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Game of Thrones (Official Thread)

Who will be the final KING of the SEVEN KINGDOMS/IRON THRONE

  • Aegon Targaryen (aka Jon Snow)

    Votes: 11 36.7%
  • Daenerys Targaryen

    Votes: 2 6.7%
  • Bran Stark

    Votes: 1 3.3%
  • Gentry Baratheon

    Votes: 3 10.0%
  • Sansa Stark

    Votes: 3 10.0%
  • Arya Stark

    Votes: 4 13.3%
  • Cersei Lannister

    Votes: 1 3.3%
  • Tyrion Lannister

    Votes: 1 3.3%
  • Euron Greyjoy

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Other

    Votes: 4 13.3%
  • Gate is closed

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    30
  • Poll closed .
So, now what say you? Should I start reading the books in the interim before Season Five or just ride it out with the show and then read the series when it's finally over? Do readers think that having done so enhances/detracts from being able to enjoy the show on its own terms and vice-versa?
 
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I think it's difficult to say if reading enchances the show. I enjoyed the books, thoroughly. However, it does take some of the shock value away from the television show.

By way of example, I read the books after I watched Season 1. There's no way to truly replicate how I felt when Illen Payne took Ned Stark's head because I did not think that would happen to a main character portrayed by a well-known actor. It was a stunningly unique event in television.
 
Upvote 0
Agree. The Red Wedding, Oberyn, Tywin ... none of these events were as powerful as Ned's execution because I spoiled them for myself through the books, wikis, etc ...

If I had it to do over I'd wait until the conclusion of the show to read the books.
 
Upvote 0
You won't get the same shock value from the show if you read the books, but I would recommend reading them regardless because the story is just good. I also think the show is going to struggle with doing justice to some of the new characters, particularly one in the Iron Islands and one in Essos (if a theory about him is correct).
 
Upvote 0
another issue that I have, having read the books, is that I find myself spending time focusing, while watching, on the things I think the show is "getting wrong". It leads me to not enjoying an otherwise good story/show as much as I should, as I think of the implications of the changes.
 
Upvote 0
another issue that I have, having read the books, is that I find myself spending time focusing, while watching, on the things I think the show is "getting wrong". It leads me to not enjoying an otherwise good story/show as much as I should, as I think of the implications of the changes.

I haven't read the books but this is how I feel. I've never read a book that didn't blow away the show/movie. So it seems like it's always better to watch first before you read. Personally I don't have the kind of free time it would take to read 100,000 (or whatever) pages so I'll limit myself to 10 hours a year to watch the show. We usually don't get the kids to bed until 9, which only leave me time for 1-2 hours of tv before I pass out.
 
Upvote 0
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