I thought I'd start a new topic. I have just started the series, by George R.R. Martin. I know other ladies on the forum have started to or have read the series.

I started A Game of Thrones last week. I have to say, I'm frustrated already! The books haven't "grabbed" me and I don't know if I should give up or keep going. The series seems like the Sci-Fi/Fantasy books that my DH loves and I tolerate. This one, not so much.

Thoughts? Keep going? Give up? It has the trappings of potential, but I've found the first 150 pages boring.

LR, I am on the second book. The first couple of hundred pages are really setting up this world that is so very different than anything we are familiar with. After that, I did find them very compelling. My DH is on book 3. It just takes a bit of time to become familiar with the large number of players in this book and the bouncing between characters can be a bit distracting. I am trying to think of where you are in the books. Have you gotten to King's Landing yet? If not, keep going, you are probably pretty close. I really enjoyed it, or I wouldn't have continued so I think you should keep going. There is tons of intrigue and some humor (courtesy of Therian sp). Lots of surprises are in store for you!

Ok. Thus encouraged, I'll keep at it. When I finally find some free time =)

I really REALLY love this series! I had a little bit of trouble in the beginning correlating the Watch characters beyond the Wall/supernatural happenings with the first chapter introducing the Stark family and Winterfell.

Then there was a shocking event that happened to a sympathetic main character and I had to put the book aside for awhile to decide if I could cope with it and probably future events in which irreversible bad things were likely to happen to good people. I'm glad I persisted because now I am addicted to (yet another) series. I like the fantasy kingdom type of fiction (although not a fan of outer space type sci-fi). I think that anyone who enjoyed Lord of the Rings or stories about Camelot and Trstan/Isolde would like A Song of Ice and Fire series.

I read about 30 pages more last night, and it is getting much better. I'll report back on thoughts and questions as I get further a long.

Reporting back: I'm now on book 4! I devoured 2 and 3 (well, not very quickly because I'm a bit busy, but I loved them lots!!) I'm at about page 200 of the series and it is really good! I'm so pleasantly surprised. I don't usually jump for fantasy, but this is so enjoyable and I have certain characters that I'm really rooting for.

so, Question: Tyrion Lannister: Benevolent, Malevolent or Other??

LR, I have read the first two and will start the 3rd soon. At this point I am not sure and my DH who has read the third, isn't sure either.

Tyrion, hmmm..... I think that Tyrion uses his wit and cunning to his advantage for self preservation, but is not as heartless or bloodthirsty as, say, members of his immediate family. He has been scorned and rejected by everyone since birth, even blamed for his mother's death in birthing him. I admire that he has developed self esteem against all odds and has a wry sense of humor. He shows some sympathy for "whores, cripples and bastards" knowing what it's like to be looked down upon or disadvantaged. Yet he's not all that squeamish about avenging those who've meant him harm. Considering the world he lives in, I would count him more of a good guy.

My college aged son came home for the summer raving about this series, and has now got all of us hooked! In addition, the first season of Game of Thrones is currently airing on HBO, and it is very well done. Sean Bean as Ned Stark is riveting. Just what I need...another book series!

I know, Molly, right! They are terrific and I think the actor playing Tyrion nails it too.

aqua - he is my favorite character. Through the second book at least, he has honor. It may be different than the honor of Ned, but still, he is trying to protect the realm and the citizens in it. He loathes his sister (don't we all!) and knows his nephew is an idiot and a spoiled child so he does everything he can, as hand of the king, to not let them do too much damage.

Fantastic series. I am only partially through the first book, reading it along with the HBO series helped fill in a lot of blanks. Agree that Sean Bean is fantastic, he fills his role as Ned Stark perfectly, but then the whole cast is great, kinda neat to have a visual of each character while reading. I like Tyrion, so far - unless he does something truly evil I'll put my check in the benelovent column...

Definitely a series I'll have to do via audiobook, or nothing will get accomplished. The dust bunnies are already multiplying....I'm thinking I'll name them serial dustbunnies, in honor of each series I've been sucked into

Saw the season finale of Game of Thrones... Anyone watching? I wondered if the first book ended the same way, or if there is more in the first book than the HBO series shows in its first season.

I was shocked that they kind of abruptly "terminated" every story line that I was interested in. I'm seriously wondering, what's the point of watching or reading now... With some of my favorite characters gone, at this point it would just be to see certain people die.

I really wanted to read the book, but if the author kills off main characters with such abandon, I'll not let myself care, or get into it like I would have. I really, REALLY HATE stories that build up main characters just to kill them and then have the cycle repeat with the secondary characters. UGG! NO.

I own the audiobook, but after the season finale of the HBO series... I have no interest. What did you think of it?

There are still tons of hanging pieces after the first book! Yes the book ended roughly where the show did.

There is a battle brewing with the Lannisters, the Starks, Renly and Stannis.

What happened with Arya?

What are the white walkers and what will they find outside the wall?

Does Danerys get back and what impact do the dragons have?

How will Tyrian do as hand of the King?

What happens with Bran and his dreams??

See what I mean? Lots of hanging questions.

There are hanging questions and loose ends because it's a SERIES! It's crack and we must stay addicted, no?

Besides, we know that DG collaborates with GRR Martin ... there's definitely a reason for it!

I've finished book four, and until ya'll catch up, I'm keeping my lips (typing fingers) sealed!