Paladin55 wrote:jusnice wrote:The books are worthwhile, but they are significant committments. I imagine they'll be easier to read now that you've seen the show and have some context for the characters. Without the show, I found the books to be difficult to get through since there are so many families and names, it was easy to get lost. Having said that, the stories were pretty great. I had to stop reading after book 3, I had burnout. Since you've seen season one, you know that the author has no problem killing off a main character, so be prepared for that...
Yeah, I've been warned by a few folks about this already. You are also right about the number of families and names you need to keep track of- another things a colleague of mine pointed out.
Besides adding context to the plot when I when I read the book(s), I can add actual faces, bodies, and voices to the characters, something you can't do if you have read the books first. Actually makes it more enjoyable and easier for me to visualize the plot in my head.
Looking forward to next season.
I am not usually a big reader of fiction but I got hooked on this series 6 years ago. It is definitely #1 on my list of fiction books I've ever read. Sorry you got burned out on this series, Jusnice.
There are lots of characters and families to remember. However they are all listed at the end of each book so from time to time you can reference this. The plots and characters are brilliantly written. The HBO series was superbly done - the actors and actresses did a great job portraying each person's characteristics. However the books are so much deeper in the plot and characters. While the books are long, there is no fluff, and they are absolutely absorbing.
If you like mysteries and foreshadowing, GRRM is the master of this. Many people, myself included, start to read the first book and don't realize this. It's a whole other level. Dreams and little seemingly insignificant side-notes take on a very important meaning later on in the books. He holds you in suspense so you try to figure out what is really happening.
For instance, Jusnice, who do you think Jon Snow's parents really were? It may not be what it seems. Lot's of clues if you are looking for them. And perhaps in the upcoming 5th book, he will reveal it. Could cause a major change in the story.
Paladin, as you can see, I am very into this and highly recommend you give the books a try. Excellent reading material for the summer.
The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.
Tom Clancy - author
