Game of Thrones Book Review

I just recently purchased the Game of Thrones Book, which is the first in the series A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R. R. Martin. I got really interested in the story after watching a few episodes of The Game of Thrones series produced by HBO. As it turns out, I was not disappointed as I found the book a lot more interesting because of more in-depth characterizations and a more intricately woven plot. While I am still a big fan of the series, the book does have its own appeal. Since I just finished the first book, I think that a Song of Ice and Fire review would be incorrect for me to do.A Game of Thrones Book review however, is more appropriate as I truly enjoyed the book and would like to seriously recommend it to others who are still on the fence on whether it is a worthwhile read.

The genius in Martin’s writing is really the characters the he has created. Not only are they interesting, they are wonderfully flawed allowing the reader to really get an understanding of them. Not one of them is one dimensional and the entire book is driven by the characters as much as it is about the actual plot. Even the minor character such as Grand Maester Pycelle is given a background and enough character development that despite the length of the book and the significantly numerous number of characters, they are all clearly identifiable. Of all the players however, many would agree that one of the most interesting is undoubtedly The Imp Tyrion Lannister. His presence and success, in a world where men are expected to be warriors and physical specimens, is truly astonishing as you find yourself not only believing in what he can do, but actually rooting for him. Another genius of the writer is his courage in not being too in love with his characters to the point that they become bland. Just when you think you get a clear picture of the protagonist, he switches it up and creates more of a dimension to them.

Aside from the characterization, Martin’s depiction of the world of Westeros is just the kind that elicits in us the right amount of familiarization while at the same time makes it novel enough that we keep on reading what comes next. Like Tolkien, who Martin is often compared to in many reviews regarding his style of writing, he brings an entirely new world alive that the readers are anxious to know about. His writing style may have similarities with other scribes, but his plot development is unique as the reader discovers simultaneous, and seemingly unrelated plot points, develop alongside each other. The intrigue that is happening in Kings Landing for example is occurring at the same instance as in The Wall. The reader who is a spectator in all of this cannot decide and is equally intrigued at what is going to happen in both situations. What makes the Game of Thrones Book a true high scorer is the writer’s ability to bring all these characters to life and portray a multifaceted story. The realism in the book is truly praiseworthy.