I am currently reading the first novel in the series A Song of Ice and Fire, A Game of Thrones, by George RR Martin.
I have to admit that I watched the series before reading the books, which is something that I almost never do. I'm a big believer that the book is always better than the movie or tv series.
However, in this case, I will readily admit that I'm wrong on that count. What I love most about this book and the series is how faithfully it has been adapted for the small screen. The series follows the plot almost chapter for chapter. As I near the end of of the first novel, I have been pleasantly surprised.
What I enjoy most about reading novels is the details that a viewer just can't get from a medium like television or movies. The thoughts, inner motivations, and familial details are somewhat lost in the series. Many details have been made much clearer to me. For instance, I had no idea that the Stark children were supposed to be so young. Robb and Jon, at the beginning of the novel, are only 14 years old. Clearly, when a twenty-something actor is playing the role that detail is lost.
In addition, I think the best part of reading the novel is the fleshing out of all the relationships. It was unclear in the series that Ser Jorah Mormont is, in fact, the disgraced brother of the Lord Commander of Castle Black. This is a detail that the filmmakers would not have been able to easily include.
Overall, if you're a fan of fantasy and long-running series, I definitely recommend that you read (and watch!) A Game of Thrones.
I have to admit that I watched the series before reading the books, which is something that I almost never do. I'm a big believer that the book is always better than the movie or tv series.
However, in this case, I will readily admit that I'm wrong on that count. What I love most about this book and the series is how faithfully it has been adapted for the small screen. The series follows the plot almost chapter for chapter. As I near the end of of the first novel, I have been pleasantly surprised.
What I enjoy most about reading novels is the details that a viewer just can't get from a medium like television or movies. The thoughts, inner motivations, and familial details are somewhat lost in the series. Many details have been made much clearer to me. For instance, I had no idea that the Stark children were supposed to be so young. Robb and Jon, at the beginning of the novel, are only 14 years old. Clearly, when a twenty-something actor is playing the role that detail is lost.
In addition, I think the best part of reading the novel is the fleshing out of all the relationships. It was unclear in the series that Ser Jorah Mormont is, in fact, the disgraced brother of the Lord Commander of Castle Black. This is a detail that the filmmakers would not have been able to easily include.
Overall, if you're a fan of fantasy and long-running series, I definitely recommend that you read (and watch!) A Game of Thrones.