I’m currently 400 pages in and flying through. I’ve never watched the TV show, so I have next to no context beyond what I’ve read so far and I’m absolutely LOVING IT!
Absolutely fantastic review! I echo your thoughts completely! This is my second readthrough of the series after a decade away and I'm blown away by how much I continue to love it
I’m so happy you loved A Game of Thrones, Theo! It does take a while to get grounded in the story when reading it for the first time, but once you’re hooked, there’s no turning back. You shared some great things that I’m excited to bring up in our discussion! ❤
Thats what I read often beforehand, that it "takes a while" to get into it, like many epic fantasy novels. To my surprise it was super easy to get into it, the books are so well-paced and immersive, I was so fast in the mindset of "one last chapter before I go to sleep"
I had a scarily similar experience of this book when I read it for the first time a couple months ago! Awesome review, and I agree on how immersive it was with fantastic world building, easy to follow and suspenseful politics, and vivid characters everywhere you turn. Can’t wait to go onward in the series!
Great video sir - very happy you enjoyed it so much. I'm working on something like my 7th or 8th read of Game of Thrones currently, and loving every single minute of it. George is my favorite writer not named Robin Hobb - I don't think he gets nearly enough credit for the beauty of his prose, so I'm happy you pointed that out. Tyrion is my favorite character in fiction, and has been since reading Game of Thrones for the first time roughly 20 years ago. Hope the rest of the series is just as impactful for you!
Wow, I mean that's why I made this video, I needed to share my thoughts now that I fully understand how people can reread these over and over and have it be such a favorite. Now I get it!!! Appreciate you, buddy, thanks!
I think Martin would appreciate how you enjoyed the details. I saw (heard) him speak once and he was talking about writing about 2 dogs fighting over a bone at a banquet. He acknowledged that no one cared who got the bone, but it put the reader in the scene with all the nitty gritty. I hope that makes sense.
I can honestly say that I was fully Immersed and enjoyed details a lot, it absolutely contributes to the feeling of being right in that living breathing world!
Fantastic review, Theo! So happy to hear how much you loved it and I am so excited to hear your thoughts on the rest of the books in the series, especially as a first time reader! You’re in for a wild ride!
Great review. The book, and the series itself, really makes you care about the characters. Martin did a fantastic job of immersing you in the world with vivd descriptions and wonderful storytelling. I can't wait to see you thoughts on the rest of the series.
I loved the show. My coworkers and I used to have long discussions about the show which used to be a lot of fun. Never really got to reading the books though, but hope to get to them at some point!
Terrific review Theo. This was a re-read for me but was so long ago, it may as well have been a new book where you know what is going to happen! It’s a wonderfully written book from start to finish with great prose and even better character writing. Agree with just about everything you say here. Looking forward to continuing on !
So glad to hear you enjoyed it. Also thanks for sharing info on the reread. My third read through was well worth it. I’m really looking forward to the second book! 😊
I’ve read Game of Thrones years ago. Easy 5 stars. I didn’t read further because the series wasn’t complete and I have never watched the show cause I’m a big “have to read the books first” 🤣 but lately I have been wanting to just read the books. Glad you enjoyed!
Now's a great time! Join us! I completely understand, one of the main reasons I stopped watching the show as it got closer to the end was that I wanted to experience all the books first. And the main reason I didn't read them sooner is that they're incomplete. Apparently they can still be a fav and the journey is worth it, so I'm in!
Such a great series and I'm so glad you finally got to read it!! Im due for a reread and I got 2 of the illustrated editions. They're absolutely gorgeous.
Glad you loved the first book! I am excited about the next book since I've only read half of the second book and everything after that will be new stuff for me!
