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A review by ultimatecryptid
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Read this book for the first time in middle school, and rereading it now is an interesting experience.
For me, the most important part of GoT is divorcing it from the genre of political fantasy. Some of our protagonists may be nobility in a feudal society, and as such participate in politics, they are not the ends of the book, or even the means. GoT is intensely character-driven, and is about the wide variety of ways people may view the same actions. Most of the time I think Martin excels here, and is only circumstantially hindered. However, he undercuts his own character building sometimes, especially with the racism built into the Braavosi storyline, which is intense and unescapeable in Daenerys' chapters.
Also worth noting: GoT is one of the few fantasy novels I have read which explore the idea that manhood is also a destructive institution in the same way womanhood is.
For me, the most important part of GoT is divorcing it from the genre of political fantasy. Some of our protagonists may be nobility in a feudal society, and as such participate in politics, they are not the ends of the book, or even the means. GoT is intensely character-driven, and is about the wide variety of ways people may view the same actions. Most of the time I think Martin excels here, and is only circumstantially hindered. However, he undercuts his own character building sometimes, especially with the racism built into the Braavosi storyline, which is intense and unescapeable in Daenerys' chapters.
Also worth noting: GoT is one of the few fantasy novels I have read which explore the idea that manhood is also a destructive institution in the same way womanhood is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism