George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" book and HBO series

[.StaticA.]

Yep. HBO are in the process of casting the pilot for a TV adaptation of the first book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.

There's been some interesting news lately.
First of all, Northern Ireland and Morocco are both confirmed as filming locations.
Peter Dinklage has been cast as the 'Imp' Tyrion.

And more recently, this (from GRRM's blog):
Well, Reuters has the story out already, so there's no longer any reason for me to keep mum. Yes, the rumors you've been seeing all over the web the last few days are true. Another huge piece has fallen into place for the HBO pilot of A GAME OF THRONES -- we have signed Sean Bean to play the part of Lord Eddard Stark.

For the movie fans out there, Sean Bean needs no introduction. I mean, what the hell, he was Boromir and he was Sharpe, he was terrific in both roles, and in a hundred other parts besides. I can't imagine a better Ned. The deal took some doing, so my fingers have been crossed for a month now (and boy, that made it hard to type), but now it's done, and I'm thrilled.

http://pics.livejournal.com/grrm/pic/0005rf46/s320x240 (http://pics.livejournal.com/grrm/pic/0005rf46/)

That's only part of the exciting news, however. Casting has been proceeding apace these past six weeks or so -- in New York and LA, London and Dublin, most recently in Australia. David and Dan and director Tom McCarthy have been looking all over the world for the right actors, and now they've filled some key roles as well.

For King Robert I Baratheon, we've got Mark Addy, a veteran British actor of stage and screen that many of you may remember from his fine turn in A KNIGHT'S TALE.

http://pics.livejournal.com/grrm/pic/0005pcae/s320x240 (http://pics.livejournal.com/grrm/pic/0005pcae/)

The roles of Joffrey Baratheon, the crown prince, and Viserys Targaryen, the beggar king, have also been filled... by Jack Gleeson and Harry Lloyd, respectively. Sorry, I haven't been able to find pictures of them on the internet yet, though I'm sure they are out there somewhere. I've seen readings by both Gleeson and Lloyd, and both should be terrific.

And last, but certainly not least, the role of the bastard Jon Snow will be played by a young actor named Kit Harington. You probably haven't heard of him yet... but you will, we're confident. David and Dan can't say enough about his talent and intensity.

http://pics.livejournal.com/grrm/pic/0005qwzf/s320x240 (http://pics.livejournal.com/grrm/pic/0005qwzf/)

Of course, there's a lot more roles still to fill, including some very crucial ones like the Lannister twins, the Stark children, and Daenerys Targaryen, so the search will continue for awhile. But we've begun, and so far I couldn't be happier. October is right around the corner.

Some pretty cool news. With an actor like Sean Bean in this production, hopefully that will help gain interest in the show and make it more successful.

[Sweating Bullets]

Oh wowzer. Looks interesting!
I wonder if this means the next book will be delayed some more?
:/

[.StaticA.]

Hope not! GRRM is working very closely with HBO, but he's insisted a few times that the book will be out by the end of the year.

[Sweating Bullets]

End of the year now? Jeez. I was waiting for it to be released from last September.
D:

[Ad-Rock]

How long does it take to write a book!?!?!? I read the series over 18 months ago and I have been hanging out for the hypothesised September release date, no doubt it'll be delayed further.

I am very excited about the TV series! HBO make some damn good TV.

[texta]

I read the start of this back in high school (OMG the 90s). So I a) don't really remember any of it, but also b) am cautiously hopefull that there may be another book or two have come out since then.

I think the last thing I remember was that
The good queen mother had been killed, but then some strange guy turned up with her with a big scar across her neck
Considering it was about ten years since I read the books, that could probably mean anything.

[Almighty Beanchild]

The Dance of Dragons or whatever the next one has been called has been delayed about 50,000 times. I don't REALLY mind because it'll mean it's (hopefully) up to the standard of the rest, but it's getting a bit ridiculous. Apparently he's scrapped the original direction he was going with it, and possibly his second idea, so its been rewritten a lot.

As for the HBO series, the Legend of the Seeker was a huge pile of shit that makes me wary of being excited about ANY kind of fantasy book being made into television, but to be fair the Sword of Truth series are basically horse manure in book form, so that wasn't starting from a strong place.

[Ad-Rock]

I'm hoping this show will be produced to the same high standard as Rome. Although, that would probably make it one of the most expensive series to ever be produced... Sean Bean is a winner though :)

[Watchers]

I shall continue waiting for a GODDAMN CONCLUSION TO THE ACTUAL SERIES before I reread or get excited about a TV series. Still, Boromir ^_^

[.StaticA.]

One thing that'll help this a lot is the fact that GRRM is very closely involved in the series. He's co-executive producer, as well as helping with the script (he's done quite a bit of screenwriting throughout his career). That should HOPEFULLY mean the series will both be good and mostly true to the books.

I at least want it to just be good enough for HBO to pick up the pilot and do the whole series.

[Banjo Tooie]

George RR Martin has about 10 years MAX left in his life, just look at his weight and his age. Another Robert Jordan for sure.

[Ad-Rock]

George RR Martin has about 10 years MAX left in his life, just look at his weight and his age. Another Robert Jordan for sure.

That's a worrying thought. I hope he at least has the basic storyline written down somewhere, so that it will not remain a mystery if he "carcs it"...

[Almighty Beanchild]

George RR Martin has about 10 years MAX left in his life, just look at his weight and his age. Another Robert Jordan for sure.

He blogs really often about how depressing it is to have thousands of people talking about his inevitable death, or something :P

[Bob the Destroyer]

A mini website has gone up here (http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones) with a 20 second teaser. Looks very good and I'm pretty excited about how this will turn out

[TrinityJayOne]

Never read the books, but if HBO are doing it then I'm interested. After Six Feet Under, I would watch Adam Sandler presents- Paint Drying if it was a HBO effort. :P

[Banjo Tooie]

Do NOT get me ****ing started on this fat, useless, ungrateful shithead.