Love this review!! We went in with the exact same expectations/prior experience (except I watched and adored all 8 seasons) and it seems like we had a very similar reading experience!! The first thing I said was also: "WHY DID I WAIT THIS LONG?" Totally get the hype now, GRRM is suuuuch a masterful storyteller. It had been a while since I had felt SO immersed in a story, but I was just completely absorbed from page 1 here and that was a feeling I had really missed while reading. Before going in, I thought I would really enjoy Dany's chapters, but she also ended up being one of my least faves. Still an incredible character, but all the other stuff was just so much more compelling to me. I think Jon, Arya and Tyrion were my personal faves, maybe because they are all kinda the underdogs of the story. And Jon's POV gave so much great suspense with things happening in the North, which I adooooored. Rodger has told me that the horror elements are gonna be amped up in the next instalments, which I am SO here for. Can't wait to discuss this book with you all and to keep reading the series. It's taking all my self-control not to binge these books back to back atm, lol. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Theo, I loved this video!! 🤩
It is an amazing review of an amazing series. Personally my favorite character was samwell tarly. Thankyou for discussing this book. I just finished the first one and started the second book.
Great review Theo! Congrats on joining the easy five star club 😀 I remember being blown away by this book when I read it way back when. Looking forward to future book reactions... Jarrod C.
Well you’re definitely not the last person to read it 🙋🏼♀️ I haven’t watched the show either. Now that I filmed my final review I came running to watch yours (I am easily influenced so I wanted to document my thoughts first). It’s a lot of fun to see where we align and differ! You have a really good point about the pacing/timing of the chapters, I did feel that way too (even if I wasn’t as enthusiastic as you were about the plot). I was surprised how much I enjoyed the politics too! And now that you mentioned it, I did enjoy the cold and winter descriptions. Daenerys was definitely the best character though 👸 I’ll be curious to see which editions you buy, because we know you’ll be purchasing them! 🎉
Great review!! I've decided to get to it...later. lol. I kept waffling but I've decided to try it once I get through a few other series this year. (While keeping my fingers crossed for the next book to come out. Lol)
Great discussion and loved your thoughts as a first-time reader! What would I give to read some of my favorite books for the first time again. Enjoy the journey! When are you reading the next book?
I just had this video recommended in my feed. I’m not sure why, as it is from a year ago. But I am a huge fan of this book series. So I listened to your review of this first book in the ASOIAF series. I then went to your channel to see if you had made videos for the further books in the series. Sadly, I didn’t see any. If you had made them, I would have definitely watched them. As much as the television series is covered on RUclips I don’t find many people who do videos about their reaction to the books. I agree with your comments about the prose. I think these books are extremely easy to read. I was going to tell you that if you enjoyed Jon Snow in this first book, then you would really enjoy him in the second book. His character is one of the ones that I think the television show did not do a good job with. I think that it is primarily because so much of his chapters revolve around his internal dialogue. But I really think that the television show decided to focus on a romance storyline for both Jon Snow and Robb Stark In the second season, particularly. And as a result, it really diminished the storyline for their characters. Especially Jon Snow.
Thanks so much for the comment and I apologize for taking a prolonged break from RUclips. BUT! You’ll be happy to know that I’ve continued on with the series and have the fifth book lined up to start soon. A Storm of Swords is currently my favourite fantasy book of all time and I believe I covered a brief review in one of my monthly reading wrap ups. Thanks for watching!
I grew up with the series. I was 18 when season 1 aired on hbo, my first impression was just a violent medieval show. So I dismissed it. Now years later. Finally in 2018 I bought all 8 seasons on blue ray just to give it a shot and I was hooked! I’ve seen the seasons many times and love house of the dragon too. I have a few co workers who love game of thrones so we talk about it a lot 😃.Now I’m reading the first book also and I love the pov chapters :) best way to start 2023 🐺 🐉 🗡️
How goddamn dare you think my boy Sandor is a villain. This is the end of our friendship sir. Anyway SO STOKED YOU LOVED THIS!!!! I Cannot wait for you to read the next two. A storm of swords is gonna blow your face off
😂 I mean, I very quickly developed a soft spot for Sandor. I love all these characters haha, I had a blast. Thanks, Kyle!! I totally understand why you dig this series so much, and that's just from one book - I can't WAIT to continue.
Yay so happy to hear you loved it, AGoT is truly phenomenal. Joffrey SUCKS that is an accurate statement. I would say the show was basically a scene-for-scene adaptation of the book, the differences to the show become much more apparent in books 2 on.
