Title: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)
Author: George R.R. Martin
Rating: ★★★★★

“Let me tell you something about wolves, child. When the snow falls and the white wind blows, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.”

I went into A Game of Thrones with a lot of hesitation. For years and years, I refused to read the books because I was convinced I would hate them. In addition to multiple POVs, for some reason I was also under the impression that GRRM’s writing was dense and difficult to get through. I had prepared myself to either hate it or struggle to finish it. I’m so happy that not only was I able to read the entire thing, but found myself really enjoying it!

“The cold winds are rising. Summer is at an end, and a winter is coming such as this world has never seen.”

I honestly think the fact that I’m such a huge fan of the TV show really helped me with the book. It was easier to follow along, especially with all the different characters and names that are dropped, and I was already aware of the overall plotline. Reading from the viewpoints of familiar characters was a unique experience. It heightened my love and understanding for some characters (Jon Snow, you angsty bastard) but it also changed my opinion for others. I surprisingly found myself really disliking Catelyn whereas before I was more sympathetic towards her. Having already seen the show also helped me pick up on all the foreshadowing that is present, and there is a lot! Some of which really cemented my own theories that I have for things I believe will be happening/revealed in later books. 

“When you play the game of thrones, you win or die.”

I’m glad I gave this series a chance, especially considering the obnoxiously long wait until Season 8. I’ve already bought (and started) A Clash of Kings and I look forward to reading the rest of the series! Hopefully by the time I’m all caught up, GRRM will be releasing The Winds of Winter soon 😉