Series should be good, though.

[.StaticA.]

Sour about waiting so long?
The teaser looks pretty cool, even though it's made up of about six really short shots repeated several times through the whole thing. Can't wait to see more.

They're well into casting the whole season now, and I can't wait to see what they've done.

[Second]

Premieres in 10 days.
JQykXOukM2Q
Looks like it'll be my new favourite show.

I'm somewhat excited.

[Ad-Rock]

HBO have renewed the show for a second season (covering the events of A Clash of Kings).
link (http://grrm.livejournal.com/211736.html)

[Blackwater]

The first ep was pretty damn good... then again I haven't read the books, so the fans might have a differing opinion

[Banjo Tooie]

Second episode is tenfold better than the first, and I've read the books.

[dinopoke]

Should I read the books first or can I start watching this straight away?

[Blackwater]

Second episode was excellent. I might have to give these a read after I read The Dark Tower

[NiB]

Cannot wait for third ep...needs more of that Blonde chick though

[Dukotoja]

i too am enjoying this.

[ElPresidente]

Should I read the books first or can I start watching this straight away?

Ideally read the books first. I started on them about a month before the series started - exceptional books and worth the read. The TV series is great but as with most things, the books are better.

[Second]

I started reading the books the day before the first episode. Shortly after the first episode, the second season was announced. I'm like "**** YEAH! SEAN BEAN!" I've finished the first book now.

[freeradical]

How did this series of books pass me by! Watched the first 3 episodes and I am really enjoying this show. The actor who plays the dwarf prince is excellent. Will wait for end of first series before picking up books.

[Cerebral]

Checked the books out at a non-borders non-Angus&Robertson the other day.

They're thick as ****. Now I want a kindle

[Hemish71]

They got the casting pretty much perfect for the Lannisters, the dwarf guy is made for the role and the kid they got playing Joffrey, I wanted to punch him the moment I saw his smug litttle face, perfect casting of a little bastard character. The Stark kids will be good too, great to see the little one starting her dance lessons.
Have enjoyed it so far, I still need to pick up book 4 on this

[9warbane]

****ing hate Joffrey, what a **** and that chick is blind to seeing that. Hope he dies.
Does he?

[Blackwater]

****ing hate Joffrey, what a **** and that chick is blind to seeing that. Hope he dies.
Does he?


Maybe. I don't know

[Ad-Rock]

****ing hate Joffrey, what a **** and that chick is blind to seeing that. Hope he dies.
Does he?

Don't read unless you've read all the books.

yes he dies in an undignified way... but not as soon as you'll hope

[NiB]

That Lannister who's bangin sara connor is a dead ringer for Prince Charming from Shrek

[Blackwater]

That's not Linda Hamilton, that's not Linda Hamilton at all!

[Hemish71]

Sarah Connor from the TV Series not the movies

[ElPresidente]

So pleased with the casting of Syrio.

Just as awesome as I'd imagined him.

"You aren't holding a battle-axe! You're holding..."

"A needle!"

"Hahahaha... just so."

[^gR]

started reading the book about a month ago, got halfway through then saw that the TV show was about to come out..couldnt believe it

love sean bean. Joffrey's more annoying in the ****ing TV show as in the book, such a little **********. I'm up to 'a clash of kings', 2nd book..pretty awesome

think Jon Snow is my fav character. I havent read up much about the show, just been watching it when it comes out..is it going to cover the whole series of books from start to finish or?

[grimace06]

I'm not reading spoilers but I hope the Queen, Prince and the son of the mad King all die gruesome deaths. I'm betting on one of the three.

[Blackwater]

Sarah Connor from the TV Series not the movies

Such a thing does not exist *LALALALALALA!*

[NiB]

So Ep 5 has things all falling nicely into place, but even though a 2nd series is already green lit I can't help but feel fans will get shafted in the long run when it comes to s3-5 and HBO gives up due to budget/ratings ect...

Some of the things in the next few books will be hard for a TV series to pull off

[ElPresidente]

So long as I get to a see an interpretation of 'the red wedding' I'll be happy. :)

Certainly the event that left me reeling the most during my experiences with the books so far.

(Just started A Feast for Crows - like many I started reading the books in anticipation of the series. So very VERY glad I did.)

[Blackwater]

Just started reading Game of Thrones, gonna go hunting for the rest tomorrow.

Isn't the last book out this year?

[Ad-Rock]

still probably two more books after the one released this year.

[9warbane]

Caught up to ep 5, good stuff. Easily my favourite show for this year.

[nonch]

Just started reading Game of Thrones, gonna go hunting for the rest tomorrow.

Book Depository has them all for $8.88 each, as well as a 10% off special at the moment that makes them $7.99. Free postage. Type "May11" into coupon window to get the special. Don't put a space between May & 11.

[Banjo Tooie]

still probably two more books after the one released this year.

The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring are the titles of the proposed 6th and 7th books, but don't count on them necessarily being the final books. This series was originally meant to be a trilogy.

Also, ol' Georgy boy has a high chance of carking it before he finishes the books, and he has been quoted as saying he will be leaving no notes behind if and when he dies.

Just be ****ing thankful you didn't start reading the books back in 2004. The wait between books has been excruciating, with salt put into the wound with the 4th book having none of your favourite characters in it.

[Watchers]

Yeah, I read through them around that time and have basically forgotten everything about them. So I'm at a bit of a loss as to whether I should reread, then watch this, or watch this now, wait until the new book comes out, then reread.

[Silverwolf]

Do what feels best.

