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This is an awesome rendition of an already awesome fantasy novel by George R.R. Martin. It is read by the Tony-award winning and Guiness record-holding Roy Dotrice. Mr. Dotrice actually made it into the Guiness Book of World Records for his performance of A Game of Thrones--the accomplishment?--most characters performed in an audiobook. Anyone, who has read the book, or that has seen the show on HBO, knows that there are a crap-load of characters to keep straight. If you don't know your Starks from your Lannisters, your Stannis from your Renly, or your Gregor from your Sandor Clegane, then this audibook may help you. It will at the very least show you how many names you have been pronouncing wrong (if the HBO production hasn't done so already). For those who may be new to the whole Song of Ice and Fire/George R.R. Martin experience--I think this audiobook is great. It is unabridged so Roy reads it exactly as George wrote it. I have a blind aunt who I just borrowed this audiobook to and she absolutely loves it. I don't think she slept for the 30+ hours it took her to listen to it all. I also had my wife read the book a few years ago and she listened to the audibook with me. Again, she loved it! My sister is currently reading the book and she will listen to the audio next. None of these ladies are typically fantasy fans, but they have all thoroughly enjoyed A Game of Thrones. The characters are so strong and interesting, the plot so twisting and shocking, that I think almost anyone can enjoy this story. I have spoiled a few things for them while they read the book, so I am avoiding any plot summaries or spoilers here. But the book is about different royal families scheming for power in the made-up world of Westeros, also know as the Seven Kingdoms. In this land the seasons are unpredictable and last for years. The land has similarities to medieval England--there are knights, lords, ladies, and jousting tournaments. It is an awesome story that entertains and captivates from the get-go. The fantasy/magic is subtle and not all up in your face--it is more the characters that really drive the story. There is also sex, drinking, swearing, violence, etc., but again, not too much. Martin seems to weave together his story flawlessly. Roy Dotrice does an awesome job reading this novel. Some of the words and most of the names I wouldn't even know how to pronounce, but Dotrice does it realasitically and in an entertaining way. From his stern Ned, to whining Viserys, to flighty Sansa--he rocks it out. I love his reading almost as much as I love the novel itself. I am so glad I bought this item--no complaints or regrets.Read full review
I had just finished the wheel of time series when I picked the game of thrones , comparing apples and oranges. I found the WOT series much more interesting at this same juncture of book one than the GOT. Incest, and pushing little kids from high windows may make for a great HBO production, it is not on my list favorite reading materials, and that's in the first hundred pages. No telling what socially unacceptable habits will yet emerge. The dire wolves may prove interesting at some point.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Okay, I am now about 100pp in. This is a refreshing read after finishing Dune. I had to cleanse my pallet after Dune and read a few other things, but now I'm into this. So far, I really enjoy it. The characters are interesting and the conflict is well crafted and interesting. I like the problem that Ned has in that he does not want to become the Hand but he can't really say No. Then the message comes through and he has to go and walks straight into a position knowing his predecessor was killed. It's hard to get a read on all the kids. Jon's the bastard, the sisters are hard to differentiate, Bran is the boyish imp (hope he's okay, but I don't know yet). The story moves along making reference to the history that lead to this point and making the reader curious about it, but not knowing the history yet does not take away from enjoying the present (you know those books where you are totally lost until you finally get let in on he history, then you go, oh, now I see). I did think finding the direwolf that had choked on the antler a bit too obvious. I mean, really? Really?Read full review
While I thought the story was heavy-handed at first, I couldn't put this book down. I've now powered through the other three and am eagerly awaiting Dance with Dragons to be released in paperback. I like reading something before I see the show, so haven't gotten to see the HBO version yet...but I can imagine it's pretty accurate. At first I was turned off, it seemed like a cheap Lord of the Rings imitation with more sex and violence. However,once I reached the end I realized - it's much more than that. Because there are no magical creatures, there is no evil being trying to take over the world...it's just men. Being their cunning, evil (or loving) selves. Heartbreaking and endlessly interesting all at the same time. Highly recommended. AND DON'T STOP WITH THIS ONE! THE ENTIRE SERIES IS AMAZING!Read full review
This is a must read for any fantasy fan. Interesting characters and plot twists.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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