Game of Thrones - tell me about it - show and book.

iluvarake · Joined: 26 Jan 2009 Posts: 728

Are they really good? I've heard there is a lot of rape and sexual violence in the books - is it important to the story? Is it bearable? Is the whole series of novels good or do you think it's losing steam? Do you like the adaptation on HBO?

I just don't know if I want to delve into it or not.
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Jean Wan AAR · Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 384 Location: Toronto, Canada

I read the first book three or four years ago, because I'd heard a lot about the series. My judgment at the time was that the story was intricately plotted, the characters complex, the concepts thoughtful, and the world-building incredibly imaginative. And the series in general, probably addictive and well worth the wait - Book 5 is coming out very soon.

I use the word "probably", however, because I didn't read on in the series, and it was a conscious decision because it was way, way, waaaaaaaay too depressing. I think there was another thread here where I asked whether the books lightened up, and the general consensus seemed to be no. (But there's a light at the end of the tunnel.)

The violence isn't gratuitous, if I remember correctly. It's sort of like ancient mythology - the violence is integral to the story and reflective of the time. You just have to make accept it. I'd say read the first...two hundred pages? Ish? And go from there.

And for what it's worth, I work at a bookstore; the Game of Thrones series is a staff pick for three of my colleagues, and every Thursday or Friday becomes Game of Thrones day. They make the series sound good - but still depressing.

Hope that helps.
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ChrisReader · Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 687

I personally am loving both the series and the books as the plots are intricate and all of the characters (even the most villanous) have their own histories and reasons for being that way.

The stories do have a lot of violence in them, but as the books are set in fictional land very similar to medieval europe (if there really had been dragons, magic etc.) it's not just for the sake of violence. These people are living in hard times where the strongest leader wins the throne through battles not democracy.

There are a number of mysteries scattered through the books (I have my own theories about some of them) that George R.R. Martin has yet to reveal and you never know what twists and turns are coming.

It is an epic, not a romance, so bad things happen and characters you grow attached to can die or suffer. The good do not always prevail (like in Tolkien) and oftentimes a good deed is punished rather than rewarded (like real life) so the books are very suspenseful.

I think they are brilliant but if you are not interested in a gritty read, don't like the politics of war, and don't want to commit to seven books (two of which haven't been written yet) and trust the author will bring it home in the end it, may not be the series for you.

I would say try a few episodes of the series if you have HBO- as they did a spectacular job of realising Martin's vision (with his help and input) and you will be able to tell pretty quickly if it is for you.

Christine

jebe · Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 820 Location: Jersey

I've never read the books, but I wanted to give the series a try b/c of the Sean Bean Factor Wink

. I'm hooked. Line and sinker. Love Jon Snow, love him. The entire cast is awesome, but those child actors continue to amaze me.
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maryskl · Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 328 Location: Alabama

I love the books and cannot wait for the next one to come out next month. I am impressed with the series. My only quibble is Catelyn Stark. She does NOT fit my image of her from the books.

Charlotte McClain · Joined: 04 Oct 2008 Posts: 394 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

I've never read the books, but I did get totally hooked on the series. The sex is pretty graphic, but I don't recall anyone getting raped. There's a lot of violence too, and the incest is a a little bothersome. If you don't mind a lot of grittiness and do like a very epic story, I think you'll enjoy it.
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ChrisReader · Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 687

maryskl said

Kristie(J) · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 12:07 pm Post subject:

I haven't read the books but I'm totally hooked on the series to the point I almost start vibrating come 8:55 on Sunday nights Smile

I also follow along on Twitter during the telecast and I was quite amused at the outrage at the end of the episode on Sunday. I won't give it away so as to give spoilers, but it was a shocker for many who haven't read the books and they very clearly expressed their outrage. I have learned through experience to try not to get too attached to any character especially in a dark series like this one where no one should be considered safe.

I've been trying to explain it to the people at work and interestingly (and almost annoyingly) they deem it pornography when I say the violence and sexual aspects are quite graphic at times. Instead I've been trying to say that no, it's gritty and explicit and beautifully filmed. I think next week is the final episode for this particular group though I have heard that they will be filming following books in the series.

I'm not sure I'll read the books. I looked at them at the book store and they are - well lets say weighty! I had the same kind of reaction as too when I saw The Outlander - 'man that's going to take a lot of reading!'

From what I've seen on Twitter, the series if following pretty close to the books, though because of the length of the books some things they just aren't able to include.

I think the real scene stealer of the series though is the character of Tryion. My jaw is constantly dropping when he's in the scene thinking I can't believe he just said that *laughing*

CD · Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 655 Location: London, UK

Claire · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 1309 Location: around Atlanta

Last nights episode. I can't say anything about it because its too huge but it was awesome. It's the next to the last epi of the season and all I can say is wow. I've never read the books so its all new to me. Anyone else see it?

ChrisReader · Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 687

Claire said

Jean Wan AAR · Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 384 Location: Toronto, Canada

[quote="CD"]

maryskl · Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 328 Location: Alabama

KayWebbHarrison · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1209 Location: SE VA. USA

I had never read the books before the series began. I bought the first volume for my Kindle and have tried to only read through the parts that have been in the episodes that I watched--all of them in order so far. However, I have fallen way behind in reading; somehow I don't really enjoy the parts at the Wall; I hate the cold! I knew in general what would happen to several of the main characters, especially what happened in King's Landing at the end of last Sunday's episode, because I read the blurbs for the other four books.

Reading blockbuster books is much easier with an ereader! Martin's characters are almost all multifaceted and very human. I love the costumes and settings in the HBO series. Since I saw the film before I read the book, I imagine everything that I read as I saw it on the program. I don't know if I will go on with the series at all, but I doubt if I will begin the second book right after I finish the first one. There ARE lots of ICK factors.

Kay

melann · Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 85