Game of Thrones - Are the Books Worth Reading?

I'm on a mission to help you find your new favourite books.
This is an introduction to Game of Thrones, one of the most influential fantasy series of all time. We've all heard of the show. But do the books stand on their own merits? Are they actually worth reading?
I discuss this series' reputation for violence, the book's unusual structure, and how to deal with that infinite void where the series ending should be. Let's deep dive into Westeros!
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[@feltrix334]

Who is Fire and Blood for? Me. It's for me, apparently. The lore of Westeros is so exciting to me and we got so much history and characters and chaos and it was absolutely my thing.

[@cronkthebookguy]

That genuinely makes me happy! It's seriously a brilliant book and it takes a very unique mind to appreciate it. 😀

[@feltrix334]

@@cronkthebookguy I'm a history major, so I guess it makes sense that it's exciting to me and not everyone 😅 Anyway, I really appreciate how much you encourage people to enjoy things even if they're not your thing.

[@GeekofMordor]

G.R.R.M is a fantasy G.O.A.T along with his grandpa J.R.R Tolkien

[@aungie2525]

Fire & Blood is what made me read the Song of Ice and Fire saga! So hope Martin publishes the second-half he has planned for Fire & Blood (Blood & Fire?) covering the rest of the Targaryen dynasty because I need more Blackfyre rebellion lore!

[@elphiegleason3899]

Ending it at the birth of the Mad King is so damn cruel. I was hoping for WoW and maybe F&B part 2 but those seem less and less likely as time goes by

[@debbiemcghee6617]

I had not seen or even heard of the Game of Thrones. My children bought me the first 3 books. They explained that there was a series on HBO. I was really excited because I tend to re read book series I like. Here was something new. I sat down ready for a new adventure. Halfway through the first chapter I realized I had read something like this. I have boxes and boxes of books. They are books I read but didn't like well enough to keep on my book shelf. I dug around and finally found the book. It was published long before the GOT became a Tv sensation. To be honest I liked the writing but it was so realistic and the white walkers scared me to death. I never finished reading it. I guess I'm proud to have a copy of GOT before it became so popular. And I actually like the books much more than I do the TV series. Just thought I would share.

[@cronkthebookguy]

That's really cool! A lot of people forget Game of Thrones was a 'small' series for many years before the Tv show helped make it massive. Those early editions would be very collectable now! Hang on to it!

[@aperson7243]

My only real contention would be that Book Four - A Feast for Crows - gets too much flak for not having the main characters. Though it lacks most of the narrative core relative to character arcs, I think Feast is by far the strongest thematic distillation of the story. The initial trilogy focus on the characters in the command of armies and examine the war in Westeros from a dynastic or political lens. Feast explores the aftermath of these sorts of wars, and the carrion that rise to consume life wasted in when elites pursue political power. Nonetheless, this is a good summary for folks thinking of starting the series!!

[@mahnboichild7217]

Feast is probably my favorite so far. Jaime and Brienne chapters in AFFC are the best in the series

[@Michael_R_Miller]

I've got a real soft spot for the Dunk and Egg stories. Hoping they do the adaptations justice.

[@carastone3473]

I think you mean 'hoping the adaptions do them justice.'

[@Michael_R_Miller]

Yep that's what I meant@@carastone3473

[@ayyocool]

They are making one.

[@elphiegleason3899]

I adore the Dunk & Egg stories

[@nathhje]

I will never stop wanting an ending, but I've also gotten to the point where I have found solace in living without one. I think part of the allure is that there is no ending. As you said, it leaves the door open to imagine hundreds of ways the story could end, whole communities have been build on theorizing and overanalysing these books. It's great. Endless fuel for thought.

[@lawdawgm2844]

with the hbo writers in his ear needing new material for house of the dragon I find it highly unlikely the other books will get done sadly

[@swayback7375]

@@lawdawgm2844they’re done, he just doesn’t want to deal with all the fallout he’ll get when they come out and we’re disappointed in them… and in the meantime he’s editing them down to actually make the plots and subplots line up… And nathhje is right, it’s like when a superstar dies young, they become legends and if they live on they alway disappoint

[@lawdawgm2844]

@@swayback7375 to add to that point I’d say that the amount of expectations from so many different groups of people who have been theorizing for the last decade when they get the book it won’t like up to what they are expecting too

[@KingEdwardMMVIII]

Books are absolutely worth reading. Started them in middle school in 2004. It stayed on my bookshelf for a year until I really put my young mind to it. Now im a lifelong fan. Every day that George wakes up, my faith in him to finish will stand strong.

