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)

Smoker's Rattle & Chomping Dentures

I adore George RR Martin's books and couldn't wait to hear the reading. Unfortunately, listening was an endurance test for me. While the reader is a very, very skilled actor whom I greatly admire, I struggled against my pet peeves. When he would laugh, a deep rattle would often rise from his chest, unlikely for an eight year old Sansa! His sentences would sometimes end with the clicking of teeth, which really distracted from the story for me. If you are able to overlook or not be bothered by such things, by all means, dive in. In every other way it is a skillful read of a great book.

Yay

it's pretty awesome covers many more plot holes than the show and it's way less rapey

LOVED IT.

So far, my favorite audiobook, I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great story.

Good book

Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were times the it lost my attention. I found that anytime that the dire wolves were mentioned, it brought me back into the story.

great book

loved it this is one of the best books i have read definitely make me want to just bunge through all the books

A Marathon Worth Running

What made the experience of listening to A Game of Thrones the most enjoyable?

I liked the story line, although it is a bit long and at times a tad predictable, but still very enjoyable.

What other book might you compare A Game of Thrones to and why?

The Gunslinger series from Stephen King is the same kind of grand and large storytelling exhibition.

What about Roy Dotrice’s performance did you like?

I really liked it. His ability to differentiate the myriad of characters with his voice was impressive.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

(SPOILER ALERT) The beheading of Ned Stark was very well done

Any additional comments?

Only a whole bunch more to listen to... yikes...

George R. R. Martin writes fantasy excellence

What did you love best about A Game of Thrones?

The depth of the point of view from each of the characters is amazing and rich in content and emotion. As you listen (or read), it is easy to become immersed with the characters, as if you're walking with them in sync.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jon and Ned are my favorite characters in this book.

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

All of them were delivered well. I would love to see G.R.R.M. revisit the audible books and have the actors/actresses voice their spoken parts after the series is over. I would definitely buy this set again if he does.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Having watch the series on HBO first, certain parts in the books deliver a much more rich experience and connection to the characters as they face their perils and defeats, wins and successes.

Great book, not a great narrator

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I love this series, but the narrator makes all of the characters sound like old men with no teeth. Starts to get a bit irritating after a while.

excellent

the sorry I'd so detailed and exciting. if you enjoy drama and adventure, I highly recommend reading this book or listening to it here.

The performance just might outshine the novel

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

I didn't read the print version, but I can't imagine otherwise. Roy Dotrice does an amazing job of voicing every. Single. Character. Each one is distinct and recognizable. I don't think I even could read the print version now, I've grown so used to his voices.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I'd like to say Jon, but really it's probably Tyrion. Sure, his family sucks, and he's far uglier in the book than the TV show has cast him, but he has to make up for his physical deformities by being cunning and intelligent. In a world where some characters seem unbelievably stupid (Cersei, Sansa, some of Robb's bannermen), I appreciate a character that practices thinking and skepticism on a regular habit.

Which scene was your favorite?

Tyrion's battle alongside the Mountain clans. It was great to see a character believed by all to be weak could carry his own in battle.

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

Yes, but my body couldn't stay awake and attentive for 40 hours.

Any additional comments?

I just finished Clash of Kings in a week. This series is wonderfully addictive!