A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One

Written by George R. R. Martin

Narrated by Roy Dotrice

NOW THE ACCLAIMED HBO SERIES GAME OF THRONES—THE MASTERPIECE THAT BECAME A CULTURAL PHENOMENON
 
Here is the first book in the landmark series that has redefined imaginative fiction and become a modern masterpiece.

A GAME OF THRONES
 
In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the North of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.
 
A GAME OF THRONES • A CLASH OF KINGS • A STORM OF SWORDS • A FEAST FOR CROWS • A DANCE WITH DRAGONS

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Aug 14, 2003
• ISBN: 9781415900642

George R. R. Martin

George R.R. Martin is the author of fifteen novels and novellas, including five volumes of A Song of Ice and Fire, several collections of short stories, as well as screenplays for television and feature films. Dubbed ‘the American Tolkien’, George R.R. Martin has won numerous awards including the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an Executive Producer on HBO’s Emmy Award-winning Game of Thrones, which is based on his A Song of Ice and Fire series. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Reviews for A Game of Thrones

[Lecturofila · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I started reading the saga when they announced the series The House of Dragons. This time I wanted to read the book Fire and Blood before watching it. And of course, I started reading from the beginning... (Translated from Spanish)

[PaulinaCazaux · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite saga of all time. I was lucky enough to read the books before watching the series, and it's incredible how George Martin introduces you to his magical universe. I cried with all the books in the saga, I got emotional and suffered. I never tire of the unexpected situations or the complex characters, which often make it difficult to hate them because in some way you understand their actions. The fact that each chapter is about a different character, with their own adventures, makes the reading much more agile, and everyone will have their favorite characters. The only thing I hope is that George Martin finishes writing the entire saga, because I don’t want to be left with the ending of the series. (Translated from Spanish)

[Nautilus94 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Compared to the series that has been a great success and is known by many, the book is a bit denser due to the wealth of characters and tends to confuse. In the book, George takes the liberty of being raw with scenes of violence and sexuality.

The book allows you to empathize with the characters and to detest others; I hated Sansa not because of her romantic notions and the castles in the air she builds in her head, but rather because of her lack of loyalty to her family. Jon's chapters are very vivid and almost always filled with action; the pages dedicated to Catelyn offer the perspective of a mother and wife amidst political conflict, while also seeing her son become a man so prematurely.

The descriptions of Daenerys are unmissable; she is portrayed more rawly on the page, her relationship with Drogo is more vivid, and the author makes you feel a lot of empathy. On the other hand, with Brandon—better known as Bran—I found myself facing a clash of feelings because the character in the series has nothing to do with the one in the book.

I close this brief comment with one of the most beloved characters because talking about Ned is fitting, as the series itself excelled with such a brilliant portrayal. However, Tyrion's story, in my opinion, is the best part of this book; all his experiences, feelings, thoughts, and fears can be contemplated in the few pages that Martin dedicated to him.

If you have already read it, what did you think? (Translated from Spanish)

[MatasB1234 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First of all, I want to say that I watched the series twice before starting the books. The first book of A Song of Ice and Fire has a spectacular pace, the setting is rich and varied, it has many characters that are well integrated into the plot, and the development of the main characters is exquisite. I don't know how to write reviews, but I wanted to do it for this work of art. (Translated from Spanish)

[Rincóndetinta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Have you ever experienced reading the first book of a saga and knowing that it's going to be your favorite of all time? This is my case; I could fangirl about this story all day (even longer). I first read this saga around 2017/2018, and it was time for a re-read. My opinion has definitely improved a lot now that I see each detail more clearly and can predict the events and think, "DON'T TRUST THAT ONE!" or "IN THE NEXT CHAPTER, THEY DIE, NOOO!" The anxiety I feel is tremendous, haha.

To start with, the characters; I'm not going to specify each one because there are too many, and by too many, I mean George dedicated 10 pages to some kind of family tree with all the houses, including The Wall and The Free Folk. So I'll just say that (unpopular opinion) I love the Lannister brothers, I love Tyrion's cunning, Jaime's loyalty, and Cersei's greed (and I also love their incest, I said it).

