact that he gave his new wife a beautiful horse!! Wow what a wedding present!
(hide spoiler)]

[Hollie]

Dana you have now gone whizzing past me!! LOL

[Dana]

Oh no!! yea once I get sucked in to a book it's hard for me to put it down.

[Hollie]

I have a one year old little boy so have to grab valuable reading time when I can lol. Your posts are great so far! Keep them coming and I will comment back when I reach where you are.

[Dana]

Hollie wrote: "I have a one year old little boy so have to grab valuable reading time when I can lol. Your posts are great so far! Keep them coming and I will comment back when I reach where you are."

Oh how fun!! Yea I have no children, just cats. But I will tell you later this month when I go on vacation from 7/19-7/29 my reading will slow down because I will be with family for half of that week and I have 3 nephews ages 5-10 so reading is impossible because after playing all day I am drained lol

[Hollie]

Oh wow! Enjoy! And 3 nephews? Christmas must be expensive for you! Lol. And yes children are a lot of fun! My 15 month old already loves books! X

[Dana]

It’s definitely expensive but so worth it to see them wake up in the morning all excited. They all love books, my oldest nephew who is 10 is on the 2nd Harry Potter book and he’s loving it, and my younger two nephews love being read to. All 3 have bookcases in their rooms and there’s also one in their living room full of kids books. I love that they have the same connection with books and reading as I do.

[Hollie]

Oo I would be constantly raiding through those bookcases and asking to borrow! 😆 x

[Dana]

Hollie wrote: "Oo I would be constantly raiding through those bookcases and asking to borrow! 😆 x"

I know right! yea they have a ton. One of my bedrooms in my house is just a bed and then different bookcases / stands all around the room with all my books lol luckily the closet is decent size for some clothes. But it's my favorite room in the house. I keep telling them at the rate they are going they will need a whole house to hold all their books. We've even joking talked about building a small "she-shed" on the property but making it into a library with all of our books joined as a family. And each time we bring it up I think it sounds better and better.

[Hollie]

Aww wow!! That sounds amazing! I tend only read a book once so unless I absolutely loved it, I take my finished books to the charity shop for someone else to enjoy, another reason for passing them on is because unfortunately I don’t have a very big home right now, but one day maybe I will have a room with walls covered in books! (Sigh.....daydream) lol x

[Dana]

I’m up to page 569....

(view spoiler)[ I don’t even know where to start, first, probably I should update my hate list HA! I think Cersei is already on there but I hate her more now than before. I think she’s a horrible women and is really only out for the good of herself. It’s clear she used king Robert just to get where she wanted her family to be, on the throne. I don’t even know if she really cares for the throne to be in the Lannister name or if it’s just that she wants to rule herself. Second, Littlefinger is an evil little man and I feel like I totally thought he could be trustworthy because of his love for Catelyn but he turned on Ned fast when the time came. Sansa ... oh god I’m so irritated with her that she went to Cersei behind her fathers back to cry about having to leave, possibly if she didn’t do that he wouldn’t be in the horrible spot he is now. Also I have to add I love how Danys brother Viserys finally got his golden crown. I was so proud of Dany for not caving in to him and letting him be the “dragon” I’ve been waiting for the day that he was killed because I’ve been hating how he treats her, I couldn’t go on reading any more of how he spoke of her and treated her. I’m really worried though about Varys sending his little birds to call for someone to kill Dany. I don’t feel like her story is ready to come to an end so I certainly hope his little birdies fail. I still like Jon Snow, and I’m worried about where his story is going given the fact that I think it’s clear the “others” on the other side of the wall are near and killing rangers. I’m also feeling like I’m supposed to not like Tyrion just based on what he does and how he treats those around him but honestly I seem to just like him more and more each time he comes into the story. I know there’s so much more that I’ve missed, I shouldn’t probably do an update every 100 pages and not wait 300 but I wasn’t thinking and just kept reading. But I guess we can say these are the parts that really stuck out to me. (hide spoiler)]

[Knight]

i'm like 86% of the way through the book and i have thoughts.

(view spoiler)[okay so cersei is like really making me angry because she's a selfish woman who is only looking for her own self gain. her reasoning for not liking robert because he called out the wrong woman's name (lyanna) is so petty like it's not a fucking reason to hate him. just find someone else to fuck that's not your brother and we're good. another point is littlefinger. so i watched the show before i read the book and i already saw what was going to happen anyway, but he still made me so angry because ned did trust him because of catelyn, but i think littlefinger betrayed ned because of catelyn; because he loves her and refuses to let go. like dude, she doesn't like you. she made that perfectly clear.
another point is jaime. i don't know him too well, but cutting down like four men with twenty at your side is a bitch move and i can't allow that. i'm so happy that robb took him prisoner. i do like tyrion and he's probably my only favorite lanister at this point. Sansa can be a bit irritating at times because she's a bit selfish and only loves joffery for some reason, but i have to remember that she's a child. she's fourteen. she doesn't know the world yet and it's harsh to judge her because she's just so young. she only knows her fairytales and can't grasp that the real world is not her fairytales at all. so i can't be too harsh on her. i do like arya and i love jon so much. i mostly feel bad for dany and what she's going through right now. but i also think her motives when her husband is dying is a bit much. no wonder her people left her.
anyway, that's all i got for now and now i wanna finish the book because i wanna know what happens next.
and cersie is right, no matter how much i despise her. there is only one way to win the throne and it's either through death or ownership. and i'm hoping that joffery and everyone else who takes the iron throne realize the burden and despair the throne brings. that's all. (hide spoiler)]