I read A Game of Thrones recently and loved every second of it. Went into it with high expectations because of everything I had heard about the story and somehow it was even better than I had expected.
Hi Theo. You aren't the last reader to visit Westeros for the first time. That person is me. Sadly, I've had to push back my visit due to eye problems and challenges. I'm still making my way through the 800+ pages of The Labyrinth of the Spirits (524 as of this writing) and loving it. I also set aside February for books relating to Black History Month. This year I want to read the autobiographical writings of Frederick Douglass. So GRRM will wait a bit longer on my TBR. Goos to hear you enjoyed it so much.
I would suggest listening to the audiobook, narrated by Roy Dotrice. I think I’ve listened to all 5 audiobooks, just going about my day at least 10 times.
Thanks, Curt!! Black History Month is a great idea. Anything you'd recommend if I wanted to read something for that? Thanks as always for watching. I hope you feel better and your vision clears up asap 🤞🏻
@@RekindledReader Books I've read during the past 2 yrs. for Black History Month, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, and the memoirs of Langston Hughes, The Big Sea, and I Wonder as I Wander, are favorites.
A series that I want to get into, but am very intimidated by, is Dune. It seems very dense, with entire passages with no conversation. Don't know if it's my cup of tea
Theo! I just finished Game of Thrones as a reread and LOVED IT!! I’m definitely going to keep up with the series. It took me a while, but better late than never.
I’m currently 400 pages in and flying through. I’ve never watched the TV show, so I have next to no context beyond what I’ve read so far and I’m absolutely LOVING IT!
I'm so happy!!! Can't wait to continue :)
I'm late but where are you at now? :D That is the best way to do it bcuz the books have much more detail and depth
@@fouff925 I just finished A Storm of Swords!
@@jellyghostt I just started storm of swords 😎 As someone who finished the show, the books are definitely better
Night gathers, and now your watch begins
🐺⚔️
It shall not end until GRRM's death.
It warms my heart to see how much you loved this book, it's giving me nostalgia!!
📚😍🤓📚😍🤓
Absolutely fantastic review! I echo your thoughts completely! This is my second readthrough of the series after a decade away and I'm blown away by how much I continue to love it
Thanks so much, Ben. Super nice of you, thanks for watching!
I’m so happy you loved A Game of Thrones, Theo! It does take a while to get grounded in the story when reading it for the first time, but once you’re hooked, there’s no turning back. You shared some great things that I’m excited to bring up in our discussion! ❤
Yes!!! I'm so excited, haha!
Thats what I read often beforehand, that it "takes a while" to get into it, like many epic fantasy novels. To my surprise it was super easy to get into it, the books are so well-paced and immersive, I was so fast in the mindset of "one last chapter before I go to sleep"
I had a scarily similar experience of this book when I read it for the first time a couple months ago! Awesome review, and I agree on how immersive it was with fantastic world building, easy to follow and suspenseful politics, and vivid characters everywhere you turn.
Can’t wait to go onward in the series!
YES! I'm so excited to continue! What a pleasant surprise. I guess I shouldn't be surprised...but I am at just how much I loved it.
So glad to see you gush about this book! It really took me back to when I read it. I can’t wait until you get to Storm of Swords! It’s a masterpiece.
I cannot wait!
Great video sir - very happy you enjoyed it so much. I'm working on something like my 7th or 8th read of Game of Thrones currently, and loving every single minute of it. George is my favorite writer not named Robin Hobb - I don't think he gets nearly enough credit for the beauty of his prose, so I'm happy you pointed that out. Tyrion is my favorite character in fiction, and has been since reading Game of Thrones for the first time roughly 20 years ago.
Hope the rest of the series is just as impactful for you!
Wow, I mean that's why I made this video, I needed to share my thoughts now that I fully understand how people can reread these over and over and have it be such a favorite. Now I get it!!! Appreciate you, buddy, thanks!
Another fantastic video!!! Thank so much!!!
Theo, I’m so thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the book. This is my favorite series of all time.