[Ad-Rock]

I read them shortly after A Feast for Crows was released, in the process of re-reading them all now. Can't believe how many things (mostly small) that I'd forgotten.

[grimace06]

Wow, just wow. Megatons galore in episode 6.

[Blackwater]

Viserys may have been the world's biggest douchebag but a deal is a deal

[adam_91vn]

Episode 7 is out aswell

[9warbane]

Want.

http://store.hbo.com/game-of-thrones-i-made-the-eight-t-shirt/detail.php?p=300711&v=hbo_shows_game-of-thrones

[Blackwater]

hahaha that is awesome

[Slippery]

Wondering if I should grab a copy of the books, really enjoying the show. Don't want to ruin one by doing the other though.

[ElPresidente]

You won't. The books are so dense that the series is enjoyable as a way to revisit scenes and see them come to life.

I've almost finished book 4 now and had just started the 3rd when the series began. I still anticipate each episode as though I was completely unaware of what was going to happen even though, obviously, I'm completely aware of what's coming next.

[Slippery]

On hold from the library, going to be at least 2 months...

[Banjo Tooie]

You can't afford $35 for 4 books? http://www.bookdepository.com/George-R-R-Martins-Game-Thrones-4-Boxed-Set-George-Martin/9780345529053

[Slippery]

But this is what the library is for! They give me books for free!

Mostly I just don't want to find a place to store them.

[NiB]

Got that 4 pack from book depository for $35 with free postage, it was dispatched on the 24th of May. Just hope it makes it here by the 1st of June before I go on holidays

[ElPresidente]

GC-ZmlwBWKM

MP3 Link (http://www.whitenoiselab.com/1380697/Game-of-Thrones-Theme-Cover)

Really like this version.

[Slippery]

Got that 4 pack from book depository for $35 with free postage, it was dispatched on the 24th of May. Just hope it makes it here by the 1st of June before I go on holidays

Yeah just bought it myself.

Bastards.

[HiredMan]

Ep 7 was awesome :)

[grimace06]

Ep 7 was awesome :)

The worst part about it all is that we have to wait a week for the next episode.

[Slippery]

A whole week. Ugh I've been watching an episode a day, this is a pretty jarring transition.

[Surgeon.]

A whole week. Ugh I've been watching an episode a day, this is a pretty jarring transition.

Been doing exactly the same thing.

After I watch Ep 7, what the hell am I going to do for a week?

We can't all play Hearts of Iron 3 and it's associated German infantry DLC.

[Slippery]

I hate you.

[HiredMan]

I watched Eps 1 through 6 on the weekend, 7 last night :(

/wrists

[Blackwater]

I'm halfway through a 2 week wait for the next episode.

****! why did I watch ep 7 last week

[Banjo Tooie]

I was turned off by Littlefinger's lesbian monologue.

[grimace06]

I'm halfway through a 2 week wait for the next episode.

****! why did I watch ep 7 last week

Wow, one week is hard enough. I'm seriously puzzled as to how they wrap up any of these threads in 3 episodes. I guess I'll keep reading then.

[Slippery]

I wish the books would at least arrive, but no apparently the mail isn't instantaneous.

Goddamn mail.

Edit: Grimace I'm going to go ahead and guess that a lot of them don't, but any that do will be because someones head got cut off. (Haven't read books, pure speculation)

[nonch]

I ordered the books individually from book depository and they all arrived within a week or so. But a couple of the Walking Dead books I ordered a while ago took well over a month...

[Blackwater]

^I shelled out a crapload for the first compendium of Walking Dead... WORTH.EVERY.CENT.

As far as GoT goes, It's a long series it'll wrap up a few smaller things but a lot of stuff will be left open and as far as HBO goes they'll end it on the biggest "**** you" possible which will make my 2 weeks seem tiny.

[HiredMan]

^I shelled out a crapload for the first compendium of Walking Dead... WORTH.EVERY.CENT.

As far as GoT goes, It's a long series it'll wrap up a few smaller things but a lot of stuff will be left open and as far as HBO goes they'll end it on the biggest "**** you" possible which will make my 2 weeks seem tiny.

Tell that to last ep of Boardwalk Empire S1. ****ing whimper if I've ever seen one. Good though.

[immol8]

http://i.imgur.com/BaZa4.gif

Loving this show

[Bob the Destroyer]

http://www.masturbatoreum.com/f/images/25188.jpg

Hate this kid so much

[Sweating Bullets]

Joffery gets much worse.


MUCH

[9warbane]

What a fag. Probably even plays CoD.

[Blackwater]

He gets points for appearing in Batman Begins

[NiB]

He's not as cool as the pre-teen breastfeeder who wants the imp to fly

[Blackwater]

That kid is living the dream

[grimace06]

Episode 8 wasn't the best but I expect Episodes 9 and 10 will be awesome.

Surely the finale will be 2 hours?

[Slippery]

My books just arrived, around a week earlier than I expected.

I could read lecture notes in prep for my exam... or I could read ~4500 pages of A Song of Ice and Fire.

Decisions.

[NiB]

My books just arrived, around a week earlier than I expected.

I could read lecture notes in prep for my exam... or I could read ~4500 pages of A Song of Ice and Fire.

Decisions.

From book depository ? I still haven't received mine and I think I ordered em around the same time if not sooner :(

[HiredMan]

I'm about a quarter of the way through A Game of Thrones. Really, really enjoying it.

[Slippery]

From book depository ? I still haven't received mine and I think I ordered em around the same time if not sooner :(

I ordered Sat May 28th, shipped on the Tuesday or Wednesday I think. Much faster than I expected.

[Silverwolf]

Episode 8 wasn't the best

What? It's hard to beat watching someone slit an armed man's throat and pulling out his tongue with no weapons.

