Question about A Game of Thrones

[akiyama]

Can someone who has read "A Game of Thrones" tell me if it is readable as a stand-alone novel?

I've heard it's good, but I don't really want to commit myself to reading a seven-book series, particularly when only four books have been published so far.

[aldarron]

First, I once used to argue that George R.R. Martin was the greatest short story writer in the history of Earth. Then came Game of Thrones; now I say he is the greatest writer to have ever lived. I'm not kidding and I am well and very broadly read. I have never read a better writer.

Second, No you can't read Game of Thrones as a stand alone novel. Its episodic and remains unresolved.

[Falconer]

It's worth reading if you read only one. It's worth reading if you read only two. It's worth reading if you read only three. It's worth reading all four, and if he never finishes the series it will still be worth it. It's good stuff. Actually, I would probably stop after book three and wait until book five comes out before reading book four. Book three brings the story to "halftime" and is a reasonably satisfying conclusion on many fronts (though not, of course, all). Book four isn't very satisfying after that, as it doesn't really start up the momentum again.

So, there you go, commit to a trilogy and you'll be happy.

[akiyama]

Thankyou. It's definitely on my "to read" list then!

[Bard]

Apr 30, 2009 1:33:19 GMT -6 Falconer said:

It's worth reading if you read only one. It's worth reading if you read only two. It's worth reading if you read only three. It's worth reading all four, and if he never finishes the series it will still be worth it.

+1