Winter is Coming

Symbols and Hidden Meanings in A Game of Thrones

By: Valerie Estelle Frankel

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Game of Thrones fans watch in delight as the epic battle of Lannister and Stark entangles the Seven Kingdoms. But only the sharpest notice how these houses echo Lancaster and York in the War of the Roses. Druids, Catholics, and even Zoroastrians wander through Westeros, reframing their religions for a new world of fantasy. But how medieval is Westeros? Did lady knights and pirates really battle across Europe? The audiobook Winter is Coming: Symbols and Hidden Meanings in A Game of Thrones explores all this and more, from the echoes of history to the symbols and omens our beloved characters.

Who is Jon Snow's mother and why is she a secret? What is Daenerys's real power, unknown even to her? Will these two characters share a destiny? Where is the red priestess's real Light bringer and when will it arrive? Through dreams and prophecies, imagery and allegory, the deepest secrets of the series unfold, in an exploration friendly to watchers and listeners alike.

©2013 Valerie Estelle Frankel (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Fiction meets conjecture and history

I learned a few new facts and enjoyed listening to possible plot lines and related English history.

Repetitive

There is a lot of good information in this book, but it is very repetitive in parts. The narrator is okay, but at times he has an "announcer" tone of voice (think "Come on down!" from The Price is Right). It was worth the listen...just could have been shorter.

Interesting

I found out some things I never knew and the historical facts that have inspired the author . I’m very impressed that “ The Wall” is actually inspired by the Adrian’s wall in Scotland …

In case you overlooked plot twists...

This is cliff notes for Game of Thrones. Like Cliff notes you get much more out of them when they are read after the novels.

Not worth reading if you watch the show

Basically serves to debunk many of the less well researched fan theories out there, and to confirm R+L=J, or at least to make a very convincing case, to anyone who hadn’t already subscribe to that theory or watched the TV show. Basically this book is dated, and while slightly interesting from a nitpicking perspective, was not worth reading. I will probably return it.

AHA!

Great refresher for us who've read ALL books, including Knightfor7Kingdoms & WorldofIce&Fire:HistoryofWesteros. AHA moments abound!

great

short chapters very easy to listen to enjoyable if your fan of Game of Thrones

Such a fan

Getting eager for the upcoming season I got busy reading and then listening to the books. To be reminded and then walked through the Game story as told having the human story baring a background to fantasy is confirming to the draw of excellent writing. Valerie Frankel is more than a fan in her writing she is a supportive tool ( if I may) to honoring work that will stand the test of time.

Winter has come

It’s a bit disappointing to hear this story as we all know now how GoT ends. The narrative was very professionally done and I liked how the author instilled real history as a parallel. It’s worth your time if you’re a real GoT fan and can forgive some of the assumptions made.

Good short listen, about GOT

Where does Winter is Coming rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not a great listen, but fun if you are a fan of GOT, A Song of Ice and Fire.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Nothing really. The book is very short and tackles what it set out to do.

Which character – as performed by Oliver Wyman – was your favorite?

When he barked like Winter the Dire Wolf. Just kidding that doesn't happen.

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

Talking Thrones?

Any additional comments?

This book is about symbolism, back story and metaphors in GOT, A Song of Ice and Fire. If that's what you're looking for then this is the book for you. If you are only watching the TV show be warned because it does contain spoilers from newer books. At only 3 hours long I paid for the book, and did not use a credit.