Preview
  • 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
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (146,159 ratings)

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A Game of Thrones

By: George R.R. Martin
Narrated by: Roy Dotrice
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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.
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Editorial review


By Seth Hartman, Audible Editor

A GAME OF THRONES IS A MASTERFUL START TO AN EPIC DARK FANTASY

I wasn’t properly introduced to A Song of Ice and Fire until my freshman year in college. My roommate at the time was a bona fide superfan of the series—when I told him that I hadn’t yet given it a try, he could barely contain his excitement. A week after this discovery, I had already watched the first season of the television series and was hungry for more. Instead of binging the remaining seasons, I elected to crack open the first book in order to get the "definitive" experience. Even at the time, I could already tell that this series would leave a strong impact on me.

A Game of Thrones mostly follows House Stark, a noble family controlling the northern portion of the great kingdom of Westeros. Ned, the Lord of House Stark, is asked to join his old friend King Robert Baratheon in court as his new right-hand man. Shortly after arriving in the royal capital, Ned begins to unravel a conspiracy involving Queen Cersei Lannister and her family. Far to the North, Ned’s bastard son Jon Snow joins the Night’s Watch, a group of banished soldiers tasked with defending The Wall, a massive chunk of ice that keeps the mysterious White Walkers confined. To the East, a young girl named Daenerys Targaryen, the last of her line and heir to the previous regime, begins her bid for the throne with little more than a couple of dragon eggs.

While this series becomes increasingly complex book to book, the first entry is delightfully streamlined. Rather than introducing a million characters and locations, A Game of Thrones focuses on the three major families in the series, devoting a lot of time to fleshing out the main cast. On my first read, I was struck by the subversive nature of Thrones. Despite its setting, this is not a triumphant tale of knights and dragons. Rather, George R.R. Martin has created a world of betrayals and backstabs, one that values information and subterfuge far more than swords and shining armor. Veteran voice actor Roy Dotrice brings his highly adaptable voice to the audiobook, giving even more color to Martin's writing.

Continue reading Seth's review >

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)

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What listeners say about A Game of Thrones

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People complain about the narrator but I really liked him!

So I am brand new to this audible app & I used my free book coupon for the first book to Game Of Thrones! I was hesitate at first because so many people complained about the narrator in the reviews but I just finished the book & I can honestly say that I really hope he is the narrator for the other books of GOT! I’m hooked! He does so many different voices & different accents! He really keeps you entertained! I can see how some people may not like him! He has an old man British accent but honestly...Who else to better tell this story! So all in all I give this a 5 star! The author is more then a genius & since I have very little time to read, this app makes it possible to get through the some of the best books ever written! I will certainly be buying the other books on Audible! A new life customer!

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Great story to listen to

This has been a treat to listen to! The narrator is excellent and I've hardly been able to put down my headphones. So much fun to listen to while walking around or relaxing at home.

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Wow x 10

So I watched the TV show first and got hooked there before I started listening to the audiobooks. I have to say that the book is so good, at times better then the show. It also feels less graphic then the show which is a plus for me (IE: If the show is rated MA then this feels like it’s rated R. Idk if that makes sense). The speech performer’s range is incredible and made the story come alive. If ability to jump from man to woman, you and old, is amazing although his accents feel slightly limited. I only noticed when 2 characters sounded so alike I got them confused when their conversations were to close together in the story. Overall I highly recommend this audiobook and give it 5/5

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Absolutely Amazing

I cannot praise this Audiobook enough. Truly a fantastic listen. The Narration alone is epic and worth while. The writing itself is fantastic.

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fantastic

it was even better than the show, more detail and the story takes on a life of its own. loved it!

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Prounences names wrong, and boring.

narrator is very boring. if it wasn't for the story it would be hard to get through.

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Must read

This book was perfect. It is a must listen to! Especially if you enjoy the HBO series. Enjoy

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great read

the show was great and follows the book well. can't wait to start the next.

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Had a really hard time with the narrator!

I have loved this series for a very long time! The characters and their converging storyline are magnificent! I did struggle with Roy Dotrice as a narrator. he managed to make all the female characters sound like slobbering, elderly women! But all in all worth it!

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superb

completely captivating, great story and narration. can't wait to listen to the rest of the series

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