Review: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

*cracks knuckles*

*stares at computer*

*walks away and makes a tea*

*stares at screen a bit more*

*spends an hour on Buzzfeed*

*gets sidetracked by Reddit*

*opens up review again*

*starts writing about procrastinating rather than actually starting a review*

*thinks it’s probably time to start the actual review now*

*stares at computer*

*makes another tea*

*ponders how long this can go on for*

*concludes probably not as long as A Game of Thrones*

Coz that was a long-ass book. Hey look, I’ve stopped using emotes (yes I googled that to learn what it’s called. More procrastination!). I bet you’re relieved I stopped doing that, aren't you? Not as relieved as I was upon finishing this book. Just look at my celebratory status on Goodreads.

Yep, A Game of Thrones was a struggle to get through. It was like giving birth (OK, there’s a 99.99999999 per cent chance it’s nothing like giving birth, but there’s this thing called hyperbole and I like it). I felt like I was physically pushing (note to self: probably best not to use that word after mentioning giving birth… or maybe the best idea ever?) my way through this. Much like this review. Don’t you love how much I’m rambling? No? Well you won’t like A Game of Thrones then. It’s full of rambling tangents.

I’m probably giving you the impression I didn’t like this book. Plot twist: I DID. Don’t you love surprises? If you don’t, don’t read this book. Unless you’ve seen the show Game of Thrones or been on Tumblr ever. Because then you won’t get any surprises. Yep, this book is exactly like the first season of the show. Down to the very words spoken by characters (otherwise known by smart people as DIALOGUE).

The show was amazingly faithful to its source material when it kicked off. Having loved the show, I naturally enjoyed the book. In fact, it’s a testament to George R. R. Martin’s (side not: I just typed Mountains instead of Martins. Thought you should know) writing that I loved this behemoth as much as I did, having basically seen it all before – multiple times (what, I didn’t rewatch the show a bamillion times) (OK I did) (I should probably stop using brackets now) (believe it or not, I am not drunk writing this. I maybe have just lost my mind a little bit).

Where was I? Oh, right. The book. Yes. As much as a struggle it was thanks to its length and my own brain funk (can you tell?!), it was still wonderful to be immersed in such a well-built world, populated with amazing characters. And by amazing, I mean flawed, believable, multi-faceted, complex, kick-ass, honourable, dishonourable, funny, creepy and all kinds of awesome. Seriously, I love the characters in this series. Arya is my fave, along with Tyrion, Jon Snow and Daenerys. I loved them even more in the book than I do in the show. I enjoyed getting extra insight into their thoughts and motivations, and a bit more backstory. The only thing I didn’t like was how young they were – especially Daenerys, considering some of the more sexual scenes. In my headcanon they were all older, as they appear on the show. Sorry George R. R. Martin, it was just too creepy otherwise.

My least favourite chapters were those focused on Bran. I just didn't connect with him at all, but I'm told he gets more awesome as the series progresses. I also wasn't a massive fan of Catelyn's point of view, but it was good to get a better understanding of her character. And as much hate as Sansa gets in the fandom, I gotta say I kinda love her. Probably because she's exactly like I was at that age, if I was, y'know, living in medieval/magical times. All I cared about was boys and dresses and lemon chocolate cakes. I wish I could say I was more like Arya, but I wasn't. I felt for Sansa, and not just in a certain Lady situation (though that was Heart. Breaking.). I don't get how people blame her for what went down at the end of the book - I have to admit, the timeline confused me a little with the jumping around between characters, but from what I could see Ned had most, if not all, of the responsibility - as he did in the show. Correct me if I'm wrong (seriously, I'd love to know someone else's view on this).

I'm taking a break from the series for awhile because it's quite exhausting to get through and I need a mental break. But I'm looking forward to the next one - and I'm even more excited about the books that I haven't "seen" on TV. Although I do know a lot of what happens in them anyway. Thanks, Tumblr.

Rating: 4/5

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