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)

incredible

I loved this book. I'm a big fan of the series game of thrones but the book is even better. I can't wait to get into book 2.

Excellent Book, Divisive Narration

Much has been said of Roy Dotrice's performance in these books. It's true that he occasionally mispronounces names and has young characters sound like grizzled old men or wizened crones. But he has a wonderful voice and his various accents are fun to listen to, no matter how improbable. It feels like curling up by the fireplace and listening to your grandfather read you a story. That obviously is not for everyone. The book itself is excellent and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

great book mediocre performance

the narrator does some voices great but for others females especially you will hate every second

If you like the shows

Listen to this to get the full perspective of Westeros!
Well read and worth the time.

I enjoyed this book very much

I enjoyed this book very much. As usual, the book is better than the TV series. Well worth a listen. I liked the performance, although some of the voice infections and cadance of speech seemed a little off at times. The narrator did well with the varied use of voices for the characters.

As good as I imagined

I had started and stopped the book three times. I loved the story but just couldn't find the time to finish it. Enter the Audible version, which allowed me to transport it wherever I want. I've just finished it and loved every bit of it! The story was written in such great detail j could add to what the TV show provided. I highly recommend it.

Great book. even when I know how it ends

I'm listening To this again after watching It on HBO. I'm enjoying it more now than ever.

...

the narrator does great voices, someone of them sound the same but he is consistent enough you can tell characters apart. my problem is, I can't understand some of the voices at some points. he puts so much into it that it becomes incomprehensible. I have to go back and listen to it a few times and still can't understand most of the time. I don't own the actual book to look up what is being said either and it is always either an important line from an important character or the beginning of a chapter laying out the scene. its SO confusing and irritating.

masterful writing and masterful voice acting

Some of my favorite fantasy writings brought to life with perfect voice acting. Can't recommend this enough.

narrator does a fine job

One of the best fantasy books I've ever read, narrator was just fine for this book. Some of his voices aren't the best, but all the characters are good imo, once you get past that they all don't sound like the characters on the show. Narrated very well with emotion, and pauses in all the right spots. If you can't get past a few minor mispronounced names and a few less than stellar voices (all easy to understand) to listen to one of the best fantasy novels of our lifetime, than i feel bad for you. Don't let all of the negative reviews steer you away, i almost did and I'm glad i didn't