I can understand why now!!!
I think Martin would appreciate how you enjoyed the details. I saw (heard) him speak once and he was talking about writing about 2 dogs fighting over a bone at a banquet. He acknowledged that no one cared who got the bone, but it put the reader in the scene with all the nitty gritty. I hope that makes sense.
I can honestly say that I was fully
Immersed and enjoyed details a lot, it absolutely contributes to the feeling of being right in that living breathing world!
Fantastic review, Theo! So happy to hear how much you loved it and I am so excited to hear your thoughts on the rest of the books in the series, especially as a first time reader! You’re in for a wild ride!
Thanks so much, man! Can't wait to continue and discuss!
Great review. The book, and the series itself, really makes you care about the characters. Martin did a fantastic job of immersing you in the world with vivd descriptions and wonderful storytelling. I can't wait to see you thoughts on the rest of the series.
Thanks so much for watching! Can't wait to chat more on this series as I continue.
I loved the show. My coworkers and I used to have long discussions about the show which used to be a lot of fun. Never really got to reading the books though, but hope to get to them at some point!
Yes! I hope you get to them and enjoy as much as I did this first one.
I finally started the series on Dec 22nd and finished book 3 on Jan 1. I never read so much so quickly.
I totally get it, lol. I flew through this one faster than other books this size. Loved it.
Terrific review Theo. This was a re-read for me but was so long ago, it may as well have been a new book where you know what is going to happen! It’s a wonderfully written book from start to finish with great prose and even better character writing. Agree with just about everything you say here. Looking forward to continuing on !
Appreciate you, Chris indeed, I can't wait!
My story is almost the same as yours was! I haven't read it and felt the same obstacles. I guess I better finally read it haha
Absolutely, I think you'll enjoy it!
@@RekindledReader 👍
Glad you enjoyed it! Martin is an author who made a tremendous and lasting impression on me.
I can see why. I'll have to prioritize your books then ;)
@@RekindledReader that makes my day! Thank you so much, my friend! :)
YAY, Theo, I’m so happy you loved it!! 🔥 My favorite fantasy series (so far 😃)
There’s nothing quite like Westeros drama!
Ugh I had such a blast, I can't wait to continue. Thanks, Bonnie!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it. Also thanks for sharing info on the reread. My third read through was well worth it. I’m really looking forward to the second book! 😊
Thanks for watching! Yeah I can't wait to continue!!!
Such a joy to see you loving ASOIAF. ♥️😀♥️ And there are so many amazing pages yet to come!
Thanks, Matt!! I'm thrilled to continue, can't wait!
Agree with all the things!! I am a huge fan of the Hound too! This is a series I wish I could read again for the first time, loving my reread!
Yaaaay! Haha I totally get it now!
I’ve read Game of Thrones years ago. Easy 5 stars. I didn’t read further because the series wasn’t complete and I have never watched the show cause I’m a big “have to read the books first” 🤣 but lately I have been wanting to just read the books. Glad you enjoyed!
Now's a great time! Join us! I completely understand, one of the main reasons I stopped watching the show as it got closer to the end was that I wanted to experience all the books first. And the main reason I didn't read them sooner is that they're incomplete. Apparently they can still be a fav and the journey is worth it, so I'm in!
Happy reading to you! Thank you for the review!! 🎧
Thank you!!
Yes!!! That feeling that you want to get back to a character while reading! I feel you 100% on that......Great, Great review! 👍
🙏🏻🤓📚
Such a great series and I'm so glad you finally got to read it!! Im due for a reread and I got 2 of the illustrated editions. They're absolutely gorgeous.
I'm jealous haha, I really want those now!
Glad you loved the first book! I am excited about the next book since I've only read half of the second book and everything after that will be new stuff for me!
This is gonna be fun!
Love this review!! We went in with the exact same expectations/prior experience (except I watched and adored all 8 seasons) and it seems like we had a very similar reading experience!! The first thing I said was also: "WHY DID I WAIT THIS LONG?"
