Another game of thrones thread

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I started watching season 1 this week. 2 episodes left. I liked it so much I decided to start the book. Should I wait to start season 2 until I finish the first book or even the second book? TIA

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I finished the first book before the first season, then finished the rest of the books after. Here's how I look at it. I'd rather have a show spoiled that takes no effort to view than a 900 page book that takes some effort. When you know what is going to happen before the show, you will understand the motivations and actions more. If you know what is going to happen before reading the book, I would think it'd be tougher to keep interest.

Either way, I think you will be enticed to watch and read anyway. I'm on my second read of COK, and I still find it interesting looking for things that I've missed.

I agree with you. I read GofT before I watched Season 1 (which I finished this week). I want to stay ahead of season 2 so I can watch and still talk about it with friends. I am 21% in COK.

ETA: I like reading it, then seeing it portrayed on film. I have very little to complain about with the way they did the first season...actually, I can't think of a single one.

I attempted to read the first book after watching the show and stopped after 150 pages or so. I did not stop reading because the book was bad as it was actually a terrific book. I stopped reading because the show was almost identical to the book even in the dialogue between characters and there was no mystery for me. I would suggest starting on book 2 and do so before the season starts. I have never watched a show before that so closely followed a book.

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I stopped reading because the show was almost identical to the book even in the dialogue between characters and there was no mystery for me

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Mild Spoiler




There's a dream sequence when Ned is in the black cells that is hugely important in understanding what is going on.

Wait to start season 2 until you finish the book.


Both the show and the book are amazing why ruin the book for yourself

Ned's flashbacks, Bran's crow dreams, and the direwolves are all important, but were left out/downplayed in the first season. On the surface, just seeing the show would give you the story, but it's the backgrounds, extra details, and foreshadowing in the books that put the series on another level that the TV show will have a difficult time capturing.

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I felt behind and not quite up to speed through the first couple episodes while trying to learn character's names, relationships, histories, etc.

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It's actually interesting that you felt that way because if you read the books you would feel the same way. GRRM doesn't spell anything out for you. You pretty much just piece things together as you go. I came up with this analogy when convincing a friend to start the book. When you start reading, it's like the whole map is dark, then each chapter turns a different light on. A chapter following someone in Winterfell might turn a light on in King's Landing because of a certain conversation. Eventually, most of the lights are on and you can understand everything going on. It's why I think the second read is so interesting. I know all the characters and places now. I can't tell you how many times I read a chapter and was surprised at how often they mentioned later main characters because I didn't notice on the first read.

it's a matter of personal preference. But IMO by watching the show first you're getting a watered down version and spoiling the superior medium. Plot twists in the books w/ all the background provided are always going to trump what the TV show provides

i'm hoping to finish COK before season two is really in gear.

you can't see it, but that pimp hand is in motion.