[@juliebear1505]

I bought the books some time ago but haven't read them. Now retired I have started to reading. Wow is all I can say. The books are incredible.

[@biggSHNDO]

What’s retirement like? I fear I’ll never taste jt

[@juliebear1505]

@@biggSHNDO I didn't have a choice. I had to retire early due to ill health. That said I had some savings and superannuation.

[@lamialenoire]

Just found your channel recently, have to say I love your format - very informational on the background of the authors and making of the books - and no spoilers! Looking forward to more content, great work!

[@terrinstal1185]

Woohoo! 1.5k subs! I love to see the growth! I've always been quite scared to touch the Game of Thrones, but after this review I think i'll give it a go. Thanks for the thorough discussion.

[@over-caffeinatednerd]

This is the most I've enjoyed a booktube video in ages, it's so good! Absolutely loved the musical elements and your discussion. I haven't read the books, only watched the shows as they came out. Currently halfway through Fire and Blood but it's taking me forever lol. I think I might give A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms a try before beginning the main series.

[@gabisir]

Great video, and congratulations on reaching 1k subs! Definitely deserved. Was always curious about reading the books but the no ending sure was a worry knowing now that the first 3 are basically a trilogy makes me lean more to the side of reading the series (or at least the first 3)

[@amusicalbookworm]

Your videos are the best! Love your music! I think I DNF’d Storm of Swords a long time ago, I was just a busy student and was bad at following through on books. But I think you’ve just convinced me to reread Game of Thrones and try again!

[@spcyfic68]

I haven't watch the TV show either and to be honest I wasn't very interested in picking up the books until my husband made me read Fire & Blood. Now I'm obsessed and cannot wait to dive into GOT !!

[@ancatis9617]

Have to say I really enjoy your videos. Found you random the other day and watched all of your stuff. You have a very special way in doing introductions I haven't seen before. They are much more enjoyable and tell me exactly what to expect from a book or series (something I learned today because I have read at least part of the GoT series in the past😅)! Can't wait for your future plans. A little fun fact: in germany the original GoT series had 10 books until they decided to revisit it and make "special editions". Yes they are actually very pretty, but they somehow managed to retranslate or what ever to make it into 5 books instead.

[@velosistar237]

I was sent here for the throne of glass video so hi! But I really enjoy your videos (even when I’ve already read the series) but I love how you put these together!

[@ariverdreaming]

Cronk!! I love your energy- happy to add your channel to my book tube rotation 💖📚

[@radkakozlova5814]

Man, I've just discovered you. Recommandation from my dauhter. :-) Although English is my second language I understand you so well (still better with subtitles😬). Really good work - you describe and explain it as I wouldn"t. It usually takes an hour to go through the video - searching translation from time to time, but mainly - discussing the thoughts, opinion together. Really very good time to spend with my daughter. I appreciate it so much. Thank you for your work :-) keep it on. You got me into reading.

[@mssunshine181]

Ok you are bloody hysterical! I think I was about two minutes into my first video before I subscribed. Thank you for your wonderful videos, keep up the great content! It’s so nice to find a channel that gives you unbiased reviews, based on the love of books. Oh and musical instruments. I hope you managed to rescue Zelda 😜

[@Griffizzz]

Amazing video! I will be subscribing and watching more videos. Doesn't tell you to read them like other videos do and explains to help the reader before they embark. Thank you sir, keep up the good work!

[@Gekoelrec]

I see the series as a modern mythological story telling and if it remains unfinished that would be ... alright.. annoying but alright. The epic of Gilgamesh isn't complete there are many sections missing and multiple versions of the tale with hundreds of years between each version. Martin may have written chapters of the final books and maybe that will be all we may get or find them. Like Christopher Tolkien publishing different manuscripts of his fathers. So glad to be joining this book club, great work.

