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)

Good book. The English accent gets old.

I really enjoyed the story having watched the HBO series first. My only complaint is that every character seems to be from the U.K. It gets a little tiresome but does not overly distract.

A good choice!

Where does A Game of Thrones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top three so far.

What other book might you compare A Game of Thrones to and why?

Assassin's apprentice- Because there is similarity of genre and courtly intrigues.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Mostly. While I enjoy the narrator's voice and character stylings overall, I find that from time to time he breaks cadence a little. One niggle that prompted me to comment is that he couldn't be bothered to be consistent with character names, one time saying 'Joffrey' and another time 'Jeffery'.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Moved, not particularly, but I did feel a very sympathetic connection with the character of Tyrion Lannister.

Any additional comments?

Despite my small complaints, this was a very enjoyable listen. I very much recommend.

the book is always better

Great narration.
Loved all his varied accents.
Wonderful story.
They should make a movie or something.

wow. Awesome narrator. made the book come to life.

the narrator did a really good job bringing me into the story and helping the story come to life. the plot was awesome. I've seen the entire series but wanted more so decided to get the book. I was not disappointed. There is so much more to understand about Game of Thrones. I am eager to read the next Story

Superb

Great characters, great story, great read. I've read it twice and watched the HBO series. With the series I've started re-reading them all.

Perfect!

Roy Dotrice was the perfect performer for this book! Intense and engaging. I enjoyed it very much.

What's NOT to love!

Where does A Game of Thrones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's at the top. I will admit I have been watching the series on HBO, and wanted to give the books a try. I seriously love it.

What other book might you compare A Game of Thrones to and why?

I am not sure if there is a comparison as far as I know. This is out of the realm of books I usually listen to.

Which scene was your favorite?

I love the ending..... I will just leave it at that :)

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

Can't do that... since there is already a series on HBO!

Any additional comments?

Just know that the series is going to be different than the books, it always is. With the books you are going to get more details than in the show, things that were left out, and character descriptions that are different.

incredible story

an excellent book, vivid details. the narration was very well done. close your eyes, and you are there in the seven kingdoms.

I love this book!

The reader's different voices was weird at first, but in the end I really appreciated the reading of this story. It was done very well, and the story is amazing. I've read, watched, and now listened to this story. Book 1 is an amazing start to an extraordinary story.

narrator makes book even better!

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

Cant stop Listening

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tyrion. He makes a giant impression on every character in a small (no pun intended) but powerful way.

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

Hodor- Although he is a small part, Roy really gave him a personality. which is hard to do since he only says one word.

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

I was surprised several times by that actions, words, and thoughts. since I watched the first season on HBO before I listened to the book I have found an extreme depth and emotion.