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)

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.

Incredible

What an incredible tale. Loved it completely! The reader was excellent and the best I've ever heard. really kept me captivated and his performance was top notch. Incredible!

Wow what a book!

Very entertaining, and eye opening. I am very happy that I took the time to read this book, even if it was just an audiobook.

2 thumbs up

Great book. excellent performance. will refer to friends and family. can not wait to start book 2.

Good book, not so great reader

What did you love best about A Game of Thrones?

I didn't LOVE anything but I enjoyed the character development

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed Denyris. She starts out as a little girl and grows confident as a woman. My sec ond favorite is Arya. She is a little girl, but brave and self-reliant, unlike her sister, Sansa, who is a ninny.

What three words best describe Roy Dotrice’s performance?

spotty at best

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

No. Too long

Any additional comments?

The recording had a lot of problems with the editing. There were several times when three or four sentences were repeated. But really bad - the first 40 minutes of the last volume was the same as the last forty minutes of the prior volume. Since I was listening in the car it took almost ten minutes to get through the repeat - lots of red lights!

Great narrator!

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

Yes! The narrator is capable of making all different voices for the characters.

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

Aria Stark is my favorite.

Any additional comments?

Very capativating.

Excellent!

Midevil fantasy at its best. The narrator does an outstanding job. Don't hesitate. I just bought book 2 and can't wait to dig in!

Very good book and well narrated

As said in the title, this was a very good 'read'.
My only complaints are that some of the character's voices narrated by Roy Dotrice seemed either off or simply didnt resemble the characters personality. (ex. Tyrion)

Another way to enjoy

After 33 hours and change maybe now I can have my life back. It took a few chapters to by in to Roy Dotrices versions of these characters. No different then transitioning from reading to watching. It renewed my initial enthusiasm for the GOT world I was introduced to years ago.

Sing all the praises

This was definitely worth all the hype
Story is just simply amazing. moar words go hete