[@Emperorofthemoon1]

I love your honesty and fairness in your videos, especially with the ACOTAR video. I was always curious, but I never saw a review that wasn't one of polar opposite opinions. Listening to your video on my commute helped better inform my opinion on it and come to a decision.

[@Avid_Reader]

I have 3 comments. 1) Great job rocking out to the intro! 2) I caught that Iron Cross slip up. 🤫 3) My theory is that GRRM is finishing BOTH novels before releasing book 6. After sales start to slow, he'll release the final book. This is why it's been 12 years.

[@AB-ee5tb]

I sure hope so

[@renatosouza9261]

This is a great review. I really love The Song of Ice and Fire and also did not watch the show. I am now waiting for The Winds of Winter, felling that we are still in midsummer. Keep pn this marvelous work...

[@michaelaporee260]

Another great video! I’m convinced lol. Can you do a bookshelf tour?

[@Cinders80]

Just found your channel! So awesome. Thank you for sharing this video! I have tried many times to start reading the GoT books but get stuck somewhere in the first one lol

[@plasmiusphantom]

I appreciate all the musical transitions :D

[@dee-taylor]

I dig your style, well done. Subbed and look forward to watching more of your stuff. 👍

[@tsili1409]

Great and really helpful video as always!❤️

[@BookishChas]

This was a really great breakdown. This is my favorite series of all time.

[@maybelore]

I'd also like to say the quality of your videos are amazing especially for someone just starting out. I hope to one day make videos that are as good of quality as yours are now, but I think I need a little more practice.

[@leonelfidel2211]

Had a blast watching this! Subscribed

[@selcouthmelody]

This is a great video! I considered reading GOT before but decided not to since it was unfinished and likely to never be finished. Honestly, your take on it has made me reconsider trying, at the very least, to read the first trilogy. I'm like you and haven't seen the show (though I want to SOME DAY...) but the books really do sound like they'd be great. Thanks for such a well thought out video, and keep up the good work!

[@ArtsReallyCool123]

Great video! Very interesting take on a review.

[@tabarkali9410]

Loved the music break!

[@giddeo]

How has this guy not got more subscribers? Love the intro XD

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing with us! Cheers from Brazil!

[@matthewbackhouse6309]

I’ve always said I’d wait until winds of winter came out before I would start this series…. But recently I’m really feeling the urge, it’s like the books are calling me, kind of like the beat of the drums in jumangi, currently reading IT so think I’m going to dive into them after that

[@AshleyRebecca]

I haven’t seen the show and haven’t started the books 😬 I don’t want to read something without an ending and if I get that invested and I have to know what happens…. They are on my list though! I get the journey over destination though 😂

[@Greeny1308]

I'm not a big reader but loved the show so thought I'd give them a go. Raced through book one as it's pretty similar to the show, with far more description and lavishness than the show, as no budget, just an imagination is required. The next 4 books I listened to on audible and now I want to read them, they're soooo good. Show plot lines deviate from the books and different characters make appearances some are great and some are pretty awful people but the world building is fascinating and hard to believe its all from the mind of one man. Also listened to the Dunk and Egg stories, they're brilliant and ideal for an insight into the world of Westeros. Following reading them I defy anyone to not have Dunk as their favourite character, either from the main books or short stories.

[@MrDaAsif]

Going to steal you reading muscle analogy. My friends will talk about getting into reading and i always say you gotta build up to it

[@Johanna_reads]

20:45 Wow! 🤘🏼 Loved this video! This is one of my favorite series of all time, and it will remain that way even if we never get an ending. I have seen the show and agree that the violence and sexual content was heightened compared to the books. Have you reread the series? I recently finished my reread of A Feast for Crows and have the unpopular opinion that I didn’t love it any less than A Storm of Swords. 😅 Congratulations on the channel growth!

[@fromheaventoearth5779]

Feast is brilliant. But most people like it on a reread. I liked it when I first read it. But I am a huge Cersei fan so yeah.

[@Johanna_reads]

@@fromheaventoearth5779 Same here--I loved it the first time too! I even did an Ode to Cersei (in Feast) on my channel!

