I have read more epic, huge fantasy series than I can remember and, this is by far the best I have every read. My definition of a good book is that I forget I am turning pages. And this book meets that definition. Not only did I forget that I was turning pages, I forgot to sleep, eat and interact with others. The characters are dense, interesting, complicated, and engaging. Their relationships are deep, complicated, joyous and tragic. My only complaint is the George R R Martin is an extremely slow writer. It takes him a huge amount of time between releases. I had to reread the series just to be able to know what was going on. I enjoyed rereading them almost as much as the first time

Share/Like this Review?

The words that best describe this novel are sprawling and epic. This story is HUGE. When I got to the end of its 700+ pages I realized that this was just a scratch in the surface of the world that the author had created. The story is broken up into multiple points of view, something I usually do not like, but for this story it is impossible to tell it any other way. I was often reminded of a huge centipede, legs moving in all different directions, but moving the body of the narrative forward. Mr. Martin has done an excellent job of creating a compelling story and dynamic characters. This story is addicting, and a definite read for any fan of the genera.

Share/Like this Review?

Excellent, intricate, and spell-binding. Don't get too attached to any character, you never know who is going to die. Vivid scenes of battle and political intrigue. Set in an fantasy world resembling medievel times.

Share/Like this Review?

This is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. I could not put this book down. I don't think 800 pages have ever flown by as fast as they did while reading this. One thing I really like about it is that the chapters are fairly short. Another thing I really enjoyed about this book is the portrayal of the "evil" characters. The "bad guys" weren't magical, evil overlords or dark wizards, who were inherently evil, they were people who acted evil because of normal human fallacies. Evil deeds are done in this book because of greed, lust, jealousy, fear, and desire for power. The characters are well developed and things aren't always black and white. If you like fantasy, read this book!

Share/Like this Review?

Dark and surprising. Best semi-realistic fantasy novel I've ever read. If you like stories where there aren't clear cut heroes and villians...this book is for you.

Share/Like this Review?

excellent book - too bad in such high demand - i might have to fork out actual money for it - the wait list kills me.

Each chapter is told about one person specifically. This means you hear about their story line and then move to another story line for a few chapters before getting back - but it helps you understand how it is all connected. It is not a complete story - as some serial books are. The characters are named by title, relationship, first name, last name and sometimes a nickname making it hard to keep them all straight but there is a thing at the end that helps clarify who is who but it is at the end,so by the time you get there, it is pretty much all clear. If I had known, I might have used it earlier.

Very gripping. Lots of deaths of beloved characters. This isn't a "good guy wins" kind of deal.

Share/Like this Review?

This book was a wonderfully well written story that kept you wanting to turn the page to find out more. Some parts were rather shocking and leaves you wanting to know more. It feels like you are right there with the characters, feeling and seeing what they are. I love books like that where you can lose yourself in the story. This does exactly that.

Share/Like this Review?

Possibly the best fantasy series I've ever read. A Game of Thrones is definitely up there with The Lord of the Rings. I think these book are absolutely amazing -- the characters are nuanced and engaging and the plot pulled me right in. I imagine someone has probably said this already, but the first thing that came to mind when I started reading this series was that it's like The Lord of the Rings meets the Sopranos. I'm on book five of the series now and can hardly stand to put it down.

Share/Like this Review?

I found that reading this book was a lot like watching a television show and then I realized why once I read the author's history. It's a really interesting story, but I think that this author really loves do things to shock the reader and leave cliff-hangers that will just make you wonder what will happen next. He's not the type you want to pick up and read and bond with a character because you never know what he intends to do with them. ;P

Share/Like this Review?

A Game of Thrones is an extraordinary, well developed, fast-paced, fantasy for adults. The plotting is intricate with a mix of politics, treachery, and fantasy that takes place in a wide variety of climates and seasons. The interwoven family histories are fascinating with their corresponding totems. A deeply satisfying, riveting read!

Share/Like this Review?

Perhaps not the exact copy of this book, but close enough! It seemed to flow exactly as the series shows on HBO.

We get a slightly better definition to the characters, but that should be expected within a book. We are also given a better understanding of relationships - like the Khalessi's and/or Drogo's "Blood Brothers."

Otherwise, you are not missing much by watching the show instead of reading the books. I am still hoping to finish the series just to find out who gains the Iron Throne before the series ends.

Share/Like this Review?