A Game of Thrones

A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1

By: George R.R. Martin

Narrated by: Roy Dotrice

Length: 33 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Now the acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones - the masterpiece that became a cultural phenomenon

Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse - unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen's brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister - the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind.

All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki - whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys.

©1996 George R.R. Martin, (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc., published in arrangement with Random House Audio Group,a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Locus Award, 1997

"Martin's trophy case is already stuffed with major prizes...He's probably going to have to add another shelf, at least." (Publishers Weekly)

"The first volume in Martin's first fantasy saga combines intrigue, action, romance, and mystery in a family saga." (Booklist)

"Grabs hold and won't let go. It's brilliant." (Robert Jordan)

"This novel is an absorbing combination of the mythic, the sweepingly historical, and the intensely personal." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Incredible. .I love his voice...very well spoken

the narrator is awesome I will but more narrated by him. I love it. deb

Good Stuff

Where does A Game of Thrones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one the best fictional books I have listen to yet. Can not wait to listen to the rest of them!

best thing eva. even better than the show

No, Steve, it ISN'T. no matter how much better the book is formatted for epic and detailed stories it can't beat the HBO show for these simple reasons;

the book has the word sword in it but the show has the sword sword in it.

the book has the word castle in it but the show has the castle castle in it

the book has the word boob in it but the show has the boob boob boob boob boob boob boob boob boob etc.

I have not read the books or seen the series

This is a really good book and sets up the sequel in such a compelling way, that it will be the next book I purchase.

You'll learn to love hating some of these characters and applaud their deaths. Some you would follow yourself if they were real, and mourn their passing. You'll wonder how such deceit can come about, and how justice will prevail... If it even does at all.

The author paints creates deep complex characters, and you'll think you know them all intimately by the time this story is done. Then you realize it is only the beginning, so you race to the next book in the series, to quench your thirst!

Roy Dotrice did a fantastic job at all the voices. Really made this story come alive. Never at a loss for different vpices for the different characters.

it's Joffrey not Jeffrey you old twat

if you mispronounce it one more time I will track your old ass down and sick dragons on you

Great story

Great book! Very well told, although the narrator was very good at conveying the story, it was a bit annoying to hear the mispronounced names. This may have a lot to do with him being English.

good but tainted by the show

only wish I had not seen the show first because my whole experience was shaped by the show. but good book definitely

Fantastic Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A Game of Thrones is a great start to the series. I have listened to this and the next book in the series and loved them both. The author has created a world that is captivating and full of intrigue. There is some sexual content so you have to be careful if the listening audience is younger or uncomfortable with sexual content but other than that it is a great story.

What did you like best about this story?

The character development is excellent but I won't give away anything with spoilers.

What about Roy Dotrice’s performance did you like?

I like that he tried to convey the different characters in a conversation by constantly changing his tone and inflection to make it more believable. It was not at all a dry performance but was really entertaining.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some emotional response with anger, frustration, and sadness but again, no spoilers from me!

Great voice.

I just can't stand his Mormont Crow voice and the way he says Petyr. Other wise great.

Great book, a little smutty

I loved the story, but could do without the sex. Fantastic performance by the narrator.