A review by nathanjhunt
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

This is the 45th book I've finished in 2023.

I bought this book in Chiang Mai, Thailand from a secondhand book shop. I read it over two months in Vietnam and finished it in Bali, Indonesia. I left it there in my hotel.

There's no mistaking it... this book is very good. As many people have before me, I read this book after watching the TV show. I'd seen the first season three times before turning my attention to the source material.

There are pros and cons; some things are better in the book, some in the show. It really helps that the first season follows the book so closely with only a few minor changes.

It's impressive how richly developed the world in the book is, with so many well-sculpted and individual characters.

This is a really beefy book, and although reading so easily, it does feel like it drags a little. Some chapters are great, but others (Catelyn, Bran, Jon?, I'm looking at you) do weigh it down. Ultimately I suppose I don't care about Bran's story arc, and Cat is just an annoying frustrating character.

Also, we have to address the elephant in the room - so much sexual material written for Daenerys (a 14/15 year old character).

The first person perspective is limiting sometimes, especially surrounding
Ned's death at the end.
It's so much better in the show, and seeing it later from Sansa's POV is pretty dull.

The third quarter of the book was the most exciting, I think. The last quarter was quite a slow slog, with too many dream sequences, and unexciting storylines wrapping up. This was the biggest shame... I thought it could have ended much stronger.

This was very enjoyable, and I'll be reading the next books eventually, but in the end I think the length lets it down a little.
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