I heard all the hype about the show, and was unsurprised to find the tv series not so spectacular... Usually if everybody likes something, it's not good. To appeal to the average, you must alienate the discerning, and the show was no exception. I came across the first book in the series at a book sale for .25 cents, so I gave it a read...and loved it. I'm now into the second, and it's just as good! I'm a fan of Tolkien, and I think it's fair to say that Martin is in the same league. This is a well written, well thought out history of a fantasy realm, populated by peoples often paralleling our present planet. The nomadic Dothraki with their Khal (suggests the Khalif of Islamic history), the Caucasian, bearded Northmen (Anglo warriors of old)- this is a fantasy world but feels very familiar and real. The story quickly immerses you in this world of Martin's making, with rich detail and masterful writing. This collection of novels is wonderful, and will surely stand as a classic work of fiction. I find myself dreading to finish, this is one story you don't want to reach the conclusion of. Alas, it must end, as all tales do! Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
this is a gift from my son for Christmas. I had already watched the series on HBO but my husband had not. He has been watching the cd recordings and asking me questions about what he is watching. it seems as if this set is not exactly like the series and that a lot of it has been skipped. It is very disjointed. it goes from one cd to the next with a lot of content missing. this is true for all seasons. one example is where the dragon queen goes into the fire with the eggs and comes out with 3 dragons and not burned. the fight where the mountain is killed, does not show but next cd shows the imp on the run for killing the king. nothing shown for any of that.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The books start out with maps so that you can get a better understanding of the locations. If you watched the show and are a fan, these books are a must read. Although many things are the same, so much more details are given that you wouldn't know without reading the books. You'll learn more about the characters such as their true ages. You'll learn more about everything. It's just way too much to list. Read these. You'll only wish you had read them sooner. I can't say enough good things about this author. He's a legend. The books are really long but that's just because it's such a detailed story, one that took five books to tell. They are great!!! You'll be hooked from the beginning.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I had heard that George R. R. Martin had included a great deal of nuanced content along with outright contradictory plot lines when compared to the HBO television series "A Game of Thrones". I did not, however, expect the two stories to have divergent subplots in the very first scenes. Martin's books are daunting in size, but read easily and any half good reader can cut through the pages in short order. The anticipation built into the storylines pulls you from page to page quickly. I am as big a fan of the Tale of Ice and Fire as I am A Game of Thrones, now.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Great deal on great books. These books are compelling and difficult to put down once you start reading. The length of each volume may seem overwhelming to some, but the story sucks you in, and the 1000 pages will fly by leaving you craving the next episode of the saga. I'd would recommend these for anyone on the fence about the "Game of Thrones" phenomenon. I was initially put off by the mass popularity of the series. Thinking to myself, "it can't be that good", but I was wrong, and now I'm hooked.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
My nose is still in the first book but tell your what it's difficult to put the book down. The printing is small I recon it's to keep it all in one book but well worth every line of it. It's the flow of the author that gets you hooked. I watched the DVDs 4 full times & still shake my head. So much detail is missed making a series out of it. I feel like I truly know the people in the story as that's when the DVDs supplements present. I'd do it the same way, DVD before book as it does help to visual the characters.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
If you enjoy fantasy and medieval literature, then these stories will keep you busy for a while, just take your time, the sixth book is still on the way, and may not be out by the time you finish these five. Overall, the story is full of intrigue, politics, scandal and bonds being formed and broken. It is a great read, and even better the second time around, where you are able to catch the details you may have missed the first time. Highly recommend!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Neatly packaged and books feel nice to the touch too. The only problem i found with it was that the clash of kings book has 2 pages that are slightly damaged on the far right side. The content in the pages themselves are untouched and readable, its just my bad luck that i got that slight imperfection.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Although difficult to begin reading the series because of the complex plot, large number of characters and the fantasy element, once you get into it, it is addictive. Had to buy my own set of copies to reread them once the 6th book comes out, which will be when I win the lotto
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Haven't started to read them yet. However they are by the original author and I'm sure that the stories will be as interesting as the TV series. Only a little bit more in depth.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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