59 replies to this topic

[coventgardenmartin]

So I haven't read the first two books but I was a HUUUUUGE fan of the HBO series and have rewatched all the episodes multiple times. I even ruined some things after watching Battle of Blackwater to find out what happens to two of my favorite characters Lorence Tyrell and his sister by googling them. I'm thinking maybe I should read or audiobook listen to the Storm of Swords but I've heard the books are all written from the non characters point of view and that puts me off a tiny bit. What do you guys think, would I enjoy reading it or should I wait for the HBO series?

[Warg of Dragons]

coventgardenmartin, on 17 August 2012 - 09:16 PM, said:

So I haven't read the first two books but I was a HUUUUUGE fan of the HBO series and have rewatched all the episodes multiple times. I even ruined some things after watching Battle of Blackwater to find out what happens to two of my favorite characters Lorence Tyrell and his sister by googling them. I'm thinking maybe I should read or audiobook listen to the Storm of Swords but I've heard the books are all written from the non characters point of view and that puts me off a tiny bit. What do you guys think, would I enjoy reading it or should I wait for the HBO series?

Just start with a gam of thrones the book......move on from there u dont want to wait 7 years or whatever and u dont want to water down the true experience

[andrewside]

I think that you should read the books from the beginning, there are worth it due to the detail and certain items that the TV had to skip due to time constraints. Unfortunately, your two favorite characters due to have POV chapters but the other characters that the TV show missed are very good.

[Nausicaä]

What do you mean "written from the non characters point of view"? They are written from POVs of (most of) the main characters in the show.

If I were you, I would try reading the first two books and experiencing the story from that angle and then decide if you would rather read ASOS or watch the adaptation of it. But whatever you do, be careful when you browse these forums, other ASOIAF and GoT communities and the wiki, spoilers might ruin the story for you.

[coventgardenmartin]

So you guys think the HBO series wouldnt ruin the first two books for me since I know what already happens?

[Pugsley]

I would read A Clash of Kings, at least. The first book is very similar to the first season of the show, but there are enough changes in the second season that might make jumping into the third book a little confusing.

I started out watching the show as well, and while I still love the show for the most part, I realized by reading the books that the story is so much richer than what can be shown in 10 hours of television.

Edited by Pugsley, 17 August 2012 - 09:29 PM.

[Florina Stark]

coventgardenmartin, on 17 August 2012 - 09:27 PM, said:

So you guys think the HBO series wouldnt ruin the first two books for me since I know what already happens?

Hmmm....I thought that the books would be pretty much the same too but it turned out, not as much. While season 1 was DAMN close to A Game Of Thrones, theres some pretty crucial little pieces that the book covers that the show does not. (or left out.) In the case of season 2...well...lets just say there are a lot of events that end up differently in the show. I think if you walked in on A Storm of Swords without reading the other two first, you'd be like "Who the fuck is this, and what is going on? I just dont even."

So yeah. Read the first two books first.

[Naathi Prince]

You really need to read the first two books to read the third. You'd be kind of lost otherwise.

[Arch-MaesterPhilip]

Read them all.

[Dany Jon or Bust]

Storm of swords is the second best book I have ever read behind The count of Monte Cristo.  Yes, Please read it. Pretty Please

[Gar Weg Wun Sygerrik]

Read that shit immediately, and don't come back to the forum until its finished. You should really read the first 3 even if you watched the show.

[DornishKnight]

Read ACOK first.  The first book is optional, but recommended.

[Nymphetamine]

Start at the beginning.

[DornishKnight]

To make it easy, how I got through the first four:
http://www.youtube.c...re=results_main

You can thank me later.

[Dawn Age]

I started reading after Season Two as well but I started with the first book and I am glad I did. Provides a lot of useful background or else you will be reading ASOS going "What the hell are they talking about?"

Save yourself the pain and start from the beginning.

[Jon Reborn]

I would recommend starting from the beginning as well. The show is good, but I think the books provide a much more immersive experience.

Edited by Jon Reborn, 18 August 2012 - 02:46 AM.

[rmholt]

coventgardenmartin, on 17 August 2012 - 09:16 PM, said:

So I haven't read the first two books but I was a HUUUUUGE fan of the HBO series and have rewatched all the episodes multiple times. I even ruined some things after watching Battle of Blackwater to find out what happens to two of my favorite characters Lorence Tyrell and his sister by googling them. I'm thinking maybe I should read or audiobook listen to the Storm of Swords but I've heard the books are all written from the non characters point of view and that puts me off a tiny bit. What do you guys think, would I enjoy reading it or should I wait for the HBO series?

I'd read the other two books first.  aSOS is said to be one of the better ones and I enjoyed it a lot.  You cant spoil yourself with the older books and then you would see how the series differs.  Without the previous books you wont be able to appreciate ASOS anyway.

Finally, if you like the series, try a Game of Thrones (the book) ASAP because if you end up liking it it, and the next book(s) will keep you occupied until the show resumes.  We dont know what could happen between now and then anyway.  Might as well enjoy what you can now.

YMMV

[rmholt]

coventgardenmartin, on 17 August 2012 - 09:27 PM, said:

So you guys think the HBO series wouldnt ruin the first two books for me since I know what already happens?

NO.  The series leaves out several tons of actual stuff along with wagon loads of characters, character development, descriptions of meals and scenery, history, etc, etc, etc ,etc.  Anyway, if you start reading and find yourself bored, having seen the TV show, you are allowed to stop.

[Lady Faceless]

coventgardenmartin, on 17 August 2012 - 09:27 PM, said:

So you guys think the HBO series wouldnt ruin the first two books for me since I know what already happens?

Of course not. I started reading the first book after I had watched about half of the first season and it was definitely worth it. The first book is pretty much the same as the show just with more bulk and back story, but the second book differs alot. The series ruined my life pretty much, but i'm glad I read it regardless.

[grindylow]

Agreed!  And while most people will tell you to do it the other way around, I've always found that the best way to make sure I love both a movie/show and the book it was based on is to watch first, read second.  Adaptations will almost always disappoint you after you've read the book, but the book after the show hardly ever does.