[@tylerhussin5248]

The last book I read was no country for old men like two years ago. I can’t even remember the last time I read a book before that and I’m going straight for the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. My reading muscles are going to be shocked into entertainment

[@AB-ee5tb]

You’ll be okay. It gets addicting 😂

[@wifi8811]

I started my reading journey with this series about a year ago 3:44 & I can speak from experience, it’s not an easy read. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the first three books. The fourth book wasn’t as great but still good. I am on the fifth book & really hope there’s just one more book that’s released.

[@majorianus8055]

There's a fan made where they combined feast of crow and a dance of dragons in its timeline. It's actually pretty good!

[@cronkthebookguy]

Oh that sounds really interesting!

[@kaykayy13]

This just made me want to re-read the series! Well done 🎉

[@jonnyvickers4578]

For anobdy who struggles id highly reccomend the audiobooks, Roy Dotrice does an incredible job reading these books in a way that keeps you hooked.

[@kristidoyle9263]

To keep the theme of a book series with no ending, you should do a video on the Kingkiller Chronicle.

[@D-Clutch]

I’m surprised you felt that fire and blood was boring as a read, I’m nearing the end of it and have really enjoyed it. I love the style it was written in, it is very unique and interesting to me. It is definitely for someone who wants to get deeper and deeper into the world of Westeros. I will concede that it can be difficult to follow at times. Here’s to hoping we will one day get an ending to the main series. 😅

[@diannthus]

excellent video, thank you! ❤

[@colettejames9754]

I love your puns and humor! You are so silly! Keep up the great work!

[@Rumkeez]

Funnily enough HotD TV show finally got me into reading the books. GoT was so male-gazey and shallow that I thought that was what the books were like. A sort of glorification of powerful dynasties like the Targaryens. Fire and Blood (and the new show) seem to distill the point of Martin's work. Tl; dr consolidation of power in the hands of a few is bad; dragons bad; and patriarchy ruins everything. Anyone having trouble getting into Fire & Blood should consider listening to the audiobook. It's surprisingly engaging and kinda feels like listening to a Westeros history podcast.

[@candisecharmaine2913]

I completely devoured these books and was thankful that they were so long because they are literally packed with lore and intrigue and I relished being able to keep going until the end. I read them before the show premiered and I’m glad I did. I recommended everyone to read them just for the sheer amount of plot that they left out!

[@muleFUEL1]

Just stubbled on your channel and really like your content. I would be really curious to see your opinion on The Wanderer's Tale by David Bilsborough. I read it and loved it, but it really passed below the radar. So now I'm just wondering if I'm crazy or if this is a diamond in the ruff. Keep up the great work!

[@andrew-hf9fl]

Great video! You can tell your love for the series. Personally, I like books 4 and 5 best, although I realize that's not the most popular opinion. Plot-wise, they're maybe the weakest books, but in terms of the writing, the symbolism, the internal monologues, the 'hearts in conflict with themselves' I think they shine the brightest

[@andrew-hf9fl]

Ps: I'm rereading fire and blood right now, and i just Love it. Not only does it give historical context, but it also gives emotional context for the series. To me, it gives the sense that the events of asoiaf are neither the most interesting nor important events in the world, they're just one slice of a world that could have had a seven book series written about it at Any point. Falling in love with characters only to have enough time pass for them to die, often of old age, lends a true glimpse into George's world view

[@morleywritesbooks]

GRRM is actually the reason why i have plans for short stories/novellas based in my main series but having nothing to do with that plot

[@e-artemas7295]

I was lucky to find the entire set in brand new condition at a local thrift store all for less than 30$ including the illustrated Fire & Blood book

[@lysandergrey]

Yo if you use Goodreads at all I'd definitely be interested in following it just to build my TBR! This video has me convinced on GoT for sure

[@jordanford9320]

That's why I bought these one at a time and read them on my phone so I wouldn't feel the actual weight of it. And this method got me through it because I wasn't intimidated by the size cause I was just swiping. And I was barely a reader when I first read them.

