#438 ~ A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars ++ rating





Book #1 - A Song of Fire and Ice Series




By chance I had a conversation with a co-worker about Game of Thrones, shortly after I also saw a clip from the new series. A discussion about the elements involved to make a good book, and then a good TV adaptation ensued.

I don't like give opinions not based in fact if I can help it, so immediately downloaded the first book and started to read, with a view to getting a box set of the series as well if I felt it was any good ... it took only a few hours to decide, it wasn't just good, it was EXCELLENT, I got the whole TV series and have struggled to put the book down.

Using my analytical head, the author uses simple and compound sentences in the main, with some other literary tools such as simile, metaphor, repetition etc. That in itself would make it good, but the book transcends to exceptional.

His use of pace and characterisation are immense, and the world building is second to none. I love the fact that he kills and maims with frequency and no discrimination - it enhances the dramatic effect and keeps you reading to find out exactly what is going to happen next.

It's an epic read in size, all 800 pages, and graphic quality. There is no wonder that somebody chose to adapt this for TV. All the bones are there waiting for the fleshing out, and sexing up, to provide great entertainment.

When discussed it seems that everyone has a different favourite character, for very many different reasons. My daughter like Ned Stark, my husband like Danny and my favourite is never short on one liners, even though he is short in stature - Tyrion rules!

From me a better than 5 star rating.


Product Details

You can pick up a copy HERE.  Kindle price is £2.99, but there is also a library bind at £12.04, which is exceptional value for money.


819 pages
Fiction, Historical, Fantasy
Harper Voyager (2010)


Errors/Bug bears

I have to admit that "gotten" did creep on more than one occasion.  He also uses 'short ways' and 'long ways' instead of a short way, or a long way.

I also disliked the use of 'in back' on page 369, and 'stopped to visit' on page 47.


Apart from the above, there was one actual error on Page 711:  'Master Luwin's turret was so cluttered that it seemed to Bran a wonder that her ever found anything.' - should be he ever found anything.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay