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)

Fantastic story that the narrator brings to life!

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

The thing that made this experience most enjoyable was the narrator. He's able to do so many distinct impressions of the key characters (and there are a lot of key characters) that it's easy to keep track of them all and their different story arcs. His performance sounds like nothing less than voice actor.

Perfect!

I have yet to watch the series. This Book however was pure awesomeness! I highly recommend it to everyone.

loved it this was an great book to listen too I c

loved this book can't wait to go onto the next one thanks audiable:) can't wait for more to come

Surprisingly hard to stop listening to

I've watched part of the TV series and I thought I'd give this book a try on a road trip. I wasn't sure I would be able to listen to such a long book and keep everything straight. I was afraid it might be too long-winded to keep my attention. Boy was I surprised how fast my drive went! This is a great audio book, and I can't wait to download the next one.

There are a few recording problems; the first two chapters of part 4 repeat the last chapter of part 3. Probably because of the way it was originally recorded, sentences are often repeated as well. Oh well, doesn't stop me from enjoying the story.

Epic Tale

I guess this is where it all began. Having been a fan of the TV series, I was curious to see how closely they stuck to the source material. It's a heck of an adventure. I found it difficult at times to keep track of the numerous characters and loyalties. I enjoyed the narrator.

Enthralling

A very enjoyable listen. I am having a little difficulty keeping all the storylines and names straight. I find the progress of the story very unpredictable, unlike some books where you know the hero wins the day. This is not that sort of book. Be prepared for bad things to happen to any character.

Masterful performance

The story itself is wonderfully written and beautifully described. But it's Roy Dotrice's performance of this work that is absolutely incredible. He deftly switches characters and it's easy to follow along, even during scenes with many characters. After I finish this series of books, I will be searching for novels that have been narrated by Mr. Dotrice.

Great narrator

Loved this rendition. Great narration. Very addictive! You'll like it & find it addictive. It was great for long car rides.

Simply amazing.

A great story that keeps you entralled, beginning to end. i cant recommend it more.

Great audio book

Awesome story, well read, good voices, will continue with other books in the series soon.