[@ComtessedArtagnan]

I finished the TV series 2 days ago and I hated the ending, so I was wondering whether to read the books to get something different but more of the same universe (especially given that we may never get an ending). Your video is really persuasive as your love for reading shows. Thank you for the thorough explanation an honest comments 🎉. I'll subscribe to your channel because of this video

[@curtjarrell9710]

Thanks for this vid. I'm planning to begin ASOIAF this fall. You did have one small error included. GRRM actually DID have a best seller under his belt before Game of Thrones. Fevre Dream made the lower rungs of the NYTimes best sellers list in the US in 1982. I enjoyed it. I hope the faithful fans get Book 6 in December 2024 as has been recently rumored. Happy reading.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

New subscriber here ♥️ Until this day I am too intimidated to start reading these books. I tried watching the show but didn't like it and gave up. Maybe I'll give the books a chance one day. I'm a huge Tolkien fan :)

[@AB-ee5tb]

Go for it. The first book is a little slow in hindsight, but it picks up from there. The books are SO good. And all the theories and different peoples tales are really fun to get into once you’ve finished the series

[@desireearmstrong2291]

as a woman I throughly appreciated you’re perspective on the series. I watched the show and was really unsure about reading the books for that reason but i also don’t like limiting art forms. If i decide it’s particularly egregious i will most likely put the series down but I’m so intrigued by the world and i have high hopes

[@keturahspencer]

A Feast for Crows was the best in the series. 🤷‍♀️ And I love his female characters, I would not consider any of them perfect. That said, thank you for trying to hey people in to this series. Itself definitely worth it.

[@libaconil]

Currently reading the second book Clash of Kings, and it's quite different than the show. The first book was basically 1 to 1 for the first season. But if I'm giving it a review I'm saying it's easily 10/10

[@tylerhussin5248]

I seen a mathematical equation that predicts the release timelines for the next 2 books using the release timeline for the first 5 books. According to the equation The Winds of Winter will come out this year in 2023 and A Dream of Spring will come in 2068 when George is 117 years old!

[@layalialsudairy9992]

Excellent video! And I agree with you, people should just read the first 3 books, they are the best. Book 4 was sooooo slow. And book 5 was good . But the first 3 were really good. I listened to fire and blood and enjoyed it as an audio. I wouldn’t read it as a book, but like u said it’s so fascinating especially that it’s told through a maester ( don’t remember his name) and mushroom ( the dwarf fool ) . It’s so interesting to see how each one had different recollections of the same thing. But that’s history for you😃😃

[@skywalkerorder2839]

Feast of Crows is so important though, and I think that even if you don’t like the other POV characters from different houses they are going to have better payoffs among other things for Winds at least. Personally for me though, I really liked Feast of Crows, it’s only Dance that I’ve had trouble with.

[@inkylynx2777]

Dunno if you're interested in doing middle grade fantasy series, but maybe sometime you could cover the Wingfeather Saga? The Earthsea Series? Keeper of the Lost Cities?

[@plasmiusphantom]

Dunk and Egg have a loooot to do with Dance and Winds. Big big clues in regards Young Griff and Golden company. Same with lasted parts of Fire and Blood

[@Jakegothicsnake]

Sick guitar and piano playing, not gonna lie! You need to make that into a cover song!

[@megangaetano5420]

Wow a year late in my comments. I binged the series just as it was ending and was so happy a couple of my faves weren't killed off that I had no complaints about the finale. Watching again with my husband who had nor ever seen it so I'm curious how I will fill about the finale this time. I just started the first book and found your video when searching whether I should read the whole series even with lacking the end. You've inspired me to at least give the 1st 3 books a go. Thank you for your thoughts. Just subscribed

[@mariacifarelli4204]

I really enjoy your channel 😊

[@tomparker8282]

Couldn't disagree more about Fire and Blood being boring. I just read it and found it super compelling. So I guess I'm the mystery audience you're looking for.

[@MMAGamblingTips]

After watching the first season on HBO, I knew I needed the books, I bought around four or five of them, and was completely overwhelmed. I was having trouble getting through the books and decided to get them on Audible thinking that I could listen and work at the same time. It STILL took a couple years to get through those books and I even find myself coming back to them today. There is just so much condensed in them. A very weighty tome. 😅

[@robloxkiller1400]

Absolutely spectacular video

[@carlhilber2275]

I highly recommend the feast with dragons read order that recombines Feast and Dance. It makes Feast less if a slog, and makes the chronology less confusing.

[@ayyocool]

Ur video is great. Made me laugh all throughout. Subscribing.

