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)

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.

Couldn't stop listening

I don't usually write reviews, but this book was very interesting. The sexual content was not really noticed since it as not out of context with the scenes in the story. Roy Doltrice did a good job at isolating the characters and making this rather long book appear to be too short. I like the way that the characters were portrayed in their own interacting storylines. I can't wait to listen to the next book in the series to find out what happens to the characters.

Excellent

Roy Dotrice provided an excellent performance. I love his voice. He has an amazing ability to convey the emotions behind the words of every character.

amazing

i first saw the show then read the book, is a great read that provides greater insight to the characters. and is beautifully narrated.

voice work

good story. Well read. however some of the voice work sounds very similar between the characters.

Outstanding narration really brought

Outstanding narration really brought the story, characters to life! Roy Dotrice voice is incredible! Have passed this one on to my my entire family! Wonderful!

Game of thrones Book one completed

Really got into it, enjoyed having it on audio. Looking forward to the next one.

Good Story And Helpful To Understand The Series

Any additional comments?

I was first a fan of the series on tv. But as the series keeps throwing in all these names of people and places throughout the seven kingdoms gets easy to get lost in some of the many different stories going on. This first book really helped me to understand more clearly who is who and their connection to what. .

The reader, or rather performer is really good. He really gets into all the characters very well without too many of them sounding alike. He also uses just enough drama to keep it a real theatre in the head without going overboard

One question I have about this author.....Does he ever sleep? If you look at this series there's several books and each of them are listed at 30 hours or so. That's a lot of writing, but so far in this first book....It's damn good writing. A bit like Tolkien, but with less of a mystical aspect to it. None the less it's also just a really good story and helps me chew up a lot of highway in my semi....I'm looking foreward to all the rest of the books in the series

Love the show? You will love the book more!

I love the narrator and hope he does all the books! Such a great book to listen to.

Narrator was perfect.

He really brought the story to life! Can't wait for the next one and the rest.