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)

Great story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

What aspect of Roy Dotrice’s performance would you have changed?

I would have chosen someone else to narrate the book or a couple people. He is good in some roles though not all. I have heard some narrators who can fill all the roles in a book better.

I was glad I had watched the movies first. Example the "dwarf" is much better as the actor. Some of this is the actors interpretation and who they choose to play the role so not totally the narrators doing. So I picture the actors as the characters when the book is read and that improves the experience.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No it is 38 hrs long I believe

Amazing story.

George RR Marting really crafts an amazing tale. A modern Tolkien-like series. I Loved t!

well worth an audible credit

This was my first audio book. very much enjoyed the performance and story! It wasn't very difficult to stay involved, and the narrator did a great job portraying the characters and their independent personalities.

A complex and interwoven storyline

Where does A Game of Thrones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely near the top. It's not for everyone though. The book is intricate and the narrative is deep and involved. You'll grow to love some characters and hate others.

What did you like best about this story?

The introductions of the characters and their status within the world of Westeros

What about Roy Dotrice’s performance did you like?

He was masterful at creating not only the voice of a character, but their persona and personality as well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Give it a couple hours and you'll be hooked.

great book!

very well done. narrator is on point. I would listen to it again! very well read, the story flew by!

Great book!

If you’re reading this after you’ve watched the show, you aren’t going to be happy with some of the accents the narrator gives the characters. Otherwise I was thrilled will the performance, and I can’t wait to move onto the next book!!

Excellent voice.

Roy Dotrice brings life to each and every character. A perfect choice of voice to a perfect story👏🏻

Love this book!

Great read. I read it last year, but I wanted to reread it all before the next book comes out next year. The performance is great :)

Love the story, but dislike Roy Dotrice.

Would you listen to A Game of Thrones again? Why?

Just listened through this book for the the third time. Felt like now I could post a proper review of the book.

What other book might you compare A Game of Thrones to and why?

Compare? Sorry, but I am new to Fantasy. The Eyes Of The Dragon by Stephen King carries the same type of political atmosphere. However my current my number one Fantasy tale is the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss.

What about Roy Dotrice’s performance did you like?

Not much really. I guess he does a good Hodor?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It's slow paced but provides a lot of details so the build up is great.

excellent really enjoyed listening

Big fan of the show but not a huhe reader. This was great to get the background on some of the differences.