[@Panashii]

Fire and blood was great! Loved the book and so far the accuracy the show portrayed. But am so not ready for season 2 of House of the dragon😢 But am gonna start reading GoT soon

[@pixylips]

I’m an avid fan immersed in lore and Listen to many Martin interviews and never once had I heard that this was two trilogies with a bridge book.

[@Drudenfusz]

Only the first book is called Game of Thrones, the series itself is called A Song Of Ice and Fire.

[@zainhartono7193]

Have you read the Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell. It’s a King Arthur retelling that I believe Martin has cited inspired him, even a little.

[@TyJC]

Great video ❤

[@ericpike6949]

Having already read them, probably not. Don't get me wrong they are absolutely fantastic, however with it looking increasingly likely that the story won't be finished i'm not sure its worth the time for new readers.

[@johan_oern]

That gym analogy worked surprisingly well! 😂

[@SchnellVITALVINYLVLOG]

If you just want cliffhangers that the TV show never even touched in some cases, go ahead. The first 3 books though are essential IMO

[@TheThrillOfBecoming]

I just need a good ending. I loved the show up until about season 6, but by the ending I just felt numb. I do have faith in George though

[@DAGDRUM53]

Apparently the chapter order of the original manuscript before being split into Feast and Dance has been restored by Ice & Fire fans. This Table of Contents is easily found online. People who've reread the two books in this reordered fashion claim a chronological order is restored that was lost in the cut. And that as one piece it is as strong as the three books preceding it. Whenever I reread the series again, I intend to follow the revised content order myself. It begins with the prologue for A Dance With Dragons then the prologue for A Feast For Crows.

[@intogrey2038]

It’s worth reading I am on book 4 started January so loving it,if it does not get finished I have no regrets still wonderful series.

[@thatsci-firogue]

You're right about Fire & Blood. I've been reading it on and off for about a year now and its really dull. I skipped over parts and listened to (i think most if not all?) parts that have and will be covered for House of the Dragon.

[@bravobytz1820]

If you ever do a reread I suggest doing FeastDance. Reading the two simultaneously made it way more enjoyable

[@sylvanaire]

I remember reading the books that were out at the time (the 1st four) & then I forgot about the series for years waiting for the next book. By the time it came out, I’d lost interest so now I check to see if a series is finished before I dive in, lol.

[@tood521]

I've read the full series but clicked on this video just to hear your perspective. Instant subscibe button smash from me because of that goofy ass intro 😂

[@williamfernandez5170]

Thanks for the video, not sure if you mentioned and I missed it but the last complete book covers up to which of the HBO season? Thanks

[@cronkthebookguy]

The books cover up to Season 5. It was season 6 onwards where they made it up based on some of his notes.

[@dkropelnicki9819]

Hey i'm also at war with myself between reading and gaming, lol. I try to do both a little each day.

[@mrs.darling5865]

The soundtrack of the show is the best!

[@brittniwalls6206]

I keep trying to start Game of Thrones but am always held back by it being incomplete. Knowing that the first 3 are meant to be their own completed trilogy gives me a bit more drive to actually dive in! Also, unrelated but: Have you heard the band Blind Guardian? I think you'd really enjoy them. They're literally a metal band inspired by various fantasy novels (i.e. LOTR and ASOIAF) and more traditional legends!

[@oliviawilliams6204]

I absolutely love the books , i hate the show with a freaking passion. Feal like Feast don’t get the recognition it deserves, it got some of the best prose Martin ever wrote, i mean the Broken Man monologue….

[@ChairZomg]

i dont understand how people dislike AFFC and ADWD, they are my two favorites in the series with ADWD being my #1

[@syndromeofadowns]

Well obviously their favorite characters died in them

[@ChairZomg]

who quentyn? or jon? we all pretty much know jon is coming back @@syndromeofadowns

[@hartjohnson2975]

Okay, a little in love. The long haired literate man is a unicorn to start, erm.... in fantasy, anyway. Would love 5o know if you ate also Wheel of Timinf.

[@elainedejong2806]

I was thinking of reading game of thrones and after this video I’m going to read it 😊

[@llpskiilo2373]

I loved Thrones so much i bought all the books and got through them in a few months. No im not a big reader but i just love this world and its characters