A Game of Thrones

A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1

By: George R.R. Martin

Narrated by: Roy Dotrice

Length: 33 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Now the acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones - the masterpiece that became a cultural phenomenon

Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse - unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen's brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister - the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind.

All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki - whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys.

©1996 George R.R. Martin, (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc., published in arrangement with Random House Audio Group,a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Locus Award, 1997

"Martin's trophy case is already stuffed with major prizes...He's probably going to have to add another shelf, at least." (Publishers Weekly)

"The first volume in Martin's first fantasy saga combines intrigue, action, romance, and mystery in a family saga." (Booklist)

"Grabs hold and won't let go. It's brilliant." (Robert Jordan)

"This novel is an absorbing combination of the mythic, the sweepingly historical, and the intensely personal." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Amazingly developed world

Martin included many little details that suggested a large and fully developed world sprinkled carefully throughout each chapter. The narrator was excellent in breathing life and personality into a large cast of characters. Martin did a good job of writing them in a way that made you care for every one of them, (or want them dead).
Definitely worth the read if you don't mind a mild amount of adult content.

So Good!

The plot, the characters, just everything is solid gold. Definitely a must read that will leave you wanting for more.

Such a good story, stick with it through the narration

It took me forever to actually purchase this book because I HATED the narration sample. Once I took the plunge though, he really does grow on you. Now I couldn’t imagine anyone else reading it. I feel like the beginning of this book he almost spoke too fast and it really threw me off but honestly after the first chapter that goes away and you can really get into the story. I’ve read this book once before, then watched the hbo series and now years later had found myself wanting to immerse myself back in the GOT world so thought I’d listen. Did not disappoint!! Highly recommend. I’m mad at myself it took me so long to purchase the audiobook. If you’re on the fence, just do it. 36 hours of entertainment, yes please.

Amazing all around

I have always struggled to read and even with some audiobooks, but this was one of the, if not the, best experiences I’ve ever had with books. The story is a masterpiece that kept me enthralled all throughout. And Mr. Dotrice’s performance was one to behold, great voices and intonations lead the story to another level of excellence!

Well done

Well written story. I loved the character development, clever humour and so well written I felt like I was witness.
Narration was excellent, would not want the narrators voice any grittier for the brusk characters, it was enough. I liked the pace, believable inflections and great accent.

The endless lore

I went from show to book and to see the original material from where the show is derived from is exciting

Having trouble getting to sleep?

Was searching for something to lull me. This does the trick every time, without fail.

Great listen

the story is so much better than the TV show. the book series is amazing compared to the HBO TV show.

As good to listen to as it is to read

Good listen. Some pronunciations are fun, my favorite character is Puhtyre. I wish the chapter titles were easier to distinguish but that's due to how the book is written and not a fault of the audiobook. When a chapter title is read, because they are names of characters it sometimes doesn't click that a new chapter is starting until I hear the POV.

Excellent book but...

I am an avid GoT fan. I have read the books several times, as well as HotD. I know the characters and the story inside and out. even with the changes in the tv series. This narrator kind of irritates me. He frequently pronounces names wrong, and I'm not a fan of his voices or impressions of the characters either. I think the one that bothers me the most is how he says Petyr Baelish's name, and the voices of Varys and Tyrion. Don't try so hard, you ruin the story for us.