June 26, 2011

Sunday Spotlight: A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones
By George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #1
Ebook Edition
788 Pages
Published January 1st, 2003
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Creature Feature: ???
Rating: 5

I started reading this book because I wanted to have more information on the characters and events of the HBO series, Game of Thrones. I enjoyed the show and felt it stayed pretty true to the book all for a few inconsequential scenes. While reading the book, I got a look into what the characters were thinking and feeling when they made their big decisions and went through their coming of age trials. I really enjoyed that aspect of it. 

Now, setting aside the HBO series altogether. This is the start of what I can only refer to as Epic Fantasy. I have many good memories of my childhood days of adventuring in Narnia, accompanying a hobbit to the dragon's lair, and racing across icy battlefields on polar bears with a brave young girl. All these wonderful experiences reading brought me as a child came rushing back as I read through A Game of Thrones. The characters are so real you can't help but love certain ones entirely and hate others bitterly. You can't help but hold your breath in fear at their trials and cry out in victory for their triumphs. 

Each chapter is told from a different point of view, focusing on one main character or another, giving us deep insights into their inner workings. This style brings the reader so much closer to the story, connecting them to the characters and making them as real as their loved ones. 

This first book can be slow at times, but I believe that is mostly due to the fact that this is the first book, and the author is trying to establish a relationship between reader and character. He is trying to pull us into this lush, wonderful world before he truly shows us the big guns. 

The next installment, A Clash of Kings, promises to be insanely epic. This is one girl who has fallen for fantasy all over again.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Just finished book 4 in preparation for the new book next week. Totally love this series! Also love the look of your blog. Very cool!

Nice to meet you,

EJ

Wicked said...

Nice to meet you too EJ! Thanks! I worked long and hard to customize it. :-)

I can't wait for next year so we can watch some more Game of Thrones! The characters are just too amazing. I really felt connected to Arya and Dani.

I really want to move on and read A Clash of Kings,, but I am so bogged down right now with other requests and projects. It might just be one of those I read on the side a chapter at a time. Definitely one of the best fantasy series out there.

I bet you're excited for A Dance of Dragons!