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)

Fanatsy 2.0

Would you consider the audio edition of A Game of Thrones to be better than the print version?

No, I wouldn't. Martin has done a geat job with this series and the great success of the TV show is just a confirmation of it. The audiobook makes up for a nice listening as the performer did a great job with Matin's words. I am not overly fond of his voice, too husky in my opinion.

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

For me, the Lady moment (I won't be specific in order not to spoil the book to future readers/listeners). It's the first time that a certain "pettiness" of a certain character is shown. When I got to that part, I knew that I was reading not only a fantasy novel, but a "mature" fantasy novel as well.

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

A certain objectivity. I am not an impartial reader, I take side more often than not and it's very easy to do this with this series. Dotrice's reading is flawless this way, he doesn't give away any particular emotion unless it's expressed by the character or intended by the author.

Any additional comments?

Probably one of the best fantasy series so far, the world of "A Song of Ice and Fire" is brutal, unforgiving, and full of unresolved situations. Dotrice's reading of the book gives the story the correct aura, in my opinion, even though sometimes can be a little comical (the portrayal of the Imp, or Lord Varys for that matter). Still, thousands of pages, hundreds of characters... he's done an excellent job. I would have preferred a younger voice, but this is just a personal preference, nothing to do with the quality of the performance.

I understand

I understand why the TV show was so well written. It brought me great pleasure listening to this book.

So good

Love the story and the narrator. Exciting from start to finish. So much enjoyment. Highly recommend.

Excellent

Loved this book. It’s better than the movie. It gives more depth of every character and experience is better

Love this story!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Game of Thrones to be better than the print version?

the narrator is excellent, even with changing characters. The story is enthralling, and if you watch the series on HBO, you'll find that this follows it exactly- and you get more insight into the characters and story line

Which character – as performed by Roy Dotrice – was your favorite?

Ned Stark

amazing story and a great voice

this was an amazing story and The Voice telling this story was also amazing the depth of the voices that he uses where Splendid and help bring the story to life it is most definitely one I will listen to again

Great Audiobook

Roy Dotrice does a great job at voicing the characters. of course it's an awesome story.

Addictive - Can't get enough of this series

OMG! This book series has been made into a TV show and I'm addicted to both the books and the show. I can't get enough. Highly recommended.

I finally see what all the hype is all about

I enjoyed this book so much more than I anticipated!!!

my only regret is that I watched the show before reading it!!

only minus 1 star because it was a tad slow in some areas.

great story

All was good!" Narration story always terrific, I'm a Dresden files fan but this was also a good story