George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set

My journey into fantasy began with a hole, and a hobbit, and so on and so forth. I read about children getting lost in the back of a wardrobe, and all their adventures. Eventually, I found books about great magic and the risks of working mighty deeds; but those stories were all rooted in Tolkien's concepts.

By the time I picked up A Game of Thrones, I had read enough gory fantasy to not be necessarily shocked by the way characters died, or the actions they took, but I hadn't necessarily put together that it's the War of the Roses and a horror series to boot. Admittedly, now, I find the fandom around ASOIAF far more interesting than the novels themselves, and I have spent hours and hours listening to talented storytellers in their own rights explain the layered imagery of these novels.

But I gotta admit, I don't love these books. They're just not for me.

George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series starts brilliantly before losing its way. The first three books create a revolutionary fantasy world where political intrigue trumps magic, actions have consequences, and beloved characters face brutal deaths. However, books four and five introduce too many new characters and locations while leaving countless storylines unresolved. As someone who watched the TV adaptation first, I appreciate how the show attempted to provide closure to Martin's sprawling, unfinished saga. If you're considering diving in, prepare for an incredible beginning that unfortunately spirals into narrative chaos.

Sorry that I didn't stick with this the first time I tried to read it - found it very difficult to listen to and keep track of the various families and back stories. Thoroughly enjoyed the story, very eager to continue with the series.

Decided to read this before watching any of the series. Liked it a lot at first but by the end kept thinking "this will make a good series but not sure it's worth reading the rest of the series". It's a good enough story but it feels a bit flat and ordinary for such a sweeping saga. I have to say I am looking forward to watching it now. Just probably not reading any more. There are so many other things I'd rather read.

I watched the HBO series before reading the book. Actually, I loved the series so much that I couldn't wait for season 2, so I decided to dive into the books. The author has an amazing way with words. He doesn't fall into the trap of trying to impress people with his words, though, like a slew of authors I've seen here on Goodreads who will go unnamed. :) The book is huge, at about 750 pages, but absolutely worth every minute. I won't go into too much detail, as it's literally been done hundreds of times due to the book's popularity. I will say that this book (and, hopefully, the whole series) is very special and will surely become an enduring classic.

UGH ok I had to stop myself from commenting in the thread because it would serve no purpose, but I have to vent here a little.

Just got done reading a series of posts on here where readers expressed their shock that people who didn't fall all over themselves for Game of Thrones existed (great quote here "god forbid they should hate the series" - and then they speculated as to why that is.

To date the thread has two main speculations:

- they can't stomach the rape (it's realistic in a medieval setting!)
bullshit - GRRM MADE UP the world that GoT takes place in. He intentionally chose to include rape. As for realism? So dragons and magic and whatnot is believable but omfg a medieval-ish fantasy without rape.. NO WAI!
My "favorite" of these was

"GRRM is still the best out there, so it's a huge shame that some people can't get past whatever pre-conceived notions [referring to the sex and paedophilia] they have to enjoy these books. "

Not liking rape is a perfectly valid reason for not reading a book, the part that bugged me is that this was frowned upon. Which implies that I should "get over" being offended by something (one commenter actually says this) in order to enjoy the books. No - I am sorry.. I don't think I'm going to get over rape being portrayed as ok. Also childbrides and their subsequent rape - no thanks not in my fantasy!

- they can't read long books
That must be it. I am just not intelligent enough of a reader to make it through a long book. Also the tie-in that because I don't read long books I also won't read books twice. (for the record I've read LoTR about 23 times AND I've made it through the Simarillion SO BITE ME)

I wish these people could take a step back from their fanboy/girl ism and take a minute to actually read what it is that they're typing and consider what it is that they are saying.

I didn't comment in the thread because doing so would make me have to join the group - something I didn't want to do. But thanks for reading the rant!