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)

Wicked Awesome storytelling

Love the story and the so very varied characters, wish I was true of spirit and heart as Ned Stark is, would even settle for being at least capable of civility like the hound, but alas I dread I'm mean and nasty and uncaring as the mountain who rides is, the narrator is very good if not great at the men's dialogue, but as other reviewers point out he's lost at the young people's voices and women, wish they could have had other narrators for their dialogue, won't stop me from the next book for now, hope you enjoy these other realms

Incredible talent on display

Such an incredible author has been paired with an exceptional voice actor. A wonderfully immersive experience. I've listened to all of these books 3 times through now. Just beautifully done.

downloading book 2 now...

very well written. he brings the characters and world to life in vivid detail. excellent story telling!

Great Narrator

I loved the narrators voice, and the way he switches voices back and forth during conversations. He makes it immersive.

a delight

If there is one small negative to say it would be the speed of the narrater. I needed some time to adjust to that. But after that it is a s said in the title a delight to hear him read the story. And what a story it is. Without spoiling to much its fair to say that none are beyond faults, doubts and in risk of dying. It is for sure not an all good people are save story

What an imagination!

I’m just amazed that we’re only on book one and haven’t even touched the surface of this long saga. Still I enjoyed the level of detail and listening to each character’s story. The narrator did a great job of distinguishing each character. I didn’t think any of his voices were inappropriate for the characters. Still debating if I want to listen to the other books. It takes a long time to get through, even at 1.25 speed.

fantastic!

loved I will recommend to a lot of people. just as good if not better then reading it

I loved it but...

my only issue is that Roy Dotrice may have been to old to do the story justice as all the voices sound the same. Now I'm not saying he does a bad job as I've heard far worse than him just that as much as I hate to put it this was to old to do varying voices especially with the females and there are moments where the scene doesn't have the same gravitas that I feel it should. I intend to keep listening as he's done all the main books so far.

Love this story

The book is great, the narrator sounds just fine so I'm not sure what a lot of these reviews are talking about. Would recommend and this is a great listen for anyone who struggles with long books.

Watched series first

I was surprised on how much the series followed the actual book. The narrator did a great job too! Can’t wait to get started on the next one!