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)

Very good with voices

What did you love best about A Game of Thrones?

I loved the epic world that is beginning along with all the foretelling. Knowing there's this HUGE story unfolding for not one or two characters, but a whole kingdom is dynamic.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that each chapter slated who was going to be giving me the POV. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell, especially in an audible version. However, Martin makes it simple. A new chapter titled by the person giving it.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many scenes that I loved. For me, I liked the depth of the scene with Daenerys and Khal Drogo. Their union was a difficult one to bring to such unity since it was arranged. Listening to her go from naive girl to a khaleesi and saving peoples lives was great. Seeing Drogo grow from unloveable to loving was wrenching when his end came.

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

Seven kingdoms, all vying to sit and stay on the iron throne.

Any additional comments?

The narrator of this book did an amazing job of lilting different voices to add to the experience. Great listening experience.

Listenable but sloppy editing

If you could sum up A Game of Thrones in three words, what would they be?

True, harsh, grey.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rickon Stark. The most shat upon of all (likable) characters.

What three words best describe Roy Dotrice’s voice?

Gruff, rough and tough.

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

Yeah. When I read them myself, I threw the physical books across the room during certain chapters.

Any additional comments?

Horrible editing. The narrator uses several different pronunciations for words in the book, and not just names. "Ser" is pronounced some funny way, often, instead of it just being a weird spelling of "Sir". That's only a little of it. He skips, and repeats at times. Also, the chapter numbers do not precisely line up with the book ones. Chapter 46 of Game of Thrones contains bother 45 and 46 (Ned and Dany) in one audiobook "chapter". Hard to say exactly what they did to mess that up, but there you have it.

If you need/want to read or reread these, but have not time for the real thing, these will do. I like Mr. Dotrice's voice, but he has trouble with women, children, and anything other than rough old men.

Fantastic!

The chosen narrator was flawless and able to accurately capture the changing POV, quite impressive!

Long but captivating.

I like the story. I have not seen the shows or movies but wanted to hear what they hype was about. It starts slow as it explains the families and their burdens. I enjoyed the narrator but would have like to had a female play the parts. Too many characters for one person to play.

One of the best

I've listened to A Game Of Thrones and read it. it's an amazing, sweeping journey across the lands of Westeros.

Very good

The book was great it was really nice being able to learn more about the land and history of the world that the game of thrones is played.

confusing at first but...

I fell in love with some of the characters. I even got choked up during shone parts. the narrator was excellent also!

Cannot recommend highly enough!

I wanted to read the books before watching the TV show. This is epic fantasy at its best. Roy Dotrice is an older gent and does a fine job narrating and bringing the characters to life.

epic

as if tolstoy and tolkein had a love child. the voice actor is amazing. 6 stars!

Great Story!

An excellent story with excellent characters. Never a dull moment! Roy Dotrice is an awesome narrator. Listen to this now!