I began reading George R.R. Martin’s epic A Game of Thrones because of the magnificent HBO series of the same name. Friends had warned me that it was a challenging read, and that the television show was essentially the best part of the books. After finally finishing the 700+ page tome, I only partially agree with my friends. Yes, the books are challenging. The writing is more descriptive and asks the reader to remember numerous characters, locations, relations, and side-plots than most other books in this genre. Dialogue that seems extraneous oftentimes will later become extremely important, and beloved characters will most certainly meet their doom before the end of the book. But is the HBO version better than the book? I’d have to disagree. The intrigue is magnified in print, as the various houses of the Seven Kingdoms struggle to secure a spot on the Iron Throne. Martin tells the story from the point of view of villains, heroes, and other ambiguous characters whose allegiances aren’t immediately obvious.
Recommended for fantasy buffs. Alternately, if you’re a fan of intricately plotted historical fiction, give it a try. The fantasy elements are minimal, and the parallels to the War of the Roses are obvious.