[Almighty Beanchild]

I thought the latest episode was the best one yet.

[Hemish71]

Yeah was good, I hope they continue with this series.
I heard they picked it up for a second, but will need much more

[HiredMan]

I think grimace is in the minority here, I though 8 was probably best or equal best yet too.

[nonch]

Haven't watched it yet, but if ep8 is better than ep7 then it must be epic.

Watch it tonight if I get the time, post thoughts afterwards...

[Hemish71]

It was the best so far simply because so much stuff was put into that episode.

Tyrion is still by far the most interesting.

The only thing I'm not liking is the chick playing Cersai Lannister, she just isnt bitch enough

[Silverwolf]

Tyrion is still by far the most interesting.

The only thing I'm not liking is the chick playing Cersai Lannister, she just isnt bitch enough

Agreed about Tyrion, i'm at approximately the same point in the book as the show is at the moment, and it gives a bit more insight into his motives etc. He is definitely a wild card. Which is basically what makes him interesting.

The chick playing Cersei puts me off cause in my mind she is Sarah Connor, thanks to Terminator:SCC.

[castr8or]

The chick playing Cersei puts me off cause in my mind she is Sarah Connor, thanks to Terminator:SCC.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh thats why she was familiar

every time she does her 'look' i'm like...who the **** is that, i've seen that before

[Silverwolf]

every time she does her 'look' i'm like...who the **** is that, i've seen that before

Yeah the first time I saw her I recognised her but couldn't pinpoint where from. then I looked at the credits and worked it out.

She makes a wierd blonde.

[Hemish71]

Yeah and she was The queen in 300 and she was all hot and noble in that too, she just doesnt seem able to pull off coniving bitch

[NiB]

Started reading the books last night, the thing that will shit me is reading the first 4 (and 5th this year) then having to wait for the rest of them...the waiting game sucks

[ElPresidente]

Yeah and she was The queen in 300 and she was all hot and noble in that too, she just doesnt seem able to pull off coniving bitch

I Think she plays conniving very well. With her freaking smug, tight lipped smile.

[Sweating Bullets]

I Think she plays conniving very well. With her freaking smug, tight lipped smile.

I think she would have made a better Catelyn than Cersei.

[NiB]

Nothing wrong with her playing Cersei...It's not like they could get Angelina Jolie to do it

[ElPresidente]

I think she would have made a better Catelyn than Cersei.

But the actress playing Cat is perfect!

And such amazing cheekbones. I'm serious here... they are phenomenal.

[NiB]

On a slightly weird/creepy tangent here

[Slippery]

Catelyn is even more of a bitch to Snow in the book. Tad harsh.

[ElPresidente]

Totally Harsh.

Was kind of disappointed they took the "Jon... it should have been you." line from the books out of the series.

[Slippery]

Yeah that's what I had just read when I wrote that. Bitch factor is pretty damn high.

[9warbane]

Got this.
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/3456/gotshirt.jpg


Dothraki Language Dictionary (http://docs.dothraki.org/Dothraki.pdf), charolat Dothraki.

[Sweating Bullets]

One more month until a Dance With Dragons is out (in theory)

[immol8]

qYNeT2nzEgA

Mother- slap!

[Silverwolf]

qYNeT2nzEgA

Mother- slap!

Saw this the other day, genius.

[grimace06]

All I can say is, ****.

[HiredMan]

Yup, didn't see that coming! Wow

[Hemish71]

I remember getting to that in the book and thinking no F**** way this has to be a dream sequence or something.
I so want to punch Joffrey

[Sweating Bullets]

I saw this on Kotaku and laughed my ass off

http://unrealitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/stupid-ned-stark1.jpg

[NiB]

I saw this on Kotaku and laughed my ass off

http://unrealitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/stupid-ned-stark1.jpg

There's a whole heap of them, think Kotaku has a contest going

[ElPresidente]

Finished A Feast for Crows last night. Thinking of starting on The Hedge Knight while I wait for A Dance with Dragons

[Slippery]

Oh shit.

Weak hearts of women eh?

[NiB]

Finally saw ep 9 last night, having known it was coming took something away from the final scene. But I can imagine how many non readers where like WTF???

Looking forward to hopefully seeing the dragons make their appearance in ep10

[Slippery]

Kept expecting something to stop it from happening, right up until it happened I was expecting it to go a different way.

[Second]

I started reading the books the day before the first episode. Shortly after the first episode, the second season was announced. I'm like "**** YEAH! SEAN BEAN!" I've finished the first book now.:(:(:(

[Silverwolf]

De_vastated.

[Sweating Bullets]

Finished A Feast for Crows last night. Thinking of starting on The Hedge Knight while I wait for A Dance with Dragons

What did you think of Feast??

[grimace06]

Damn, I've been reading the book as I watch the show but now there is so little left of the book I want to read the rest so bad.

4 more days.

[Slippery]

I'm somewhere in episode 8 in the books. Not sure wether I should stop reading at the end of episode 9 and wait to watch 10 before I keep reading.

[ElPresidente]

What did you think of Feast??

Awesome although the focus on King's Landing did mean that characters I was really eager to learn the fate of weren't present and there was also a fair amount of time spent in Dorne which I found a bit pedestrian given we (the reader) really don't know a whole lot about the Dornish beyond the fact that gender has no role to play in the rules of succession.

A Dance with Dragons excites me for its focus on what's going on at the Wall and beyond as well as what is happening over the Narrow Sea.

[Slippery]

I'm somewhere in episode 8 in the books. Not sure wether I should stop reading at the end of episode 9 and wait to watch 10 before I keep reading.

As much as I want to keep reading I'll have to put the book down for a few days... *tear*.

[Slippery]

End of season 1...
Holy shit, mother****ing dragons. Danaerys was looking like she was in a pretty weak spot. Easily unite all the khalasars with dragons, the iron throne is hers.

Can't wait for season 2, very glad I bought the books so I can just keep going :D

[grimace06]

Fantastic season finale.

[9warbane]

I like Ned,
he dies.
I like Drogo, he dies.
Darn it. :(

[NiB]

End of season 1...
Holy shit, mother****ing dragons. Danaerys was looking like she was in a pretty weak spot. Easily unite all the khalasars with dragons, the iron throne is hers.

All the non readers are shocked...but the series is called a song of fire and ice. How it gets there is anyone's guess but it seems pretty obvious that Dragons v White Walkers for the fate of the world

[Sweating Bullets]

All the non readers are shocked...but the series is called a song of fire and ice. How it gets there is anyone's guess but it seems pretty obvious that Dragons v White Walkers for the fate of the world



For the life of me I cannot remember much of the white walkers but it has been a while since i last read the books. All I recall from the North was that Mance Rayder was planning on invading? Is that right?

Personally I do not think that the series will wrap up neatly in the books - just always too much going on

[NiB]

For the life of me I cannot remember much of the white walkers but it has been a while since i last read the books. All I recall from the North was that Mance Rayder was planning on invading? Is that right?

Personally I do not think that the series will wrap up neatly in the books - just always too much going on



I think the white walkers are those blue eyed things and ryder and the wildlings are all pushing south cause they're gettin ****ed up by em. Since only fire can kill em I'd say the dragons will be the trump card

[Watchers]

OK, I just watched the first episode as I'm nearing the end of my reread of the first book, and I'm very disappointed. Poor acting, weird casting in a lot of instances, it feels rushed, and they just change stuff for no reason. For example, the part where Drogo basically rapes Dany after the wedding? It just didn't happen like that in the book. At all. Not even close. And that developed such an important part of both those characters and their relationship. So...given how I seem to be picking it apart already, does it get better?

[ElPresidente]

The only issue I had with the whole Drogo/Daeneris scene was it taking place by the sea.

I only got into the books about 1 1/2 months before the show aired. I was very pleased with how it captured what I'd so recently fallen in love with.

I will admit there are some scenes that push a point harder than the books but more often than not that is due to the lack of exposition a TV series allows compared to literature.

Can't agree on the acting either. I love the TV series and I love the books. Just gimme A Dance with Dragons already! :P

[NiB]

There's just too much detail in the books to put into a TV series, I'd love it if the show portrayed the treatment Catelyn gave to John, or when Varys first comes to Ned about the plot to kill Robert in the melee, but I can't fault the show as a 10 part series for a 600+ page book

[Watchers]

The only issue I had with the whole Drogo/Daeneris scene was it taking place by the sea.


In the book, he took his time and was extremely tender, then, in the end, asked for her permission, to which she responded with 'Yes'. In the show, she's crying, he strips her and bends her over. I don't even understand why you'd change that.

And I know that it is hard to pack the events of the book into essentially ten hours of show, but it still bothers me when they are ham-fisted with explaining something or setting something up, or when everything just feels rushed. Unfair, maybe, but still annoys me.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

In the book, he took his time and was extremely tender, then, in the end, asked for her permission, to which she responded with 'Yes'.

In the show, he strips her and bends her over.

One of those sounds a lot quicker.

[Watchers]

Is that what you told the judge?

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Yeah and then I bent her over to save time.

[immol8]

In the book, he took his time and was extremely tender, then, in the end, asked for her permission, to which she responded with 'Yes'. In the show, she's crying, he strips her and bends her over. I don't even understand why you'd change that.

Haven't read the books, but from what you say the show makes more sense. Drogo is a badarse barbarian warlord. Not really the type of guy to ask permission from his wife. That'd just seem odd.

[Watchers]

I knew I'd seen Littlefinger somewhere else. I'm pretty sure he's the congressman dude from The Wire.

[HiredMan]

I knew I'd seen Littlefinger somewhere else. I'm pretty sure he's the congressman dude from The Wire.

Yeah dude, he's Mayor Carcetti. Picked it like a nose first time he showed in GoT.

[castr8or]

I don't even understand why you'd change that.


it makes sense because you get to see how the relationship between Carl and Daena progresses.

ie she starts off as nothing more than a trophy wife, property of the Khal. I think it makes more sense in the context of things, the horse people respect power, at the beginning she's a cry baby obviously being pushed around by her brother for his own ends. Her story arc is about learning to become a queen and a leader, and in the short segments dealing with her storyline you can see the transformation take place, punctuated by scenes such as her rape by Carl, to her making 'love' to him as his wife, to her ordering the horde around etc etc.

Poor acting, weird casting in a lot of instances

what? weird casting i can accept, i haven't read the books (everyone so far seems to fit the character they are supposed to be playing if you look at the show as its own thing with characters that are self-contained). But bad acting? really? I can't think of any instances of this at all.

[Watchers]

Drogo simply didn't rape her in the books. I completely hate the Drogo in the show, whereas I thought the one in the books was a badarse with a heart. The relationship progressed in a similar manner in both, but why the start of it was changed doesn't make sense to me. Maybe being raped is just a quicker way of showing why she isn't happy? I don't know.

I'm trying to let go of my 'OMG that isn't what happened!' stance, and I think I'm enjoying it more for that. Still not loving it the way I love other HBO shows, though. I do love the little girl they got to play Arya - adorable.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Maybe being raped is just a quicker way

Is that what you told the judge?

[Watchers]

Well, I had a bus to catch.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

More like you had a snatch to bust!

[HiredMan]

Drogo simply didn't rape her in the books.

You need to read more thoroughly. Apart from the first instance, Dany wasnt enjoying herself at all until her maid taught her the "techniques" to win Drogo over. All the series did was move the uncomfotable stuff literally 1 shag forward. I dont see it as being plot breaking at all, maybe give A Game of Thrones one more read.

[grimace06]

You need to read more thoroughly. Apart from the first instance, Dany wasnt enjoying herself at all until her maid taught her the "techniques" to win Drogo over. All the series did was move the uncomfotable stuff literally 1 shag forward. I dont see it as being plot breaking at all, maybe give A Game of Thrones one more read.

I'm not sure anyone can complain about the specifics of the sex scene translation from book to show when in the book she is thirteen years-old. I for one, am glad they didn't stick completely to the book.

[Watchers]

You need to read more thoroughly. Apart from the first instance, Dany wasnt enjoying herself at all until her maid taught her the "techniques" to win Drogo over. All the series did was move the uncomfotable stuff literally 1 shag forward. I dont see it as being plot breaking at all, maybe give A Game of Thrones one more read.

She wasn't enjoying it, but he didn't rape her. Whether he would rape his wife or not seems to me to be a pretty important character trait.

[Slippery]

I tend to just increase the age of everyone in the show by 2 or 3 when I read it. They all act older than they are.

[Ad-Rock]

Yeah I do to, it makes it all a bit more believable (for want of a better word).

[JC Henderson]

I tend to just increase the age of everyone in the show by 2 or 3 when I read it. They all act older than they are.

That still leaves most below legal age limit unfortunately.

Also this age is normal if talking of the more ancient civilisations Greeks ,Romans from 2500 thousand years ago were taking wives of this age.

[castr8or]

She wasn't enjoying it, but he didn't rape her. Whether he would rape his wife or not seems to me to be a pretty important character trait.

really? think of how many women the guy has raped in his lifetime. They make it pretty clear that after pillaging and fighting, the next best thing is the raping. I don't see why its outlandish for the character (aside from "that's not how it happened in the book).

[Watchers]

But surely being raped (or not) by him would have a significant impact on how Dany feels about him, and their relationship as a whole?

[Second]

I guess there's only one thing to be done.


Rape women. For SCIENCE!

[HiredMan]

But surely being raped (or not) by him would have a significant impact on how Dany feels about him, and their relationship as a whole?

I dont know what your particular definition of rape is, but for me, if he wants to have sex and she doesnt, it's pretty close. As I said before, apart from the first scene in A Game of Thrones, where Dany is obviously a bit less aprehensive, I think the series is pretty accurate. If you want to get hung up on that first scene in the series, thats your choice.

Having read the book right before, I think they did well. With 10 hours to interpret an 800 page book, I think it was pretty well done.

[Watchers]

I dont know what your particular definition of rape is,

Consent? Which was given in the books, not in the show. It really simplifies Drogo's character to just a savage, whereas he seemed more than that in the book. I really don't care anymore, to be honest. I've moved to the point where I don't expect things to be the same. I just thought that was an odd choice given that it would not have taken much more time to leave it true to the books, and the large ramifications it may have had for their relationship. I haven't reached the culmination of their relationship in the show yet, but I feel that they might struggle to justify why Dany does what she does for the Khal given the way they've portrayed him thus far.

[Slippery]

I watched first and read it second and I had no trouble with their relationship.

If anything when I read it it seemed a little cheesy that she was willing, thought the show was more realistic.

[HiredMan]

I haven't reached the culmination of their relationship in the show yet, but I feel that they might struggle to justify why Dany does what she does for the Khal given the way they've portrayed him thus far.

Ah ok. I read the book and watched the show concurrently, had no problems with the portrayal. I think you might be won over by the end if you're not far through, as I found that appart from the first sex scene between them, it was very true to the book.

[Sweating Bullets]

Anyone able to score the latest book???

Majority of book stores have been closed in Melbourne - I asked Minotaur and they think sometime this week they will have it

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

I'm going to wait for the movie.

[HiredMan]

I'm only about 150 pages in to A Clash of Kings :/

[JC Henderson]

I'm only about 150 pages in to A Clash of Kings :/

I am about 400 pages behind you. Getting towards the end of the first book.

[Slippery]

I'm only about 150 pages in to A Clash of Kings :/

I'm around 650 pages ahead of you. Stuff happens.

[Almighty Beanchild]

I've pre-ordered a A Dance With Dragons on the Kindle Store, but I have to wait for it to be the 12th in America before I can get it :(

[Watchers]

I'll just order it from the Book Depository because I'm not a chump.

[HiredMan]

I went past ye olde book shoppe at lunch and they didnt have their stock yet. I picked up A Storm of Swords Vols I & II and A Feast for Crows though. Locked and loaded (with books, lol)

[Ad-Rock]

The stores where I live have it in today. Going to wait for the paperback edition so it fits on the bookshelf with the rest of the series.

[Sweating Bullets]

Just got the book!!

Hardcover for about $35 from Minotaur.

Awesome timing also as I have tomorrow off work

[grimace06]

I just finished reading A Clash of Kings last night - a much darker book to be sure.

[ElPresidente]

Only a few chapters in with ADWD and loving it so far.

So nice to see some faces that have been absent from the series for the last book.

[NiB]

I'm only about 150 pages in to A Clash of Kings :/

I'm at page 80 :(

[Almighty Beanchild]

I'll just order it from the Book Depository because I'm not a chump.

I got it at 3pm on the 12th, now halfway through it, don't feel like a chump :D

[Almighty Beanchild]

It's pretty good so far as well. There is SO MUCH food porn in this book though, basically every chapter has lines and lines about the ridiculous food they are eating. Which is good for me, because one of my friends is an aspiring chef, and huge fan, and she is always cooking ridiculous stuff from the books.

