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)

Even Better than the Show

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

I haven't read the print version (well, I tried and couldn't keep the characters straight).

Who was your favorite character and why?

There are too many characters to have a favorite, besides if you like them too much, your heart will be broken. Still, the characterizations are wonderful. I like the idea of switching between characters chapter by chapter. It does keep the suspense growing.

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

I've never listened to his audiobook but I've seen him in film and television. He is an exceptional actor and he made each of the hundreds of characters come alive, and you could remember who was talking.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No too long

Any additional comments?

This is a very complex interaction of people, political machinations and and many characters. It was easy to follow through Dotrice's voice. It's a tribute to his talent.

TV to book guy

I absolutely love the book, even after watching the TV show first. I recommend it for everyone.

Action and intrigue abound!

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

Yes - it's a good read full of interesting characters and back-stabbing intrigue!

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

I like both Tyrion and Jon Snow.

Any additional comments?

Don't start reading this book unless you have HOURS to spend on the entire series. It will suck you in!

Great story

I had a hard time getting into the story at the beginning, but now I am hooked and want to pick up with the next book.

Great read for a great story.

This was a well written tell of lore set in a fantasy world where dragons once lived. Well read.

Great book from the first page to the last

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

Yes, it has excellent character driven narrative. The narrator performs many many voices extremely well.

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

One of the main characters is killed...it was awful. There are many small moments where the characters are teaching the young about the nature of life and the world. Ned Stark tells his children that "The lone wolf dies when winter comes - but the pack survives." That quote is worth the whole purchase price for me.

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

The man is brilliant. He performs men and women of different races, ages, and sizes. He performs animals as well. Brilliant voice actor.

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

Yes, When one of the main characters dies I was saying no no no - to my ipod. When the leader of the Black watch speaks to a character about where his true duty lies and that he belongs...got a little teary eyed at that. The conclusion was AMAZING

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book because a friend recommended it. An excellent friend indeed! On to Book 2!!

Very good

You know it's good
You have been told it's good by everyone and you probably already watched the show on HBO

Excellent plot with memorable characters

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

The audio vision illuminated some details that in my case were missed while reading the print however I prefer the print version for myself.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Too many to select one- Arya Stark, Ned Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister.

What aspect of Roy Dotrice’s performance would you have changed?

I did not like the voice given to many of the characters by the narrator. I thought it made the characters often seem at odds with the description given by the author. Overall however the experience was quite good.

my take

Excellant listening,and kodo's to HBO for sticking as close to the books as possible, a very enjoyable and pleasurable experience.

I love Game of Thrones!

Great book, more characters than the TV show. Narrator doing a bit "overly dramatic" voices though..