[Hollie]

Dana wrote: "Ok I’m on page 272

I have come to realize at this point that Jon Snow is definitely a character that I love. He’s just truly a really good guy. At first I just felt bad for him for being a basta..."

(view spoiler)[ I completeley agree with everything you have said here Dana, I also love how Jon has taken Sam under his wing as his little brother and has used his popularity and ability to fight to protect Sam. Jon has absolutely nothing to gain by doing this which makes this an even kinder act.

I have never suspected Tyrion for one moment in regards to Bran's attempted murder, I just can not think why he would want Bran dead?? Where as Cersei is a whole different story, I do not like her or trust her one bit. At the moment she is who I suspect for hireing that man to kill Bran, the reason being that if Bran lives and starts blabbing about Cersei's romantic relations with her brother...let's just say that things could end very badly for her. I would also not put it passed her for intentionally getting the man to use Tyrion's dagger in attempt to frame her own brother for Bran's murder. Hmmmm nice lady. (hide spoiler)]

[Dana]

I'm about to start page 702, I'm still reading and may even finish today, if not tomorrow. But I feel like so much has happened I just need to update...

(view spoiler)[So much has happened and I don't even know where to start, or to be honest if I can even remember all of it. I am dying to know where Arya is, in all of this that is happening she hasn't had an appearance since she ran away from the guards and I'm concerned. Also I'm concerned with Drogo, he went out fighting and has come back and is injured. What is Dany going to do if something happens to him? I'm not talking emotionally what will she do, but like in all reality what happens to her if he dies? Does a new Kahl take over? Will the Dorthraki still accept her as she is or will they toss her to the side?
I'm so nervous with the motives of Cersei and I feel like she is really playing Sansa (not that I am happy with Sansa, but still shes a child) and I feel like she's already got her mind set with whatever Ned's fate is going to be and yet it's like she's placing his life or chance of his life onto Sansa as if she is the one who will be the cause of his death if it comes to that.
Lastly, I got so excited and then instantly nervous for Robb as they have captured Jamie Lannister. I feel like, without really knowing what is going on and the relationship between him and Cersei, the Starks are putting their family at Kings Landing in such risk because they have him captured. They might not have really bothered to care about Tyrion being a capture, but they certainly are going to care when they find out that Jamie has been captured and it's going to be scary when they do find out. (hide spoiler)]

ok, well I have to get back to reading because I HAVE to know what is happening. I really can't put this book down.

[Dana]

I’ve finished the book!!! And holy cow there’s so much going on. I have no words. I really enjoyed this book, I love how it was written from different views of what was going on in and around characters lives yet they’re all connected in one way or another. I’m definitely going to continue the series, at some point. But for now I’m taking a break before starting book 2 because it’s just so much and my brain needs a break. Haha.

[Hollie]

Wow!! Well done for getting finished so quick! I am so pleased that you enjoyed this book!! I am reading and commenting on your posts as I reach the page you say you got to. Will look forward to discussing!

[Knight]

so i have finally finished the book and my god there's so much to unpack. just wanna say the book is far better than the show and that's all i will say.

[Hollie]

In that case I am so pleased you gave the book a chance Sara, even though you had already seen the tv series x

[Knight]

i've seen mostly the first season and then snippets of the show. so i haven't really watched the show in its entirety.

[Dana]

Hollie how are you doing with this book?

[Hollie]

Sorry for late reply! I am getting there slowly but surely! I have reached page 539 and I am still really enjoying this book but one thing that has driven me mad all the way through is that not only are there so many characters, but one character can have several different names! Which has made it even more confusing at times! For example Little Finger is also called lord petyr and Bealish. So much has happened since my last post although for some reason I can’t say that any of it has really shocked me, maybe it’s where I am used to reading a lot of thriller books that I now almost expect at least one gobsmacking plot twist in a book. (view spoiler)[ The bit that did raise my eyebrows though was when Cersei confessed to Lord Eddard that all her children were in fact Jaime’s! Which obviously throws a massive spanner in the works regarding who takes the throne now that King Robert has died. I have just reached the part where Cersei has persuaded Sansa to write letters to her family telling them of Lord Eddard’s apparent acts of betrayal, in order to prove herself worthy of marrying the awful prince Joffrey. Like Mother like son Cersei and Joffrey seem as sly as each other (hide spoiler)]

[Kendra]

Now that people starting to finish up, I’ll share my thoughts!

