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)

Wow!!!!

so much better than the show! It is great!!! Mother of Dragons is my favorite!

Just like season 1 on HBO

The book and the season are pretty much exactly the same. The book has more details about character age and a few more characters. But it's pretty much exactly the same. Narrator does a nice job as well and gets super into it. Even does animal noises and instruments.

Odd choice for some voices

Ok, so perhaps I am biased become I went show first then to reading the books. And I have a predisposition to how characters sound. Nevertheless, the voices he used for Varys and Tyrion and rather annoying. And he doesn't pronounce names the same as in the show, which makes wonder which version is correct, not that the narrator or the show versions are inherently the correct one. Anyhow, its ok.

Great performance

This recording more than met my expectations a great listen. I use audio books at the office to just get threw my days but several times while listing to this I had to remind my self that I had to be working I would get so absorbed into the story. And the voice actors performance.

Read these books before you watch the TV shows

Would you listen to A Game of Thrones again? Why?

Sure, there would be more details come out when listening a second time. The story is quite complex and I plan to listen to the next book and then watch the TV series and probably listen again after that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Game of Thrones?

The ending. I don't want to give it away, but the whole scene with Daenerys and the fire and dragons was riveting.

What about Roy Dotrice’s performance did you like?

He was an excellent narrator and his reading did not distract from the details of the book. Sometimes the reader has a voice or something that distracts me. This was not the case with Mr. Dotrice. I will listen to more books by him.

Awkward: It's good, but the HBO series is better

If you could sum up A Game of Thrones in three words, what would they be?

Huge & complex universe

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Game of Thrones?

The moral dilemma that its presented to Ned at the end when things happen to Robert.

Have you listened to any of Roy Dotrice’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but he is good giving life to each of the many characters in this huge universe

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you are going to play the game of thrones you either win or you die

Any additional comments?

It is an awkward feeling. I bought the audiobook because I was going to start to watch the HBO series and usually I try to read a book before watching the movie/series. Normally I end saying "The book was MUCH better, by a mile" but this time it was not like this. I really feel that the series is a masterpiece based on a good saga. There were some parts in the audiobook where I found myself expecting more, it was sometimes a little tedious. This never happened to me while watching the series.

The book is good, but do yourself a favor: Watch the series first. The drama is much more interesting followed on TV. If you read the book first you will not be so exited when watching the series, and that is a pity because they are THAT amazing.Then after you are finished with the TV series you can read the book so you fill into the history.

Fabulous!! One of my favorites

SO GOOD! Beautifully written. Engaging. No wonder they made the show so rich. I can't wait to read book 2.

G.O.T. to have this title!

What did you love best about A Game of Thrones?

I love this book, I started off by reading the first 2 books and it was taking me too much time to get through them because I have absolutely no time to read except for Sundays (maybe if Im lucky and get a few minutes to myself) or before bed (if i dont pass out). Okay, 3 things 1) I LOVE AUDIBLE!!! so much!!! It is so nice to open a 'book' wherever I am, or whatever I am doing. I can do chores or work and I am able to listen to my stories simultaniously. 2) Roy Dotrice, amazing narration, acting, voices :) couldn't ask for someone to do a better job, and finally 3) Game of Thrones is exhilarating, a story of dozens of people on an epic battle for truth, justice, honor, and a crown. Amazing series and I never want it to end.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoy all the characters I cant say i like one more than the other. There are many of them and the fates are all different and surprising. I do enjoy following Arya and Daenerys, and also John Snow. Don't want to give the book away but you can relate to so many characters and its as if you are reading a book about each one of them.

What does Roy Dotrice bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The uniqueness of the characters. He really does a great job separating the voices, so that they become distinctive to your ears.

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

Shock. You never know where this book will turn or change. Keeps you wanting more.

Any additional comments?

I love it.

amazing

everything was perfect, great narrator as well. great series, i listen to this every day after work on my commute home, makes the long drive enjoyable

Long book and series.

Review of 1st two books. I have bought the 3rd & 4th but not yet read them. I guess you get your credit's worth with these long books, but for me it's a chore to keep listening. Narration is OK, but a better narrator might make the whole book better. Story is good, but it's long an a lot of characters and things going on to keep track of. I haven't seen the show.