To think Game of Thrones books might be too confusing for me?

[Blueskiesandcherrypies]

Not that I'm a complete moron or anything but both my DH and my dad, while saying how much they love the books, have said there are soooo many characters and plots.... it's really putting me off picking up the first book but I REALLY want something gripping and lengthy to get my teeth stuck into.

AIBU to be avoiding these books?

Ps have never seen the TV series either.

There are quite a few characters but they introduce each family one chapter at a time and each chapter is centred on one person so I didn't find them confusing. Books are great.

The later books get a bit confusing. It basically starts off with the Starks, Baratheons/Lannisters and Dany, and then gradually they all separate and many other characters get introduced, many as POV characters. I believe there are over 1000 named characters in the books Try reading the first few books and watching the TV series at the same time.

Not seen tv series either and was idly eyeing up the books yesterday so am v interested in replies

nb Lord of The Rings and Wolf Hall are easy peasy reads for moi

Once you understand all the characters and of course he has to introduce them all, it will become easier to read. They are brilliant :)

I read the first book when it was first published and found it gripping rather than confusing.

The first book is fantastic - give it 150 pages and if you really don't enjoy it, put it down.

I also read the first one when it was first published and to got really into it. I couldn't wait to get back to each character to see what was happening.

The first two certainly aren't that hard to follow. Later on, when there are more characters/ houses involved, they are a little more complicated but you're used to it by then! I know some people don't really enjoy the books but they are worth the read if you are interested.

I read with a Wiki of Ice and Fire open if it's been a while since I picked it up. Have to watch out for spoilers though.

tower of the hand website lets you set the scope to the last book you have read so you can read character bios etc without spoilers.

I can't recommend them highly enough - they're beautifully well-described and the characterisation is superb. Yes, there are a lot of place names and characters, but it doesn't take long to become familiar with them all. Most books come with maps (and family trees too, I think), which I find useful in getting a better idea of geography and distance.

There are very few books out there which are so detailed regarding character, culture/customs, and politics - Westeros feels like a real place and the characters so familiar they could be real life friends/family/acquaintances. They're very involved and complex, but I don't think they're difficult at all.

You might get hungry, though, as the detailed descriptions don't stop when the characters are eating - but that's okay, as you can always make dinner to a Game of Thrones recipe...

nb Lord of The Rings and Wolf Hall are easy peasy reads for moi

In that case, Games of Thrones will be no problem

Hurrah

Thank you all so much

Thank you for all the replies.

Hmmm, see, I have never been able to get past the first pages of LOTR, which also worries me.....

I'm going to start the first GOT this eve and see how I get on.

Thanks all.