I think I’ll be the odd one out in that I didn’t end up liking the book. I don’t think it’s bad, just not for me. I read the first book and half of the second before deciding the series is unfortunately just not my thing (and it is super rare for me to leave a book unfinished...) Anyway, I think there are a couple of reasons for this:

1) The writing style didn’t do it for me.
I felt like he used the same descriptions/phrases for the same things all the time and it made it feel stilted for me. I kept wanting him to add more depth to his scenes and characters by making Tyrion do something other than “waddle” and women have something other than “teats” and for people to eat more than “meat and mead” every once and awhile. Don’t get me wrong--even though I’m a sucker for great prose, I fully enjoy light reads as well! I think in the case of these books, maybe I was expecting a little more because of the reputation they had.

2) The characters didn’t do it for me.
It’s hard for me to feel invested in a story if literally none of the characters resonate with me. Surprising in this case for that to happen, as there are so many! There were some I started out liking, like Arya and Jon (and Jaime + Brienne are okay for awhile), but eventually each changed to where I either lost interest, or began to dislike them, or their storylines simply got too weird or violent. Also, I know so many people love Dany, but for some reason her character always just made me profoundly sad.

3) I was never surprised.
I admit this is fully a symptom of my reading farrr too many mystery, suspense, and thrillers, haha. Unfortunately, a big sell point of Game of Thrones are the shock/surprise/reveal moments, and seeing each one coming before it happened left me feeling a bit blah by the end.

Any of those issues on their own would have probably been fine for me. But together, it seems they made a trifecta of pain points that were hard for me to overcome when combined…ah well. Luckily, I’ve now got a fantasy series that fills a similar niche but I actually adore it, so no loss!!

I hope this didn’t ruin the book for anyone or make me sound snobby! I do understand why people love Game of Thrones and don’t want to take that away. I wanted to share just in case anyone else felt the same. : )

[Hollie]

Thankyou for taking the time to share your views in such depth Kendra!! You have made some really good points, you reminded me that I have often thought that the battle descriptions in this book are very repetitive almost to the point of me getting de ja vu! And I’m pleased that it’s not just me who feels that there isn’t really any plot twists and I understand that if these are what I am looking for then maybe I should be reading a book of the thriller or mystery genre instead but the fact that it is such a big book, I can’t help but feel that this would help to hold the readers interest a lot more.

[Dana]

Yes absolutely Kendra! Although I did like the book, honestly part of that was it’s simplicity and the fact I didn’t really have to think a lot. I liked how for me it was a fast read and the story kept moving. But I agree with you it didn’t have a ton of depth and was repetitive with its descriptions. And it wasn’t until you pointed it out but honestly I haven’t been able to figure out how I feel about Dany, do I like her no not really, but do I dislike her no not really. I really do feel sad for her though because it’s it like anything is going great for her in any kind of way and because of that I feel as though she’s changing into something different. Thanks for sharing! It’s always nice to get different perspectives on things because it really make you think!

[Kendra]

Oh good, thanks guys! : ) I agree Dana, I always like hearing different perspectives too because it makes you think more about what you read, and in a new light.

[Hollie]

Sara wrote: "i'm like 86% of the way through the book and i have thoughts.

okay so cersei is like really making me angry because she's a selfish woman who is only looking for her own self gain. her reasoning f..."

Great post Sara! I am 87% through. I will be finished by the end of the day just in time to start our August book tomorrow. (view spoiler)[ I can definitely relate to your views of most of the characters, but in regards to Dany turning to the maegi for help, I can only assume that she had a moment of madness, fear and desperation mixed with a hint of naivety that turned out to be very dangerous in this extremely barbaric, brutal world.
I can finally say that something in this book has happened that has shocked me! I can not believe Lord Eddard is dead!! I see what you are saying Sara about Sanza being young and lets face it, most of us have fallen head over heals for a bad boy or just a complete idiot in our youths, but Sanza's bad taste in men has cost not only her father's life but his honour also. I was so frustrated for Lord Eddard when he was cruelly tricked into confessing to the public things that he had not done, leaving behind a very bad and untrue reputation of himself. (hide spoiler)]

[Hollie]

Finished!!! Ok, long story short, did I enjoy this book? Yes I did, am I sad it has ended? No as It was a very large book and I am definitely ready to start a new adventure and meet brand new characters tomorrow, will I read the other books in the series in the future? Probably as with some of the characters I am curious of what happens to them, but for now I am happy to have a rest from the many many characters in this book.

[Dana]

I completely agree, I know at some point I will want to read the rest of them, but I feel like I need a long break before reading the second book. I want to continue their stories but the books are so long and it’s so much info to retain on all of them. It was nice to finish the book and move on to something new.