A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

My story to finding this book starts with the TV series, although I've only watched 4 episodes.
It was my mom who hinted me about it, believing it was my taste (I am a fantasy nerd). This was back when it was first shown on television. I didn't watch it then. A year later I saw the DVD and recognised the name. That's when I started watching. Four episodes, then I realized that this wasn't my thing, but I became interested in the story. After that the step to reading the books wasnt long.

I have to be honest though, it took me longer to both start reading and finish the book than I would have liked. Mostly because I couldn't emphasize with the characters. After 2/3 of the book, when everything really started to go downhill, I'd finally started to feel with the characters. After that it didn't take me long to finish. Now I can't wait for the next book (which I've got at home, 200km away..).

Despite having trouble connecting with the characters I liked this book. It has the feel of timelessness. A bit like J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is political and raw. It is believable.
But, some of the magic doesn't fit. >>SPOILER<< [The Wall and the creatures beyond feel like a part of the world, but when we follow Daenerys and meet the maegi it doesn't feel reel. Her magic is to much a show off. And what with the dragons? I liked them better dead.] Lovely storytelling but keep the magic to a minimum. The story is so strong in itself that it doesn't need magic.