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)

Great read!

This book left me wanting more. It kept me interested and I can't wait until this afternoon to start Book 2.

A masterful work

There is a reason that this book is always one of the top sellers on Audible. The story is good and reading this book the old-fashioned way certainly would be a delight, but listening the audiobook is truly the best way to enjoy this fantasy universe. Roy Dotrice is truly a master; he is somehow able to give each character in the book his or her own voice, while still having a voice for the third-person narrator as well. He falls in and out of the dialogue flawlessly and allows the imagination to run wild. For members, the only problem with this work is that is requires two credits to purchase. However, it is certainly worth the price, and the length of the book certainly provides a worthwhile value to listeners. For any fans of science fiction, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen.

hard to start, knowing characters is key

I tried twice, got pretty far, but only after I watched a couple episodes did I get the characters down & fell face 1st into this epic tale! Narrator is a genius amongst narrators. Thouroughly enjoyed his talent for variety & nuance; especially with the volume of voices to interpret. The author has incredible insight into human nature & the innumerable paths one can pursue for power and the consequences along the way. Duty to family, country, and love are powerfully portrayed. I'm always stunned how a fiction can harmonize and remind me if not enrich my own values. The battle of good vs. evil of honor, glory and for power are pleasantly depicted in a seamless imagination that seduces the demand for realism to relent.

Awesome

I loved this. Great job! I had lost interest in the show, but the book was great! Can't wait to start the next one.

Great Narration

Love the stories and the narrator dies an amazing job! I would definitely recommend this audio book.

A classic story

The narrator used the same two voices for every character which made it difficult to follow who was saying what at times. But, with that being my only criticism, I'd say I rather enjoyed this reading.

Great author, great story, incredible narration!

I read and listen to a wide variety of genres, and I would probably be considered a sci-fi/fantasy noob by many. Be that as it may, I know a great story when I read/hear one, and this is one of the best I've been immersed in for quite a while! If you have watched the series on HBO, you should know that the book is MUCH richer and more detailed than the series!

As great as the story is, Roy Dotrice is in a league of his own when it comes to narration! He so seamlessly and quickly transitions between characters that it is easy to forget that you are listening to a single narrator. He could easily drop all references to who was speaking at any moment and there would still be no doubt which character was speaking.

If you're squeamish, prudish, or demand mostly happy outcomes this is not the book for you! The story is harsh, gritty, and sometimes heart-breaking. Just as it must surely be in the real Seven Kingdoms!

good story not much difference in voices

it was good but the characters all sound the same would have been better with more variety

Great book!

Great performance by the reader! He probably payed each character well. A bit different from the HBO series which is beautiful about it. It gives you the definition on what it means to be specific with words! Great job George R. R. Martin.

Where it all started.

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

I have read the print version and listened to the audio version. I would say that they are equivalent. When Roy was narrating this one it was pretty clear that he hadn't quite gotten into the characters yet. So his narration on this one was just average. But he does improve as the series progresses.

He didn't really add much to the story, but he didn't take anything away either. In later books, he does much more value add narration.

Which scene was your favorite?

I will not spoil it for anyone, but the last (or maybe it was the second to last) scene was my favorite. You will know it when you get to it. Trust me.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Valar Morghulis! Because that line sums up the whole series.