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)

Great Story

I'm someone who watched the show before reading the books and I just love how this first book is almost identical to the first season of the show.

haven't watched the series - books are too good!

I simply can't bring myself to watch something that may screw up such an awesome series. George is a vicious writer, but it's too compelling to put down. love it!

Its a fine book.

I. really. love this book. I can easily envision all the characters and action. I can't wait to get to the other installments of the series.

Loved it!:)

Great book, great story. Sadly characters die like flies.
English is not my native language so I kinda struggeled when the narrator used weird voices that were hard to understand:(

brilliant.. a "must-listen..."

the rich sweetness and dreadful sorrow of this epic tale comes through clearly.. a very difficult task narrating so many colorful characters but quite well done..

fantastic

well done... voices were great. a great telling of the story and great writing to make this book what it is, can't wait for the next one

Great Story, Decent telling

I first read this book 12 years ago, and still love it. That being said, mispronounced names were very jarring.

Top 3 favorite series

Roy brings these books alive in a way I never could staring at the pages. I love listening to this series more than I even love the show, I will listen to these dozens of times each in my life time. I love it!

Very engaging easy to follow Loved it

Narrator was awesome. The best I have heard in a very long time. Can't wait for more.

Great story!

loved the book. However, the narrarator made every character seem 80 years old in my mind's eye. :)