A Game of Thrones

I finally finished reading this mammoth of a novel, A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. The original plan was to finish it last month but then, yes, it’s a big book.

If you like the stories of lords and ladies, kingdoms fighting and ruling—this may just be your cup of tea (or coffee, or beer). It’s categorized as a fantasy but in this first book, there isn’t much of that element yet. There is; however, lots of plotting, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, not to mention quite a bit of whoring going on.

I was also watching season one of the HBO series on DVD, and there were many adult scenes. Those scenes are much more dramatized or emphasized in the series than in the book. It’s definitely not for kids and folks with strong religious belief. This is not to say though that those who watch them (such as myself) are morally-loose people, ya?

There are many lessons to be gleaned from this story. For example, Lord Eddard ‘Ed’ Stark could have played the game of thrones better. His decision—although an honorable one—has caused many people including his family’s their lives. He is being way too straightforward and transparent, and to a certain degree, naive. In another example, a very powerful man lost everything (his entire clan and his untimely end) because of his love for a woman. It’s not really the fault of this woman but her decision, too, is very costly.

My favorite character shifted from John Snow (in the beginning), and settled at Tyrion Lannister the Imp and Daenerys Targaryens. I will be taking a break from this series and will start reading again when the mood strikes.