Arya, Jon, Ned, Robb, Sam, Dany, Jorah... I will always keep them in my heart.

The story, A Game of Thrones, despite being a hefty 795 pages, is just the introduction (yes, super important things happen and there is action, but the next books are even more epic). The magic appears very subtly; it's a crucial detail even if it doesn't stand out much, but so does the political context. This book, in summary, is: a struggle for power through lies, wars, bastard heirs to the throne, magic, different religions, secrets... But that is not the problem; the real problem lies beyond the Wall. (Translated from Spanish)

[Igernestorovalino · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't understand people who give less than 4 stars to this work.

I am not interested in the opinions of others.

This is art... Years without reading such a good book.

What a delight to read like this.

5/5 (Translated from Spanish)

[VeronikBW · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great introductory book, it's clear that the future of the saga was not yet very clear. How it plays with points of view is something super interesting and that I loved, especially on re-reading. (Translated from Spanish)

[Roxana2626 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am in love with the series, but reading the book has been magnificent. So many details, such well-defined characters, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece. (Translated from Spanish)

[arturochch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredible
My favorite book series, on par with the beautiful world created by Tolkien.

I have bought this book 4 times in digital and paper (there are special editions in the Apple store, although they are in English).
And it doesn't compare at all to the HBO series. (Translated from Spanish)

[Cambastai · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a wonderful saga, no matter how you look at it. I highlight the great ease with which Uncle George creates scenarios and the amount of details that enrich them. We await the crazy winds of winter!! (Translated from Spanish)

[booksdebarb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was one of my favorite reads of 2021; after watching the series, it was nice to reconnect with the characters. George RR Martin is a genius in what he writes. (Translated from Spanish)

[Anikattel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love the entire saga. I don't care how it's written. It hooks me a lot, both because of the story and the way George R. R. Martin writes.

I haven't seen the series, I've only read his books. They are excellent.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ (Translated from Spanish)

[PaauCuenca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you are a fan of the series, like I was, I still remember that it was back in 2016 when I decided to venture into reading the entire saga of books that Martin has published so far. It's a book that, if you watched the first season, doesn't differ much from the adaptation, obviously due to the ages and physical characteristics of the characters. But it is a highly recommended read to dive into the universe of fantasy, betrayal, and power that is being part of the Game of Thrones. An excellent start and direction for the saga. (Translated from Spanish)

[JavierGalo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best of the entire saga (at least of what has been published, it’s not known if we will ever read it in full). A well-structured and entertaining palace plot, the fantasy background is very light and not overwhelming. Characters like Eddard Stark are unforgettable. (Translated from Spanish)

[JUAN PEDRO PABLO · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It had been a long time since I read such a detailed novel. A story that transports you to a distant era, where the characters drive the action, where the dialogues reflect passion and sometimes hide it, where one must be careful about what they say, as it may not please those in power, and you could literally lose your head... A world where power is upheld by royal families and their lineage sometimes perpetuates it. The kingdoms are separated by time, and the weather can be harsh, with living conditions very tough, yet respect and obedience are demanded without blinking. The characters are well described down to their clothing, gestures, and mannerisms, allowing one to literally imagine them. The leap to the small screen was exceptional. They have brought this world of Game of Thrones to life, and if one appreciates the magic of cinema, what they have done is indeed... magic. George R. R. Martin's work, along with the television series, extraordinarily complements the novel. Both the work and the series are highly recommended. Enjoy. (Translated from Spanish)

[DavidCastillo183 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's quite good, but there are remnants of the trilogy that the author wanted to write at the beginning. (Translated from Spanish)

[Pablo's · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although it seems unbelievable, I didn't watch the series beyond the first three episodes of the first season. I don't know what happened because I've read the first book of the saga; I can only say that it's amazing. Everything brews in the palace: intrigues, betrayals, etc. Those who are bothersome are pushed aside, or at least they try. Everyone aligns themselves with the sun that shines the brightest according to the moment. Great battles, great dialogues, very well-developed characters. Although for my memory, too many characters. Now it's just left to discover in volume 2. Let it not decline. (Translated from Spanish)