Totally get the hype now, GRRM is suuuuch a masterful storyteller. It had been a while since I had felt SO immersed in a story, but I was just completely absorbed from page 1 here and that was a feeling I had really missed while reading.
Before going in, I thought I would really enjoy Dany's chapters, but she also ended up being one of my least faves. Still an incredible character, but all the other stuff was just so much more compelling to me. I think Jon, Arya and Tyrion were my personal faves, maybe because they are all kinda the underdogs of the story. And Jon's POV gave so much great suspense with things happening in the North, which I adooooored. Rodger has told me that the horror elements are gonna be amped up in the next instalments, which I am SO here for.
Can't wait to discuss this book with you all and to keep reading the series. It's taking all my self-control not to binge these books back to back atm, lol. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Theo, I loved this video!! 🤩
We feel the exact same way, haha. So happy we loved it, and I definitely can't wait to continue these books and discussions!
It is an amazing review of an amazing series. Personally my favorite character was samwell tarly. Thankyou for discussing this book. I just finished the first one and started the second book.
Enjoy!! It’s a wonderful fantasy world!
Also, I really love Sam too 😊
Great review Theo! Congrats on joining the easy five star club 😀 I remember being blown away by this book when I read it way back when. Looking forward to future book reactions... Jarrod C.
Thanks, Jarrod!!!
great review Theo. Cant wait to see your reactions for the rest of the books
Thank you!!!
Well you’re definitely not the last person to read it 🙋🏼♀️ I haven’t watched the show either. Now that I filmed my final review I came running to watch yours (I am easily influenced so I wanted to document my thoughts first). It’s a lot of fun to see where we align and differ!
You have a really good point about the pacing/timing of the chapters, I did feel that way too (even if I wasn’t as enthusiastic as you were about the plot). I was surprised how much I enjoyed the politics too! And now that you mentioned it, I did enjoy the cold and winter descriptions.
Daenerys was definitely the best character though 👸
I’ll be curious to see which editions you buy, because we know you’ll be purchasing them! 🎉
Definitely can't wait to chat more about these. You're absolutely right, we're buying them. Can't wait I hear your thoughts!!!
I read the book just before the first season aired I was surprised how good the book was I'm glad I decided to give the books a try
Awesome! We definitely agree, I was surprised I enjoyed it this much!
Great review!! I've decided to get to it...later. lol. I kept waffling but I've decided to try it once I get through a few other series this year. (While keeping my fingers crossed for the next book to come out. Lol)
Hahaha 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 I do hope you love it! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!
Great discussion and loved your thoughts as a first-time reader! What would I give to read some of my favorite books for the first time again. Enjoy the journey! When are you reading the next book?
I know, right? You can only read books the first time, once. It's so special haha. I think I'm reading Book 2, Clash of Kings, next month.
Definitely one of my favorite series. Love it. Great review 🙂
I totally get it, now. Thanks, John!!
I just had this video recommended in my feed. I’m not sure why, as it is from a year ago. But I am a huge fan of this book series. So I listened to your review of this first book in the ASOIAF series. I then went to your channel to see if you had made videos for the further books in the series. Sadly, I didn’t see any. If you had made them, I would have definitely watched them. As much as the television series is covered on RUclips I don’t find many people who do videos about their reaction to the books. I agree with your comments about the prose. I think these books are extremely easy to read. I was going to tell you that if you enjoyed Jon Snow in this first book, then you would really enjoy him in the second book. His character is one of the ones that I think the television show did not do a good job with. I think that it is primarily because so much of his chapters revolve around his internal dialogue. But I really think that the television show decided to focus on a romance storyline for both Jon Snow and Robb Stark In the second season, particularly. And as a result, it really diminished the storyline for their characters. Especially Jon Snow.
Thanks so much for the comment and I apologize for taking a prolonged break from RUclips. BUT! You’ll be happy to know that I’ve continued on with the series and have the fifth book lined up to start soon. A Storm of Swords is currently my favourite fantasy book of all time and I believe I covered a brief review in one of my monthly reading wrap ups. Thanks for watching!
I never made it past the first book. I’m going to try again based on your review. Thank you.