I'm glad there has been no Sansa in this book, but the Bran chapters are still my cue to take a break from reading for a while. :P

[aubergine]

Wow, I watched this TV series yesterday. Hopefully HBO will actually complete this one.

[^gR]

cannot find 'sword of storms' ANYWHERE!!

i was unfortunate enough to pick up the books about a week before the fckingthing came out on tv, and since then every man and his dog is out to buy them

ive literally been to 10 different book shops and theyre all sold out...****s

...so i got frustrated and read the ending on wikipedia

very dissapointed. im sure itllbe different once ive read them cover to cover but.. literally every main character fcking dies :S

[aubergine]

Way to post spoilers dickhead.

[Ad-Rock]

That's not really a spoiler/what happens.

There are only half a dozen characters who seem integral to the major story arch (the coming of the things from beyond the wall and the return of Dany to the 7 kingdoms), whom I would consider main characters that haven't died yet. eg Jon, Dany, Arya and Bran

[NiB]

F***in Ghosty

[HiredMan]

cannot find 'sword of storms' ANYWHERE!!

Maybe start looking for "A Storm of Swords" and you might have better luck m8 >.>

[Almighty Beanchild]

Finished Dance With Dragons. Overall, pretty good. Probably the second worst book in the series, after Feast for Crows, but still a very good book. The problem, I think, is that I've waited so long I just want a resolution, even though this isn't the last book of course. But...

All the main protagonist characters are in worse positions at the end of the book than they were at the start, I think that is a mistake in terms of storytelling. Characters like Jon, Dany and Tyrion have been underdogs for so long, it's time to start making them rise up to brilliance, not to keep knocking them back down and suffering constant reverses. Stringing out their suffering makes the story and their characters stagnate a bit too much.

[HiredMan]

jeebus beanie, you were half way through at midnight last night, now you're done?

[Almighty Beanchild]

jeebus beanie, you were half way through at midnight last night, now you're done?

I have the flu, and slept all day yesterday, so I was up all night reading :P

[aubergine]

So how many books are there / are planned?

If I get a moment on the way to work I might try and find the first one.

[grimace06]

There 7 books total planned.

Dance with Dragons is the fifth book.

[aubergine]

Maybe I'll wait then. I hate salivating for years between episodic novels. Still waiting on the final Thomas Covenant book.

[aubergine]

Jesus, I just read the publishing history on Wikipedia. Looks like the last book will come out in 2025.

I'm now wondering what they intend with the TV series.

[^gR]

Maybe start looking for "A Storm of Swords" and you might have better luck m8 >.>

Yeh yeh they knew what I meant

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Just watched the first 3 eps. I like it.

[ElPresidente]

Slowly making my way through A Dance With Dragons. Thoroughly enjoying it but taking my time as, upon completion, this will be the first time in the series that I'll be doing the really long wait until the next book. :)

[Slippery]

Just finished Clash of Kings, going to read at least one other book before I plow into A Storm of Swords.

Thinking 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep' since Blade Runner is a brilliant movie.

[ElPresidente]

Be ready... significant differences between the film and the book although both are masterpieces in their respective media.

[NiB]

Bout 300 pages into a clash of kings. So so good, the Finding Tyrion as hand to be the best character to read atm, eagerly awaiting more Dany chapters though

[Slippery]

I found that too, easily the best all the way through.

[HiredMan]

Bout 300 pages into a clash of kings.

I'm about 50 pages behind you :)

[Xanafalgue]

I started watching Game of Thrones a few hours ago. About to start Episode 4! I love it :D

[aubergine]

We watched it start to finish here. I don't tend to watch ten hours of television in a row, two's usually my daily limit.

[Xanafalgue]

^Yep, finished the whole season now. Loved it; will probably pick up the books soon!

[Knuckle Children]

So we have to wait until next year for Season 2? Sheeeeeiiit, its gonna be a long wait.

It's not usually a genre that I gravitate towards, but shit it's a good series.

[ElPresidente]

You're complaining about one year for the next season? Don't start on the books then, you'll top yourself waiting several years for the next entry. :P

[NiB]

Just finished reading book 2

The battle of Blackwater was a suitable finale and damned if Tyrion isn't my favorite character to read at the moment. Although Davos was a welcome change before he apparently dies in the battle

[Munky]

I had the first four books arrive in the mail this morning.

Are they page turners that one can read easily or do I need to be concentrating ala Lord of the Rings (I found my university physics text books easier to read)?

[Slippery]

I think you can just read them, but it's worth paying attention to the names.

[aubergine]

TV show had a cast of thousands so I'm expecting greater detail from the books. Just bought the first one.

[ElPresidente]

Finished Dance last night. Already upset it is all over for the nonce. :(

[aubergine]

Don't be so hard on yourself. I wouldn't call you a nonce.

[nonch]

It's okay everyone, they're not talking about me.

[aubergine]

Very nonchalant.

[Bob the Destroyer]

I finished Dance today, it was more involved in moving pieces into places than action and major plot twists but I still enjoyed it. Way too many cliff hangers to be left waiting another 6 bloody years though

[aubergine]

If he has his shit together it may be faster, like how Stephen King shat out the last three books of The Dark Tower within weeks of each other, after thirty years. They were arse though.

[NiB]

300 pages into A Storm of Swords

Just read where Dany takes over the slavers, cannot wait to see that shit on TV. And the first tidbit about Melisandre and the true war between fire and ice was a welcome addition

Already i can see this is the volume where everything seems to be shifting into place and the real threat emerges

[HiredMan]

Jeebus NiB, you're winnning the race. Still only about 2/3 through Kings. Better go read now.

