Game of thrones (book review)

Book review! Book review! For those of you readers wondering which book you should get, which book you should not get, look no further! I will attempt to provide an insight without spoiling the content of the story for you. I will deal with areas like how well the story was handled. The writing techniques, creativity, morality (so you know whether its R rated), and most of all, whether it is worth your time and money. I will even try to paint a picture as to how you might be enjoying the book and probably suggest a suitable environment for the enjoyment of the book. Finally, as always. I will rate the book as a suggestion whether it is worth your while reading it. Sadly, those of you who love horror stories, I will disappoint. I don't do horror here. They creep me out.

A Game of Thrones. ( first book of the popular series by George R.R. Martin)

Like many other tv- book series, they are not very far apart. I don't think it is any spoilers after all, it is known that the show is adapted from the book. There are however many moments parts and clarity to the plot that you would only understand after reading the book. They are one of those moments that can be compared to when you read the Harry Potter book and watch the movie. Where before watching it, you will see a different picture, and after watching it you would go : " Oh, I see. Thats why he made that statement, or oh, thats why they are no longer friends."

The book has a very compelling and provocative story line. One I dare say impresses me as much as C.S. Lewis. It is a good blend of Strong active fighting, lewd romance, gore, politics between peers and friends. Brings real suspense to the heart as you read it. As I reached the middle of the book, I find the excitement so intense that sleeping was quite out of hand. I would highly recommend that no one treats this book as a bed time story. It is way to lively to put anyone to sleep. If anything, you be more actively awake. What more when the language is not too difficult either. I recommend this as a book to read during times of boredom, when one can't find anything else to do and in need of excitement. A good travel companion this book will make. Especially in Trains and Planes. It keeps your mind vividly on it helping you forget the setting of where you are at. I once read it in the library, I nearly jumped myself while musing over the plots. Will not recommend it when you desire quiet, or are in quiet places. I also would not recommend this book during busy times. You need specially allocated time to explore the fantasy in this book. Its one of those where you can't stop halfway and continue it a week later.
Contents. This book is only for mature people. The Author tried his best to give the clearest painting of the medieval world at its ugliest and most realistic. It has lots of sex in it. A lot. I can tell you, every chapter has at least 2 instances of coitus. Intense ones too with relationships that are too taboo for the young minds. It also has loads of Gore which expected of medieval fighting I guess. (imagine M rated anime level gore) It does not hide the political mind games that we play among colleagues if we are serious about power rising or power hugging (the name afterall says it :game of thrones). It will tweak your your brain fairly with its mix blend of cold war and open war approach. If you do not like those stories of " i draw my gun to intimidate and not kill", you shall have to reconsider carefully this book. It has a fair share of fights in it. But a majority is not focus on chopping people up. Its focus on how anyone at any position is able to join the game of power struggle. Very shrewdly written. Will make you feel cunningly smart after finishing the book. ( i hope the picture is now painted)
The author is very creative. Did a fair amount of research and reading too. Nothing super factual as it focuses in a fantasy world. But the reaction of people, the emotional trauma and anger is too realistic to say that the author had not done research in human behavior and politics. ( though not enough to say he got a degree in that area.) Most books has only 1 focal point character whose personality is developed. LOTR has about 7 whom you know a fair amount of. This book as about that same amount too. All simultaneously developed. And not neglected.
Problem. This is one of the books that wears you out as you read it because of the devotion you must provide it. Not one where you can stop halfway. I find that if I stop reading it halfway, I have to start from the beginning again. Not that I cannot remember the plot, but I lost sight of the color the author as painted.
Price. I got mine for about 7 pounds. I forgot the price in Malaysia. But I can assume it would not be any cheaper than UK. depending on the price the book is. any higher than 9 pounds (45 ringgit) is not worth your while. In fact. be skeptical if it is at 45 ringgit. As yourself how much are you willing to pay for a book that you would truely enjoy during your time traveling in a bus than before you sleep. The question you need to ask is not how good the story is. But the time devotion you must give to enjoy this book to get your moneys worth.. My opinion, you need 2 weeks of continuous reading of 1 hour a day of the book to get your moneys worth. Its not one book you can skip for even 1 day. You will lose the thrill installed in it. Its like leaving a hot chocolate in the kitchen till the next day. But for the skill and creativity put in by the author for his area of story type, I would even pay 12 pounds for the book have I have the time to read them.
Considering all including price of the book, I give this book.  8/10

references:
A Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin, Harper Collins 2011
A Clash of Kings, George R.R. Martin, Harper Collins 2011