Aw that makes me so happy. Let me know how it goes!
I grew up with the series. I was 18 when season 1 aired on hbo, my first impression was just a violent medieval show. So I dismissed it. Now years later. Finally in 2018 I bought all 8 seasons on blue ray just to give it a shot and I was hooked! I’ve seen the seasons many times and love house of the dragon too. I have a few co workers who love game of thrones so we talk about it a lot 😃.Now I’m reading the first book also and I love the pov chapters :) best way to start 2023 🐺 🐉 🗡️
Awesome story! Yeah I dismissed it early on as well. It's so awesome, I'm glad you're enjoying it!!
Tyrion and Joffrey are so different in the book. But in ways I prefer. Of course it’s more difficult to recreate them on film
Absolutely!
How goddamn dare you think my boy Sandor is a villain. This is the end of our friendship sir.
Anyway SO STOKED YOU LOVED THIS!!!! I Cannot wait for you to read the next two. A storm of swords is gonna blow your face off
😂 I mean, I very quickly developed a soft spot for Sandor. I love all these characters haha, I had a blast. Thanks, Kyle!! I totally understand why you dig this series so much, and that's just from one book - I can't WAIT to continue.
Yay so happy to hear you loved it, AGoT is truly phenomenal. Joffrey SUCKS that is an accurate statement. I would say the show was basically a scene-for-scene adaptation of the book, the differences to the show become much more apparent in books 2 on.
Yassssss it’s been one of my fav reading experiences so far.
@@RekindledReader we love to hear it 🙌🏻
I read A Game of Thrones recently and loved every second of it. Went into it with high expectations because of everything I had heard about the story and somehow it was even better than I had expected.
Right?!!? Me too, I'm so happy that was our experience. Love it when that happens.
Hi Theo. You aren't the last reader to visit Westeros for the first time. That person is me. Sadly, I've had to push back my visit due to eye problems and challenges. I'm still making my way through the 800+ pages of The Labyrinth of the Spirits (524 as of this writing) and loving it. I also set aside February for books relating to Black History Month. This year I want to read the autobiographical writings of Frederick Douglass. So GRRM will wait a bit longer on my TBR. Goos to hear you enjoyed it so much.
I would suggest listening to the audiobook, narrated by Roy Dotrice. I think I’ve listened to all 5 audiobooks, just going about my day at least 10 times.
Thanks, Curt!! Black History Month is a great idea. Anything you'd recommend if I wanted to read something for that? Thanks as always for watching. I hope you feel better and your vision clears up asap 🤞🏻
@@RekindledReader Books I've read during the past 2 yrs. for Black History Month, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, and the memoirs of Langston Hughes, The Big Sea, and I Wonder as I Wander, are favorites.
@@curtjarrell9710 thanks!
My new favorite video!!!
Nailed it 😄
Great review! Maybe someday I’ll finished the series 😁
I hope the rest is awesome haha.
For me, the best way to enjoy these books is to listen to the audiobooks. Roy Dotrice breathes life into the characters.
A lot of people don't love his narration, but I did about 1/3 audio for this one, and I actually liked him! He grew on me :)
Great review!
Thanks!
A series that I want to get into, but am very intimidated by, is Dune. It seems very dense, with entire passages with no conversation. Don't know if it's my cup of tea
I liked Dune way more than I thought I would. People usually say the first three books are good.
I was overwhelmed when I was reading GoT. It was my first time. The more I get away from it, the more I am curious to get back!
Come baaaack haha
Theo! I just finished Game of Thrones as a reread and LOVED IT!! I’m definitely going to keep up with the series. It took me a while, but better late than never.
I have yet to read this
Give it a try!
You caught up with the series?
Almost done AFFC. I’m taking my sweet ass time and fitting other books in 🤪 Partly because of my adhd and partly because I don’t want it to “end” 😣
Did you continue reading the series? It only gets better tbh, the first book is probably the weakest.
Currently finishing A Feast for Crows. In love with the series for sure.
I might re-read this series if its ever finished lol. But its been so long that i have essentially moved on
I know, let's hope there's a release eventually!