[NiB]

at page 600 now, really enjoying jamie's chapters. He's not such a simple character after all

[JC Henderson]

I am 500 pages into COK. My favourite part of the writing is how many of the major events you hear through hearsay from someone far off from the action.

[aubergine]

Thats unusual. Shakespeare used to do it so he didn't have 100 actors on stage recreating a big battle, instead he's have two talking about the aftermath. In a novel though there's no practical reason for it, I wonder why he'd choose to do that.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Maybe he started to think about the budget of a TV show?

Maybe he doesn't like writing battle scenes?

[aubergine]

Maybe he started to think about the budget of a TV show?

I think that's pretty unlikely but wouldn't that be horrible. People complain about a game being dumbed down for console on their PC. Imagine if novelists just started writing treatments for TV shows. It was bad enough when Michael Chricton sold out so horribly with The Lost World, a treatment for an action movie if I've ever read one.

I'm at about chapter 3 of the first book so I don't know specifically what the comment was referring to, I'd guess Martin is just doing interesting experiments with voice.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

I was just about to mention Michael Chricton as someone who was accused of doing that (but in the opposite direction).

[JC Henderson]

I am positive it is not dumbing down for budget. It seems to be a technique to keep the reader guessing what really happened in battle. You often get the enemies reaction at one point and hear an allies point of view in another. Much like real war it is often hard to get the whole truth. Saying that though Martin does not shy away from describing some awesome battle scenes.

[NiB]

Just read the "Red Wedding"

HOLY SHIT

[HiredMan]

So I'm guessing that's in the next book? Prez mentions it alot...

[JC Henderson]

Threads on this topic scare the crap out of me. I haven't had a spoiler yet but it is only a matter of time.

[aubergine]

Yeah I'd better get out. Still, I doubt the kind of asshole who'd spoil a game or a movie would actually read a long book. It would be possible to spoil the TV series though.

[NiB]

So I'm guessing that's in the next book? Prez mentions it alot...

yeah about halfway through, some of the craziest unexpected stuff is happening at the moment...all I'll say is wedding are bad juju

[ElPresidente]

yeah about halfway through, some of the craziest unexpected stuff is happening at the moment...all I'll say is wedding are bad juju

Certainly one of the scenes I'm most looking forward to being depicted in the TV series.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Finally watched the last two eps.

It's not bad. I hope it gets renewed.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

xkptadiDABo

I love videos like this.

[NiB]

Started watching GoT again last night, there's so much stuff you pick up after reading the books that I didn't give even a thought to when I was watching the first time

[ElPresidente]

This is the thing with Twitter... things you post something and just assume everyone got your message.

I just realised I've not shared the following with you guys.

*potential spoilers*

NvfDqF0-2yg

And

60Znn2_jDIc

[NiB]

Finished Storm of Swords...onto Feast for Crows

Tyrion killing his dad totally came out of the blue

[JC Henderson]

I just finished CoKs. I am curious to see how much of the budget for the tv show they are willing to blow on the final parts of that book. I hope heaps.

[aubergine]

qYNeT2nzEgA

[NiB]

Bout 100 pages left to go in Feast for Crows, not a whole lot of overall story progress being made. And I've heard that dance with dragons basically happens in the same time frame but from different perspectives Which is good cause I'm eager to know just what the hell happened to varys and tyrion

[ElPresidente]

You get your answers. :)

There is some crossover and slight shifting of time (the books don't cover the exact same time period but two, very close, overlapping ones) but overall I fount it a more satisfying read than Feast. Granted that is largely because most of my favourite characters feature more heavily in Dance.

[Azzaman]

Just watched the first two episodes. Man, Joffrey is a ******ing snot, I wanted the wolf to eat him.

This show is currently fulfilling my T & A quota that's for sure.

[Watchers]

Unlike the wife?

[Sweating Bullets]

I finished Dance today, it was more involved in moving pieces into places than action and major plot twists but I still enjoyed it. Way too many cliff hangers to be left waiting another 6 bloody years though

I really just wanted closure on a few things that were setup during a Feast For Crows but got nothing.

A Dance with Dragons was good but really not worth the 5 year wait imo. Why did it take so long considering that not a whole lot hapepned in terms of progressing the story

[NiB]

better not be 5 years before the next one

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

http://i.imgur.com/TzQVb.gif

[Azzaman]

Damn, I wish I hadn't watched el prez's two vids. Some spoilers in there...

[ElPresidente]

Apologies for that. I've added a spoiler warning.

[Azzaman]

no prob, I should know better then to watch vids of a series I'm just starting to get into ;)

[Slippery]

Yes you should've.

I did just read an interesting article on spoilers and how statistically knowing them tends to increase your enjoyment of a novel, not reduce it. I wouldn't go so far as to say you should seek out spoilers, but I certainly wouldn't not watch something having had something spoiled.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

While I don't like having a game/movie that I was planning to play/watch spoiled, I've often play/watched something that I've read something spoiler worthy about, and thought it would make for an interesting play/viewing.

/

The ending of Braid being an example.

EDIT: And actually Game of Thrones. I was reading this thread long before I decided to actually watch it, which happened after the show ended.

[NiB]

Picked up Dance with Dragons for $24...if only it was a softcover like the 4 I brought before it.

70 pages in, so far so good

[Sweating Bullets]

Picked up Dance with Dragons for $24...if only it was a softcover like the 4 I brought before it.

70 pages in, so far so good

The softcover is meant to be out next year

[grimace06]

Ok, so apparently in season 2 of Game of Thrones they're -

Adding characters not in the books
Changing characters names
Introducing characters from Book 3 already.

If you've already neck-bearded over the first season you are going to have a field day.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Also it's now set in space.