A Game of Thrones

[Kefka Jr.]

I had planned on reading the Song of Ice and Fire books because my friends were so damned adamant about it, but I actually had to start once I knew the HBO series is coming out.

Does anyone else read these? I'm not much of a reader in general, especially of many-chaptered fantasy series, but I would describe these books as mad good. This author can create such depth to any kind of character, little girls, old men, the guy is sooo good.

The main thing I can say to get video game players to read this? It's like an Ivalice Alliance game in book form. All the political intrigue, the allies becoming enemies and vice versa.

Also, the series' got Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage, and they're awesome.

[Jehuty]

Re: A Game of Thrones

I've read all of the books so far. They are very good, the first book was my least favorite.

[Big Rick Cook]

Re: A Game of Thrones

Martin's got a talent to get you involved and caring for the characters before he does horrible horrible things to them.

[Loki]

Re: A Game of Thrones

I quit halfway through the first book. I felt the characterization was lazy and I consistently guessed what was going to happen next. The seams showed. If I'm going to spend thousands of pages across multiple books I'd rather do it with someone with more skill.

It's a little baffling that these books are so universally praised. I guess the fault's on my end. And when you do consider the other big names of epic fantasy fiction like Brooks or Goodkind or Jordan, Martin does rise above.

[Jehuty]

Re: A Game of Thrones

Like I said, the first book really is the weakest.

I read the books just to see what happens to Daenerys :3

[John Mora]

Re: A Game of Thrones

I quit halfway through the first book. I felt the characterization was lazy and I consistently guessed what was going to happen next. The seams showed. If I'm going to spend thousands of pages across multiple books I'd rather do it with someone with more skill.

It's a little baffling that these books are so universally praised. I guess the fault's on my end. And when you do consider the other big names of epic fantasy fiction like Brooks or Goodkind or Jordan, Martin does rise above.

Isn't this like the same criticism you had for Death Note? :V

[Loki]

Re: A Game of Thrones

Nope, completely different.

[John Mora]

Re: A Game of Thrones

Hmmmmmmm

[Thief of Dreams]

Re: A Game of Thrones

I have a 3 hour round-trip drive everyday too work, so I just recently downloaded the unabridged audiobook versions from audible.com and listen to it.

Im about halfway through the first book and am liking it so far, though i have to say the 34 hour length threw me for a second lol.

[Karr Lord of Chaos]

Re: A Game of Thrones

i liked the different view points every chapter but got mad at the constant main character killing. like loki i also predicted much of what was coming and grew tired of it. after the first book i had no desire to read anything else by him.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: A Game of Thrones

So is anybody watching it on HBO. I haven't read the books. Quite enjoying the series.

[Cutter De Blanc]

Re: A Game of Thrones

i don't know how to read

[Kefka Jr.]

Re: A Game of Thrones

It's not quite what I imagined. There's so much **** going on in the books, so many characters, I kind of imagined it being more clipped, fast-paced. Kinda like, I dunno, Code Geass! I really just wanted it to be a live action Code Geass with horses and swords. Insead it's a little more... ponderous. Y'know. Like a fantasy series.

I wasn't sold on the pilot at all. As an introduction it was right in the middle, throwing out too many characters to focus on, yet at the same time not conveying enough. But I'm enjoying the last few quite a bit. I think they're getting better.

And it's funny hearing that the first book is the weakest. I'm up to number three, and the climax of the first is still my favorite portion.

But what do I know, when it comes to books I'm a ****in' casual

[Magus]

Re: A Game of Thrones

Nahhh, I dunno, I saw the pilot -- it was snoozeville except when Peter Dinklage was onscreen and when buttbangin' happened at the end.

Haven't watched it since!

TV, I know you're a long-form medium and all, but if I wanted to go to sleep I'd watch anime!

[Mcardy]

Re: A Game of Thrones

I've been watching the series. I think its great so far, considering reading the book. The dwarf is by far the greatest character. The pilot was kind of eh, but I rarely ever see a pilot for a show and think it is good. Pilots are extremely hard to pull off. Episodes 3 and 4 are much more entertaining than the first two.

I read a few reviews on metacritic, and it seems that a lot of the press says the show gets way better / more on track starting at Episode 5. I'm looking forward to watching it tomorrow.