[yasantu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite book, if it didn't have those fantastical elements, which I love by the way, would be a masterpiece for everyone who has prejudices against the fantasy genre. (Translated from Spanish)

[Beto333 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First entry into this huge world rich in characters, with the most human and real feelings and thoughts I have read. (Translated from Spanish)

[Fertxu · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

That the story is good is true, but I find it very tedious. I have read up to the fifth book of the saga and I had to stop due to boredom. (Translated from Spanish)

[Stephanie.Books · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Set in a magical and medieval world. Game of Thrones is the first book in a saga that promises a lot (that’s what I think because I haven’t seen the series?).
It tells us the point of view of many characters, all the conflicts they have to go through, and how they all relate to each other. Mainly about Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell ?, who is summoned by King Robert Baratheon, who is also his friend, to become his right hand. At first, he doesn’t want to accept, but he ends up doing so, and it was a big mistake.
Daenerys Targaryen, thirteen years old, mistreated and sold by her brother Viserys, marries Khal Drogo, and from that moment her life completely changes; she has significant development throughout the story.
There are many betrayals, battles, tears, and a bit of love.
It took me quite a while to read this book, but I enjoyed it a lot, especially the chapters of Tyrion and Daenerys, and I came to hate some characters; Sansa, for example, I didn’t like much, although in the last chapters I changed my mind.
Each character is unique, and there are a lot of them.
“When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.” Cersei Lannister ? (Translated from Spanish)

[AlejandroLC · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very complex work but that hooks you from the first page. (Translated from Spanish)

[Kela44 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating. The multiple angles of the characters. How to weave all the plots into one. Interesting and cruel. Real and fantastic. (Translated from Spanish)

[lorenagarces13 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Super good, I recommend it! ?? (Translated from Spanish)

[igalizia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"the devil is in the details" in this work, the details abound, surprise, and allow you to situate yourself in time and space continuously. Excellent book. (Translated from Spanish)

[Monica05091970 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant all the series of novels. It creates a whole world, with its dynasties, its history... what imagination. (Translated from Spanish)

[marinaitye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I never got to read book 5 and I started reading it to remember what happened in the previous ones so I could read it since it changes from the series. It’s very comprehensive. And I liked it much more than I thought. It has helped me not to have to reread all the books, and the truth is that you read it much faster. I will continue with the others. It is very faithful to the book, not to the series!! (Translated from Spanish)

[TaldanaHaalo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a wonderful book. I clarify that I did not see the TV series, so I had no knowledge of the plot and the story; I have always wondered what life was like for people in the medieval era, and I think it must have been very hard, and this book is set in that time.

I love the detailed descriptions of the characters, regarding their physical appearance, their way of dressing, speaking, etc.; all the characters have very distinctive personalities, with all the feelings that we humans can have.

The author is a phenomenon; he created a world with great detail, from the political distribution of each of the houses or seven kingdoms, with their terrains, seas, rivers, mountains, landscapes, flora, and animals.

The plot captivates you from the start, making you participate in each of the different perspectives of the characters, recounting events in the first person, and they interweave as you move to the next character.

This story makes you feel many sensations of joy, fear, tension, uncertainty, passion, sensuality, sexuality, power, mercy, sadness, etc.

Game of Thrones is an apologia of an ancient time in an imaginary world, very similar to our times, where the desire for power is a daily occurrence.

I recommend it without hesitation, and I am fully certain to continue with the second book of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga - A Clash of Kings. (Translated from Spanish)

[JulsMart · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

At first, I thought this book would be like The Lord of the Rings, but no, this one is more cruel and real, where the author perfectly describes the environment, the circumstances the characters go through, and what drives them to perform certain actions. (Translated from Spanish)

[thufirhawat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Like every beginning of a saga, it starts with the introduction of its main characters and the central plot, but not so clearly, so one must pay attention to every detail of this world where, just as the most human situations arise, the legendary is also lived. (Translated from Spanish)